Ideal dogs for children: which ones and why choose them
Ideal dogs for children: which ones and why choose them
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 5, 2023
Often the choice of a dog is simply dictated by personal taste: there are those who love large dogs and those who prefer purse-sized ones, some want a dog that looks intimidating, and others seek the gentlest one possible.
Unfortunately, buying a dog just because we like its appearance, without evaluating its character traits and needs, often turns out to be a bad idea.
There are Herding dogs living in 376 square feet, Weimaraners left alone for days, Shepherd dogs that never leave the house, and sled dogs living in the desert.
Dogs' needs are often neglected, but the biggest problem arises when a pet is adopted without considering what possibilities, needs, and characteristics the family has.
And among the many considerations to make, there's a very important one: when we talk about a family made up of adults and children, how should we choose among the various breeds we like?
But what are the ideal dogs for children, and how to choose them? Or is it just a matter of individual character and not specifically the breed?
How to choose the ideal dogs for children?
Let's start by saying that actually no breed can be simply classified as good or bad, or suitable or unsuitable for living with children.
Every dog breed has common characteristics, but each dog has its own well-defined personality.
And personality is also shaped by personal experiences, traumas suffered, education received, and the level of socialization achieved.
Obviously, we cannot discuss the characteristics that make each dog unique, but as for those that define a particular breed, we can compile a small guide that can help you make the best choice.
The list that follows is not in any particular order, and it concerns not only the dog's temperament but also size and other key factors.
What are the characteristics of the ideal dogs for children?
The ideal dog for children has the following characteristics:
Patient
Well-balanced
Cheerful
Sociable even with strangers
Easily trainable
Non-aggressive
Without a strong predatory instinct
Not shy
And to learn how to manage the coexistence between dogs and children, read here!
What are the most suitable dogs for families?
1) Small breed dogs for children
Poodle
Among small dog breeds, the Poodle is definitely one of the most highly regarded for family life.
Not only is it naturally sweet and never aggressive, but it also loves human company, of all ages.
It becomes very attached to children, whom it sees as playmates but at the same time protects and cares for with love.
Poodles have another feature that makes them ideal for even the youngest children: they are hypoallergenic breeds and do not shed hair.
Bichon Frise
If happiness were a dog, it would definitely be a Bichon Frise! In their case, individual personality hardly matters because these dogs are born to be happy.
And they truly love everyone, without exception: no matter who the lucky person they meet is, these delightful little dogs exude joy from every pore and endlessly celebrate anyone they encounter.
With children, it's love at first sight: when they see one, they almost start dancing, and they do everything to impress them with games and jumps.
And speaking of games, they are truly tireless. They have a great deal of patience even with the little ones. And to top it off… no sneezing, they are hypoallergenic dogs.
Maltese
Like the Poodle and Bichon Frise, the Maltese is also a low-maintenance dog: it does not shed and is hypoallergenic.
While this breed is very loved by older people, due to its small size and low maintenance, it's important to remember that Maltese dogs are also excellent with children.
They are playful by nature, have an endless need to be with the family, and love spending time with the little ones.
Some are really tiny, so often it's the children who need to be careful around the dogs.
But if you're looking for a new family member to keep your kids occupied while you rest, this is the breed for you.
Cavalier King
This dog is extraordinarily sweet. It's almost a plush toy, in the Cavalier King there is not a single iota of aggression in this breed.
The same cuddles it loves to receive, it also loves to give, and it finds in children the ideal playmates to fall in love with.
It is often used for Pet Therapy, as it is really accommodating and peaceful, never getting impatient.
And it doesn't need much physical activity; it's happy simply being with those it loves, and being the playmate of its little owners.
Miniature Schnauzer
This adorable little furball might sometimes seem a bit aloof, but it's all because of the mustache, which gives it a grumpy appearance.
In reality, the Miniature Schnauzer is a bundle of joy and energy, always on the move and always running.
And who better than children to fulfill its desire to be engaged in continuous play?
It adores the family and protects the little ones with great love and a lot of attention. And it really has a lot of patience.
2) Medium-sized dogs for children
Beagle
The Beagle has become famous for two particular traits: its insatiable appetite and its booming voice.
