Did you know that children who grow up alongside pets generally get certain developmental benefits, such as better self-esteem and communication skills? Not only do pets give children a safe space to share their thoughts without any inhibitions, but pets also teach them important lessons about responsibility and respect. These are probably some of the top reasons why a lot of parents are choosing to adopt pets as a companion for their children.
However, if you’re planning to adopt a pet with small children at home, there are a few breeds that will easily assimilate into a high-energy environment with children. Some breeds also have longer patience and can deal with young children better. To help you decide, we’ve listed the best dog breeds that work well with young children. Just remember that it’s important you don’t leave your children unattended or unsupervised.
- Golden Retriever
You’ve probably seen a golden retriever out and about at some point in your life, and you’ve probably witnessed how irresistible their charm is. Golden retrievers are wildly popular throughout the world because of their even temper, intelligence and their overall behavior around people. This breed is a people-lover, and they love showering their pet parents and companions with love.
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Chances are you’re already familiar with the adorable and irresistible puppy dog eyes of the Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed is well-known because of its expressive eyes and fluffy coat, which lends it its distinct teddy-bear look that’s simply too hard to resist. But aside from its appearance, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not only good-natured, they’re also one of the least aggressive dogs out there. They are calm, even-tempered and patient, especially with young children. If you’re planning on adopting a large cuddly dog, check out this breed and get ready to be showered with affection and unquestionable devotion.
- Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are great companions for young children because they are loyal, patient, and intelligent. This dog breed has been observed to be extremely careful when around young children. They can be calm and enthusiastic at the same time, showering your young children with affection and attention. However, because Labrador retrievers are relatively large when full-grown, it’s best that you always keep your young children supervised because they might accidentally knock a toddler down while they’re moving around.
- Pug
If you’re looking for a small and compact breed that has little to no chance of knocking your child over, adopting a pug would be a great option because of its size and temperament. Generally, pugs are calm and carefree and they are extremely patient when it comes to young children. They rarely become aggressive, mostly preferring to entertain and charm their way into people’s hearts. Pugs are great companions for young children, and you can expect that they will bond with your kids and develop a very close friendship with them in a short span of time.
- French Bulldog
Frenchies are well-known as the smaller version of the bulldog, with their short legs and bat-like ears. While these dogs are compact, they pack muscular builds, making them stronger than they look. However, while they are strong, they are loving and relaxed, which makes them a great choice if you’re looking for family dogs. They are obedient and extremely intelligent, but they also thrive in environments where they are showered with attention. With young children, they can become great playmates — albeit sometimes mischievous.
- Beagle
Friendly and curious, beagles are one of the dog breeds that love being around people, both adults and children. They are inherently gentle, playful, and calm, which makes them a great match for families with young children. It’s also said that beagles have a higher threshold for pain than other breeds, which means they can generally withstand the accidental pulls and tugs that young children may do when they’re still learning how to act around dogs. However, while beagles are extremely patient, it’s still imperative that you supervise your kids just to make sure that your pet and your child is safe. If you’re looking at beagle puppies for sale while your children are still in the learning stage, you should always keep the puppy supervised so that your children won’t accidentally cause any harm to it, especially since beagle puppies are tiny.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog well-known for its silky, smooth coat and highly expressive eyes. But what makes them great companions for young children is their ability to adapt easily. It doesn’t matter if your young child wants a lap dog or a playmate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be both. Because of their naturally patient and curious nature, they can accompany your young children as they learn about the world, but at the same time give them just enough attention and affection to forge strong bonds.
- Bichon Frise
Known for their cute round haircuts and fluffy white fur, the Bichon Frise is a sociable and friendly dog breed. They love kids and they enjoy being showered with attention whenever they’re around young children. They are also active and can spend long hours playing, so you know they can keep your children busy in the morning or afternoon. The Bichon Frise is also incredibly easy to train. You can even let your kids tag along while you train them so they’ll be introduced to the practice while they’re still young.
In addition, if you’re unsure whether your kid might be allergic to pets, the Bichon Frise is a great option since they’re hypoallergenic and rarely shed.
- Pit Bull
For many years, pit bulls have had a very controversial image when it comes to aggression around humans. However, they’re actually considered to be one of the most affectionate breeds in the canine world and can bond easily with their pet parents and human families. Pit bulls are sensitive, kid-friendly, and are generally friendly towards strangers, so they make great family dogs.
It all boils down to proper training and socialization. If you’re planning on adopting a pit bull puppy, make sure that you allot time and effort in socializing them with other dogs and animals, and training them so they know how to behave around people.
