10 Best Dog Breeds For Kids (Article)

Your kid is probably insisting on a dog or you may want to buy him a companion. But we understand your concern; Out of numerous types of dogs, which dog breeds are best for your kids? But before that, allow us to tell you the facts that are often overlooked. 

Do you know what are the potential physical and mental health benefits of having pets? If you are a parent, you must be concerned with the well-being of your kids. You have probably started to realize the devastating consequences of handing over gadgets to your children. 

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The following are some benefits that pets can have on your child's health.

1. Encourage being social - If you want your kid to be social, then there is no other better way of doing this except owning a pet. Dogs, due to their innate qualities, encourage you to take him outside the home. Studies also show that due to this nature of dogs, people and kids become social and start to make new connections in the community, which was very hard otherwise. 
2. Sense of responsibility - When you buy a dog, you teach your child to take care of his/her pet. This thing increases the burden owning skill in the child.  
3. Feeling of friendship - If your child is not very social. Or on the other hand, if your child excessively uses the devices, then there are several negative consequences that your child will go through, including cognitive and mental disorders. So, you may find it challenging to keep your child busy in productive activities and to make new friends. At least what you can do is start by buying him a pet. It will serve as a better and productive alternative to smartphones or tabs. It will boost the sense of friendship in your kid.  
4. A right way of exercise - When you take your pet out of your home and go for a walk, it will make you walk too. And also he might want you to play games. So, it allows your child to become active. 
5. Relaxation - Competition of studies is very high these days, and teachers and parents mostly want good grades from the child. This thing makes him stressed, and dogs can play a most crucial role in overcoming this issue. The playful activities and the loyalty that dog shows will make your kid stress free and can also aid in performing better in studies. 
6. Effective in health problems - Dogs, due to their friendly behaviour, are a good source of entertainment and a reason to keep different health issues in control. Research suggests that people who have dogs tend to have a controlled heart rate and, thus, hypertension. In addition to that, there are also mental health benefits of owning a dog. Dogs also help to cope with depression.  

Qualities to be considered while choosing the best dog breed 

 

1. Nature - it can be regarded as the habits and traits of the dog. You have to be objective while selecting a dog of a particular kind. The nature of your kid and dog must match; otherwise, the relationship won't last much longer. 
2. Size - The size of the dog may have a psychological influence. It depends upon the choice of your child with which he feels comfortable. 
3. Dynamics - Dynamics means the energy level of the dog. Analyze the energy level of the dog and your child and see if they match. For example, if the dog is very energetic, but your child is not up to that mark. This mismatch will not satisfy the dog's innate abilities and will create physical problems for the dog in the future. 

Initial meeting to decide the best dog breed for your family

There can be two essential points that help to decide which dog to choose from. The first and the obvious one is to understand the intentions of your kid, which dog he likes the most.
Furthermore, you might want to understand dog psychology i.e. look at the body language of the dog when you are interacting with it for the very first time. The body language of dogs gives signals about their feelings. So it would be better if you have a proper understanding of what a dog is signaling. Some visible signs to assess good dog behavior is as follows:

● Shaking tail
● A calm face without wrinkles
● Eyes in a relaxed position
● Feet in a natural posture 
● Floppy ears that stand straight 

If any of these things are otherwise, there might be a problem; the dog is not feeling pleasant meeting you, so you better skip that one and move on to the next. 

Essential factors while choosing the best dog breed 

In addition to the details as mentioned earlier, there may still be some questions that you might want to ask from yourself based on the habits of the dog that you are owning. 

1. Is the dog capable of socializing with other pets? There might be other pets in your house. Try to know about this thing in the first place. 
2. Which age range will you prefer? It entirely depends upon you and your child. Generally, young puppies are far more energetic and open to everyone as compared to their elder versions. Old ones are shy and take some time to be frank with other members inside the family. 
3. Does the dog need extra care? This question has to do with the appearance and physical characteristics of the dog. If he has long hair, then he would require frequent grooming to keep their hair clean. There are some sophisticated dogs too that demand regular veterinary check-ups.  
4. Is everyone in the family safe from the dog? Some dogs have no problem adjusting with all the family members. But some dogs are age and even gender-sensitive.  

Top 10 Child-friendly dog breeds 

1. Golden Retriever

This breed is known for its gentle behaviour, neither too active nor too lazy. It is a very enthusiastic type of kind and lives each day to its fullest. It has a versatile, intelligent, and a compromising personality trait. 

