7 Dog Breeds That Are Well-Suited For Families With Children
Canines and kids seem to get along especially well. The interaction they share with each other is based on trust, honesty, and a large dose of playfulness. Together, they often become instant and inseparable companions, always near and responsive to each other.
But some dogs are better suited than others for families with young children. Factors such as a canine’s temperament and disposition, willingness to protect those in its charge, and behavior in stressful situations, all play a role. In this article, we’ll reveal seven breeds that are compatible with kids. You’ll learn about the specific traits of each breed that all but guarantee your children will quickly grow to love and trust their new companion.
1 – Standard Poodle
These canines can thrive in multiple environments. They enjoy swimming, walking, hiking, and even hunting, which makes them adaptable to a child’s penchant for exploration. Poodles are also very smart, and seem intuitively connected to their owners and families. They are affectionate, tolerant, and willing protectors of those who are left in their care. This breed is also known for enjoying the company of people more than other canines.
2 – Golden Retriever
These dogs are patient and intelligent, both of which are reasons they are often trained as guide dogs for those who are blind. Golden Retrievers are also commonly paired with disabled people, and used during search and rescue operations. The breed’s size makes them look formidable, but they are friendly and affectionate to nearly everyone they meet, even strangers.
3 – Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are easygoing and good-natured. They are also dedicated companions, making them ideal for young children. These canines are large, which prompts many would-be owners with children to avoid them. However, the breed is known for being incredibly gentle and calm.
When the occasion arises, a Newfoundland will protect his family. While they are not aggressive dogs by nature, they will confront any animal or person who threatens their “pack.”
4 – Boston Terrier
These canines are smaller in size than the three breeds profiled thus far. While small, however, they are muscular, and will respond to threats to protect their families. One of the reasons this breed is well-suited for kids is because they are intensely playful, and seem to enjoy making others happy. Moreover, their intelligence makes them easy to train.
5 – Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for families with children. They are strong and athletic, and like Standard Poodles, can thrive in multiple environments. They make excellent companions for kids due to their seemingly limitless energy, and instinctive willingness to protect them. That said, this canine is good-natured and rarely fights, only doing so when necessary. Because of their high energy level, they need to be exercised on a regular basis.
6 – Boxer
Even though Boxers appear intimidating, they are known for their friendliness, especially among people. They are cautious around strangers, but quick to trust and make friends. If they or their families are threatened, however, they will spring into action to protect themselves and others. Boxers are dedicated to their families. They are also very patient with children, and always willing to play with them.
7 – Collie
Dogs share a different relationship with kids than the connection they share with adults. A child’s playfulness, trust, and sense of adventure is ideally suited for them, and vice versa. It is still necessary to exercise caution when selecting a canine for your family. The seven breeds above represent a good place to start your search.
Your dog responds best in training when given rewards. Give your dog treats to reward their positive behavior
More Parenting Help and Tips
Excellent advice Karen. As Parents, we need to teach our kids Right and Wrong. As a grandparent, it is also your responsibility to enforce the Right from Wrong decisions when in your care, and in your case working with her and your pet is a great example to enforce those ideals, morals, and responsibilities.
Try the advice from Karen above.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
I’m sure this is very upsetting for all concerned. It appears your granddaughter is jealous of your dogs. She is still to young to realize the consequences of her actions so it will be up to you to protect your pets. Maybe, you should try putting the dogs in a separate area of the home while your granddaughter is visiting. Allow her supervised time with the pets and teach her to be gentle with them under your watchful eye. If she tries to abuse the dogs, tell her “NO” and remove her from them. When she is gentle with the dogs, praise her and give her a hug. You might also show her how being nice to the puppy makes his tail wag. Let her help feed the puppy and make her feel special. All under your close supervision of course.
Hope this helps:
Nikki, the Parenting Maven
How can I stop my 4-year-old granddaughter from abusing my dogs? Today, she pushed down the basement stairs my Jack Russell puppy who had just got home from being neutered. I watch her 50 plus hours a week and have done so since she was several months old. This has been a problem since she has been at least 1 1/2 years old. It’s the same EVERY DAY. For the sake of my dogs and for hers, I don’t feel I can tolerate her behavior anymore, but I have done everything I can to get her to stop.
I tell her parents about it, but they just say that she is also abusive to their cat and dog. Their reply is, “What do you want me to do about it?”
I am at my wits end. Help, please!