15 Best Dogs For Kids

When you’re thinking of expanding your family with a pet, there are many factors to consider — especially if you have children. Not every dog breed is well suited for life with little kids. However, there are many breeds that are great with kids, providing entertainment, exercise and companionship. Here are the 15 best dogs for families with kids.

1. Labrador Retriever

• Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the world and for a good reason.
• These playful and personable pups come in various colors including black, chocolate and yellow.
• They can live up to around 12 years.

Temperament

Labs are friendly dogs that love to play with children and are high spirited.

Energy Level

These dogs have high amounts of energy, which means it’s a plus when it comes to play time and outdoor activities.

Care Needs

Labrador Retrievers need consistent and regular exercise. A plus, however, is that they need only minimal grooming.

2. Golden Retriever

• As the name would suggest, the Golden Retriever comes in shades of golden.
• Like labs, Golden Retrievers are an extremely popular breed.
• They have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are gentle dogs. They are also extremely intelligent and quite trustworthy, perfect for children.

Energy Level

These dogs have a high energy level and they also enjoy active playtime and lots of exercise.

Care Needs

Golden Retrievers need regular grooming because they shed a lot. They also need a great deal of exercise and outdoor time.

3. Segugio Italiano

• The Segugio Italiano was bred to be a hunting type of dog.
• They come in a variety of colors.
• This breed has a lifespan of around 14 years.

Temperament

The Segugio Italiano is a calm, gentle, and reserved dog. This is especially important when you have children (and other pets).

Energy Level

These dogs have moderate amounts of energy.

Care Needs

You need to brush your Segugio Italiano several times a week and bathe them regularly.

4. Irish Setter

• The “Daredevil” of the Emerald Isle is a bold dog.
• Irish Setters come in a variety of colors
• This breed has an average lifespan of around 15 years.

Temperament

Irish Setters are energetic dogs. They also love to play and are extremely affectionate. What better dog for your children, right?.

Energy Level

Young children are full of energy and that’s a good thing you have an Irish Setter because they are also full of energy. These dogs love to run and play!

Care Needs

The Irish Setter is one dog that requires both regular exercise and regular grooming.

5. Beagle

• The Beagle was originally used as a scent hound.
• With a compact size and a friendly personality, they’re great with kids.
• Beagles usually live between 12 to 15 years.

Temperament

These amazing dogs are friendly, curious and usually in a happy mood.

Energy Level

Beagles are quite high energy dogs. This is a plus if you have small children because they’ll love to explore, play with them and go on long walks.

Care Needs

Beagles need regular exercise. When it comes to grooming, they only need moderate amounts.

4. Collie

• Collies come in various sizes and colors.
• This breed famously loves to be around children.
• They usually live around 12 to 15 years.

Temperament

Collies are extremely intelligent. They are also quite loyal and gentle, which is a big plus if you have small children.

Energy Level

Collies require a lot of exercise, which is great for active play and outdoor activities with the kids.

Care Needs

These dogs need lots of exercise. They also need consistent grooming.

5. Boxer

• Hailing from Germany, the Boxer is a medium to large dog.
• They’re a short-haired breed.
• Boxers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Temperament

Boxers are playful dogs. Your kids will have a great time playing with them, and they are also patient and loyal creatures.

Energy Level

Boxers’ energy level is high, which means they will love to exercise and play a lot.

Care Needs

The upside of having a Boxer is that they don’t need a lot of grooming. But be prepared to walk a lot because they need regular exercise.

6. Newfoundland

• The Newfoundland was bred as a working dog.
• Today, they are great pets to have around the house.
• They usually live between 8 to 10 years.

Temperament

Newfoundlands are gentle creatures. This is a great thing when you have children as they will be patient and protective.

Energy Level

Newfoundlands love playtime and they have a moderate amount of energy. If you are thinking of hitting the lake or beach on a hot, summer day, then this is the dog to have, as they love swimming.

Care Needs

Regular grooming is required for these dogs, but only moderate exercise is needed.

9. Boston Terrier

• Hailing from the United States, the Boston Terrier is nicknamed the “American Gentleman.”
• It is a non-sporting breed dog.
• Boston Terriers live between 13 and 15 years.

Temperament

Boston Terriers are friendly dogs. They will be lively with your children, and another big benefit is that they are very intelligent.

Energy Level

These dogs are great to take on short walks with your kids. They also love to play, which is a big plus if you have young children.

Care Needs

Boston Terriers require minimal grooming, however they need regular exercise.

10. Poodle

• The Poodle comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
• These popular dogs are faithful pets and can live up to 15 years.

Temperament

Both the Miniature and Standard Poodles are intelligent dogs. They are also quite friendly and very active.

Energy Level

Poodles are extremely energetic, which is a great thing if you have children with similar energy levels. Poodles also enjoy mental stimulation.

Care Needs

Poodles need regular grooming and exercise.

11. Australian Terrier

• The Australian Terrier is a small breed of the terrier type of dog.
• They come in a variety of colors including blue and tan, sand and red.
• Australian Terriers usually live up to 15 years.

Temperament

These dogs are loyal and spirited. They’re courageous but love to be companion dogs, which is perfect for children.

Energy Level

The Australian Terrier is a high energy dog, so they need a lot of exercise. This is perfect for those that have children that are also high energy.

Care Needs

You need to brush their coat at least once a week, and you should also ensure they get regular exercise everyday.

12. Chinook

• The Chinook is a breed of dog that was originally used as a sled dog.
• It is also the official dog for the state of New Hampshire.

Temperament

These dogs are intelligent and friendly, a plus if you have small children.

Energy Level

These dogs have extremely high amounts of energy, which means you’re going to have to exercise a lot with this dog.

Care Needs

The Chinook requires brushing and nail trimming at least once a week.

13. Bichon Frisé

• Hailing from France and Belgium, these feisty dogs are hypoallergenic.
• If you or your children are allergic to dogs, this is a great choice for your family.
• This breed has a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Temperament

Bichon Frisés are cheerful and playful with a compact size that’s perfect for small children.

Energy Level

Because these dogs enjoy playtime and social interaction, they are perfect pets for your kids.

Care Needs

The Bichon Frisé is a dog that requires grooming on a weekly basis, but only moderate amounts of exercise.

14. Spanish Mastiff

• Historically the Spanish Mastiff was a guard dog.
• They are now fantastic pets because they are instinctively protective.
• This breed comes in various colors.

Temperament

The Spanish Mastiff is an affectionate dog who is also intelligent. They are great dogs that provide a calming environment for your kids.

Energy Level

These dogs are on the lower energy level side of the spectrum, but they do need regular walks.

Care Needs

Make sure you brush these dogs twice a week. You should also have daily walks with them.

15. Japanese Spitz

• The Japanese Spitz is a small dog that usually has a white coat.
• These dogs are long-living dogs, with an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years.

Temperament

The Japanese Spitz is a playful and cheerful dog, perfect for children. They are also affectionate and obedient dogs.

Energy Level

This dog breed is quite energetic, which means they require mental stimulation and lots of exercise to fulfill their needs.

Care Needs

These dogs require grooming every few days to ensure there is no tangling. You should also walk them regularly.

Best Dog Breeds for Kids: The Bottom Line

When you are choosing a dog, find a breed that will be right for you and your family and fits your budget. Consider the factors listed above to make your decision. The most important thing is that you and your dog feel comfortable and happy living together. If you need to have your pet transported to you, use CitizenShipper to find a pet transportation professional!