Dog Breeds That Make Loving, Loyal, And Playful Companions For Children
So many people can remember growing up with a beloved family dog. Although these furry friends can be the center of their own messes and drama, it's not uncommon for kids to grow up bonding strongly with their pet. At some times in life, they may trust them more than even their family's human members.
That's a beautiful memory to foster in the next generation, too. The right dog breed can help growing children feel safer, more loved, and more stimulated than they would without the animal's presence. And these are some of the most highly-recomended ones.
Collie
Collies are considered an incredibly reliable and intelligent dog breed but one of their most celebrated attributes concerns how good they are with young children.
The American Kennel Club rates dog breeds on their suitably with young children and collies have earned the highest possible marks in their grading system. As the organization's website put it, "Collies are famously fond of children and make wonderful family pets."
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the world's most popular dog breeds for a reason. In terms of companionship, they're the total package. They're energetic and friendly and that friendliness extends to everyone from other dogs to young children.
Kids with as much energy as the dog will make fast friends with a Labrador retriever, as it's easy to underestimate the breed's need for exercise. Still, it's hard to name a more family-friendly breed in most circumstances.
Golden Retriever
This photo shows how adorable golden retrievers are as puppies but it doesn't take long before they grow into the kind of dog that people around the world trust with important jobs. Indeed, it can play just as important of a role in families and this reliable breed is up to the challenge.
Although they need a lot of daily exercise, golden retrievers are friendly, dependable, fairly easy to train, and eager for the approval of the ones they love most. This makes them fantastic dogs for families with young children.
Beagle
The silly, funny, yet loving personalities of beagles make them widely beloved dogs and that's even more true for families with young children than those without them. They're deeply loving and have a happy, curious energy that kids will adore.
The American Kennel Club agrees, crediting beagles for being excellent family dogs and giving them particularly impressive ratings for how well they typically get along with young children.
Boxer
The expressive face of the boxer often makes the dog look a little sad, which only adds to its adorable, huggable personality. That said, it's easiest for boxers to express this personality when they're introduced to people and other dogs while they're still puppies. Otherwise, there's a chance they become aggressive.
However, that same instinct can inform why they make such great family dogs after that socialization occurs. They're known to be very patient with young children but they're even more protective of them. They're fearless in dealing with threats to their loved ones. The key is to help them not see everyone else as a threat.
Australian Terrier
Australian terriers are small, affectionate, and cute but that's not all that makes them appealing to young children. There's a plucky, energetic confidence in the dog's little frame and that makes it a delight for the little ones to play with.
While it may not be the most intimidating breed out there, the Australian terrier is also an alert, protective dog. So they can be good watchdogs and tend to learn fast during training.
Basset Fauve De Bretagne
Although it's not the most well-known dog breed, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is nonetheless a dog with a reputation for its intelligence, cheerful nature, and eagerness to please. However, the dog should be socialized with people and dogs early in life to avoid a pattern of disruptive behaviors.
Since these are hunting dogs, be wary about letting them off the leash, as they're known to chase small animals, especially rabbits. Nonetheless, they're known for getting along with both children and other pets.
Newfoundland
Although Newfoundlands are large dogs, their personalities are every bit as adorable as their fluffy coats make them look. Their sweet temperament is a defining trait for the breed and they're also trusting and pretty easily trainable to those offering gentle guidance.
As for how they get along with kids, it's considered one of their specialties. Not only are they known to love young children dearly but they have a reputation as patient and attentive "nanny dogs" for them.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Although many of the best companion dogs for children are repurposed hunting or herding dogs, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka achieved its sterling reputation after being bred for apartment living. It's a breed associated with intelligence and its sweet, loving, nature without aggression.
That not only makes them the ultimate house pet but also makes them an ideal companion for young children. Their energy and sweetness will make any little one happy to see them.
Keeshond
These Dutch spitz dogs are known for their voluminous coats and unique facial features that make them look a little like they're wearing glasses. Yet, while a child will likely find this breed adorably fluffy and cute, that's not the only reason why it can be a great family dog.
