15 best dog breeds for kids

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Almost every kid asks his parents to get a dog. He dreams of playing and walking with his beloved pet. If you do decide to purchase a four-legged family member, you need to take seriously the choice of the breed of animal. We've selected 15 of the best dogs that will get along with a small child. Find out from our rating what their strengths and weaknesses are.

How to choose a dog for a child

Children who live with dogs are less sick. They become more caring and more responsible. The four-legged dog will become a friend and protector for the baby. Before adopting a dog, weigh the pros and cons, discuss the idea with other family members, and keep the following points in mind:

1. The main criterion for choosing a pet is patience and friendliness. Aggressive breeds have no place next to the younger generation.
2. It is risky to buy both miniature animals and massive dogs. A small child can accidentally injure a small pet, and a grown giant with one movement of its tail will knock down the young owner. Also consider the number of square meters in the house. Some breeds are suitable exclusively for suburban dwellings.
3. Dog handlers believe that bitches have a softer and gentle character. However, much depends on the upbringing of the pet, its origin and the attitude of the owners.
4. If the child is allergic, you need to make sure that the dog's hair does not cause him a negative reaction.
5. Choosing between purebred and ordinary street dogs, it is difficult to say which one will become a real protector for a little man. Internal qualities are fixed in dogs at the genetic level. But there are certain breeds that are more suitable than others for keeping in a house with children. We will tell about them in our rating.

Rating of the best dogs for children

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids	1	Pug	4.9
	2	Welsh corgi	4.8
	3	Bichon Frize	4.7
Best Medium Dog Breeds for Kids	1	Poodle	4.9
	2	Beagle	4.8
	3	Cavalier king charles spaniel	4.7
	4	Labrador retriever	4.7
	5	English bulldog	4.7
	6	Collie	4.6
	7	Bull terrier	4.5
	8	Hungarian vizsla	4.5
	9	English Pointer	4.5
The best large dog breeds for kids	1	Newfoundland	4.9
	2	Giant Schnauzer	4.8
	3	Irish Setter	4.7

Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids

Please note that a person's petty friends have not only a fragile body structure, but also a difficult disposition. They are prone to mild excitability. When choosing these puppies, do not expect them to be easier to care for.

Pug

Rating: 4.9

The first in the ranking was a small breed that gets along well with children. Pugs are playful and kind. They do not need long walks, they like quiet entertainment. Representatives of this breed do not mind lying on the couch with a child, and sometimes playing with a ball. The pug often snorts, snores and makes various sounds. He will not bark or howl just like that. The maximum height of the dog reaches 30-32 cm. Therefore, the pet is perfect even for a small apartment.

A boy or girl can take care of the animal on their own: wipe the folds and comb the coat. During the walk, the dog will walk alongside. A child under 3 years old should not give such a puppy. He has very protruding eyes, which can be damaged by the baby.

Welsh corgi

Rating: 4.8

This shepherd dog is able to make friends with children of any age category. Corgi take care of babies and treat them carefully. The dog does not take up much space even in a small apartment. The owners note the balanced and benevolent nature of the pet, which does not aggression towards the household. They are happy to play outdoor games.

Children are not afraid of such dogs, and those around them want to get to know them better. Representatives of the English breed will not compulsively pester the owner, if he is busy with something, harass the neighbors with constant barking and cross into a closed door. It is worth considering that corgi often overeat. Therefore, moderation is important in this matter. The breed sheds heavily during the change of seasons.

Bichon Frize

Rating: 4.7

One of the cutest participants in the rating is the Bichon Frize breed. They really like to spend time with children, but they themselves ask for a lot of love and care. The animal adapts well to the new environment and prefers indoor games to outdoor ones. This is the best option for a small apartment. Bichon Frize does not show anger and gets along well with other pets. Dog owners and others are delighted with the beauty and charm of the breed. In addition, the four-legged fur is not subject to seasonal molting, it does not cause allergies.

The only negative is the difficult and responsible caring for a four-legged friend. The dog is prone to various diseases. It should be bathed and combed regularly. You will have to constantly process your eyes and trim your claws, brush your teeth and wipe your ears. If you are ready to have another child, then the Bichon Frize is the right choice.

Best Medium Dog Breeds for Kids

The best option for a family with a child would be a medium-sized dog. The kid will not be able to harm her, and the dog, in turn, will not crush him with his weight.

Poodle

Rating: 4.9

These cute, curly-haired creatures are very intelligent and playful. Even a schoolboy will be able to teach the breed to commands. Poodles love to walk with the owner for a long time, play with him in nature and in the house. The dog has a certain sense of humor and can perform funny tricks, causing wild delight in children and adults. Poodles are usually chosen by allergy sufferers, because they shed little.

The owners note the animal's constant need for care and good accommodation. The poodle quickly gets used to having a new baby in the house. He treats him kindly and is able to guard, using his teeth. There are many known cases in which these animals were exposed to serious danger in order to protect their owner, for example, from an aggressive person or another dog.

Beagle

Rating: 4.8

The next participant in the rating will get along well with the child. The Beagle is an active breed that will make the baby an ideal company and will be able to spend all day with him. This is an energetic and playful dog that easily gets close to any member of the family. They speak of her as an affectionate and calm pet.

Beagle owners say that when walking, their pet is often distracted by different smells and can get lost without a leash. It is worth considering that the dog barks loudly. Due to its compactness, it can be kept in a small apartment. It is important to give your pet a lot of physical activity, more time to walk in the fresh air. The short coat of the breed does not require any special care. It is only necessary to periodically clean the long ears of the dog.

Cavalier king charles spaniel

Rating: 4.7

Like other participants in the rating, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is distinguished by a docile character, activity and friendliness. The dog is able to adapt to the rhythm of human life. She is very outgoing and loves to be in the spotlight. The spaniel is unpretentious in keeping and picky in food.

