Choosing a dog is hard enough when it’s just you and your dog. Throw kids into the mix and you have a whole different set of criteria to consider. And it’s not just a matter of which dogs are going to be gentle with your kids–it’s also a matter of which dogs can handle your kids being less than gentle with them. Children, after all, may mean well but aren’t always gentle, and the dog you choose should be up for a little rough-and-tumble action. Selecting the best dog breed for kids also means selecting an individual dog–while the breed information listed here contains generalizations, every dog is an individual. Do your homework and make sure the dog you choose is a good fit for your home.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever isn’t the most popular dog breed in America for nothing. These playful, good-natured and sturdy dogs are excellent family dogs because of their desire to please and their agreeable personalities. Labs do need a lot of exercise. However, romping and playing with kids is one way to release some of that energy (in both dog and kid). Adult Lab males can get to be 65 to 80 lbs.; females average 55 to 70 lbs. Required grooming is minimal; brushing twice a week is recommended.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever Similar to the Labrador retriever in size and temperament, golden retrievers are loyal, easygoing dogs with mild dispositions. Like the Labrador retriever, golden retrievers love to play and can be high energy and need exercise–perfect companions for playing ball with your kids. Intelligent, easily trainable dogs, golden retrievers make excellent family pets. Adult males average 55 to 75 lbs.; females average 55 to 65 lbs. The coats are slightly longer than those of Labs but still low-maintenance, with brushing twice a week recommended.
Beagle
Beagles often still used as hunting dogs, beagles also make great household pets. Gentle and tolerant, they have extremely playful natures, are very social and love to be around the family. Beagles require a lot of exercise and have been known to wander (or run) off if not properly constrained. Children playing with beagles should either be old enough to be responsible for their actions or be under supervision. They are midsize dogs, with both males and females averaging 18 to 30 lbs. full-grown. Their short coats require minimal grooming.
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier puppy The “Westie,” as it is often known, is one of the most popular breeds of terrier. A small, friendly, affectionate dog, Westies are not recommended in a home with smaller pets, as they were bred for hunting small animals such as foxes and are designed to burrow after them in small, compact areas. However beagles are often a choice for families with children because of the dogs’ social nature and love of play. Both male and female Westies average between 15 and 20 lbs. fully grown. Their wire coats are fairly high-maintenance, requiring brushing at least three times a week and shaping every 2 to 3 months.
Poodle
Black miniature poodle Considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, the poodle is also a favorite family pet. Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Toy poodles are not generally recommended for families with small children because of their very small size (less than 9 lbs. fully grown). Poodles were originally bred as hunters, so in spite of perceptions, they are sturdy, outgoing dogs. They tend to be “whole-family” dogs rather than “one-person” dogs. Miniature poodles average 15 to 18 lbs. fully grown, while standard poodles can grow up to 70 lbs. Their thick, curly fur does require a good deal of grooming.
Other breeds
There are many breeds that can be good with children, depending on the individual dog’s upbringing. Collies, boxers, cocker spaniels and sheepdogs are just a few of the breeds that are sometimes recommended for families with kids. Ultimately, it is the adult’s responsibility as both a parent and responsible dog owner to do the research necessary and pair his family’s needs with a particular dog.
