It’s common knowledge that a dog is one of a man’s best friends. But anyone who has grown up with a dog might also say that it’s true to say that a dog is a kid’s best friend too.

Dogs make great companions for both children and adults. They are suitable for teaching kids about responsibility and how to be patient.

The desire for pets by children is understandable. According to a survey of 2000 parents with school-aged children, 74% of kids have asked for a pet. Out of those kids, 78% have asked specifically for a dog.

There is a good chance that other families are looking for a dog that is the right fit for their family. Many types of dogs can be good for families with kids, but some breeds of dogs have personalities that fit well with this type of family.

So, start your search by looking at our list of the 15 best dog breeds for kids. See whether any of these adorable pups could be a good fit for you and your family.

Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families

There are many things to think about when looking for a dog for your family. If you have kids, there are even more things to consider.

What should you watch for when researching the finest dog breeds for children?

You should think about the following three things before getting a dog:

• Personality: You will want to think about the breed of the dog and how well it matches your lifestyle and personality. You will also want to think about how active the dog is and what it likes to do. Do these activities match what your kids like to do?
• Size: Do you want a small or a large dog? If you have young children, they need to be able to handle the dog. This is something you should think about.
• Care: Who will be the main person taking care of the dog? What kind of exercise does the dog need? What kind of grooming does the dog need? How will the kids be involved in taking care of the dog? If you have young children, you might want to choose a breed of dog that doesn’t require a lot of grooming, for example.

Several dog breeds are known to be good with children. Let’s take a look at some of them!

1. Beagle

Beagles are great family dogs because they have a sweet face, a happy-go-lucky attitude, and love to play. They make great companions for kids because they are usually very easygoing.

On the other hand, Beagles are more active and need to be regularly exercised. They’re also recognized for their hound howl, which they enjoy doing.

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely gentle and affectionate giant dog breed. In Switzerland, they were initially bred to work on farms. Still, they are now popular as family pets because they are reliable, smart, and loyal.

These dogs are big, but they don’t need a lot of exercises. They would love to go on walks and hikes with you. They will also protect your children and be very friendly to them.

3. Bichon Frise

Do you want a small dog for your kids? How about a dog that is perfect for living in an apartment? The Bichon Frise is the perfect dog for both of these things.

Bichons, despite their diminutive stature, have a lot of personalities. They are playful, charming, and curious. These dogs are very adaptable, making them ideal companions for busy children.

Another great thing about the Bichon is that they are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, making them a great option for families with members who have allergies.

4. Border Collie

Known for its intellect, tenacity, and loyalty, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. The Border Collie is one of the greatest dog breeds for families with active lifestyles.

Doing work is the best way to get your Border Collie to stay active. That’s why it’s important to train them well. They also need a family with time to spend with them, doing things together. This is because they are a very active breed of dog.

5. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are small dogs that are great with kids. They are easy to recognize because they have tuxedo markings, and they are always happy. Boston Terriers love to play with both older and younger children.

Boston Terriers are a low-maintenance breed of dog. They usually don’t need a lot of exercises, but it can vary from dog to dog. Boston Terriers are also good city dogs because they are small and have personalities.

6. Boxer

Boxers are loyal, smart, and affectionate dogs that are great for families. They are large dogs with a lot of energy, making great playmates for kids. Boxers also make good watchdogs.

Boxers need a lot of exercises. It is a terrific companion for children of all ages; however, if you’ve never owned a pet before, this makes them a good choice.

11. Collie

The Collies are a type of dog popularized by the TV show Lassie. People think of them as being friendly and good with kids. They are also smart and athletic, which means they can be good family pets.

Collies love to run and play, making great companions for kids. However, they need regular exercise, so be sure to take them outside to run around and play often.

12. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a trendy dog in the United States. Regardless of the age of the children in your care, they’ll have a good time with them. They are a good choice for adding a dog to your family.

Golden Retrievers need daily exercise. They love to do different activities outside with family members. They are also gentle, sweet, and loyal, making them good for younger children.

13. Labrador Retriever

Golden Retrievers are popular with many people. The American Kennel Club says that the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed since 1991. This is because they are easy to take care of and are great with children.

The Lab is a great dog for the whole family. They are easygoing and friendly, so they will get along with everyone. They are also very active and loyal, so they will be a great companion.

Labs need a lot of exercises, making them great playmates. They won’t back away from a little bit of roughhousing. The numbers show that Labs are a great choice for a pet.

14. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are large and easy to spot, but they are known for being gentle giants. They are called “nanny dogs” because of their sweet and patient temperament.

The Newfoundland is a great dog for people who have a lot of space outside. These dogs need to exercise, so they are not good for people who live in apartments.

Another thing to keep in mind: Newfoundlands drool, so you’ll want to be prepared.

15. Pug

Pugs are a small dog breed that acts like big dogs. They are known for being mischievous, charming, and fun. They also have a unique look. Pugs are good for families looking for a less active dog than some of the other breeds on this list.

Pugs need regular exercise, but they will be happy to relax with you and the kids on the couch.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of great dog breeds for kids. But the choice is yours and your family’s. You have to think about what is important to you and what dog would fit best into your family.

Read more: Good Dog, Good Kid: Teaching Your Child Pet Safety

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Dogs For Kids

Are Irish Setters Good Around Kids?

Irish Setters are good with children, other dogs, and visitors. They are happy and excited to meet new people. However, since they are a hunting breed, small animals may not be safe around them.

Which Dog Breed Is Smallest?

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest breed of dog. They range in size from 0.9-to 2.7 kg. The smallest dog breed in history was a Chihuahua named Miracle Milly – she was 3.8 inches tall and weighed less than 0.5 kg.

Can a Hunting Dog Be a Family Pet?

Many hunting dogs make great family pets because they have been bred to work closely with humans. This partnership has been going on for thousands of years. As a result, there are many different breeds of dogs that are great for different types of hunting.