Having a dog in your family, especially when you have children, can be a memorable experience for everyone. These dogs would later become the childhood companions that your children will remember when they grow older. With this in mind, we’re sure you’re picky in choosing which dog you’ll add as a furry member to your growing family. Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up 12 dog breeds who adore children and are known for their gentleness and loyalty. Whether you seek a furry companion for your child or bedtime snuggles as they sleep, these 12 dogs will surely leave paw prints on your heart.
12. Collie
Size: Medium to Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Protective, Gentle, and Loyal
If you’ve seen the 1943 movie “Come Home, Lassie”, you’ll recall how Lassie, the Collie owned by the Carraclough family, returns to their son Joe despite being sold to a rich man. This story is true to life with Collies as they are very loyal towards children and their families, always feeling the need to protect them.
A Collie can also easily adapt to any environment, so you can definitely bring them to you on vacations to help keep watch on your little ones. But as much as they adjust to new places, unfamiliar strangers who lay a hand on their families would alert them and cause them to bark excessively.
It’s a given that Collies know who their family is, but if there is a new person that you want them to feel comfortable with, you must let them spend time with each other and let that person accompany you when walking your Collies. This will help them feel secure and safe with the person in the long run.
11. Standard Poodle
Size: Medium to Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Even-tempered, Active, and Intelligent
If you want a playful but, at the same time, well-behaved dog, then the Standard Poodle is the right family dog for you. Standard Poodles can be very active and energetic once they know that it’s playtime making them the perfect dogs as they can match children’s energy. One bonding activity that could help build a relationship with children is teaching them tricks because you might be surprised at the intelligence these dog breeds possess.
Like any other dog, Standard Poodles shed, but their curly hair catches the shedding, making it rare to see any fur around your home. If you have children allergic to dog fur, this dog is the perfect choice. Note that Standard Poodles are recommended for children because smaller ones tend to be snappy when annoyed.
10. Portuguese Water Dog
Size: Small to Medium
Temperament and Characteristics: Affectionate, Adventurous, and Athletic
They say a Portuguese Water Dog’s instinct is never wrong; they can sense the good and bad of intentions and tend to be overprotective of the people they love most. These dogs are territorial in nature but not the dangerous kind to keep off your children because they know their family. If you want dogs who can help protect your children from harm, then the Portuguese Water Dog is for you.
Aside from their overprotective sense, these good-natured dogs enjoy playing outdoors, and they love keeping up with active children. They adjust quickly to new surroundings and trust people, especially when introducing a baby who is a new member of the family.
9. Pug
Size: Small
Temperament and Characteristics: Stable temperament and extremely playful
Pugs are known to be companion dogs, making them a perfect fit for families with children. Their wrinkled faces usually express their playful and sometimes curious nature. One thing to remember about them is their patience, which is known to have no bounds. It allows them to match with playful children because they return the same energy.
While pugs may be tolerant, it is important to supervise children while playing to ensure that they also respect the dog’s boundaries. Doing this will help form a harmonious relationship and make pugs even more fond of your children.
8. Japanese Spitz
Size: Small to Medium
Temperament and Characteristics: Playful and Alert
If you want a dog who can make your children laugh, the Japanese Spitz is the way to go. These little comedians love being the center of attention because they thrive on making their families happy. Although not aggressive, they make good watchdogs because they are naturally alert and bark at situations that they deem dangerous, making them perfect for guarding children.
In terms of adaptability, Japanese Spitz is great at adapting to new environments. If you have a baby in your home, they will quickly adapt to their smell, sensing that they are a part of the family. Their overall qualities make them earn a spot on the list.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size: Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Even temper and calm
Don’t let their huge size fool you, as Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and patient, making them the perfect dog, especially for active children. Due to their size, Berners are usually low on energy, but these gentle giants make up for it by being affectionate towards your little ones.
