Did you know that 69 million American homes have dogs for pets? Choosing the best type of dog for your kids and family is an important decision that depends on various factors. You want a pup compatible with your family to ensure a happy life for everyone involved.
It’s essential when choosing a new pet that everyone in the family gets included in the process. Several breeds of kid-friendly dogs would make perfect additions to your family.
This guide will discuss the safest dog breeds for kids so you can choose a new member of your family.
What Makes the Best Dogs for Kids?
There are a few factors to consider when determining what type of dog is best for your family. These factors include size, temperament, and energy level.
Size
The size of a dog doesn’t determine whether or not it’ll be good with kids. You should consider the dog’s size in relation to energy level and temperament.
Some larger dog breeds can be docile. Some smaller dogs have high energy levels and are excitable.
If you have small children, you might not want a dog that’s both large and rambunctious. You might run the risk of the dog knocking your small children over.
Temperament
Temperament refers to the dog’s personality. The best dog breeds for pets should have an agreeable personality. For example, you might look for a calmer dog that can be a good companion and form strong bonds with your children.
Energy Level
Your dog’s energy level comes down to your family’s personal preference. You should be realistic about the lifestyle you’ll provide the dog, especially if the dog needs a lot of exercise.
If you’re unable to meet your dog’s needs, their behavior might become a problem down the road. On the flip side, if you enjoy running and want to take your dog along with you, you’ll want the dog’s energy level to match that.
Questions to Ask Your Family When Choosing a Dog
To accurately gauge a dog’s energy level and temperament, you should set up a meet and greet. You want to evaluate how the dog responds to every family member.
Watch the dog’s body language. Does the dog come up to you and your family members wagging its tail? Or does the dog hide in the corner?
When conducting your meet and greet, you should ask the rescue or shelter workers a few questions about the dog. Some questions you might ask include:
- How much care does the dog need?
- Is the dog safe for all of my family members?
- How much energy does the pup have?
- Does the dog get along with other animals?
You’ll have a better understanding of your new dog.
The Best Family-Friendly Dogs
Many breeds have the ideal characteristics that make them great family pets. Remember that you’ll still need to practice daily socialization and training to ensure they become outstanding canine citizens.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are patient and not aggressive. They’re the perfect companion for children. These types of dogs also have the following characteristics:
- Smart
- Confident
- Loyal
- Kind
Golden retrievers have a lot of energy and require exercise. They’re playful dogs and love to retrieve items, like frisbees.
Labrador Retriever
The labrador retriever is one of the most sought-after dog breeds. Labs are smart and take well to obedience training.
They do need quite a bit of exercising, so make sure your family is up for it. Some of their personality traits include:
- Protective
- Reliable
- Loving
- Patient
Labrador retrievers come in various colors, such as yellow, black, or chocolate. They all share the same personality traits and energy levels, no matter the color.
Labs also get along with other types of animals and nearly every person they meet. Their short fur doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
Irish Wolfhounds
Irish wolfhounds are sweet and kind, making them an excellent choice for a family pet. These pups are some of the tallest dogs in the world. They used to be used for hunting wolves.
Irish wolfhounds are affectionate and love to snuggle. They’re also not very vocal and often don’t bark.
If you have small children, you’ll want to show your children how to be mindful around the dog. Just because they’re as big as a small pony doesn’t mean they can ride it. You can explore an Irish wolfhound rescue to learn more about these lovable dogs.
Irish Setter
Irish setters are energetic and playful, boasting a bright red coat. They play well with kids and love being around people.
This breed of dog is very energetic. They’ll require a lot of exercise and activities.
Irish setters are clever, and you can easily train them. Their coat is longer, so they’ll need regular brushing and grooming, so they don’t get mats.
Newfoundland
Did you know that Newfoundland dogs are called “Nature’s Babysitter?” It’s no surprise that this dog breed is very protective of children. Nana, the dog from Peter Pan, was a Newfoundland.
Newfoundland dogs love children. While large in stature, they’re very protective and incredibly sweet dogs.
Newfoundlands are an excellent option for families that have large backyards. They’re good at swimming and task-oriented.
Keep in mind that they shed and drool a lot. Their long coats will need to get brushed and groomed regularly.
Mixed Breeds
While you might be primarily focused on purebred dogs, you should discount mixed breeds. Getting a mutt allows you to potentially get the best traits of multiple dogs all in one pup.
You can also get a lot of behavioral information on the dog from the shelter workers. They spend their workdays caring for the dog, so they can let you know what its habits and personality are.
If the mixed-breed dog is a puppy, you might not be able to get an accurate estimate of how big it’ll get.
Explore the Best Kid-Friendly Dogs for Your Family
Finding suitable kid-friendly dogs for your family is the best way to ensure you pick the right pet for your family. Finding a dog that works best for your family ensures a happy life for everyone involved.
Did you find this blog helpful? Check out some of our other articles for more information on dog breeds.
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