-Remember, Kids must always be taught how to be kind to animals, and know that tails & ears are
to be pulled! This list of dog breeds is for reference only, please be sure to talk to the breeder about children and dogs living together.
Note that all dogs of these breeds may not be "child friendly"- dogs who are not from good breeding lines are not as likely to be as the breed is known to be. This is just a general guide as to which breeds are
the best choices for families with young children.
| Dog Breed & Link |
General Info |
Labrador Retriever |
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. They are known as "family friendly" dogs. They are short coated, however they do shed, and they are also large dogs, so they may knock children over if they get a little to wild. Labs can also be extremely energetic in their younger years, and destructive as puppies. If you're interested in a Labrador, please discuss everything with the breeder your choose. Click Here For More Info |
Golden Retriever |
Goldens are the second most popular dog in the United States. They are great family dogs, though like the Labrador Retriever, they can be very energetic, and tend to be destructive puppies as well. Click Here For More Info |
Bichon Frise |
Bichons are small dogs, they shed very very little, and they tend to adore everyone. Some of them can be a bit of a challenge to housebreak, and they do require a great deal of grooming if your want their coat to look as it should. A proper grooming schedule is every 4-5 weeks (at least), and the average cost per grooming is around $45 due to them having to be scissored instead of clipped. Even though Bichons are small, they're more than able to keep up with youngsters, and more than willing to hop in the lake with them- however, they are solid white so they will need bathed/groomed shortly after to prevent their coat from staining and matting. They're a fairly "high maintenance" dog, but if you want a small family dog, Bichons are wonderful. Click Here For More Info |
Border Collie |
Border Collies are very smart, agile, and very friendly. They adore their families, and will be able to keep up with kids at all stages. Grooming is minimal, mainly just bathing and brushing as needed, and they may need a tad of trimming around their feet and rear now and then. Click Here For More Info |
Boxer |
Boxers have a tendency to wag their entire body when they're happy- they tremble with excitement. They're large, short coated dogs, and are also energetic. They adore people- and are crazy about "their children." They don't require hardly any actual grooming- bathing and brushing, and nail trim/ear cleaning as needed. Click Here For More Info |
Collie |
Collies love people, and they're also very smart dogs. They're crazy about kids, and they're not real wild dogs. The rough coated Collie (most common) will require more grooming than the smooth coated Collie. They will need bathed and combed out at least every 12 weeks, and they will need to have their feet and rears trimmed up as needed. Click Here For More Info |
Weimaraner |
Weimaraners are great dogs for kids-though they can be pretty wild as puppies, so I don't recommend the breed for very young children, especially those just learning to walk. Weims are short coated, and require minimum grooming- bath & brush as needed as well as nail trimming and ear cleaning. Weimaraner's can be very protective of their homes and of their families at times.Click Here For More Info |
Basset Hound |
Basset Hounds are lovely dogs. They tend to adore everyone, and arn't snappy towards kids. Bassets to tend to bark or "bay", so early training is essential to help cut down on this. Though Basset Hounds may be short, they have more bone than other dogs, and can weigh 40-60 pounds. Due to their long backs, they should never be lifted by a child. Adults who lift them should properly support their backs to prevent any injury. Hounds should never be allowed to be offlead as they will catch the scent of something and wonder off. Click Here For More Info |
Beagle |
Beagles are great family dogs. Like most hounds however, they tend to bark or "bay" a great deal. They should never be left outside without supervision or you may have some very angry neighbors! They adore people, and are especially fond of children. Hounds should never be allowed to be offlead as they will catch the scent of something and wonder off. Click Here For More Info |
Basenji |
Basenji's are very sweet dogs. They can be a tad timid with strangers, but they are completely crazy about their families. The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog" because they cannot bark. They do however, have a very odd "scream" when they are too excited or stressed.Click Here For More Info |
Miniature Schnauzer |
Miniature Schnauzers are wonderful pets. They adore their families, and children as well. They don't shed, so they're excellent for families with allergies, though they do require professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. One of the great qualites about Miniature Schnauzers, is that when you (or your children) want to play, they're more than eager to play- when you want to watch tv or cuddle, they melt in your arms. You should definatly find a Schnauzer from a very reputable breeder- there are many health and temperament concerns in the breed, so finding one from a breeder who is reputable is extremely important. Click Here For More Info |
Pug
Pugs are the largest of the AKC's Toy Group. They are very energetic, and extremely happy dogs. They're very easily excited, and tend to act a bit like clowns for attention. They adore children, as well as friendly guests. Due to their short face, they shouldn't be allowed to be outside for long periods of time in hot temperatures- they can overheat very quickly. Click Here For More Info |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a very sweet dog. They adore their families, but some can tend to be a tad reserved with strangers. They have an extremely soft coat, which you cannot help but rub your hands through constantly. They are easily trained, and very easy to live with. They do require professional grooming to keep their coats looking beautiful. Click Here For More Info |
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