Best Dogs for Kids

When you’re considering which dog will be the best dog breed for your kids, there are a lot of factors to consider. “Doing the research is the most important thing for anyone looking to acquire a dog,” says Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club executive secretary. “Find out which dog breed is right for your lifestyle by taking into account the needs of the dog—size, energy level, temperament, training—and seeing how they fit into your daily life.”

While a dog’s behavior is more important than his breed when it truly comes to finding the best dogs for kids, there are some traits that are commonly shared amongst these breeds that make them a good choice for families.

Boxer

With their deep desire for human affection, especially from children, this breed is one of the best dogs for kids. “Boxers are intelligent, trainable and loyal dogs,” says DiNardo. “The Boxer is a large, active breed, requiring daily exercise. They also have a short coat that needs weekly brushing.” No matter which dog breed you do end up bringing home, you’ll want to chat with your vet about the appropriate diet for him based on his specifications. For example, Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Chicken grain-free dog food is specially formulated to mirror the diet of ancestral wolves with lots of protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of antioxidant-rich fruit. Your new pup will likely love it. Royal Canine offers a breed-specific diet specifically designed to meet a Boxer’s unique nutritional needs, so you can rest assured you will be properly fueling your Boxer’s active nature.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are sweet, mellow companions that are especially fond of children. “This gentle dog breed makes an excellent family companion,” says DiNardo. “The Bulldog is known for its loveable disposition, and they have an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs, though you may have to care for their wrinkles.” Finding a diet that meets a Bulldog’s unique needs is important, so you may want to consider breed-specific Royal Canin Bulldog food. This diet is formulated to accommodate the Bulldog’s sensitive digestive system and flat facial structure so your pup can eat comfortably and live his best life.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a friendly, trustworthy companion for kids, and they thrive as part of a family. “They have a cheerful nature and are easily trained,” says DiNardo. “Cavs are moderately active toy dogs that are happy with daily walks. Their coat should be brushed twice a day.” Keep this best family dog breed healthy by abiding by the brushing and walking rules, and by providing her with healthy meal options, like Wellness CORE RawRev Natural Grain Free Original Turkey & Chicken freeze-dried dog food.

Labrador Retriever

Perhaps one of the most well-known best family dog breeds, Labs are also the most popular breed in the U.S., and with good reason. “They are intelligent, gentle and very family-friendly,” says DiNardo. “Labs are outgoing with an even temperament. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easier to train.” This dog breed makes an ideal sport and family dog, since they require daily exercise and thrive as part of active families with room for the dog to play. Remember to keep your active Lab nourished with a fortifying diet, like Taste of the Wild High Prairie grain-free dog food. Your Lab will also shed seasonally, and he’ll need weekly brushing. Fuel your Lab with food that’s tailor-made to meet his nutritional requirements with Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dog food.

Newfoundland

Known for its sweet and devoted nature, the Newfoundland is one of the best dog breeds for kids. “The breed has a natural affinity for children and takes naturally to the role of nanny dog,” says DiNardo. “These large dogs need daily exercise, such as swimming and walks. The Newf’s coat should also be brushed twice a week.” Keep your sizeable Newfoundland happy with healthy meals, as well as tasty treats that are also good for him, like Greenies Regular Dental dog treats.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs make great family pets. “Frenchies are affectionate, playful, smart, adaptable dogs that are good with kids,” says DiNardo. “They’re not very active, and would be great for families who are looking for a pet that does well with a brisk daily walk. They shed minimally and require brushing once a week.” You can help support your new French Bulldog’s powerful muscles and good digestion with Royal Canin French Bulldog dry dog food.

Golden Retriever

Another popular dog breed for kids, the intelligent, friendly and devoted Golden Retriever makes a great family companion. “Goldens are very sociable and people-oriented,” says DiNardo. “They’re great with kids and eager to please. They have a high energy level, and would do well with an active family.” Be sure your active Golden is getting enough nourishment by feeding her hearty meals, like American Journey’s Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food, which is full of nutritious ingredients to fuel your family pup’s everyday adventures.

Beagle

Beagles are loving, easygoing, happy companions that make a great dog breed option for kids. “They’re good with children and other dogs, as they were bred to live in packs,” says DiNardo. “Beagles are active dogs that need lots of interactive play, as well as a fenced in yard. They also have short, easy-to-care for coats.”

Pug

Easygoing, playful and affection with an even temperament, the Pug makes a great dog breed for kids. “They’re totally devoted to their families,” says DiNardo. “The largest of the toy breeds, Pugs are moderately active dogs, needing daily exercise. They have a short coat that needs to be brushed once or twice a week to control shedding.” As a large toy breed with moderately active needs, be sure to keep your pup eating healthy, hearty meals, like Purina Pro Plan’s Savor Adult Classic Chicken & Rice Entrées.