Best Dogs for Kids

Dogs do not only serve as playmates for kids. While taking care of dogs, or any other pets children learn how to take responsibility for a life other than their own. Also, the amount of affection that they share with dogs, and vice versa, teaches them the value of love. All said and done, affection and responsibility can only be shared when the respective dispositions of kids and dogs match. Some large dog breeds may be good for kids, while others may not. Take a look at those breeds that your kids will love, and that will love your kids.

Top 10 Best Dogs for Kids

Not only are these the best dog breeds for kids, some of them are even the best dog for kids with allergies, and are suitable for apartments.

1. Bichon Frise: This breed gets along very well with children as long as the children are not harsh with them. These pet dogs are also good for kids with allergies as they do not shed their furry coat. However, they should be groomed on a regular basis or it may lead to skin problems. Since they do not require much exercise, they are suitable for an apartment life.
2. Labradoodle: A cross-breed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, the Labradoodle is good option for kids, as it is an offspring of both dogs that are presumed to be the great with kids. Second or third-generation Labradoodles are better for kids, as their energetic drive is milder than the first-generation, and can cope up with the energy level of kids. Labradoodles require their daily dose of exercise, even if it is just a good game of catch with the kids. Thus, it can survive in an apartment. It is good for kids with mild allergies, though there are certain exceptions.
3. Puggle: A Puggle is a cross-breed between a Pug and a Beagle. Again, since it is an off-spring of both dogs that are good for kids, a Puggle can easily make it to this list. It should be noted that it is not great for kids with asthma. It is easy to train, pleasant and friendly, and will do well in apartments. However, both its parents are prone to several dog health problems. As such, before buying a Puggle, one should do a background check on their health. Nonetheless, they are excellent companions for kids, and cute to look at too.
4. Miniature Poodle: A variety of the standard Poodle breed, the Miniature Poodle is great for kids simply because of its calm temperament. It requires a daily walk, and can easily be trained. It is hypoallergenic, and is suitable to life in an apartment. Miniature Poodles require extensive professional grooming to prevent skin problems. Also, its ears must be watched carefully as the hair around it can lead to ignorance regarding cleaning the ears.
5. Samoyed: These healthy breed dogs are known to get along well with kids and even take care of them. These are good for kids with allergies, though they are prone to shedding. They are not extremely high energy dogs but they do require a good amount of exercise, such as a walk or an active game of fetch.
6. Boston Terriers: Boston Terriers are known to be one of the best terrier dog breeds for kids because of their attentiveness, liveliness and easy trainable nature, especially if they are introduced to children at an early age. They are hypoallergenic, good for apartments, and require about 20-40 minutes of daily exercise.
7. Cocker Spaniel: The Cocker Spaniel is an easily trainable dog, loves human affection, and is therefore, a good dog for kids. It likes to have good amount of activity and play games like hide-n-seek. It needs to be groomed regularly to maintain a healthy coat, is hypoallergenic and though, happier in open homes, will do well in an apartment too.
8. Norfolk Terrier: Norfolk Terriers, also require good amounts of daily exercise to vent their energy, else they become restless. They love kids and do well in an apartment setting. These dogs are not meant to teach responsibility to children, and their supervision with children is required.
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: These dogs are best with children when both are brought up together. They are hypoallergenic and will do well both in an apartment or in a country home. They should be leashed in open areas because they like playing a game of chase. Also, their exercise requirements aren't very high. They get bored easily and require innovative training methods.
10. English Bulldog: This variant of the bulldogs is energetic as a puppy but as an adult, is mostly relaxed and hardly wants any exercise. Thus, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits of the dog. They are very affectionate towards kids but may not be very good for those with allergies. It will be great for an apartment setting due to its lack of exercise requirements.

Though the upkeep of a dog may seem tedious for some, they make wonderful companions for children. However, though these dogs are some of the best dogs for kids, they should not be left alone with them. An adult should always be supervising their time together, as both can be harmful for each other. Even so, this should not be a discouraging factor when you decide to bring your little one a cute little playmate.