Child-Friendly Dog Breeds
If you’re here on this pet fetch toy site, chances are you’ve already got a doggie or two. But perhaps you’re looking for another. Or maybe you’re still pet-less and trying to decide which breed to bring into your life.
Growing up around dogs helps children because it provides a boost to their immune system, teaches them to be kind to animals, and teaches them some degree of responsibility. Most dogs are gentle and tentative around kids, but it is important to remember that not all dogs are suitable for small children.
Here’s a quick rundown of five great child-friendly dog breeds that are kind, intelligent, and perfect for kids of all ages.
Golden Retriever
As their reputation indicates, golden retrievers are gentle, intelligent dogs. They are recognized by the American Kennel Club as a part of the sporting dog breeds because they need room to move around and exercise.
This breed is friendly and known to be excellent with children, other animals, and strangers. If you’re looking for a guard dog, a golden retriever may not be the best choice, but it’s an ideal child-friendly breed if you want to run and chase and fetch. Retrievers can be trained easily and love to learn new tricks.
Beagle
Beagles are hounds that have been bred specifically for hunting small game. This breed is constantly ranked among the 10 most popular dog breeds. Beagles are gentle around children and other dogs, but they can be slightly aggressive around felines, so if you have a kitty, you may want to consider some other options.
Beagles can easily adapt to their surroundings from apartments to family homes, but be aware that need a place to run and stretch their legs. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to use a ball launcher to get them some exercise!
Bulldog
Another of the best child-friendly dog breeds is the bulldog, which is excellent with children and other animals. They often do not like strangers, so they make the best guard dogs and will protect you and your children at all costs. Unlike other breeds, Bulldogs typically bond with one person and are extremely loyal to their master.
They are not very tall but are extremely wide, and they do not require a lot of exercise. In fact, bulldogs can make do in almost any situation, from small apartments to single family homes.
Saint Bernard
Saint bernards are labeled by the United Kennel Club as guardian dogs. They are the gentle giants of the dog world; think Beethoven. This particular dog breed is exceptionally large and can reach between 140 and 264 pounds.
Due to their large nature and their breeding, saint bernards need a lot of exercise and room to move around. They are amazingly alert and are very friendly with children and other animals.
Border Collie
Border collies are recognized as a part of the Herding dog breeds. Collies have several great characteristics that make them the perfect companion for children. They are an intelligent breed that is great around small children. They also make great guard dogs because they are alert and tentative.
This type of dog has been bred for herding sheep, so they will need a lot of exercise and space to move around. Their coats are long and can be straight or wavy, but they are easy to maintain.
