5 Dog Breeds Perfect for Your Young Family
May 23, 2019 | by Kevin Gardner
Bringing a pet into the home can be both exciting and stressful. There's a lot to gather and prepare, and oh so much research to do. When you have small children in the home, things can seem even more daunting. It's important to pick a breed that is well known for doing well with children of all ages. This is especially true if you have young children who don't yet know how to properly give a dog space.
Some breeds are better than others when it comes to children. Whether the breed is naturally calm or simply too small to knock a little tyke over, all five of these breeds have a distinct advantage that would make them a great choice for a young family.
Beagle
The Beagle is friendly, curious, and merry. His excellent temperament and relatively small size of 20-30 pounds make him a great choice to add to a family with young children. Often curious due to being bred for hunting, these lively but easy-going dogs can provide hours of entertainment for your little ones. With a short coat and smooth disposition, the beagle is easy to care for and groom. Plus, who can resist those big hazel eyes and adorable floppy ears? You won't be able to, and neither will the kids.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, more commonly referred to by their shortened title of lab, is friendly, active, and outgoing. One of the most popular dog breeds out there for good reason, the lab is great in a home with slightly older children. Exercise needs are quite high, but they train easily due to high intelligence levels and a strong desire to please their family. The lab will need some care when it comes to its coat, but not as much as a true long-haired breed. Consider it the perfect way to teach your children responsibility.
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo, a cross between the Maltese and Poodle, is an affectionate little dog that's great for kids of all ages. With long shaggy fur and a short body, these guys are cute. Maltipoo puppies are common gifts for big holidays and birthdays, particularly for children. They may not train as easy as a lab, but their cuteness and easy portability help make up for their shortcomings. Small enough for even a small child to take for a walk, these are another dog to consider.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is sweet, patient, and devoted. Commonly known as nanny dogs, these pups are good with children of all ages, from newborns right on up through the teen years. Despite their massive size, this breed of dog is very gentle and slow, a great companion even around rambunctious little ones. Though they may seem daunting due to their large size and shaggy coats of hair, their sweet temperament and easy trainability will win you over the second you lay eyes on one.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is friendly, intelligent, and devoted. Like the lab, this breed of dog is well-known and well-loved. They too are incredibly intelligent and enjoy learning cool tricks your kids will delight in teaching them. Known as a working breed of dog, this pooch enjoys hard exercise and using their brain as often as they possibly can. Whether they participate in agility or obedience competitions or simply chase the kids around the yard, they're happiest in a family setting where they can receive all the love and attention they so crave.
Bringing a dog into the home can seem downright scary, but don't worry. Once you get the little pooch home and learn how much he or she enhances your life, you won't believe you were afraid of the little thing. You and your children will both benefit from this new life, and it will benefit from the love you pour into it.
