WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Kids and dogs make the perfect team, and having a furry friend can do wonders for a child’s mental and physical growth.
Recent research shows that children with dogs are less likely to experience childhood anxiety than those without. This is because dogs offer more than just fun and games; they play a significant role in boosting children’s social and emotional development.
Studies involving over a thousand children aged two to five found that regular playtime and walks with the family dog can greatly benefit a child’s social skills.
But we’re not just here to tell you about the benefits of having a dog. Our goal is to help you pick the perfect one. While dogs can encourage kids to be more active and social, choosing the right breed is crucial since some dogs are more suited to young companions than others.
To guide you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best dog breeds for families, focusing on those that are known for their patience and loving nature towards children.
Best Dog Breeds for Kids Under 10
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are great family dogs. They really like being around kids and are friendly with other pets too. Labs are fun, gentle, and love to be part of the family. They have a lot of energy, but they’re also very calm and can handle busy family life.
The AKC points out that these dogs are born for the water! They have a thick tail, often called an “otter tail,” which acts like a strong rudder, and their webbed feet make them swift swimmers. Their thick, waterproof coats mean they’re comfortable in cold water, too. This makes them perfect swimming buddies for kids.
They need to be active and enjoy having space to run around, so a big yard is perfect for them. Labs do shed quite a bit, so brushing them often will help keep your house cleaner.
Just remember, young Labradors are very lively and like to jump and play a lot. If you have small kids, you might want to think about getting an older Labrador who is more relaxed.
2. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a beautiful and friendly dog that loves to play. They are gentle and kind, making them great dogs for kids of any age, even babies. Irish Setters are known to live a long time, so they can grow up with your child as a loving friend.
They might develop separation anxiety when left alone and can jump around a lot, especially when they’re young.
They are very excited and eager, which sometimes makes them lose focus during training. To help them learn better, it’s good to have short and regular training sessions.
PDSA states that Irish Setters are full of energy and need lots of exercise, more than 2 hours every day, to stay happy and healthy. Their long, beautiful coat needs to be brushed and combed regularly to keep it looking nice.
3. Pug
Pugs are a small, friendly breed full of character and perfect for families. Being part of the Brachycephalic dog family, they’re very affectionate and enjoy being the center of attention. They’re good with children of all ages, making them wonderful companions.
Pugs are excellent lap dogs and will fill your home with love (and a bit of drool). However, they’re known for their loud snoring, so if you’re looking for a quiet sleeper, a Pug might not be the best choice.
Pugs are easy to care for, making them a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance pet. They do shed, but they don’t need much grooming. Plus, a short walk of just 30 minutes a day is enough to keep them healthy. If you don’t mind using your vacuum cleaner a bit more, having a Pug can be very rewarding.
It’s important to keep an eye on their diet and exercise because Pugs can easily gain weight. Their short muzzles also mean they can struggle in hot, humid weather, so be cautious of heatstroke.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re searching for a family-friendly dog breed with a big heart, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs are sweet and affectionate, making great companions for kids of any age. They’re known for their calm and forgiving nature, especially around children, and it’s quite rare for them to show aggression.
Cavaliers are more of the cozy, cuddle-on-the-couch type rather than high-energy pets needing lots of exercises. They do enjoy walks and a bit of play, but they don’t require as much activity as other Toy breeds might.
These gentle dogs don’t take well to harsh training methods; positive reinforcement works best with them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They are hypoallergenic, hardly shed, and need only occasional baths and trims, making them a low-maintenance option for busy families.
5. Bichon Frise
Originally stars of circuses and shows, Bichon Frises are happy, smart, and love being the center of attention. These lively little dogs enjoy being part of a busy family, making them great for homes with lots of activities.
Bichon Frises fit well in many homes, including those with young kids and cats. They aim to please, are very smart, and like to learn new things. They can be vocal, so it’s important to start training and meeting new people and pets early on.
As alert and curious dogs, Petplan asserts that Bichons are good at watching over the house. However, they’re friendly and think of everyone as a potential friend they haven’t met yet. Their confidence and size also make them perfect for living in the city.
Bichon Frises are keen learners and love to make their owners happy, which means they usually learn new tricks quickly, especially with positive reinforcement. They have lots of energy and need regular playtime to stay happy. Their curly coat doesn’t shed much, which might be good for people with allergies.
6. Boxer
Boxers are full of energy and love to play, making them fantastic family pets. They are very loyal and protective of their families. However, Boxers might be too powerful and independent for younger kids to handle, so playing with them often needs more adult supervision compared to other dogs. If you’re thinking of getting a Boxer, it’s a good idea to have older kids who can safely interact with a grown Boxer.
ASPCA notes that these dogs have above average IQ and are super athletic. They enjoy being active and exercising, but they also love relaxing on the sofa. Caring for a Boxer’s coat is easy thanks to their short, smooth fur. However, their facial wrinkles require some extra cleaning to keep them healthy.
Boxers are friendly and have a wonderful temperament. They are also smart, which makes training them straightforward. They need lots of exercise to stay happy and can get into trouble if they’re bored, so it’s important to keep them entertained with toys and activities.
Remember, Boxers have a short nose, which means they can have trouble in hot weather. Be careful not to let them get too hot or exercise too much when it’s warm outside.
7. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. All of them are wonderful family pets. They’re smart and easy to train, which is great for busy families. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, so they don’t shed much.
Standard Poodles might be a bit too big and lively for very young kids, but Miniature and Toy Poodles are great friends for children of all ages. Poodles are cheerful and love being part of the family activities. They enjoy walks and playtime but don’t need lots of exercise.
Poodles have thick, curly coats that need a lot of care, including daily grooming and regular trips to a professional groomer. Besides being great family pets, Poodles also work as guide dogs, help for people with physical disabilities, and therapy dogs. Their sharp sense of smell even makes them good at finding truffles.
Home Safety for Kids and Dogs
Keeping kids and dogs safe at home is important. This chart shows easy steps to make sure they both stay happy and safe together. We’ve listed tips like setting up safe spaces, teaching kids how to be gentle with dogs, and more. Follow these simple safety measures to help everyone get along well!
Conclusion
Finding the best dog breed for kids under ten depends on your family’s lifestyle and the age of your younger children. For active families, a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever offers boundless affection and energy, making them perfect for joining in on family adventures. The Bernese Mountain Dog and Bull Terrier, with their gentle nature, are great for the whole family, even with younger members.
Herding dogs like the Border Collie are intelligent and originally bred for work, requiring plenty of activities to keep them happy. If you’re looking for a smaller companion, the French Bulldog is a great choice, fitting into most family dynamics with ease.
Remember, most dogs, regardless of size, can become a beloved part of your family with the right training and care. Whether you choose a large dog like the Golden Retrievers or a smaller breed, ensuring they match your family’s lifestyle is key to a happy home.
