Top 10 Kid Friendly Dog Breeds
By AVE K9
When getting a new dog for the family, one of the most important things to consider is how well the pooch will interact with kids–especially toddlers and young children. According to Planet Dog’s Doglopedia, these are the top ten dog breeds who are great with kids:
1. Cocker Spaniel
Kid-friendly traits: Outgoing, friendly temperament. Extremely smart dog that is very loyal to its family.
Stuff parents should know: Prone to eye problems. Annual trips to the vet for checkups are required.
2. Australian Shepherd
Kid-friendly traits: Very obedient and trainable dog. Sweet and affectionate–known for getting along well with children.
Stuff parents should know: Health problems are common: Back, hip, vision, and pancreatic problems are often seen in the breed
3. Basset Hound
Kid-friendly traits: Very friendly breed, which makes them an excellent dog for children.
Stuff parents should know: This breed is prone to ear and eye problems, so regular vet visits are a must.
4. Beagle
Kid-friendly traits: Even-tempered and gentle.
Stuff parents should know: When these dogs pick up a scent, they’ll follow it to the ends of the earth, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them!
5. Bearded Collie
Kid-friendly traits: High energy, very amusing to watch their antics
Stuff parents should know: These dogs need people who are able to keep up with that energy level. They also require lots of grooming.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Kid-friendly traits: Good-natured, confident dogs. Affectionate and very loyal. They love to lean against people, sit on their feet, or lie down under their legs while people sit
Stuff parents should know: These big dog are often known to keep many of their puppylike traits until they’re around two years old.
7. Bichon Frise’
Kid-friendly traits: Playful, mischievous and happiest when around people. Great dog for kids with dog allergies (hypoallergenic)
Stuff parents should know: Their coat requires daily brushing and they need frequent trips to the groomer.
8. Bloodhound
Kid-friendly traits: Affectionate and gentle, even-tempered
Stuff parents should know: Big dog (usually between 80-110 lbs) that requires supervision when around small children because they can accidentally knock them over with their bulk.
9. Boston Terrier
Kid-friendly traits: Friendly, eager to please people
Stuff parents should know: Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat and also extremely cold weather, due to the shortened muzzle, so hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can be potentially harmful.
10.Boxer
Kid-friendly traits: Energetic, smart, playful dogs with a great rep for being good with kids
Stuff parents should know: Boxers require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging.
em said on August 8, 2009
Are you guys crazy?! I have 2 Cocker Spaniels, & I wouldn’t let them near a kid for a New York minute. They are extremely high-strung, possessive dogs. They have no patience for kids, & my Cockers are not unique in this trait. (Not to mention that I don’t believe Bloodhounds are that great with kids either!)
Dustin said on August 9, 2009
Thanks for the feedback em…perfect example of why ANY list concerning dog breeds is simply a guideline and that there are always exceptions!
Laura said on September 10, 2009
I totally agree-cocker spaniels (in my opinion) are NOT kid-friendly pets. I have had 2 myself, and several members of my family have also had them. All these dogs were properly trained and spent time with loving adults/owners, and none of them were friendly/trustworthy enough to be around children. I find this breed to be very beautiful, however, also very aggressive and dominant. I would not suggest this breed to any family with small children or people without a fenced in yard, as these dogs do not take kindly to strangers.
Logan said on October 29, 2009
I had a puppy cocker when I was kid (5 y/o) and although he was sweet to me, years later as an older dog he did not like children. Late in his life (I can’t remember quite when, maybe when he was 12 y/o?) he was caught chasing livestock, so state law required he be put down. Broke my heart, only dog I’ve ever owned, but I feel like I’m ready again.
Cindy V said on October 29, 2009
Omg, Logan, that is so sad! It sounds like he was a great dog. And I don’t blame him for not liking children as he got older, since children can be loud and rough and may be irritating for an older dog. I have a 12-year-old small dog myself and she doesn’t like children at all. And as for Em and Laura’s info about Cockers, I’ve never had a cocker but from the ones I have encountered I am not surprised by their feedback. It’s not that they haven’t been awesome dogs, they were just cranky at time, haha!
Kelly said on July 12, 2011
5) Dalmatians
Yes these beautiful dogs can be dangerous to your little ones. Even the best behaved dog has known to bite with out notice. Must of thoughts are from a dog that is going deaf and was startled. This breed is very known for deafness which can make this dog jumpy. This dog will also respond negatively to harsh training so calmness is a must. Most of their aggression comes from it breeding to get those lovely spots that the Dalmatian has all over them.
bonnie said on September 5, 2011
I have a boxer and a german shepherd. Both are great with kids. They are playful and energetic but mindful of the children ages 2-9. The boxer is most interactive with my kids but our german shepherd is more protective of them. She sits n watches them while the boxer runs n plays with them. Both love visitors human or animal. We have had no issue of aggressive eating or possessive traits. I recommend both breeds to my friends. A few have followed and love the addition to their family!
LeAnne said on September 19, 2011
I have a friend who breeds cockers and we have many that come in for grooming, majority of them are excellent with children. However, they have all been around children. If you don’t train or socialize your dog this is a common then yes, they won’t like children. I train dogs and find it sad that people are so breed specific on how their personalities are, every dog is different same as people. They also have predispositions so if you don’t get a good breeder or train your dog-rescued or from a breeder then you end up with issues.
LeAnne said on September 19, 2011
Bonnie, I have a GSD and Boxer as well! Both are excellent with children but I have also trained the both of them and socialized them around children and all sort of noises and distractions so they are good with most anything. Especially Delta my GSD who is 14yrs and my shop dog, she teaches other dogs how to behave and play but if they try to get aggressive she looks to me to deal with the situation, this is also something I taught her to do in bad situations.
jess said on June 14, 2012
i love labs
Stacy said on October 9, 2012
Many years ago I had Cocker Spaniels and they are not kid friendly. Even when socialized and raised with small children they tend to be nippy with them. Maybe 60 yrs ago cockers were good dogs for kids then came the show ring with all of it’s inbreeding and the breed has never been the same. I do think breeders of today practice better breeding habits than in the past but this breed has a long way to go before I would recommend as child friendly.
Madison said on October 21, 2012
beagles are my fav
Holly said on December 2, 2012
We recently had a cocker/beagle until twice in one week she bit our 3yr old. She was a good dog before that point. But after those experences i wouldn’t reconmend cockers or cocker mixes to any one. I was also warned cockers aren’t good kids dogs, I thought she would be the perfect dog to grow up with my kids, I thought wrong
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Scarlett said on May 4, 2013
I can agree with some of you that most coker spaniels are NOT very kid friendly but my uncle has one called Lola and she is so kid friendly.
and he recently puchased another puppy called lily so if you take lots of time to choose your puppy or dog they can be very nice.
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