While the former may not be very useful, the latter is indeed handy for making sure it can sound the alarm when necessary.
This dog is an excellent watchdog and loves children with all its heart. It's sweet, affectionate, and always cheerful.
It loves to play and never gets tired. With lots of patience and a high level of energy, it can be the perfect tireless companion for any child.
Border Collie
In addition to earning the title of the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie is also one of the best babysitters around.
As a herding dog, born to take care of the flock, it extends the same love and perseverance to children.
It never loses sight of them, paying attention to where they go and what they do. It's never nervous and tolerates anything.
It's also very easy to train and obeys commands from even the youngest members of the family. It has great tolerance and is very affectionate.
Collie (Scottish Sheepdog)
Like the Border Collie, the Collie is a herding dog breed with all the right characteristics to become the perfect nanny.
A dog capable of keeping hundreds of sheep together without losing even one will certainly not be scared off by a couple of children.
Its job is to guard, protect, and ensure that there are no accidents along the way, and that's why it never gets distracted, not even for a minute.
Sometimes it may seem serious, but it's just very focused: it knows how delicate its task is, and it never wants to disappoint you.
English Bulldog
It may always look a bit grumpy and often rather sleepy, but don't be fooled by its appearance and reputation as the epitome of laziness.
The English Bulldog is a vigilant guardian when it comes to the little ones in the house, and it has a very calm demeanor.
It's always peaceful, friendly, and affectionate, and has extraordinary patience, even when children definitely don't respect its personal space.
Sure, it might sneak in a nap if things are calm, but we have to forgive it for that; after all, it's famous for being a great sleeper!
3) Large breed dogs for children
Golden Retriever
Among large dog breeds, the Golden Retriever is definitely one of the most appreciated by families with children.
This dog is cheerful, very kind, and extremely patient. It is easily trainable and responds to commands with great respect.
With children, it is truly fabulous: patient, always available, calm, and gentle, yet vigilant in avoiding dangers.
It's also a good swimmer and can be trained for water rescue. It is also widely used in Pet Therapy.
Labrador Retriever
Another must-have for families with children is the Labrador Retriever! Always cheerful, it's a playful dog by nature.
When it comes to entertaining children, this dog is truly tireless and has boundless energy.
A bit of caution is needed with very small children because it's a rather heavy dog and sometimes a bit clumsy and awkward, but it's never aggressive.
Like the Golden Retriever, it loves water and can swim for long distances, and it will keep an eye on the little ones even while they're swimming.
German Boxer
The German Boxer is an excellent guard dog, a characteristic that can be very useful when it comes to looking after the little ones at home.
This dog is truly sweet, very affectionate, and extremely patient. Children can do anything to it, and it will let them without getting annoyed.
It is easily trainable and knows how to be very gentle and balanced when performing its role as a nanny in the family.
Again, caution is advised with very small children because it is a rather large animal with a high level of energy.
Hungarian Vizsla (Vizsla)
The Hungarian Vizsla is not very widespread in Italy, and it's certainly not known as one of the ideal breeds for families.
But this dog, besides being an excellent hunter, is also a babysitter full of talent: it adores children and takes care of them with great attention.
Unlike many hunting dog breeds, which become attached exclusively to their owner, the Vizsla loves all family members very much.
Children are its favorites, and it can play with them until they're worn out. It's easy to train, and surprisingly, it's also one of the breeds most used for Pet Therapy.
Author's Note
This list could have been much longer, because there are many dogs that are good with children, but we didn't include them for some very specific reasons:
Very large dogs, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland, have a very accommodating nature, but are really very heavy and therefore not suitable for very small children.
The German Shepherd is a very attentive babysitter, but it's also very protective: all ok with family children, but what about when friends come over?
Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and similar breeds: we see them in videos playing with kids, and they are really affectionate and sweet dogs if well socialized, but like the German Shepherd, they are very protective and therefore a risk with children they don't know.
But as mentioned at the beginning of the article, every dog is different and special. If your Doberman is the best babysitter you've ever known and it's not on the list... congratulations, it means you've done a great job!
We know, there are so many dogs you might like, and choosing can be difficult. But we've gathered a lot of useful information and will help you choose the best.
