Adopting a dog is a very big decision. There are so many different things to consider. One of the most important choices you need to make is what type of dog will blend best into your family.
If you have children, you need to understand that all dog breeds are not created equal. Some breeds may adapt well to children, while others will likely need to reside in an “older” household. Certain breeds have even been known to be aggressive around little ones, so it is necessary to put some thought and deliberation into which breed you will choose.
Read on to learn about ten dog breeds that are friendly, energetic, and perfect for families with children.
1 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, also known as a “Lab” for short, is a medium to large dog breed. They are often referred to by the colour of their coat – as a Chocolate Lab, a Yellow Lab, or a Black Lab. Their average life expectancy is between ten to twelve years. Once fully grown, a Lab will weigh approximately 55 to 75 pounds on average.
The Complete Labrador Handbook: The Essential Guide for New & Prospective Labrador Owners.
Labs are very laid-back and easy-going. They are known to be perfect for children and are one of the most popular dog breeds! They typically have low levels of aggression and don’t mind being cuddled and loved on by little ones.
2 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is another medium to large dog breed. This breed was originally bred as a hunting dog, hence the term “retriever.” Their life expectancy is usually between ten and twelve years on average. Once they are fully grown, a Golden Retriever will weigh approximately 55 to 80 pounds.
The Golden Retriever is an extremely intelligent dog that is known for its friendly temperament. They have very low rates of aggression, and like the Labrador Retriever, this is another popular breed that will fit well into households with children of all ages.
3 Bulldog
The Bulldog is also sometimes referred to as the “English” or “British” Bulldog. This is a medium-sized breed that will typically weigh 45 to 55 pounds once they are fully grown. Even though some people describe the look of a Bulldogs as “mean,” they are actually known for being extremely friendly with a calm temperament.
Due to their friendly demeanour, Bulldogs are a very safe breed to have around young children. That being said, they prefer to lead a more “laid-back” lifestyle and don’t partake in a great deal of exercise. They may not be a great choice for extremely active kids who are expecting their new dog to be a “playmate.”
4 Beagle
The Beagle is a small breed, which, like the Golden Retriever mentioned above, was initially bred specifically for hunting purposes. The anticipated life expectancy of a Beagle is usually around 12 to 15 years, and they will typically only weigh about 12 to 25 pounds once they reach adulthood.
A Beagle is another wonderful choice for families with children. They are social, energetic, and love to play. They are an especially good choice for large families because they don’t mind being around a lot of people. They are also easy to train, and since they are a small breed, they are a great choice for families with very young children as well.
5 Pug
The Pug, known by most for its cute wrinkly face, is an extremely small dog breed that will typically weigh less than twenty pounds, even when it is fully grown. An interesting tidbit of information is that Pugs were initially bred for royalty! A Pug’s life expectancy is usually between 12 to 15 years.
Pugs are playful, affectionate, and will gladly sit in your lap for snuggles! They are known to be wonderful dogs for families. Keep in mind, however, that they are also known for their health issues and may come with some hefty vet bills as they age.
6 Cocker Spaniel
There are actually two types of Cocker Spaniels – the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. However, they are both usually referred to simply as the Cocker Spaniel. This is a medium-sized dog breed that will usually end up weighing around 25 to 35 pounds in adulthood. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years on average.
The Cocker Spaniel Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective Cocker Spaniel Owners.
The Cocker Spaniel is a friendly and playful breed. They are also known for being easy to train. They are a wonderful choice for families, especially those with very young children.
7 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that will typically weigh between 70 to 120 pounds once they reach adulthood. This breed does have a shorter life expectancy than most of typically only six to eight years.
The Complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs: Selecting, Preparing For, Training, Feeding, Socializing, and Loving Your New Berner Puppy.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known to be very protective. This makes sense, considering this breed was originally bred to be a guard dog! When it comes to children, they are a very gentle breed that will handle typical childhood behaviors (like rough-housing) very well. This would be an especially good choice of breed for a family with very young children in the household.
8 Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a very small breed. They will typically only weigh about 10 to 25 pounds in adulthood with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are known for being a playful breed, and they are very smart!
The Boston Terrier Handbook: The Essential Guide for New and Prospective Boston Terrier.
Despite their small size, Boston Terrier’s have a lot of energy, and they love to play! They can be great family dogs, especially for families with active kids. Keep in mind that a Boston Terrier can sometimes be stubborn, however, so training can sometimes be a challenge.
9 Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier is a medium breed dog that typically weighs 35 to 40 pounds once fully grown. This type of dog is known for being smart and affectionate. The Wheaten Terrier has two different types of coats, known as an “Irish” coat or a “Heavy” coat. The “Irish” coat is usually silky, while the “Heavy” coat is fluffy and full.
The Wheaten Terrier is a dog that has a mild temperament and is a great choice for children and families. They are energetic and love to play but are also a very gentle breed. Like the Boston Terrier, however, keep in mind that they can be stubborn and more difficult to train.
10 Border Collie
The Border Collie, a breed that was originally bred to herd livestock, is a medium-sized dog that will weigh around 25 to 45 pounds fully grown. This breed has a longer life expectancy than many breeds, from 10 to as long as 17 years.
Border Collies are known for being extremely smart. They also have a ton of energy and require quite a bit of exercise. This breed would do best in a large family or a family with active kids.
Selecting the right dog breed for your family is a major decision. With the average dog’s lifespan being approximately ten to thirteen years, you are making a long-term commitment. This is why it is so important to make sure that the newest member of your family is one that will adapt well to your environment and get along well with all family members, children included.
