10 Dog Breeds for Kids

What makes the best dog for kids? Every pooch is unique in their way, so you should base your decision on several factors, such as temperament, size, energy level, intelligence, as well as how much effort and money go into caring for the dog.  

But if you're clueless and have absolutely no idea what breed might be right for your family, we’ve come up with a list of 10 kid-friendly dog breeds that you might want to consider. Check it out below!

Top 10 dog breeds for kids 

Labrador Retriever 

There is no doubt that Labrador Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs across the world. While they might be a little silly every now and then and could prove to be a little hard to train, they’re amazingly patient, loyal, as well as loving.  

They do love the outdoors and lots of play, so they might make better options for people who live in a house with a yard or who can go on hiking trips once every several days.

Golden Retriever 

When it comes to patience, the Golden Retriever is a net winner. Even though kids can be trying with a dog, your Golden Retriever will maintain their obedient and affectionate temperament even in the most challenging moments.  

This breed is also known as friendly, highly intelligent, and protective of their humans, making it one of the best breeds for families to have.

Bichon Frise 

If you live in the city but you still want to get a good family dog, a Bichon Frise might be right up your alley.  

This breed makes an amazing playmate for most kids. Bichon Frises can be a little hyperactive, which is why they have to be taken out for long and energetic walks, and at least two short play sessions per day are recommended.

Cocker Spaniel 

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, loving, and gentle, and they always want a piece of the action. They make excellent therapy dogs, so if you have an anxious kid, your Cocker Spaniel will do their best at soothing them.  

But with this dog breed, regular grooming and care can be essential since it is prone to developing ear infections due to their floppy ears.

English Bulldog 

This sturdy built dog might not look like the perfect friend for kids, but the breed is actually very gentle and friendly. In fact, Bulldogs are some of the most loyal and docile pooches on this list.  

Best of all, they’re smaller than other breeds, which means that you can be a Bulldog owner even if you live in an apartment. The breed is also fairly easy to care for.

Pug 

Pugs make the perfect pet for families living in apartment buildings as they don’t require a lot of space. They do need their share of daily exercise, but they can be perfectly content to laze around on the couch with a kid.  

They prefer gentle play to rough play. They’re funny, friendly, and people-oriented, and the best thing about them is that they don’t even make a lot of noise.

French Bulldog 

As another very popular dog breed, the French Bulldog makes a perfect family pet as it is adaptable, easy-going, and is also people-oriented. It loves to spend time outdoors and play for as long as possible.  

The breed’s small size is an advantage for people who live in homes with limited space. These dogs get along well with other animals and children, and they have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

If you’re looking for a calm dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be a good option. However, it does not make the best play partner as most of these little dogs are calm and gentle. On the other hand, they might make the perfect companion for a shy and sensitive child.

Boxer 

Boxers are loyal, protective, and calm enough to handle even the worst temper tantrums, so they make good pets for families with kids. While they need their dose of exercise, they can suffer from heatstroke, so walking them in hot weather is a definite no-go.  

This energetic breed is a good choice for folks living in average-sized homes.

Havanese  

The national dog of Cuba has an amazing personality. This breed is particularly affectionate but also social and friendly, which means that your Havanese puppy will love to interact with your kids.  

Factors to consider when getting a family dog 

Some of the questions that you have to ask yourself before becoming a dog parent and choosing the right pet for your kids are the following: 

• Do you live in an apartment or a large house? Small spaces are not a good fit for medium to large breeds -- choose a small or toy breed, instead.  
• Can you handle the breed’s grooming and care needs? 
• Do you need a playful and energetic dog, or would you prefer a calm and gentle one? 
• How much will it cost for you to own a dog? 

Not many people consider that adopting or buying a puppy can involve several serious expenses. Depending on where you live, you might spend up to two or three hundred dollars on the first vaccination plan recommended by your vet.  

The usual yearly cost of owning a dog is anything from fifteen to twenty hundred dollars, but this is merely an average. Some pet insurance packages do not cover anything other than emergencies, which means that you’ll have to pay for procedures like neutering or spaying out of pocket.  

Larger dogs usually have pricier care needs, and they also tend to have a lower life expectancy than smaller dogs.  

Consider all of these factors when choosing a dog breed for your family. Don’t forget that by getting a dog, you’re making a long-term commitment (one that typically lasts for at least a decade).