The Best Dog Breeds for Children and Their Benefits for Child Development

Dogs can teach children how to be more responsible, more cooperative, and what compassion is, while also being the best playmates they could ever have. However, when you want to choose the right dog for your child and family, there are several aspects you need to consider.

In the following, find out why it's good for a child to have a companion dog, what criteria to use when choosing the right dog, and which dog breeds are suitable for any family with children.

• Why it's good for a child to have a companion dog
• Qualities to look for in a family dog
• Top 10 best dog breeds for children

Why it's good for a child to have a companion dog

Most likely, every child will, at some point, ask their parents for a companion dog. Of course, dogs are extremely cute, playful, and affectionate, but besides these qualities, they can play an important role in children's development. Here are some of the most important benefits:

• A friend always near - dogs can be an important source of comfort for children. When little ones feel sad, upset, or afraid of something, they can find the support they need in their pet. Petting and hugging dogs help reduce stress levels, benefiting children by making them feel more relaxed. This benefit is even more important for only children.
• A high level of responsibility - a dog can be a good way for a child to learn to be responsible. Little ones can ensure the dog always has water and food, and these responsibilities help the child gain more self-confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, children can learn to be empathetic and caring when they grow up with a dog.
• A more active lifestyle - a companion dog can help little ones be more active, play together, run, and go for walks outdoors. And physical activity is, at the same time, extremely important for a child's healthy development. The good part is that when little ones don't feel motivated, the dog's cute eyes will always convince them to go for a run in the yard.
• Strong immunity - both children and babies who come into contact with animals tend to get sick less often, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to microbes that dogs can carry is thus beneficial for strengthening children's immune systems. At the same time, there is a possibility that the risk of allergies may be reduced.
• A happy childhood - probably one of the most important benefits is simply making little ones happy. Interaction with a pet can help increase serotonin levels, known as the "happiness hormone," and dopamine levels. These hormones are responsible for a sense of well-being, but simple interaction and playtime with the dog are activities that can cheer up children.
• Unconditional love - children learn to love unconditionally when they have a companion dog. And when little ones understand this concept, they will be able to apply it to people around them, both in childhood and as they grow up.
• Language development - children can learn to speak earlier and easier when they have a dog, especially since they will want to be able to give commands and call them by name.
• Development of social skills - a child who has a puppy tends to be more sociable, make friends more easily, and be extroverted.

At the same time, a companion dog offers the necessary protection you need at home, being extremely protective when there is a child in the family.

Read also How to train your dog - effective methods and useful tips

Qualities to look for in a family dog

Of course, when choosing a suitable dog for your child, you need to think about how it will interact with the little one, especially since each breed has its characteristics.

The general opinion is that small dog breeds are more suitable for children compared to large dog breeds. Unfortunately, small dogs are not always the best choice, as children may consider them toys and can easily injure them. And large dogs can also be a bad choice, as they are, obviously, large and it will be difficult for a child to play with them.

The truth is, there are simply some dog breeds that tend to be much more suitable for children than others. For example, dogs with a lower energy level can interact better with children because they are much more patient.

Regarding the qualities of a suitable family dog, you need to check if the animal has a good temperament, is resilient, patient, intelligent, and has the energy level you desire.

Top 10 best dog breeds for children

Here are the dog breeds that have the ideal qualities to develop harmonious relationships with little ones and can easily integrate into any family:

English Bulldog

This is one of the calmest dog breeds. At the same time, an English Bulldog is gentle, friendly with children, and small enough for little ones to easily play and interact with. The good part is that these dogs are resilient enough for hours of play with active and energetic kids. As a bonus, they are extremely protective of little ones and take care of them in any dangerous situation. At the same time, they have a low energy level, so they don't need long and frequent walks.

Beagle

If your little one never seems to run out of energy, then a Beagle is the best choice. These intelligent and friendly dogs need a lot of exercise and can sometimes go on adventures on their own if you're not watching them, but they are extremely suitable for all kinds of activities with children. They love to play and are quite resilient.

Keep in mind that you need to spend a lot of time playing and walking, as a Beagle has a lot of energy. Also, teach your little one not to give them too many treats, as these dogs tend to become obese.

Collie

Collie dogs are gentle, easy to train, love children, and tend to be extremely protective of little ones. They fit very well into any family, being calm and obedient. Plus, this is the breed that immortalized "Lassie," so if you've seen the movie, you can get an idea of how suitable this dog breed is for children.

Golden Retriever

These dogs are known for being patient, which is why many parents want a Golden Retriever for their little one. Such a dog is loyal, gentle, and intelligent, so it interacts extremely well with children as they grow up. Keep in mind that it needs exercise, but it loves to play with children, so that won't be a problem for the little ones.

Labrador Retriever

These dogs are also suitable for children who are bursting with energy, as they love to play and exercise. At the end of the day, the little ones will be exhausted and sleep soundly. In addition, a Labrador Retriever is easy to train, and if you give it the necessary attention, it will become funny, loving, and very obedient: a true friend for the family.

Cocker Spaniel

Cute? Yes. Cheerful? Yes. Friendly and loving? Yes and yes. A Cocker Spaniel is known for its cheerful disposition and desire to please its owners. It is just as happy to lie on the sofa and sleep with the little one as it is to run around the yard with the children.

Pitbull

Although this dog is wrongly labeled as dangerous, a Pitbull is actually great with children, as long as you train it and teach it to socialize from a young age. The good part is that a Pitbull is easy to train, being an extremely intelligent dog that likes to please its owners. These dogs are full of energy, playful, and resilient, and they don't need a lot of exercise.

Standard Poodle

This dog is smart, gentle, patient, loyal, caring, and, moreover, a good choice if someone in the family has allergies. A Standard Poodle is extremely happy when playing with little ones and has a medium energy level.

Newfoundland

A Newfoundland dog is gentle and protective, loves children, and takes care of them. It protects little ones as if they were its own puppies. Keep in mind that these dogs are very active and need exercise.

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is suitable for a large family because it likes to be surrounded by people and play. These dogs are friendly, playful, and intelligent and get along well with everyone. Since they are quite active, they will need exercise every day.

Read also What are the smartest dog breeds: find out all about them

Before choosing the right dog for your child, also consider your lifestyle and the little one's needs. Even if the breed is a criterion to consider, the energy level is also an important aspect, especially if you don't have time for daily walks. At the same time, some dogs are ideal playmates for older children, while others are gentler and have less energy, making them a good choice for babies or toddlers.

Last but not least, once you welcome a companion dog into your family, make sure you give it the attention and care it needs, and also train it. Your child will benefit immensely from interacting safely with an obedient and loving dog.

See other dog breeds

Photo source: Shutterstock

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