Looking for a great dog companion for your kids? Here are 10 great breeds that our Corpus Christi vets recommend that you consider for your family.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
If you're looking for a canine companion for your children, it's critical to pick a breed that has characteristics that match your child's personality. Is your child looking for a pet to run around with in the yard or a companion to cuddle up with on the couch?
Be sure to take available space at home into consideration also. Do you have loads of space or is your home on the tiny side?
Our team at Everhart Animal Hospital wants you to find the best family dog for your kids, so here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1 - The Mutt
Your children's ideal canine companion may be waiting for you at the local animal shelter. Mixed-breed Mutts can make wonderful family pets! These dogs can be just as good with kids as purebred dogs, are less prone to genetic diseases, and are less expensive to maintain. If you're thinking about getting a mutt for your family, take your time visiting local animal shelters and be patient while looking for the right dog to fit in with your lifestyle. A doggie report card, which lays out all of the known personality quirks of the pooch you're interested in, is frequently available from shelter workers.2 - Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun weigh around 25 pounds or less and come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. This charming small dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children of all ages, happy to play with the kids and go for short walks.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The compact size of this lively but gentle breed, which ranges from 10 to 18 pounds, makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with both children and other dogs. This sweet-natured pooch is a great pet for kids of all ages and energy levels because they can be both playful and cuddly.4 - Labrador Retriever
With good reason, it's still one of the most popular family pets. The Labrador Retriever is a great dog for kids because it is gentle, loyal, and entertaining. Labs adore spending time with people of all kinds and will quickly become your child's best friend. However, it's critical to make sure labs get plenty of exercise, or else they'll get into mischief. The size of these dogs varies, but they usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
One of the best medium-sized dogs for family life is the Beagle. This medium-sized dog weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and enjoys spending time with its family, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are intelligent and loving dogs who can make excellent family pets if they receive adequate family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not suitable for families who are frequently out of the house.6 - Pug
These adorable little characters will delight your entire family! Pugs are content to simply eat and sleep. A Pug may be the right breed for your family if your children are small and low-energy, and you want a dog who will play with them indoors before curling up beside them to watch TV. With a weight of around 15 pounds, this is a breed that doesn't require much space and can be content with just a couple of short walks per day.7 - Newfoundland
Some of the best words to describe this fluffy giant are sweet, loyal, and patient. This adorable breed has a soft spot for children and is often referred to as a "nanny dog" because of its gentle patience with them. With weights ranging from 100 to 150 pounds, a Newfoundland will require a lot of room in your home. It's also worth noting that, like many giant breeds, Newfoundlands have a short life expectancy of only 8 to 10 years, whereas many small to medium dogs can live 15 to 20 years or even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
The loyal Golden Retriever is affectionate, good with children, and playful with other dogs, making it an excellent dog for families with children of all ages. This breed is as lovely to cuddle as it is to play with, thanks to its dense, lustrous gold coat. Goldens are typically easy-to-train family dogs that are eager to please. They approach life with a joyful and playful attitude, and they maintain their youthful spirit well into adulthood. The average weight of this breed is 60 to 80 pounds, and it sheds moderately.
9 - The Standard Poodle
The standard poodle is an active, proud, and intelligent dog that can make a wonderful family pet. While known for their distinctive hairstyles, standard poodles shed little and, with some regular grooming, can look handsome whether they are clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are lively, fun-loving family dogs with a silly sense of humor who are typically easy to train. These dogs weigh around 45 - 60 lbs and live 10 - 14 years on average.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
Your children will adore this sweet-natured fluffy breed if your family is looking for a large dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh 70-100 pounds and, despite their size, are known for being gentle with children. One word of caution: these big, beautiful dogs shed a lot.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.