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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PoodlePoodle

Often given rather curious haircuts by their owners, the poodle is a very smart and gentle dog. It's also great for kids with allergies, as it sheds very little; it does, however, require scheduled grooming.

This is a proud and elegant dog that is both caring and loyal. Seldom annoyed or bored, the Poodle's friendly demeanor, good nature, and patience make it an excellent playing partner for any child.

Up next: More family-friendly dog breeds >>

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Tags: beagle bull dog bull terrier collie golden retriever irish setter labrador retriever lady and the tramp lassie newfoundland pitt bull poodle snoopy top dog breeds vizsla

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Comments on "Top 10 dog breeds for kids"

Krystal May 23, 2012 | 7:16 PM

All of these dogs are great picks but St. Bernards should top this list or at least be on it!

Barb Linden May 13, 2012 | 6:17 PM

I have been involved with dogs all my life. I grew up with collies, bred and showed Shelties for many years, and was a sheltie judge for 25 yrs. I also showed in obedience and have taught obedience for about 17 yrs. I explain to my students that dogs, like humans, are NOT blank slates at birth. We are genetic packages. There are many different family lines in humans and also in dogs. We truly can't generalize any breed of dog anymore than we can any race of people. We are NOT the same, due to the different genes in the different family lines. I've seen very aggressive 8 week old pups that had NEVER been mistreated. They are "wired" to be aggressive from birth! Same with shyness, calm temperament, etc. Yes...environment, the way they are treated, and training all make some difference, but it cannot change their genes!

fudge April 29, 2012 | 2:30 AM

poodles do make good pets i have had one before and i loved him i also had a poodle cocker mix loved them:)

Hope April 27, 2012 | 7:47 AM

stop hating on poodles, they are very affectionate and loving. it's like having an extra kid.

Fudge April 24, 2012 | 5:12 PM

i think poodles are one of the best breeds out there poodles come in 3 sizes mini toy and standard but i still think the good old mixed breed is the best dog ever

Nikky Bolt April 24, 2012 | 12:38 AM

I can't say that shepherd is the best dog i have ever had, but i like it. Sometimes, i ask myself what kind of dog should i get .. but i need Shepherd, and want to get only this kind of dog. There i see another rare type of dog, Australian terrior, but i think it isn't as good as mine.

untitled April 20, 2012 | 8:58 PM

my advice would be GET A MIXED BREED!!!!!!!!!!!! or if you don't want a mix breed choose him/her by his/her PERSONALITY!!

untitled April 20, 2012 | 4:05 AM

don't judge a dog by it's breed. only judge it by it's personality. though i would personally advise u 2 get a mongrel (mix breed)

tortoise April 19, 2012 | 9:31 AM

To me it should not have the poodle, those dogs are not dogs......this is what it should be !!! 10.rotti 9.pug 8.akita 7.Newfoundland 6.German shepherd 5.lab 4.English bulldog 3.boxer 2.American bulldog 1.American Pitbull Terrier Those to me are the best, got to love those bully breeds :), not a small dog fan, the best dog is my American bulldog/lab mix ;)

Fudge April 17, 2012 | 11:15 PM

has anyone ever heard of a good old mixed breed dog?

Whitney April 13, 2012 | 6:29 PM

Wow this truly is a thrown together list. What happened to Boston Terriers and Pugs? They're both amazing with kids. If you notice Poodle is posted on all "best" lists. Yeah right.

bob k April 11, 2012 | 1:01 PM

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GERMAN SHEPHERD. THE GREATEST AND MOST LOYAL CANINE THERE IS. GREAT FOR PROTECTION AND VERY AFFECTIONATE.

Mark April 10, 2012 | 1:59 PM

I can not believe the Boxer is not number one! Playful,loyal,loving and you can trust them with kids especially the boistrous ones. I have had many breeds but nothing comes close to a boxer, everything a dog should be a best friend for life and a treasured member of the family.

Marie April 07, 2012 | 5:23 AM

This "article" proves that any idiot can publish rubbish information on the web and try to pass themselves off as an expert. Boxer is not on the list but Poodle is? Very irresponsible at best. Shame on this "author".

Soumi Basu April 06, 2012 | 12:48 AM

According to me, DOVERMANS and ALSATIANS are he best breed of dogs. They are very friendly with children and very obidient to thier masters. My dog is so friendly with me that I forget that she is a dog and not a family member!

Michael April 05, 2012 | 9:58 AM

It really blows my mind that the Boxer isn't even on this list. I have owned many breeds in my life, but the Boxer is by far the best dog I have ever owned. I wish I had known how great this breed was many years back. BOXERS,#1

turtle April 03, 2012 | 2:22 PM

BOXERS! they are the bwst with kids! they are the best. i have had 6 and they have always been obident, kind, and caring! they are the number one dog! :)

Carrie March 16, 2012 | 5:41 AM

The boxer is my #1 choice for a family dog with children. We've always had boxers and they are obidient, excellent with children, easy to maintain with their short coat and eager to please! This just goes to show that google doesn't know everything! My boxers would let my small child do ANYTHING to them. She balanced on them while learning to walk and they wouldn't MOVE!!! They've had necklaces on and bows in thier short hair... AWESOME DOG!!

Lynn March 14, 2012 | 6:06 PM

A Poodle should NEVER be put on a list like this... All the snarls, snaps, and bites I've received, have been from Poodles. A German Shepherd should be listed as No 1... Highly intelligent and loyal to the end. I was a toddler when we got our first one... They ADORE children.

corina March 10, 2012 | 4:24 AM

I think the best type of dog for childen is a maltese cross shizu.Because i bought a shizu a couple of weeks ago and when i got her she would just sit there and show any affection. now she is sooo playful and loyal and i must admit a little bit crazy at times (in a good way!)

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