Top Dog Breeds For Children: And How To Take Care Of Them
Is your family looking for a new furry friend to bring home? If so, you may be wondering about the top dog breeds for children, and how you can take care of them in your home. Here are some of the best dog breeds for children, and what you need to know before adopting or getting one.
All Dogs Are Good For Children
First, all dogs and dog breeds can be good for children. As with anything, boundaries are important. And many dogs will need the proper support, love, and training in order to be safe in the home.
A dog should never be alone with a child, no matter the circumstance. Adult supervision is always recommended. However, no dog is essentially dangerous, even if they don’t necessarily get along with children. But, if you’re looking for breeds that are better known as family dogs, here are the most popular options.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their beauty and easy going nature. They get along with children and dogs, and love to play and run around. These dogs are very active, so daily walks and lots of time running around inside or outside of the house is best.
It is important to keep in mind that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also prone to many diseases and health issues. They are known to have hip dysplasia, ear infections, and mitral valve heart disease. Kids should never grab any dog, but especially a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, by the hips, even during play.
This breed can live a long time (up to 20 years) if properly cared for and seen by a veterinarian regularly to rule out diseases and disorders.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The big and fluffy Bernese Mountain Dog may look scary, but they’re really gentle dogs. Don’t let their size (up to 52 kilograms) deter you from bringing one home. These dogs are known as some of the gentlest and affectionate dogs on this list. They’re also great for active families and families who have lots of backyard space.
The only negative to owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is their shorter life expectancy. Due to their size and health problems (like a higher chance of developing cancer), their life expectancy is around 7 to 10 years. So if your family wants a dog to be around for a long time, this may not be the dog for you.
Boston Terrier
Unlike the Bernese Mountain Dog, a Boston Terrier doesn’t need a lot of space. These dogs are the perfect pet for families in flats or who don’t have much space to spare. And, these dogs don’t need as much exercise as some of the other dogs on this list. They’re active, but also happy to sleep the day in their cozy dog bed – away with their owners.
These are extremely affectionate dogs, but can have issues with other dogs in the home. So keep in mind that if you’re adopting a Boston Terrier, that you train them to get along with your other pets, or make them the sole dog in the family.
Golden Retriever
The sweet and lovable Golden Retriever is often a favourite choice for families, and for good reason. They kid along with small children (even infants and children under 5 years old), and also get along with most pets. When you see a cute and friendly dog video online, chances are that it’s got a Golden Retriever in it.
However, these dogs are extremely cuddly and have high energy. So if you like your space and don’t get or want much exercise, they may not be the dog for you. These dogs can play fetch for hours, and love to sit in your lap whenever possible.
Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs as well and are easy to feed, but may suffer from heart disorders or eye weakness. As always, see your veterinarian immediately if you notice any symptoms or if your dog seems in pain.
Bulldog
Bulldogs may look mean, but they are in fact gentle and caring dogs. While they do prefer being the only dog to hold your attention, they love being around kids. Keep in mind that the bulldog is best with older kids (8 years old and up) that won’t tug at them or overplay.
Bulldogs can be incredibly lazy, so these dogs are best if your family wants a dog they can pet or snuggle with. However, if you’re looking for a highly active dog, the bulldog is not the best choice. They also drool frequently, so be prepared to clean up their messes.
Bulldogs don’t have many known health conditions or issues, but it is essential to keep them cool and well fed. Do not leave your bulldog outside for very long, as they are known to get overheated quickly. If your bulldog starts panting, try to cool them down immediately and get them into the shade or a cold room.
Pug
Pugs are another great dog breed for families who live in flats or small spaces. They also love sitting out in the sun and in your lap, so they’re the perfect dog if you want a super friendly companion.
As their look would suggest, they are prone to eye conditions, and their eyes may deteriorate if not cared for properly. This is a task that should be left for adults, not children, as they can accidentally damage a pug’s eyes if they’re not careful. Also, pugs snore quite a lot. So if sleep is important to your family, these aren’t the best dog breed for you.
Collie
Lassie is one of the first famous dogs to come to mind when thinking of Collies, but they’re more than just graceful and devoted. Collies are perfect for families and farms. They thrive on companionship, regular exercise, and lots of space. If you need a helping hand, a Collie can offer that.
Collies can suffer from a specific eye condition known as Collie eye anomaly, so it’s important to get them checked by your veterinarian right away. Other than this condition, many Collies can live up to 14 years with no to little health issues.
Top Dog Breeds For Children
While all dogs are good dogs, some are known more for their gentle and friendly nature than others. And, many of the breeds on this list also get along with other animals, are known to be easy to train, and can be docile and energetic depending on their environment.
These dog breeds are some of the top dog breeds for children, and will make a great addition to your family, no matter who you choose.