The child will be able to train him on his own. The pet is ready to lend a paw of friendship to everyone. He allows children literally everything, forgiving any pranks. Often the animal becomes a pillow or toy for the baby. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will happily lie on the couch with the baby and swim in the river. He will bring a stick, run and jump, as long as the loved one is nearby.

Labrador retriever

Rating: 4.7

One of the most common family breeds is the Labrador Retriever. He is chosen for his calm character and friendly attitude towards children. They are intelligent and easily trained dogs that are patient even with a very moody toddler. They love to play with people and love water. This is a great option for a family with no children under the age of five.

The only drawback of the breed is its strong molt. The owners say that a lot depends on the upbringing, age and character of the dog. It is difficult to say how much she will get along with your child. It is advised not to abuse the loyalty of the Labrador, not to let the child hurt the pet, and also to take a retriever that has already been taught to some commands.

English bulldog

Rating: 4.7

The English Bulldog has a peaceful disposition. The dog knows how to control behavior, so all household members get along well with this breed. The pet can spend hours fiddling with the baby, playing games. Children love to take care of the bulldog, walk with him and feed him. The owners of the animal say that their pet plays with the kids with a ball and hide and seek, rolls down a slide.

The English Bulldog snores while sleeping. On walks, he does not run away. He allows kids everything – to squeeze, to pull by the ears. The main thing is to make sure of the good origin of the breed. Otherwise, there is a risk of buying a dog with an unhealthy psyche and poor health. In their upbringing, it is important to be patient and consistent.

Collie

Rating: 4.6

Collie often becomes the leader of all kinds of popular ratings. This breed is distinguished by its dedication and quick wits. The dog lends itself well to training and is good friends with both young children and adolescents. She is active and hardy, suspicious of strangers. The pet trains easily in an apartment.

The biggest drawback of the breed is the need for careful grooming. Today collies successfully live with their owners in apartments, but the best place for them is a private house. This is a great option for those who have never had a dog before.

Bull terrier

Rating: 4.5

The character of the bull terrier is very cheerful. He quickly becomes attached to children. This breed is suitable for families with babies. The Bull Terrier has a high pain threshold and usually does not respond to baby jerking. But it is necessary to forbid children to pinch or jerk the animal, harm it or offend it in any other way.

It is a lively, energetic and active dog. She needs regular training, she needs a lot of energy. The relationship between the dog and the younger generation will depend on how the animal is raised. We need to make it clear that a child is also an important member of the family. And this should not be done with kicks. It is better to seek help from specialists.

Hungarian vizsla

Rating: 4.5

The next breed is not as well known as the rest of the rankings, but it is ideal for families with children. This is an elegant monochromatic dog that has no pronounced negative qualities. She has Hungarian roots. Vyzhla has a gentle and loyal temperament. She is smart and obedient, easy to train.

The dog does not tolerate loneliness and is strongly attached to the owner. If ignored, she will start to spoil furniture and shoes. During the molting period, it must be combed out every day. Pointing Vizsla is friendly to children, but a dog is capable of pushing a little boy or girl hard if he plays.

English Pointer

Rating: 4.5

Next in the ranking is one of the most popular family breeds that loves children and plays with them funny. In the apartment, the pet behaves calmly, but on the street it runs and jumps. The English Pointer is chosen for its quiet and calm temperament, loyalty and devotion. He takes root well with cats, if the latter do not try to dominate.

Caring for a dog's coat is easy. It is advised to comb it weekly with a special mitten. The English Pointer is prone to allergies, and his ears should always be clean. It is worth considering that a dog cannot live without hunting. Therefore, you should not start him exclusively as a friend for a child. This is the choice for someone who picks up a gun every season.

The best large dog breeds for kids

Four-legged pets grow faster than children. Please note that a small puppy will soon reach a large size. Sometimes you shouldn't choose giant dogs, even if they are very friendly.

Newfoundland

Rating: 4.9

This breed is famous for its readiness to always and everywhere protect children, take care of them. Newfoundland is a calm, patient and diligent dog that will become a real favorite of children and adults. The breed is quite large. If such a pet starts to play with a small child, he can scratch him, jump from above.

Note that the disadvantage of Newfoundland is the excessive salivation. This animal needs a lot of food, it should not be kept in an aviary. Therefore, before starting a Newfoundland, think about whether you can find time to care, train your dog, whether you have enough space to keep your pet.

Giant Schnauzer

Rating: 4.8

This breed came to us from Germany and Bavaria. Previously, it was used for grazing livestock. The dog is distinguished by thick coat, black color and strong paws. Her character contains such qualities as courage, devotion, cunning. The Giant Schnauzer is used for protection. He treats children well. His demeanor is calm and balanced. Sometimes the dog plays with the children.

It is worth considering that from time to time she needs privacy. She will not like the constant cry of several children. If the child wins the heart of the dog, she will be ready to give her life for him. Moreover, the Giant Schnauzer does not necessarily love the one who cares for him.

Irish Setter

Rating: 4.7

The last member of the rating is suitable for active people who live in a large country house. You have to walk a lot with this dog. Due to its sociability, the breed gets along well with toddlers and older children. The Irish Setter takes part in all kinds of games, chases a stick. It is a good walking companion. Parents can safely leave a pet with a small child, because he never shows aggression.

If you train the dog correctly, he will follow the commands of even the smallest children. As a guard, he is not suitable, as he treats others calmly. If guests come to the house, then there is no need to lock the setter in another room. He does not interfere and behaves in a balanced manner. Wherever the owner goes, the dog will go and follow him. Setters are taken with them on hikes and trips, shopping and jogging.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.