Guide to Child Friendly Dog Breeds

People decide to introduce a dog into their lives for many reasons. Companionship is probably one of the largest reasons as dogs have this remarkable way of loving you and communicating with you, and becoming an important member of the family. However, when introducing a new dog into a family with children it's important that you do your research and look for breeds that are well suited to being around children. This means the dog needs to be patient, loving, friendly, and even tempered to be appropriate in an environment with children. The right dog will love, cherish and protect your child, and here you will find some of the top dog breeds that will work in a home with children.

Labrador Retriever:

This popular dog is a family favourite. They are known to be wonderful companions suited to any age. They are loyal, affectionate, and above all else patient dogs. They are even-tempered, friendly, and love to play, which suits them to children. They are also very family oriented and respond well to training. They can be large dogs averaging between 60-70 pounds.

Standard Schnauzer:

These dogs are very suited to children largely due to their easy-going nature. They can however be resistant to training and require regular exercise. They are however very family oriented and make great companions. These are medium sized dogs.

Beagles:

These dogs also possess a very easy-going nature, which suits them to life with children. They are naturally sweet and curious dogs. They require firm training and dislike being left on their own. They are on average 20-25 pounds.

Collie:

This dog is very docile and patient with children. They can be protective of children while still getting much enjoyment out of playing with them. Collie's are extremely intelligent and respond well to training. They are obedient, loyal, and devoted dogs that make wonderful companions and family pets. Their average weight is 60-70 pounds.

Jack Russel Terrier:

This dog is a very friendly and devoted companion who is always happy. They are playful and well-suited to considerate children. They are fairly intelligent dog, but can be stubborn so a patient training routine is suggested. They average between 14-18 pounds in weight.

Springer Spaniel:

This medium sized dog is friendly and possesses an easy-going nature. They are also gentle and enjoy playing with children. They respond quickly to training, but can be stubborn at times. They are also extremely affectionate. They dislike being left on their own for too long and are happiest when there are people around. They range between 40-55 pounds in weight.

Mountain Dogs:

The Mountain Dog category includes the Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Great Swiss Mountain Dog, and Akbash. These dogs are amazingly loving, protective, and affectionate with their families. They enjoy spending time with children and playing. Mountain Dogs are quite large in size and you should definitely consider the amount of room you have before bringing such a dog into your home.

Weimaraner:

This happy dog is extremely friendly, loving, and affectionate. They enjoy playing, but can be fairly energetic so young children are not recommended around this breed. They need firm training as they can be quite stubborn. However, they crave human companionship and need regular attention and love. They range between 55-65 pounds.

Standard Poodle:

This elegant and graceful dog is extremely good natured. They are very intelligent and one of the easiest breeds to train. They are happy and friendly dogs who enjoy spending time with their human companions and dislike being on their own. They are on average 55-65 pounds in weight.

Although, this is meant to be a guide it is important to remember that on average each breed responds well to children, but every dog is an individual and without the right training, care, and attention can become difficult. However, with the right time and training these dogs can become irreplaceable members of the family that you will become extremely attached to.

References:

http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dogs/dogs-good-with-kids

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com