Buying a family dog is a fun, exciting adventure for everyone involved, but it’s also something that should be taken seriously as there are several important factors to consider first. Rather than choosing the cutest dog, or the one with the saddest puppy eyes, think of whether or not your family and the new addition will all be able to live together day in and day out safely in harmony together.

Although many breeds of dog love being around kids, a dog’s disposition and tolerance level may largely depend on his or her background and how well they were socialized as a puppy. Some breeds are known for being patient and gentle by nature, and therefore, make ideal pets for households with children.

The Best Breeds for Households with Children

Boxer

Boxers are rather playful and yet patient with kids and seem to know they need to be more gentle around smaller children. Bulldogs will also tolerate the ear pulling, poking, and accidental falls that kids are prone to but will usually just leave the area if they’ve run out of patience rather than put up with it as the Boxer would probably do. (See our boxer article here)

The affable Beagle is another breed notorious for their love of children, big and small. With a playful nature, an even temper and plenty of patience a Beagle can be the ideal family pet, however these sweet dogs do tend to be rather stubborn.

Despite their imposing size, the large Mastiff and their territorial nature are another good breed to consider if you have children in your home. Care must be taken to ensure the Mastiff doesn’t accidentally step on the child or infant, of course, and this particular breed does have the tendency to become overprotective at times.

Although a stellar quality, being too protective of children could be troublesome when it comes time for discipline as the Mastiff may want to intervene and “protect” their child.

One of the absolute best large breeds of dog to have around children is the Newfoundland. A “Newfie” will protect his charge at all costs, nudging them to safety and be ever tolerant of typical infant or childlike behavior. Babies crawl on top of the big hearted Newfs, playing until their heart’s content without fear of being growled or snapped at, and when the gentle giant has had enough, he’ll simply walk away but still keep a watchful eye for any signs of impending danger.

Saint Bernards and other mountain dogs like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are also perfect for homes with children despite their tremendous size and ferocious fighting abilities as they are extremely loving and patient with their pack, including the smallest of children.

Dogs in the retriever family such as the Labrador, Golden, and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are also excellent with children and small animals.

Standard or large poodles as well as miniature poodles are generally good with children, however the toy version of the breed is not suitable for a household with any kids as they’re known to have very little patience with little people.

Remember that small children can be quite perplexing to a dog that’s never seen anyone this size before so it may take some time to acclimate your new pet to their environment. As with any type, breed, size, or age of dog, never leave children and dogs unsupervised for any amount of time, not only for the child’s sake but for the dog’s safety as well.

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