Everyone loves a dog. Many kids also ask their parents for a puppy every 5 seconds…and they eventually win! Dogs are great for anyone and this includes toddlers. Dogs are fun and playful and incredibly loving. Their unconditional love is truly amazing.
Dogs can help toddlers in many ways. Even when a child has a medical problem and they don’t interact with anyone, chances are, they will with a dog. This is just one of the many reasons why dogs are used as therapy for many people, including toddlers.
However, picking the right dog for your family does need some consideration. While certain dogs (even cartoon dogs) may influence a child’s wishes, it may not be a good fit. There are many things to think about. For instance, some dogs may want to play all the time. Others may be more gentle, quiet and patient. Choosing the right dog for your situation must not be taken lightly.
For households with young children, here are the 6 best dogs for toddlers and kids:
1. Bulldog
While the Bulldog can look very powerful and intimidating, they are actually very affectionate with children. These dogs are also very patient. They are strong, so if kids get a little boisterous, they can take it. However, they are not the most energetic of dogs. They do get along with other pets and dogs as well as kids. So, if you have a very social lifestyle, Bulldogs will make great pets and they are one of the best dogs for toddlers. They can even be good for families living in an apartment.
Due to the way their face is built, you may notice wheezing and snoring. This is normal. They may need extra care when it comes to brushing their teeth because of the way they are. Brushing a dog’s teeth is just as important as it is for us. As for the rest of the body, make sure to clean certain areas where there can be some build up of dirt, especially where they are wrinkly.
2. Newfoundland Dogs
The Newfoundland dog (or Newf) is a very large breed. However, they are very protective and gentle with children, so they are known as some of the best dogs for toddlers. Despite their size, this is a good breed for the kids. The males weigh as much as an adult man and the females weigh as much as an adult woman. They are highly intelligent and love caring for children.
Even though the Newfoundland dog can be quite intimidating, they are rather gentle with a great deal of patience. Whether you are an adult or a toddler, you will fall in love with this sweet breed. They do need a lot of space but they love spending time inside with the family. They are also very good swimmers. Make sure to give them lots of mental stimulation. They are also quite easy to train. They may drool quite a bit and also shed a lot. Better get that vacuum cleaner fixed!
3. Poodle Dogs
Poodles are also one of the best dogs for toddlers. Depending on your situation, you can choose a size; poodles can either be large or small. They are also quite gentle. Poodles are considered to be one of the smartest of the dog breeds. If your toddler happens to be allergic, a poodle could be a good dog for allergies since they don’t shed a lot. However, they will need to be taken to a professional groomer at regular intervals.
The larger poodles are playful and obedient. They may tend to be slightly shy with strangers. However, if they are familiar with you and with children, they will get along famously. The smaller guys are clever and playful too. However, they tend to pick one person as their favourite. Despite this, they get along wonderfully with kids and other pets.
4. Golden Retriever Dogs
The Golden Retriever is a large and beautiful breed. They have kind and gentle faces and always look like they are smiling. These dogs are quite patient, making them a great dog to have especially for kids. The Golden Retriever is also one of the best dogs for cats and generally get along with other pet species.
This is a breed that requires a lot of exercise. The Golden Retriever love to play, so retrieving games are a must. They also love those flying discs, so they are the best dogs for toddlers who enjoy getting a little activity and exercise. They are affectionate, obedient and very smart. Kids tend to fall in love with Golden Retrievers the moment they first set eyes on them and who can blame them?
They do require their coats to be brushed at least twice a week. This is another breed that does shed a lot of hair, so be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. They love the outdoors but one suspects that they would much rather be indoors with you.
5. Labrador Retriever Dogs
This is one of the most popular dog breeds in North America. They are patient and highly intelligent. They love to play and are very protective of their owners. Needless to say, they love kids. They are quite easy to train.
Just like the Golden Retrievers, they need lots of exercise. They are good swimmers and love the water. The Labrador Retriever do need a lot of space. There are chocolate, yellow and black Labradors. They are strong dogs with lots of stamina. They get along with just about anyone, including other animals. Since they have short hair, you can comb them once a week.
6. Beagles
The Beagle has a calm temperament, making them a great family dog, especially with kids. They also love the outdoors, so if you do, Mr. Snoopy will fit right in. They also love to play, making them a good choice for toddlers. They are friendly and happy dogs and pretty smart as well. Despite their small size, they do have a deep voice, making them good watchdogs. They tend to be suspicious of noise and intruders. Once trained, they are very obedient.
Beagles have been blessed with strong noses. For this reason, it is best to make sure that your home is enclosed by a fence of some kind. They may tend to run off and investigate, so try to keep him or her safe. The good thing about them is that they are low-maintenance, especially in terms of grooming.
Take your time when choosing a breed. Consider your family’s lifestyle. If you get a large breed, even though they may be gentle, they could knock a child down, so it’s advisable to have supervision at all times.