The Top Ten Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids

If you want to add a dog to your family, you want to make sure it’s a pet that is going to fit in well. If your current family consists of just one or two adults that is an easier proposition than if you have children. Not all dogs are good with kids.
There have been countless stories of parents who bring home a dog that is not meant to be around children, and doesn’t have the natural disposition to put up with while children around them. The story often ends the same with the little ones bitten and the dog to be given away or dropped off at the humane society while the kids are in tears. These scenarios could have been prevented with a little research into dog breeds that are good with kids.
Here’s a list of the top ten breeds that are good with kids:
1. Labrador

Labrador is the top of the ten dog breeds that are good with kids. These dogs often take a mothering role with the children, taking care of them and protecting them, and while they will play, they will be gentle.
2. Golden Retriever

Another protective dog breed, the Golden Retriever will treat your children like their own allowing them to climb all over them and play with them, even small children. The Golden Retriever will also trying to keep them out of harms way, or keep an eye on them if a stranger is nearby.
3. Newfoundland

Think of bringing a large, drooling teddy bear to life and you have accurately described a Newfoundland. These large bundles of dog crave attention and someone to play with. Due to their sheer size, you may want to make sure the kids are a little bigger before getting a Newfoundland, but they will protect them and play as much as the kids can handle.
4. Beagle

Perfect for small kids, a Beagle is a very friendly pet that will play all day long. This dog breed is very gentle and will curl up with the kids once they have all tired of playing. The adorable baying of this pet will likely have your children laughing every time they hear it.
5. Irish Setter

This dog breed is one people often think is meant to be at a hunters’ side, but Irish Setters are just as happy being in the house with the family and are good with kids. The more love the kids lavish on this breed, the happier they will be.
6. Collie

Who doesn’t consider “Lassie” the perfect dog to be at a kids’ side! Collies are gentle and very patient dogs, even when the kids are a little rougher than they should be. While their history was in herding, this dog breed is much happier in the house with a herd of children.
7. Whippet

Have very active little ones? How about a dog breed that can match them and is good with kids at the same time? Whippets will keep your kids on their toes and at play for endless games of chase, but then will come inside, give the kids kisses and curl up with them to relax.
8. Pug

This cute and flat-faced dog breed is an instant buddy to any child it meets. Pugs love to be loved and treated like they are a part of the family, happy to be ‘just one of the kids’.
9. Basset Hound

While they are always shown as lazy dogs in the movies, this dog breed is really much more active when there are children to play with. Good with kids, the Basset Hound will play all day then cozy up beside them when everyones’ worn out.
10. Boxer

Even though they can look a little menacing at first glance, Boxers are really a soft-hearted dog breed. These dogs love to play, and once they are part of the family, they are devoted members who thrive on love.