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Best Family Dogs for kids

Writer's picture: Francesca DalesioFrancesca Dalesio

One of my favorite topics of discussion is family dogs! The most beautiful gift I received from my parents when I was born was ''Bella''! The first dog in the family! Bella adored me and my brother, a very patient dog, but was more attached to me. Breed Collie, perhaps half-breed, which is by chance one of the best breeds for kids! My dad once told me ''Bella, was like a babysitter to you, she didn't let you out of her eyes. One time, just as you were swinging in the yard, you were ready to fall backwards and Bella ran behind you effectively falling over her, I was away and I could not catch you, you were 2 years old. She was sitting and staring at you, whatever you were doing, as if it were your babysitter! '' Pretty touching!

All child psychologists admire how good it is for a child to grow up with a pet, as it learns best to share, love and respect animals. A psychologist says that "A small child living with a pet feels safe, fully accepted, that it is not judged in any way. A pet, and above all, a dog, which by its nature is a social being, has the capacity to offer love selflessly and unshaven, but is also a careful listener for the child. The abundance in the positive emotion he receives from his pet gives the child a sense of worth, gives him confidence and strengthens his image for himself! ''

Of course, any dog ​​parent can believe that the dog he or she already has, is probably ideal for a young person, family, children, and many other things, given the dog's character, it can be valid! Half-bred dog, can also be good for family as long as they have breeds inside, which dna is one of the following. But matching your new dog's energy level to your family is more important than seeking out a particular breed. So Here, I will answer your questions and suggest some of my favorite breeds for a family that is very patient with children and the whole family! The reference sequence is completely random.

Let's start!



Collie


Collies are legendary for their herding skills. They are strong, loyal, affectionate, responsive and fast. A Collie would be best suited for an active family as they are high-energy and love to move around.

  • Personality: Graceful, devoted, and proud

  • Energy Level: Very active; Collies are active and need daily exercise, but they’re happy to chill at home the rest of the time

  • Good with Children:Yes

  • Good with Other Dogs: With supervision

  • Grooming: Occasional

  • Trainability: Responds well

  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

  • Barking Level: Likes to be vocal


Bulldog or French Bulldog


Calm, gentle, and friendly with children, bulldogs are small enough that kids can easily interact with them, but sturdy enough that they can stand up to a fair amount of rough play. As a bonus, they also serve as great guard dogs for little ones, protecting them from potential dangers.


  • Personality: Playful, smart, adaptable, and completely irresistible

  • Energy Level: Not Very Active

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Responds Well

  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Barking Level: Quiet


Labrador Retriever


Another dog that’s wonderful with little human bundles of energy because they love to play and frolic — in other words, they’ll wear your kids out! Nothing makes Labs happier than pleasing their pack members, making them eminently trainable. The worst thing about Labs is that they only live 10 to 12 years and are prone to tumors, which can shorten their time with your family.



Golden Retriever


They are very patient and gentle with kids, so you needn’t worry about their wellbeing. Actually, these beautiful sporting dogs can become the perfect play buddies for your kids and will keep them active and outdoors as much as possible.

  • Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.

  • Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise.

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Eager To Please

  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Barking Level: Barks When Necessary


Midsize Mutt


Why a mutt? Because mixed breed dogs often mean you get the best of both worlds, softening the edges of purebred dogs’ more outlandish characteristics. Plus, mutts tend to be generally healhier than purebreds, and they are also the dogs most in need of rescue. If you talk with shelter workers, they will often be able to tell you in detail about the personalities and histories of the dogs under their care. This means you have an even better chance of choosing a dog that will fit in with your family and get along with your kids. Medium dogs are best because they’re not too big to overwhelm your kids (or you) and you don’t have to worry as much about your child accidentally injuring them.


Beagles


Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog. These clever, friendly dogs do need a lot of exercise — and have been known to wander off on adventures if you don’t keep a close eye on them — but they’re great with active kids. They love playing and are built strongly enough that you don’t have to worry about your child hurting them

  • Personality: Merry, friendly, and curious

  • Energy Level: Very Active

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Responds Well

  • Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

  • Barking Level: Likes To Be Vocal


Pug

Is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. Is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.is good for apartment life. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.

  • Personality: Even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving

  • Energy Level: Somewhat active; Pugs are not exactly natural athletes, but they do have strong legs and endless curiosity—exercise both regularly

  • Good with Children: Better with supervision

  • Good with Other Dogs: With supervision

  • Trainability: Agreeable

  • Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

  • Barking Level: Barks when necessary


Newfoundland



Above all things, the Newfoundland must have the intelligence, the loyalty, and the sweetness which are his best-known traits. He must be able and willing to help his master perform his necessary tasks at command, and also have the intelligence to act on his own responsibility when rescue work demands it. Because of these traits, Newfoundlands make excellent family dogs.

  • Personality: Sweet, patient, devoted; Newfs are famously good companions

  • Energy Level: Somewhat active

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with Other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Easy training

  • Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

  • Barking Level: Barks when necessary


Pit Bull


The media pays a lot of attention to pit bull attacks  — way more than other breeds  — but these pups are actually great with kids as long as you do a good job of training and socializing them early. Luckily, pits are smart and highly trainable — plus, they really like pleasing people. Couple that with the fact that they’re energetic, playful, and solid enough to put up with a lot of roughhousing, but don’t need a whole lot of exercise, and you have a wonderful dog for children. Plus, who’s going to mess with a kid who has a pit?

  • Personality: Friendly and outgoing

  • Energy Level: Very active

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with Other Dogs: With supervision

  • Trainability: Eager to please

  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Barking Level: Medium


Cocker Spaniel


The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest and the sweetest breed of the sporting group of dogs. Its silky soft long ears and that irresistible sweet face make this dog very lovable and huggable.

Cocker Spaniels love playing with other dogs and with kids and don’t really need a backyard to feel happy. They can do with regular walks and some playtime instead.

This makes them very suitable for apartment living.

  • Personality: Sweet, patient

  • Energy Level: Somewhat active

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with Other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Easy training

  • Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

  • Barking Level: Barks when necessary


Medium Poodle


Smart, gentle, patient, loyal, caring — and they’re wonderful if anyone in your family has allergies! Poodles are happy to play with kids, but they also aren’t overly energetic, so you don’t have to worry about getting worn out.

  • Personality: Playful, smart, cute

  • Energy Level: Active enough

  • Good with Children: Yes

  • Good with other Dogs: Yes

  • Trainability: Responds very Well

  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

  • Barking Level: Quiet







The dog you choose for your family and your little ones will surely be someone who has to fit the character, temperament and fit into your daily life, whether he is active, calm or relaxed. The best choice for me personally is to visit a dog shelter with your kids, see different types of dogs and adopt. besides that your children will learn a lesson from this good practice, they will learn to love and help animals more. As I mentioned earlier, dogs of two breeds are healthier than dogs of a breed.

Also, keep in mind that Puppies need training and are more energetic, while older dogs may be quieter, but can be difficult to train if required. It would be good to have a dog trainer next to you to guide you properly.

Whichever dog you choose to add to your family will bring a whole new experience to all family members !! It is very likely that a new dog will change your life, making you more active, helping you meet new friends, explore new places around or away from your home, teach your children to be responsible and share and bring together with all family members for fun games and play time!


Francesca Dalesio

Dog Trainer, Special Dog behaviorist

Zurich

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