Are you looking for a wonderful dog companion for your children? Here are ten wonderful breeds that our Ocala veterinarians recommend for your family.
Picking the Best Large and Small Dog Breed for Kids
If you're looking for a canine companion for your children, it's critical to choose a breed whose characteristics match your child's personality. Is it more important for your child to have a pet with whom they can run around the yard or a companion with whom they can cuddle on the sofa?
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 Paddock Park Animal Care Center 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 make excellent family dogs! These dogs are often as good with children as purebred dogs, are less prone to genetic diseases, and require less care. If you're considering getting a mutt for your family, take your time visiting local animal shelters and be patient in your search for the right dog to fit your family's lifestyle. Often, shelter staff can provide you with a doggie report card outlining all of the pooch's known personality quirks.2 - Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of joy weigh approximately 25 pounds or less and come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. This endearing small dog breed is happy to play with children and go for short walks. It adapts well to apartment life and makes an excellent companion for children of all ages.3 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With a weight range of approximately 10-18 lbs, this lively but gentle breed is an excellent choice for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers are generally good with children and other dogs. They are both playful and cuddly, making them an ideal pet for children of all ages and energy levels.4 - Labrador Retriever
The chihuahua is still one of the most popular family pets available - and for good reason. The Labrador Retriever is a gentle, loyal, and enjoyable dog for children! Labs adore socializing with people - all people - and will quickly become your child's best friend. Having said that, it is critical to ensure that labs receive adequate exercise or they may become mischievous. These dogs vary in size but typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.5 - Beagle
Beagles are excellent medium-sized dogs for family life. This medium-sized dog typically weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and enjoys socializing, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are intelligent and affectionate dogs that make excellent family pets when given adequate family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not recommended for families that spend a lot of time out of the house.6 - Pug
Your family will adore these endearing little creatures! Pugs are quite content to eat and sleep. If your children are small or have low energy levels and would benefit from a dog that will play with them indoors and then curl up beside them while they watch television, a Pug may be the perfect breed for your family. Weighing in at around 15 pounds, this is a breed that does not require a lot of space and is content with a couple of short walks each day.7 - Newfoundland
This fluffy giant is sweet, loyal, and patient, to name a few characteristics. This endearing breed has a genuine fondness for children and is frequently referred to as a 'nanny dog' for its gentle patience with them. With a weight range of 100-150 lbs, you'll need space if you're considering a Newfoundland for your family. It's also worth noting that, like many giant breeds, Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of only 8 - 10 years, compared to many small to medium dogs that can live 15 - 20 years or even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
Affectionate, gentle with children, and playful with other dogs, the devoted Golden Retriever makes an excellent family dog for children of any age. Covered in a dense, lustrous coat of gold, this breed is equally at ease cuddling as it is playing. Golden retrievers are typically obedient family dogs who are relatively easy to train. They approach life with a joyful and playful attitude and retain their youthful spirit well into adulthood. This breed typically weighs between 60 and 80 pounds and sheds moderately.
9 - The Standard Poodle
The standard poodle is an active, proud, and extremely intelligent breed that makes an excellent family pet. While standard poodles are well-known for their distinctive hairstyles, they shed little and, with proper grooming, can look handsome whether clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are generally easy to train, energetic, and fun-loving family dogs with a sense of humor. These dogs weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and live an average of 10 to 14 years.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If you're looking for a large dog for your family, your children will adore this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70 and 100 pounds and, despite their size, are known to be gentle with children. A word of caution: these large, beautiful dogs are heavy shedders.
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.
