When deciding on which dog to get as a family, you have many options. Each breed is different in terms of demeanor and personality. Most dogs are well behaved and mellow with family, but even if you train them perfectly, getting a friendly dog is especially important if you have children in the home.
No matter which breeds your kids gravitate towards, you’ll want to set boundaries in your yard and keep them away from other pets. However, choose a dog that is friendly, reasonably sized, and easy to train.
Below are 4 of the friendliest breeds to bring into your family this holiday season.
1. Bulldog
In terms of friendly pooches, the bulldog takes the cake. This sturdy and mellow breed is generally docile and low energy, meaning that they are easy to care for and don’t require intense physical activity. Some breeds have a tendency to be friendly with people, but aggressive or scared with other dogs. This is not the case with bulldogs. They are friendly through and through whether you are human, canine, feline, or otherwise.
The size of a bulldog is another plus for children. They are relatively small and can, therefore, live well in small apartments without sacrificing their quality of life.
2. Collie
The major benefit of bringing a collie home to your kids is how easy they are to train. These dogs are rarely aggressive, and often gentle and intelligent. Letting your child help with obedience training is a great family activity that teaches valuable lessons. The only downside to a collie is that they require grooming for their luxurious long hair.
These dogs are great if you have an infant or toddler in the house, because of how gentle and docile they are.
3. Miniature Poodle
The poodle itself is a great dog to have around kids for its smart and obedient nature. Miniatures are perfect because of this exact reason. They also tend to be incredibly loyal to one person that they latch onto. This makes them easy to train, playful, and caring. Their size makes them the perfect house dog, and they are rarely aggressive toward humans or other dogs.
These dogs also do not tend to shed as much as other breeds, which makes them ideal for even children with allergies. Cleaning up after them is easy and while they may be shy to strangers, they open up quickly and show their adventurous side.
4. Boykin Spaniel
This tiny pup tends to be somewhere in size between a cocker and a springer. They tend to have a friendly demeanor and a long-life expectancy, making them a great family dog. With their exuberant personality and lots of energy, they are a great playmate for kids without being too boisterous. They are small and light enough for an older child to manage on a leash without being pulled down.
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The Bottom Line
The breed of dog that is best for you should depend on a number of factors:
- Do you want a dog with lots of energy to go on family hikes and runs?
- Do you need a docile companion for your toddler?
- Are you looking for a small dog that can live happily in a mid-size apartment without a big yard to play in? Ask yourself these questions before deciding on a breed. There are many friendly, well-behaved dogs out there. The Bulldog, Collie, Miniature Poodle, and Boykin Spaniel are all excellent choices for a home with children. Each breed is bound to fit in with your family and lifestyle.
