Your Child and Your Dog: the Best Fit
Children and dogs. They go together like movies and popcorn. They’re the perfect companions, really. Both have an abundance of love and energy, and they thrive spending time together. But, as everyone knows, all children are different. And so are all dogs. So which dogs work best with kids all together? And which breed is the best for your kid in particular?
Here are some of the top matches, with notes on who the pup would go well with:
• Boxer – built for high energy children, these dogs love to play. They crave companionship with people. They need lots of exercise; great for sporty kids.
• Weimaraner – this friendly breed is great for anxious children. They pay attention to their surroundings, and are extremely obedient.
• Golden Retriever – a long time family favorite, the Golden fits well with a wide variety of children. They’re very smart and remain devoted companions.
• Portugese Water Dog – not just a presidential pet, the Portugese Water Dog might be great for your family. They’re extremely kid friendly, and wary enough of strangers to be great protectors.
• Pug – these little friends have amazing personalities. A great gift for either your class clown or a serious child, they’ll be a couch favorite. These pups love to eat, so make certain you get the best food for pug puppy.
• Bulldog – a stalwart guardian, these pups have courage and remain calm. Great companions for kids who are overly active.
• Mastiff – these gentle giants are extremely affectionate and very protective. Great for long snuggles, and for feeling safe.
• American Staffordshire Terrier – once the number one family dog in the country and a patriotic symbol in WWI, this pup is an excellent family animal. Great with all children.
• Newfoundland – a family companion and a built in babysitter, Newfies are great with children, particularly in cold climates. A fun and useful sled puller!
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi – highly trainable and very intelligent, the Corgi goes well with all manner of children, and fits in with other animals also.
How to Match Kids and Dogs
Choosing a family pet is very exciting. Kids really benefit in helping with the process; the whole family can talk about the type of dog they want and why, and can list their top choices together. Then, it’s a decision of where to buy or adopt from: an adoption agency, the pound, a pet store, or a private breeder.
Plan in advance. It’s really difficult for a kid to be faced with a lot of cute dogs. They’ll want them all. But, only one will be coming home!
The family can help choose the new puppy’s supplies also. Bedding, food, toys, a large dog kennel, etc. it’s all fun to pick out together. When everything’s bought, your new family member can come happily home.
Have everything in place before picking up your new puppy so they can be extra comfortable when they arrive home. Then, snuggle up and settle in. Your kids now have a new family member to play with.
Great list and I think it is really good to let folks know that they do have to think about how comfortable a dog is with kids when they are getting a dog for their family. I love German Shepherds and think that they can be good dogs with kids depending on the particular dog and training.
I saw the Pug in the Picture and he caught my attention! I love Pugs!! Our pug looks just like the little fellow in the picture. His Name is Toby and he is 7 yrs old.. Pugs are very good with children .. Toby loves when the Grandkids come over and play with him..We had a Black pug for almost 12 yrs ,he passed away 2 yrs ago! Max was so hard to be without . He was our friend and companion and he too just loved the grandkids!!Pugs are loveable and sweet and comical. kids Love them~ :0)~~
You are right in researching and figuring out your family’s needs. Also, puppies are like people in the way of they have their own personality. Having a new pet meet the family is a good idea if possible. Think about your yard, time, and needs. My son has a weim, and he is very sweet but big. He needs lots of room but is very mild with my grandkids. They also have a very high energy Jack Russell that loves to play and sheds a lot. We have a maltipoo rescue dog because we wanted a small dog that doesn’t shed. She is very much a cuddler and likes a routine. Three very different dogs, but they are all great.
I also love the cocker spaniel and beagle and think that they should be included in this list. It is important to get the children involved in choosing and taking care of the dog. It will help them learn responsibility.
This is really a great post and I learned a lot by reading it thanks for posting it. I know that Boxers are great with children as my friend has one and he is wonderful with small children so gentle and careful. I will have to save this information for when we are ready for a new puppy.
These do all sound great. It is very good to research a breed before getting a dog. It is easy to fall in love with a rescue dog online not knowing much about the breed, but it may not be a good match for children. I remember we used to ride our neighbor’s dog like a pony, our own dog once we decided to curl his “hair” and “set” it with clothes pins! and of course putting hats on them. Some dogs love all that! I’m glad ours did.
The suggestions all sound great, but I wonder why they left off the Beagle? I always picture the Beagle as the dog every kid should have, probably because of old movies, lol.
Nice tips! I used to foster and train abandoned dogs, until they were adopted, and your assessment is very accurate. The Mastiff, especially, seems to love all children, and is always on guard to protect them. I would also add poodles to this llist, and Black Labs. They both are also very trainable, and the poodle, in particular is very smart. All the Black Labs I’ve had semed to have a sense of humor, if that makes any sense. A good fit for a witty child!