To improve their energy, it is recommended that they be trained in socialization and obedience, but don’t worry; they are relatively easy to train because they are intelligent and like to please their families. However, note that harsh training does not work on Bernese Mountain Dogs because their feelings are easily hurt.
6. Newfoundland
Size: Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Devoted, Sweet, and Patient
Newfoundland dogs are known as “nanny dogs” towards children because of their high tolerance, patience, and huge size that could carry a small child. They’re also quite protective of small children and, at the same time, very forgiving and will not show aggression.
Aside from being a “nanny dog,” they are naturally “working dogs” because they love being in charge of their families’ safety. If you want a dog that has a very protective but calm nature towards your children, then the Newfoundland dog is perfect for you.
5. Beagle
Size: Small to Medium
Temperament and Characteristics: Even-tempered, Curious, and Friendly
If you’re a first-time pet owner looking for a child-friendly dog, you can pick a Beagle. These dogs are known to be very curious, which makes them great companions for like-minded children. They have moderate energy and know when playtime is over, so it doesn’t overwhelm children.
One activity that they like doing is walking and wandering outside the house. Since they are small, children can be able to control their leashes when taking a walk outside with adult supervision since they tend to wander in far places. Overall, their adventurous sense makes them great dogs for children’s curious minds.
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4. Basset Hound
Size: Medium to Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Gentle and Playful
Looking for the perfect childhood dog that your kid could grow up with? Look no further with a Basset Hound! Don’t let its bored looks and laziness fool you as they are very playful, especially after eating. These floppy-eared dogs are used to being owned by multiple owners, making them perfect as family pets. Their playful nature is suited to children, even the noisiest ones, because they can stand them, and it’s usually a tone that means they are ready to play.
Basset Hounds do not make great guard dogs as they tend to be sweet even in the presence of unfamiliar strangers. Despite these, they do like to snuggle with children at bedtime when they already feel a connection with the person due to their sweet nature.
3. Labrador Retriever
Size: Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Gentle, Even-tempered, and Playful
Commonly called Labradors or Labs, the Labrador Retrievers are so huge that you may have mistaken them as guard dogs who shouldn’t be around children. If you thought so, you’re wrong, as they are known as friendly and open, especially to little ones. They are so playful that they might need training to help calm their happy spirits down. Labs are also great for children with allergies as they don’t have long fur.
To calm them down, one activity that Labrador Retrievers love is swimming! They are huge fans of water, and they love to play and retrieve things from it. This activity is an excellent way to keep your child and dogs active while forming a trusting relationship. This activity might also tame their playful nature to a minimum.
2. Irish Setter
Size: Large
Temperament and Characteristics: Outgoing, sweet-natured, and active
The Irish Setter is one loving, gentle giant who loves to play, especially with kids, as they see them as their own puppies! These dogs mature slowly, both mentally and physically, which explains why they are always excited over little things like a child. But don’t worry; slow maturation does not wave a red flag on kid-friendliness because it just speaks on their playfulness manner.
Like any other dog, make sure to give them enough exercise, such as walking and fetching (they love a good fetching play). Make them bond with your children by including them in active activities that would both benefit their health and improve their trusting relationship further.
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1. Golden Retriever
Size: Large to Medium
Temperament and Characteristics: Warm, gentle, and playful
Stands as one of America’s popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are friendly, reliable, and understanding towards human emotions making them top our list. Their sociable nature makes it easy for them to participate in family activities, giving everyone a sense of comfort and joy.
For Goldens to live a long and happy life with their families, their health must be prioritized. Include them in outdoor activities with the children, such as running, exercising, and swimming, to improve their mental and physical stimulation. Meeting these needs forms a lifelong bond with Golden Retrievers, which makes them feel welcome in your home.
Their sensitive nature and ability to understand children’s emotions make them very lovable. Goldens always lend their huge bodies where children can cry on and feel protected. They would either try to lick the tears or act funny just to put a smile on little kids’ faces. If you have a Golden Retriever in your family, then your child is lucky enough to have a best friend throughout their childhood.
