Although all dogs are great companions, there are certain dog breeds that connect well with children. Find out what are the best dogs for kids and why you should keep them close together.
The benefits of children growing up with pets are multiple. These four-legged darlings can give unconditional love, comfort, and support. Your kid will always have the best buddy to play with and talk to, without judgment. Caring for a pet from a younger age can teach you empathy, responsibility, and dedication. Studies have shown that pets can make children more sociable and increase their verbal skills. What’s even more fascinating is the fact that animals can have many health benefits for kids, including reduced stress and anxiety, and lowered blood pressure.
If you have decided to raise your kids in the company of a dog, take a look at some of the best dogs for kids in Australia and bring home a new member of the family.
The Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
Pug
Can you resist falling in love with a pug? These adorable pets love eating and sleeping the most. They’re the perfect family dogs to snuggle and watch movies with. Once your kid sees the pug’s cute eyes and smushed face, he/she will feel an endless love that will last forever. If you wish to add joyfulness and playfulness to your home, this is the ideal dog type for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, calm, and utterly lovable, the Cavalier King Charles will be a friendly addition to your family. This puppy breed is “notorious” for its undying love for children and its highly affectionate behavior. It adores petting and playing games so your kids will undoubtedly have a playful time. What’s more, your children will get plenty of exercise as this dog likes to sniff, explore and play outside every so often.
Bichon Frise
This dog breed is the most delightful ball of fluffiness on the list. Amiable, fun-loving and affectionate, you’ll want to shower it with kisses the minute you set your eyes on its cutesy face. The Bichon Frise is one the best dogs for kids as it’s highly vivacious, full of energy, and sensitive by nature. They’re loyal, need regular exercise, and make a fantastic playmate for your children.
French Bulldog
Although petite in size, they’re big at heart. What makes French bulldogs the best family dogs is their infinite affection towards kids, playful personality, and laid-back behavior. Their popularity is for understandable reasons: Frenchies are easy to groom, come in a handy size, and look exceedingly adorable. However, there are several health issues that you need to look out for, such as chronic eye, skin, digestive, and particularly, respiratory disorders.
The Best Medium Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
Beagle
Are they cute? Absolutely! Are they loving by nature? Undoubtedly! Are they one of the best dogs for kids? Yes, yes, and yes! Beagles are children-loving pets that need regular walks, lots of attention, and predetermined diet. Around these enthusiastic dogs, your kids will get plenty of exercise, and a daily dose of cheerfulness, and will always have someone to snuggle with. Sounds adorable, right?
Poodle
Only a small number of dogs can make such a friendly impression as the poodle. Once you get to know their affectionate nature, many talents, and high-spiritedness, they’ll become the absolute favourite among your children. Behind that impressive hairdo and regal elegance lies an adorable goofball that will bring positivity and joyfulness into your kids’ days. What’s more, they come in three different sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and multiple colours (apricot, black, and brown among others).
Labradoodle
What do you get when you cross a Lab and a poodle? A labradoodle! These smart, energetic, and family-friendly dogs can unselfishly infuse a sprinkle of cheerfulness and playfulness into your fun-loving home. The Labradoodle is a popular Australian dog breed that possesses many desirable characteristics: they’re social, hypoallergenic, and non-aggressive. Opening your heart and home will bring exuberance in both your kids’ and this dog’s life.
Vizsla
With an aristocratic background, the Vizsla is the pride of Hungary. They’re sleek, high-energy action dogs that’ll melt your heart with their sensitive, affectionate nature. As they’re highly vivacious dogs, having them around children will be a great form of mental and physical exercise for both sides. If you’re an adventurous family that likes to spend quality time outdoors, then a Vizsla may be the ideal choice for your on-the-go lifestyle.
The Best Large Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
Golden Retriever
Adorable? Check! Playful? Check! Cuddly? Triple check! The Golden Retriever will instantly win you over with its exuberance, delightfulness, and easy-going attitude. This cute dog breed requires lots of physical exercises and hours of playtime. If you’re looking for a joyful companion who radiates positive energy, then your family is about to get a little bigger. Undoubtedly, this child-friendly fur baby will form an inseparable connection with your kids and will become the most fun-loving member of the household.
Labrador Retriever
If their playfulness doesn’t win you over, then their sweet face will. The lovable Labrador Retriever is one of the best puppy breeds for a reason: they can keep your kids mentally and physically stimulated, and hold enough affection for the entire family. Labs are amiable, outgoing, and high-spirited companions that can bring cheerfulness into your home even on the dullest days. Keep in mind that they need regular exercise and can weight up to 80 pounds.
Collie
Want a livelier and happier home? A Collie can be the ideal dog breed for your family! If the movie Lassie has taught us something is that apart from being highly intelligent and friendly by nature, Collies are one of the most loyal dog breeds. What’s more, they absolutely adore kids and are not afraid to spend hours playing games or cuddling on the couch. Underneath that impressive, flowing coat lies an affectionate puppy that is always eager to put a smile on your face.
Boxer
Fun-loving and active, Boxers are loved by many Australian families. Their loyalty, affection, and intelligence make them stand out from the crowd, while their patience and protective nature make them one of the best dogs for kids. Courageous and alert, this type of family dog can protect your children fearlessly and keep them from harm. Once you look at those dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead, you’ll want to make them an inseparable part of your family.
What dog breed are your kids most fond of? What bundle of sunshine brings endless joy and delightfulness into your household? Tell us in the comments below!
Additional Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Door Types in Australia
