Almost everyone loves puppies, but there are perhaps no other people that love puppies as kids do. But that doesn't mean all dog breeds are good for children.
As a parent, before making the big decision to adopt a new family member, you'd probably like to know the best dog breeds for children. We've done some research and come up with a list of 10 of the best breeds to bring home to your kids.
Bull terriers are well known as one of the best dog breeds for children. Why? They're mischievous, playful and fun — just like a child! The long head and tiny eyes indicative of bull terriers make them look quite unique.
You should beware, however, that bull terriers need plenty of exercise when they're younger, so make sure you or your children have the time to give.
Another member of the terrier family, these tiny pups make fantastic dogs for children. At most, these dogs will grow to around 25 pounds, meaning you're rarely in danger for them to cause much damage to your home.
Boston terriers are known as "The American Gentleman," both for their tuxedo-esque markings and their manners.
As soon as you interact with one of these gentle babies, you'll see clearly why they're one of the best dog breeds for children.
Known for their long, flowy ears and adorable little faces, cavalier King Charles spaniels are both affectionate like you'd expect a toy breed to be, and active because of their history as a hunting dog. Truly the best of both worlds.
Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club, and have been for the past 27 years. Why are they so popular as pets? Perhaps it's because they're one of the best dog breeds for children.
If you want a pet at home, but prefer larger dogs, you'll be happy to learn that Labrador retrievers are extremely friendly and outgoing.
Yorkshire terriers, commonly called "yorkies," are members of the toy dog category and are known for the micro-size. However, this doesn't mean that yorkies are short on personality.
Adding a Yorkshire terrier to your life will keep it exciting and active as yorkies love attention. They are also very suited to apartment living.
Bulldogs are popular for their slouchy faces and appearing intimidating, but the truth is, bulldogs are one of the best dog breeds for children.
Rover describes bulldogs as having medium energy levels, making them the perfect dog for apartment life. Many bulldogs will only require a short walk daily — maybe around the block.
You probably know Bichon Frises from involuntarily smiling when you pass them on the sidewalk. These dogs are helplessly adorable. But, that's not all! They're also great dogs to have when you have children.
Bichon Frises do not shed at all, and they remain quite small throughout their lives. For this reason, you can involve your children in everything — from training to outings to grooming.
Labradoodles are, as their name suggests, a mix between a Labrador and a poodle. Both Labradors and poodles can come in drastically varying sizes, thus Labradoodles can be quite small like a miniature poodle or larger like a Labrador.
What makes a Labradoodle one of the best dog breeds for children? They're light shedders, very affectionate and easy to train.
A pug is recognizable in the same way bulldogs are — from their very unique faces. In fact, your children will probably instantly recognize a pug.
Pugs usually only grow to about 10-13 inches and require very little space to exercise. Even in a studio, they'll probably enjoy playing around your living space. They're also known to be very friendly. The American Kennel Club says, "Pugs live to love and to be loved in return."
While mutts are not technically a dog breed, they still make up a huge part of pets out there. A "mutt" is a mixed-breed dog and are largely what you'll find in shelters and at adoption events in your city.
Since a mutt is mixed, no one will be the same. But, there are still several reasons why a mixed-breed dog could be right for you and your children. Oftentimes, mutts are adopted later in life. That means you get to skip right over the trouble of the puppy stage.
Also, because of their mixed genes, it's less likely for a mutt to develop a number of health conditions typically displayed in specific breeds — conditions like, "hip dysplasia, spinal diseases, knee problems, certain cancers, heart disease and more," according to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services.
To top it all off, mutts can usually be brought home for a very minimal adoption fee. Purebred dogs can cost thousands.
Lastly, you're saving an animal. When you adopt a dog, you're teaching your family what it means to give back and how to care for a vulnerable life.
You can research to find a list of dogs that are good for children, but the only true way to find out the best dog breeds for your children will be to carefully think about your lifestyle, routine and accessibility to resources.
Dogs are living beings, so they must be cared for properly and it's important that you're honest about your family's needs. Having a pet can be extremely rewarding and it's a worthy venture to introduce an animal to your children's lives.