Top 10 dog breeds for kids

10 Dogs For Kids

While Lassie and Lady and the Tramp are fun to watch, they're probably not the best way to choose a dog for your kid. So how do you go about picking a pup from among all the different breeds out there? A good rule of thumb is to choose a breed by its disposition, temperament, size, and energy level--all of which should suit your family's lifestyle. We present 10 dogs that are especially suitable for kids.

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BeagleBeagle

Originally kept as hunting dogs, Beagles fit well in homes with active kids, as they are sturdily built and never too tired to play a game. Friendly, clever and cheerful, the Beagle usually gets along with other pets, too (except for a bit of chasing here and there). They do shed, and require frequent brushing and bathing, however.

While your beagle most likely won't have a bird named Woodstock as his best friend, you can, by all means, name him (or her) Snoopy.

Up next: More family-friendly dog breeds >>

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Comments on "Top 10 dog breeds for kids"

Sheena May 24, 2013 | 12:12 PM

If you actually do your research Bull Terriers are highly NOT recommended for familys with small children, they can be very territorial and may snap or attack a small child.

Cheyenne May 21, 2013 | 3:24 PM

I think a Labrodoodle, a mix with a labrador and a poodle. If you have allergies then there perfectbecause like the poodle they don't shed. Or you could get a Chibull, a mix of a bulldog and chiuhuhauh (chiuhuhauh is the male)and those are great family pets, they do shed I know because I have 1. I also have a Labrodoodle. For more info look in at google to see the Labrodoodle, they don't have Chibulls I checked.

Kowbell May 15, 2013 | 10:59 PM

I think alot of people judge e breed by the one they have. For instance one of my best friends loves Pitts and he did have two of the sweetest dogs you ever saw, but I've been around lots of Pitts and about 90 percent of them were not family dogs by any stretch of the imagination, very aggressive by nature! Same with boxers, you might find a kind one ,but aggressive as a rule. Beagles are sweet dogs, have lots of friends that hunt with them never seen a viscous one yet,but are not really a go anywhere you go kind of dog. Labradors and Goldens are impossible to beat, they are so loyal and smart and will literally give their lives to protect your kids! The other day three dogs started into our yard, a boxer, a basset hound , and a mixed breed about 70 lbs and our little 55 lb golden retriever female met them about 25 feet before they could reach our kids and war insued she wasn't about to let them get near her kids and she gave new meaning to laying it all on the line! My kids came and got me and I chased the dogs away , but a few days later the dogs came back and little Georgia stopped them in their tracks again, luckily this time I was in the yard and stopped it before it started but the point is she'll protect her kids forever every day if she has to even with insurmountable odds because she them more than she does herself! With all of their wonderful traits I found out that their courage is immeasurable as well, so if you want a companion who wants to do anything you want whenever you want to do it and love and protect as long as they live, get s Goldie or a Labrador I promise you will fall in love too!

Vertical Pharmacy May 13, 2013 | 7:06 AM

Adopting a dog is always a better option then buying one :)

joban bal May 13, 2013 | 2:37 AM

in other articles boxer is in top four but in this he is not mentioned , why

Amaya,Menaha and Devansh Malik May 03, 2013 | 4:53 AM

Well me and my family think Maltese is a great family dog that barely grows we think Maltese is a great and cute puppy for you.

K May 01, 2013 | 12:44 PM

Boston terriers are great with kids,.... so why arent they on the list?

Will April 27, 2013 | 12:24 AM

I think that it is absurd that you even say that bull terriers have a large pain threshold. Do your children not understand the basic act of being gentle? I do not know what kind of family you live in, one that does not understand how to control their children enough not to injure a pet.

DubV April 24, 2013 | 11:34 PM

Pit bulls were never called the nanny dog. That is a myth/lie used as propaganda. Look at credible sources, not pi bull advocacy orgs, to find this out.

Ashley April 22, 2013 | 3:05 PM

I love every breed but yorkies melt my heart even when they make those cute facial expressions. Awwww too sweet.

Lynni April 21, 2013 | 8:25 AM

I would also agree with Patrick, we have two boxers male and female, they have been the best dogs, great with children of all ages, protective, loyal, and very smart. Both of mine are getting old 11 years and 9 years and still love to play .I can't believe they didn't make top 10.

lina B April 20, 2013 | 7:24 AM

I raised several breeds, by far, Boxers must be in top ten.

linabergman April 20, 2013 | 7:17 AM

If anybody grew up with boxers will admit that these breed Are loving easy to train are solid protectors when needed. They are mother approved children best friends

Gerry April 16, 2013 | 9:20 PM

What is this? Author's Top Ten Picks? This list is so biased. Golden Retriever? Lab?

Sophie April 14, 2013 | 2:52 PM

Beagles deserve to be at LEAST sixth or lower. They are affectionate, love kids, and are great overall. Now, about the digging problems...

ILOVEGREYHOUNDS April 12, 2013 | 7:16 PM

I think the Greyhound is the 2nd most gentle dog. They dont bark, they dont bite, they dont growl and they are such adorable dogs.

abbie April 11, 2013 | 3:29 AM

Well personally I like the rain rottweiler the are so so loyal I'm only 12 not I've grow up with them and I've had a massive cross rottie not my mom has got staff cross Pitt and it's gawjus I think a lot of people take pitts as a fightingbdog butbas I sbay u can have any dog its just the way u bring them up

Ellie April 04, 2013 | 12:45 PM

Very surprised greyhounds are not on here- lovely gentle dogs with superb personalities! I have had two, and both have been kind and calm around young children. Every single greyhound I have ever met is wonderfully sweet and mellow; every single owner says they would recommend the pet to another.

hamza April 04, 2013 | 7:15 AM

I have a south african mastiff (boerboel) beautiful dog really really powerfull can reccomend to anyone. It just loves kids.These dogs were bred in africa to protect children and people from the lions brought my dog 4 a grand and I love him. Best dog for guarding his my soldier.

Mommabird March 29, 2013 | 4:54 PM

Well to all the folks bad mouthing Pitts you surely dont know what you are talking about. I had my sweet, smart, loving Ziggy Bear for 13 years before he passed away. I had my kids later in his lifetime he was around 11 and he loved my girls. When they was babies he would lay next to their cribs or swing and would come get me when they woke. He was and still is one of the smartest dogs I have ever came in contact with. My daughter cries for him often. Oh and im not ghetto or uneducated either, Im a upstanding citizen with a great paying job ... Its all in how your raise your pet whatever the breed my be..

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