Dogs make excellent pets for kids, who will learn responsibility and compassion from these loving canines. But it’s important to choose a breed that’s best suited for your family’s lifestyle and temperament.
The American Temperament Test Society conducted tests to determine which dog breeds are better suited for families with children. Here are a few of them!
1. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a highly intelligent, jovial dog that thrives on physical and mental stimulation. They can be trained for a variety of activities, including agility training, hunting, tracking, and even scent work trials.
They are also known for their loyalty and love of people, and they make excellent family dogs. However, they should be given lots of exercise and training from a young age to ensure that they grow up to be socialized and balanced animals.
Vizslas are prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause them pain and lameness. Ear infections are also common, so they should be monitored for signs of them. Bloat is another health concern for this breed, as it can be life-threatening if not treated early. It can also result in weight gain and lethargy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
2. Samoyed
Samoyeds are one of the most beloved dogs in the world. They are very family-oriented and love people of all ages.
They have a tenacious work ethic and love to play. This breed is also a fantastic competitor in dog sports such as agility, herding, and obedience.
A well-socialized Samoyed enjoys the company of children but should not be left alone with kids under age 12. They are strong and can easily knock over a small child without realizing it.
Their thick, double coat requires daily brushing to keep it in good condition. They do best in cool climates, as they can be sensitive to heat.
3. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is one of the most popular dogs in America. With the right training and socialization, they can be loyal, loving, and devoted pets.
These clownish dogs are full of energy and love to run and play. Their playful nature makes them great companions for kids of all ages.
They also make excellent therapy dogs. They are extremely loyal, and they’ll happily climb onto your lap for a cuddle or a treat.
Their strong and independent personality may be a little challenging to train. They respond well to toy-based rewards and obedience training, but they need firm, consistent training to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Like most dogs, Bull Terriers can have health problems. Some common ones include skin allergies, lens luxation (a dislocated eye), and orthopedic issues.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively, energetic, and clever little dog who thrives on attention. They can be very independent and will not enjoy being left alone, but are excellent family pets if they have the right people to train them and provide them with activities to keep them busy.
The breed was developed in England over 200 years ago to hunt foxes, but they are still very intelligent and have the ability to perform many tricks. Their high energy means they’re challenging dogs to train, but they make great companions for active families.
Jack Russell Terriers are very popular with horse owners, dog sports enthusiasts, animal trainers for film and television, and people who appreciate their fearless personality, boundless energy, and entertaining antics. However, they can be temperamental with other small animals and need to be socialized early and often. They also have a strong prey drive, so it’s important to teach them appropriate boundaries with other dogs and cats.
5. Golden Retriever
If you’re looking for a dog that is social, affectionate, easy to train, and eager to please, the Golden Retriever is the perfect breed for you. These are among the top 5 smartest dogs in the world, and they can be trained to do a variety of things from fetching items to learning how to do tricks!
They are one of the best family dogs because they are very friendly with children and other pets. They’re also tolerant of other people and don’t get easily startled or bite.
However, they can be high-strung and destructive if they don’t receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure to provide your golden with at least an hour of daily physical activity.
6. Whippet
Whippets are gentle, affectionate companions who enjoy cuddling and playing with their families. They are not social butterflies and will not be happy with strangers, but they do well in a home with older children or with other dogs.
They are athletic and can run in bursts, so they need lots of exercise to stay in shape. They also need a securely fenced yard to run in and play.
These sight hounds are smart and quick, so they need early training to socialize with other animals and people. They also need frequent walks to keep their energy up and help them maintain good health.
Like all breeds, Whippets can develop health problems as they age. Some of the most common can include Phosphofructokinase Deficiency, hypothyroidism, and Bully Whippet Syndrome.
7. Gordon Setter
A loyal, intelligent breed with a strong hunting instinct, the Gordon setter is easy to train and makes a great family dog. They are highly devoted to their humans and are especially fond of children.
This dog does best with a large, fenced yard and plenty of exercise. They are active, high-strung dogs that can become anxious indoors if they don’t get enough activity.
Bloat is a common problem in this breed, and it can be deadly if not treated quickly. This condition occurs when air gets trapped in the stomach and swells it up, cutting off blood flow to the intestines.
Feed your dog two measured meals a day, divided into small, frequent doses. A large amount of food at one time is the most common trigger for bloat, and smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent this life-threatening condition.
8. Boxer
One of the most popular breeds in America, Boxers are athletic and loyal. They get along well with children and are excellent watchdogs.
They’re also incredibly intelligent and relatively trainable. But they can also be stubborn, so they need consistent training and socialization from a young age.
They also need regular nail trims and teeth brushing to maintain good oral health. Because of their awkward tooth placement, they’re prone to biting holes in their gums, so it’s important to keep your boxer’s teeth clean and free from tartar and plaque.
9. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the world’s best-loved dog breeds thanks to their big, dreamy eyes and playful personality. They were bred to be hunting dogs, but their merry disposition makes them great companion pets for adults and kids alike.
They’re highly trainable and incredibly intelligent, making them a fun addition to any family. However, you should be aware that Cockers can become bored and destructive if they don’t get enough mental stimulation.
They also need moderate amounts of exercise to maintain their muscle tone. This can be done by playing fetch or taking long walks with you.
10. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Their squishy face and wide-set eyes are the main reason for their popularity, but Frenchies also have an adaptable temperament and lots of love to give.
They get along great with kids who can properly train them. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety, so children mustn’t be left alone with them for long periods.
Frenchies are a very active breed and need daily exercise to stay healthy. This can include a short walk or playtime in the yard. These dogs are prone to eye issues and can even develop corneal ulcers, which require prompt treatment. They can also be predisposed to back problems such as intervertebral disc disease. This condition occurs when the cushion between vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing pain and discomfort.
