Looking for a great dog companion for your kids? Here are 10 great big and small dog breeds for kids that our Seymour vets recommend that you consider for your family.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
When choosing a breed of dog for your children, it's important to find one that matches their personality. Does your child want a pet to play in the yard with or a furry friend to snuggle up with on the couch?
Make sure to also consider the available space at home. Is your home spacious or more on the compact side?
Find the perfect family dog for your kids with our team at Seymour Veterinary Hospital. We've compiled a list of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds to help you make the best choice..
1 - The Mutt
Discover the ideal furry friend for your children at the nearby animal shelter. Wonderful family dogs can be made by mixed-breed mutts! Just like purebred dogs, these dogs are great with children. They have fewer genetic diseases and are more affordable to care for. If you're considering adding a mutt to your family, make sure to visit local animal shelters and take your time finding the perfect dog that suits your lifestyle. Patience is key in this search. Shelter workers can often provide you with a doggie report card that details all the known personality quirks of the dog you're interested in.2 - Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun weigh about 25 pounds or less and come with their own easy-care "tuxedo" coats. This charming small dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children of all ages, as it enjoys playing with children and going for short walks.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This lively but gentle breed's compact size of about 10-18 lbs makes it a great dog for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with children and other dogs. They can be both playful and cuddly, making them an ideal pet for children of all ages and energy levels.4 - Labrador Retriever
The lab remains a highly sought-after and beloved family pet for many reasons. The Labrador Retriever makes an excellent companion for children due to its gentle nature, unwavering loyalty, and ability to provide endless entertainment. Labs love being around people of all kinds and will easily become your child's closest companion. Ensuring that labs get plenty of exercise is crucial to prevent them from becoming mischievous. Size variations are common among these dogs, with an average weight range of 55 to 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
The Beagle is an excellent choice for families looking for a medium-sized dog. This medium-sized dog weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and loves spending quality time with its owners. It enjoys playing games and going for walks. Intelligent and loving, Beagles can be excellent family pets when they receive enough family interaction and exercise. Families who spend a lot of time away from home may find that Beagles are not a suitable choice.6 - Pug
Your entire family will be delighted by these adorable little characters! Pugs prefer a laid-back lifestyle of eating and sleeping. If you have small children or kids with low energy levels who would enjoy a dog that can play with them indoors and then snuggle up beside them to watch TV, a Pug might be the ideal breed for your family. This breed is perfectly content with minimal space and only a few brief walks each day, weighing in at approximately 15 pounds.7 - Newfoundland
This fluffy giant is described as sweet, loyal, and patient. The endearing breed has a genuine fondness for children and is often called a 'nanny dog' because of its gentle patience with them. If you want to get a Newfoundland for your family, make sure you have plenty of room. These dogs weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. It's worth mentioning that Newfs, being a giant breed, typically have a shorter life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, compared to smaller or medium-sized dogs that can live 15 to 20 years or more.
8 - Golden Retriever
The loyal Golden Retriever is known for being affectionate, great with children, and playful with other dogs. This makes them an excellent choice for families with children of any age. Cuddling and playing with this breed is an absolute delight, thanks to its dense, lustrous gold coat. Golden retrievers make excellent family pets and are known for their eagerness to please and ease of training. Life is approached with a joyful and playful attitude, and the youthful spirit is retained well into adulthood. The breed usually weighs around 60 to 80 pounds and has a moderate shedding tendency.
9 - The Standard Poodle
The standard poodle is a breed known for its active nature, proud demeanor, and high intelligence, making it a great choice for a family pet. Standard poodles are famous for their unique hairstyles, but they don't shed much. With regular grooming, they can look quite handsome whether their fur is clipped to match the breed standard or left in its natural state. Poodles make excellent family pets as they are easy to train, full of energy, and have a playful sense of humor. Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If you're looking for a large dog, and possibly one of the best guard dogs for a family, your children will adore this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh 70-100 pounds and, despite their size, have a reputation for being gentle with children. One word of caution: these big, beautiful dogs shed a lot.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.