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    PROS

● Can fit with other pets 

● Bark very rarely when needed 

● Loves to be a part of the family

    CONS

● Need intense exercise daily (40 to 60 minutes). Otherwise, they get overweight

● Vulnerable to certain diseases 

● Cannot live alone for an extended part of the day 

2. English Bulldog 

This breed is famous for its exceptional features, especially the face. There are thick wrinkles and folds of skin. Eyes are broad as compared to other races. 

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    PROS 

● Attention graspers due to unique aesthetics 

● Excellent bodyguards 

● Best small dog for kids 

    CONS 

● Become mature late 

● Can suffer from heart diseases 

● Hygienic issues

3. Beagle 

It is a small-sized dog. It has a fresh and calm temperament, which makes this breed ideal for the family. It loves to play outdoors. As a parent, if you have issues with some habits of your child, he is not communicative, then here is the perfect fit for him. Just buy him this breed, and it will take good care of your child. 

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    PROS

● Extremely playful character 

● Can adjust with other pets 

● Funny and cute 

    CONS 

● They bark out loud 

● Hair shedding 

● Eat more food 

4. Labrador Retriever 

It is also referred to as Labs in the short form. it is available in three colours: 1) Chocolate 2) Black 3) Yellow. They are known for their patient behaviour. If you plan to own this breed, then be ready to give this breed plenty amount of time as it loves physical activities. 

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    PROS

● Unbelievably patient 

● Healthy Breed 

● Easy to train 

    CONS  

● Remain active for only a few years 

● Shedding problem 

5. Poodle 

Poodles are very gentle and loyal; they can be the best fit for your child. They rarely get annoyed. Moreover, if your child is style loving, this dog can be the best option as it has a unique haircut, which makes it distinct from other breeds. They are shy with strangers, which is again good for your kid as it will focus only on your kid. 

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    PROS

● Perceptive to owner's mood 

● Easy to train

● Very expressive: Makes sounds to tell the mood  

● The best dog for a scared child 

    CONS 

● Requires frequent grooming 

● Requires exercise daily 

6. Vizsla

If your child is energetic enough and there is no such kid in your community of the same energy level, then this dog is the best choice. This breed attaches itself to the family very soon; it can learn new tips and tricks. 

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    PROS

● Polite with other animals 

● Very energetic 

● Eager to have training

    CONS 

● Daily exercise needed 

● Can suffer from loneliness anxiety when kept alone for too long

7. Border collie 

If your child does not show social involvement and you wish to improve him, then this breed will be useful. It needs an owner who can spend time outdoors and can do playful tasks. They have no difficulty in making new people friends. 

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    PROS 

● They are protective; they can act as guard dogs

● Very obedient 

    CONS

● Reacts when no attention is given to them 

● Can escape from home 

8. Brussels Griffon 

This breed is one of the small dog classes that can be psychologically connecting to your child's needs. Moreover, if your child is somewhat introverted, this might be the best option because this breed does not compels you to bring it out of your house. Instead, indoor activities are enough for it to remain in shape. 

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    PROS 

● Can act as the best Watchdog 

● Loves to adjust with other pets 

● Its natural face structure gives a feeling of human-like emotions 

● No shedding 

    CONS 

● May suffer from health problems 

● Expensive 

9. Pug

Your child is not very energetic; he does not have any companion too. So, this breed can be the best choice. It is of small size that can prove as a good connection between both of them. This dog always needs companionship. So, you may stop worrying about which breed to choose and pick this one straightaway. 

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    PROS

● Easy to train and teach the necessary skills 

● It loves family 

● Moderate exercise needed 

    CONS 

● Cannot live alone 

● Temperature swings intolerant 

● If you want your home clean, then this might not be a good option because hair shedding is a problem with this breed. 

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Don't want much demanding but still a pleasing and affectionate dog; consider this one. This dog can be satisfied by playing with it indoors. It has a lighter temperament and but still loves to interact with all members inside the family. 

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    PROS 

● Good lap breed 

● Child-friendly dog breed

● Quiet nature 

    CONS

● Regular grooming 

● Health problems 

Takeaway

There are hundreds of breeds present at this time. But which breed to choose, depends entirely upon the interest of your child. Before buying the dog, conduct a thorough investigation if that dog will be able to fit with your family. Moreover, owning a dog is somehow a responsibility, so you must tell your kid about this beforehand.