Best Dogs for Kids

Choosing a pet dog can be intimidating because it means adopting a new family member. The best dogs for kids have gentle dispositions, are playful and energetic, and can be easily cared for. Extremely small breeds are not generally recommended because they can be easily hurt by eager or rambunctious play, though a family's individual choice should be made on their specific needs, including how they can care for a pet, how many children they have, how old the kids are, and whether they already have additional pets.

Best Family Dogs

1.

 Adopting a dog from an animal shelter not only saves an innocent animal from an untimely death, but it helps teach kids about responsible pet ownership and compassion for other living creatures. Adoptable animals are surrendered for many reasons including the owners move, they cannot afford the animal, or they cannot care for it, and families can find an eager pet for far less than pure-bred costs.

2.

 With short hair, eager energy, and amazing loyalty, beagles are great for active kids who want a fun, playful pet that can be trained. Beagles can live indoors or outdoors depending on the climate and their short coat is easy for kids to maintain.

3.

 A cocker’s playful nature and perky demeanor makes it an excellent dog for kids. Their silky fur grows to cover their paws, making them soft in case they jump or roughhouse with children, and they are spunky and energetic like most kids. At the same time, their small size keeps them from overwhelming shy or small children.

4.

 Standard size poodles are intelligent and fun-loving, and their easy-to-care-for coats make them a great dog for kids. Because poodles’ fur is more chemically similar to human hair than animal hair, they are considered hypo-allergenic and a great choice for kids with sensitive skin or animal allergies.

5.

 This medium to large size dog is great for older kids. Easily trainable and personable with more than one individual, a golden retriever is superb for families with more than one child as well as active kids who enjoy playing outdoors.

6.

 Like the golden retriever, black labs are larger dogs great for older, active kids. Their shorter coats make them easier to groom and care for, and they are wonderful to train for playing fetch, catching frisbees, or doing agility and other tricks.

7.

 Small but energetic, these terriers have wiry coats that are easy for kids to care for and their loyal, affectionate nature gives them an innate loyalty to their owners. They need plenty of exercise and are great for active children.

8.

 Though these large dogs may at first be intimidating, they are actually quite gentle and patient, making them perfect kids pets, though obedience training is recommended. Long walks are great exercise for this breed, though young children may need help controlling the animal at times.

9.

 A small, heavyset dog with a short coat, pugs are resilient and mischievous, just like most kids. They can be trained and are fiercely loyal to their owners, but their small size makes them suitable for inexperienced pet owners.

10.

 These beautiful white dogs are a larger, stronger breed, but they are gentle and peaceful as well as easily trained and inherently good-natured. They do need extensive grooming and reasonable amounts of exercise, but a conscientious pet owner will develop a strong attachment to the loyal animal.

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