Which Dog Breeds Are Good With Children?

Are you thinking about getting a new dog to join your family? With such a big decision to make, there are lots of things to consider, but one of the main ones is which breed is best around children.

Whether you’ve got a newborn, toddler or multiple young children in your household, you need to make sure that the dog you choose behaves well around them. Everyone needs to be comfortable in the home, including your new dog, so here are the top dog breeds that are good with children.

Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds

Labrador

The labrador is one of the most well-known and favourite dog breeds in the UK and this is for many positive reasons. They are recognised for getting along well with other pets as well as children and adults, being playful as well as affectionate. Easy to train due to being incredibly smart and full of energy, they will keep you on your toes whilst bringing a lot of fun to your household.

Some things to remember with Labradors include:

• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis
• They become distracted easily
• They are at risk of becoming obese when their activity levels drop in older age as they love food
• They are exceptionally energetic when they are puppies and jump up a lot, so you may consider an older dog if you have young children or other pets

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever isn’t far behind in the UK’s favourite dog breed charts as they have many similar personality traits to labradors. They are also playful as well as affectionate, plus are extremely sociable with other pets and children. High energy but also loving a cuddle, they bring the perfect balance of excitement and calm into your household. They truly are a great companion for everyone.

Some things to remember with Golden Retrievers include:

• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis
• They will also need some stimulation in between walks to keep them entertained
• They shed a lot from their long coats, so be aware of this
• They require regular brushing to help the moulting
• They love water, so when you’re on a walk, be aware and prepared you may need to bathe them regularly

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain dogs are mountains in themselves, often being referred to as gentle giants. Due to their size, they may not be suitable for very small children as they may knock them over. However, they are very calm and sweet-natured especially around younger family members. They love to be around family and engage in outdoor activities that keep them active.

Some things to remember with Bernese Mountain Dogs include:

• They require short and fun training sessions so they don’t get bored
• They need to be brushed regularly due to their thick, long coat
• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis

Poodle

Did you know that poodles usually weigh around 25kg? They are bigger than you may first think, which just makes them even more cuddly with their curly coats! They are well-mannered dogs and very smart, but still have a playful side that is great with children. Shedding very little means they are great for those with allergies and their life expectancy is between 10 – 15 years.

Some things to remember with Poodles include:

• They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation so they don’t get bored
• They can get attached to one person that is seen as the main caregiver
• They need their coats to be trimmed to keep them cool

Beagle

Beagles are famous for being one of the friendliest dog breeds. Although excitable in nature, they are able to stay calm and tolerant around children, so you can rest assured they are being looked after. Once entered into a family, they are extremely loyal and always want to be with you. Small but cheeky, they have strong personalities of their own and will fit well into any group of people.

Some things to remember with Beagles include:

• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis
• They love working with their noses, so make sure these exercises are included in training as well as when they get older
• They require a weekly brush and do shed a bit
• They are prone to ear infections, so keep an eye out for these

English Bull Terrier

You may have heard some negative things about English bull terriers and their appearance may be off-putting, but this is not the case at all. This breed is extremely loving and sweet-natured as well as strong-willed and loyal. Providing they are given proper training and you are patient with them, they are ideal family dogs.

Some things to remember with English Bull Terriers include:

• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis
• They require patient training
• They also require patient socialising

Boxer

Boxers are another breed that look a lot more intimidating than they are – they’re huge softies really! Their muscular build reflects their protective instincts and loyalty towards their families, but they are also playful and energetic. They are children in themselves which means they love to be around other children, and their energy levels are limitless so your family will always be having fun.

Some things to remember with Boxers include:

• They will need a couple of sizeable walks on a daily basis
• They require weekly brushing as they shed occasionally
• They require consistent training and early socialisation to make sure they are comfortable around other dogs
• They are prone to dental problems, so need a daily dental routine

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These are one of the best small family dogs due to their laid-back nature which works well around children. Attention-seekers and affectionate, they create a strong bond with families including other family pets. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy to please and aways eager for a play sessions with every family member. Rare to show aggression and extremely easy-going, they will fit right in.

Some things to remember with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include:

• They require regular exercise, but only a couple of short walks on a daily basis
• They will need to be brushed frequently as they shed occasionally
• They are prone to heart problems and neurological disorders which should be looked out for

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs are a lot smaller than the breeds mentioned above, weighing around 7kg on average. This means they will fit in well in smaller homes with smaller outdoor spaces and are much less likely to knock over small children. Even though they are small, they have a huge heart and are eager to play with everyone! Cheerful and affectionate, their friendly demeanour makes them a great family dog.

Some things to remember with Bichon Frise’s include:

• They need daily exercise, but short walks and playtime will suffice
• They require professional trimming and brushing on a regular basis
• They don’t shed as much which means they are suitable for people with allergies

Dachshund

Last but not least, the smallest on the list – Dachshunds! Small but mighty, this breed is renowned for their distinctive, spunky personalities that all families are charmed by instantly. Available in either standard or miniature sizes and with different coat length options, you can choose what fits best with your family. If you love adventures, these are the dogs for you!

Some things to remember with Dachshunds include:

• They need daily exercise, but short walks and playtime will suffice
• They require weekly brushing as they shed occasionally
• They may need supervision around children and other dogs but are easily trained

These are only a handful of the main breeds that are good with children and fitting into family life. You will be able to see the characteristics and qualities you should look out for and decipher which ones are most important to you.

Once you move forward with your decision, it’s time to get stocked up on their food! Kiezebrink are here with a wide range of raw dog food so you can start them on a healthy diet right away – Shop with us today.