What are the best dog breeds for kids? Unfortunately, there is no all-encompassing answer to this very popular question. When adding a new dog to your family, it can be a daunting task to find the right breed that would best fit your current lifestyle. Fortunately for you, we did the heavy lifting and compiled some of the best breeds that would be perfect for your family - especially if you have young children!
But before looking for the perfect dog, ask yourself the following questions first:
- What breed would fit your family’s lifestyle best?
- Are you capable of caring for a dog?
- Would your kids be able to help out when caring for your new pet?
- Are you willing to accommodate a few lifestyle changes to keep your dog happy and healthy?
Asking yourself these questions would enable you to gauge your readiness to welcome a pet into your life. As responsible pet owners, it’s important to acknowledge that your dog heavily relies on you and your family for its overall well-being. If you think you wouldn’t be able to address your dog’s needs, then maybe it’s not the right time to welcome a pet into your home.
Now that we got the most important things out of the way, let’s talk about the best dog breeds for kids and young families! Scroll down to see which cute pups made the list!
French Bulldog
Best Qualities:
- Even-tempered house dog
- Great with kids
- Enjoys attention
- Easy to care for as Frenchies do not require a lot of physical activity
- Easy to groom
Grooming: While “Frenchies” are one of the easiest dog breeds to grow, they do require thorough baths to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Make sure to also wipe your dog’s face thoroughly with a washcloth as all sorts of debris can get stuck in between their wrinkles.
Health: French Bulldogs, like other flat-faced breeds, are prone to respiratory problems. You would also have to pay attention to eye and heart diseases.
Golden Retriever
Best Qualities:
- One of the most intelligent dog breeds
- Affectionate and playful
- Gentle with children
- Very sociable
- May require regular grooming
Grooming: Due to their thick coat, Golden Retrievers require regular brushing to get rid of dead hair. Goldens also need regular thorough baths to keep them clean.
Health: Golden Retrievers are generally healthy. But since it’s a big dog, pet owners need to be wary of hip and back injuries.
Labradors
Best Qualities:
- One of the best family dogs
- Very sociable
- Strong yet even-tempered with children
- Enjoys attention
- May require a lot of exercise and training
Grooming: It’s no secret that Labrador Retrievers shed a lot. Grooming usually involves regular brushing and bathing to keep them nice and clean.
Health: Labradors are one of the healthiest dog breeds out there. However, some Labradors tend to be prone to hip dysplasia and heart disorders.
Beagle
Best Qualities:
- Easily gets along with other dogs
- Even-tempered
- Enjoys attention
- Very intelligent dogs that need a lot of mental stimulation
- May require a lot of obedience training
Grooming: Like Labradors, Beagles shed a lot. Weekly grooming is a must to keep their coats shiny and healthy.
Health: While healthy overall, Beagles are known to develop eye diseases like glaucoma, cataract, and cherry eye. Pet parents should also pay attention to back and hip injuries.
Pug
Best Qualities:
- Affectionate and playful dogs
- Gentle with children
- Even-tempered
- Enjoys attention and easily gets along with other dogs
- May require a lot of training due to their willful disposition
Grooming: The great thing about Pugs is that they are low-maintenance. When it comes to grooming, pugs require occasional baths to keep them clean.
Health: Like Frenchies, Pugs are prone to breathing problems because of their flat face. Also, expect regular eye checkups to make sure that they do not develop eye illnesses.