These dogs are smart and very trainable but their friendliness is definitely the most treasured benefit of owning one. Whether they're meeting new people, other dogs, or young children, keeshonds are known to be very affectionate.
Basset Hound
The basset hound's droopy, somewhat sad expression makes it such an endearing little dog and it proves just as lovable for kids as it is for adoring adults. They're a little stoic compared to some other dog breeds and can be pretty stubborn (especially when it comes to food) but it's easy to underestimate how loving and loyal they can be.
They're also typically agreeable enough (at least indoors) to be considered great companions to both children and other dogs.
Chinook
The hardest thing about welcoming a Chinook into your family is finding one, as this is considered a rare breed that — according to the American Kennel Club — was once on the verge of extinction.
However, those lucky few who can get a Chinook will find them intelligent, patient, and eager to please. That already makes them ideal companions for young children but they also have a special fondness for little ones.
Irish Setter
Although the Irish setter's looks and graceful gait make it a serious contender at dog shows, its personality also opens the door for more practical ways to appreciate the breed. As it turns out, it's hard to name a more ideal breed for families.
They're affectionate with humans and dogs alike and generally go through life with a sweet temper. They're also energetic enough to be as fun as they are dependable for the young children in their lives.
Drentsche Patrijshond
The Drentsche Patrijshond has been bred as a farm dog for over 400 years, which means that training has to be lively and multi-faceted to keep this versatile breed interested. However, drents are known to be loyal and intelligent dogs once that training is complete.
They bark when a visitor enters the home and they can be shy with strangers but they're very comfortable within their own families. Indeed, it's a cornerstone of the breed's very identity to be a loving family companion, especially when it comes to children.
Border Terrier
Although border terriers are often described as tough to the point of being "hard as nails," this can be a little misleading in describing the kinds of companions they are. They may be sturdy and hard-working but they're also sweet-natured, affectionate, and quite trainable.
This means they're very affectionate with young children. Although they're primarily rural dogs, they can adapt to urban environments as long as they get a lot of exercise throughout the day.
Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano is a very respected breed due to its sleek appearance and elegant way of moving but it's just as lovable to people who aren't dog show judges. It works hard to please its family, it's an intelligent breed, and it's famous for its gentle, loving nature.
Naturally, this makes it an ideal family dog and the American Kennel Club recognized its appeal as suitable for all ages. It's not an aggressive dog but it is a courageous and cautious one, which makes it a great watchdog as well.
Weimaraner
The American Kennel Club characterizes weimaraners as exhibiting streamlined grace and balance, but those qualities matter a little more at dog shows than they do in the family home. Fortunately, this breed is full of great qualities for that environment, too.
Although they need exercise and mental stimulation, weimaraners are also easily groomed and trained, loving, and eager to please. They're particularly great with kids and yearn to be part of families.
Bracco Italiano
Described as "gentle at home and tireless in the field," the Bracco Italiano is a lovely dog for growing families. Although it's one of the oldest pointing breeds, it's only been in the United States since the 1990s.
The Bracco Italiano is intelligent, peaceful, easy to train. Although there are more affectionate breeds when it comes to children, the Bracco Italiano is still a reliable dog for them.
Cesky Terrier
This Czech breed is known to be a little less stubborn and more laid-back than other terriers, an it features a fine, silky coat that can sometimes have a platinum appearance. Unfortunately, they're also a very rare breed in the United States, with only an estimated 600 existing in the nation.
However, those lucky enough to find one will see that they train fairly easy, are eager to please, and are protective of the ones they love. That makes them attentive watchdogs, but it also means they can keep up with all the kids' adventures.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Although the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is certainly a fancy-looking dog, it doesn't shed as much as it seems. It does need regular grooming to keep its fur from matting, though. While it's about as stubborn as terriers tend to be, it's still a great family dog.
That's because it's a very happy, outgoing, loving, and deeply devoted dog. That means it can be trusted around the kids, as it's considered downright lovey-dovey with them.