Best Breeds For Families With Kids

Let’s face it – most families would not be complete without the much-beloved family pet. In most cases, this includes a breed of dog. However, if a family includes children, the parents should do their research, because there are breeds of dogs that are more compatible with kids than others are. Parents should consider the age of their children and compare it to the particular breed of dog they wish to purchase. This can easily be done by asking your Vet for recommendations, to asking an associate at the local pet store, or just pulling up information on the Internet. It doesn’t matter, as long as initial research is done, because being in a breed of dog that’s not conducive to children would be a grave injustice to both the children and the pet.

If there are children in the household that are varying ages, and a larger dog is preferred, than a labrador or golden retriever is your best bet. These canines are very gentle and are very tolerant of small children and even babies. Their easy-going demeanor makes them one of the most popular choices for a large family household. If a smaller dog is sought, then a Pug is your best bet. This breed is amiable and will often prefer the company of people over other dogs. They are exceptionally compatible with little children, often acting like “little tykes” themselves. They love to play and will do so in a gentle manner as to not cause harm to toddlers.

Others breeds that are excellent matches for children include the Newfoundland, Collie, and standard poodle. Believe it or not, the giant breed of dogs is the one that is the most highly recommended for families with kids. The toy breeds tend to be more temperamental and most compatible with adults with no kids. The standard poodle is well known for its extreme patience with little children, and are super easy to train. The Newfoundland is a super-size dog that’s well known for it’s docile and calm nature. They are well-loved by children, which is often a two-way street. When a child comes face to face with this giant breed, it usually loves at first sight.

These are just a few of the many examples of breeds of dogs that are compatible with children. But a good rule of thumb is this. Generally, the larger breeds in the retriever family are a better fit than smaller dogs. When seeking out a family dog, always set up an initial “meet and greet,” and bring the kids so you can observe them in a safe setting with the potential pet. That way, you’ll know without a shadow of a doubt if they are going to be a match made in heaven. You’ll also know if the compatibility will be there before you plunk down a good chunk of change, only to have to return the dog if there’s an incompatibility.