Are you thinking of adopting a dog? If you have kids, you need to make sure everyone in the family will get along harmoniously.
While most mutts and toddlers get along famously, a mismatch can mean heartache, even tragedy. Here are eight child-friendly dog breeds to consider adopting — your local shelter can help you further narrow your search.
1. Collie
Collies are sensitive and intelligent. They are known for their undying loyalty and ability to predict their owner’s needs. They’re very affectionate but don’t like being left alone for hours daily, making them ideal for families where one parent stays home.
Collies do require considerable grooming. During shedding season, you’ll find your furniture coated if you don’t brush your pooch once or twice a day. Although they are easy to train, they do bark and howl — exercise caution if your apartment building has thin walls.
2. Border Collie
Border collies are every bit as intelligent as the standard model and can sometimes be too clever for their own good. This breed can get up to trouble if left alone and bored, but it’s ideal for busy families with active lifestyles.
You can train this dog to perform tricks and work as a service dog. They got their start back in the days of ancient Rome when the soldier’s working dogs would mate with Viking spitzes and produce compact and quicker herders. They’re smaller, only gaining between 30 to 50 pounds over their lifetime.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers or labs have a stellar reputation for patience, intelligence and calm companionship. Although they have oodles of energy as puppies, they tend to relax as they age. However, they still appreciate the chance to use their impressive hunting and swimming skills.
Labs are large dogs that go through a considerable amount of kibble. Fortunately, they are friendly with other animals if you have them in the home. However, you may need to change your cat’s food dish location if you hope to avoid canine theft.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are likewise friendly and a snap to train. Their fur varies anywhere from a light cream color to deep russet. You’ll find this intelligent breed frequently used as a service or emotional support animal for those with disabilities.
Goldens do shed a considerable amount — all year long — so invest in a quality tool to tame the mess. They need about 45 minutes of mental and physical exercise daily, something that they’ll get plenty of in a home with active children.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
If you have allergies, consider adopting a Portuguese water dog. This breed is hypoallergenic, meaning their fur and dander won’t leave you wheezing. You might remember the last dog to occupy the White House before the Trump administration fit this profile.
This breed is on the larger side at 35 to 60 pounds. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, although some display willful traits. However, if you had dogs in the past, your family should do well with this option.
6. Poodle
You might associate poodles with long hours at the beauty parlor, but this breed has more to offer than stunning white curls. Like Portuguese water dogs, they are hypoallergenic, and they don’t require much grooming if you don’t like the manicured hedges look.
Poodles are highly intelligent, and the full-sized variety does an efficient job of hunting waterfowl. Their smaller miniature kin only grows to about 10 pounds in size, making them an ideal choice for your family if you share a cramped apartment.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
If your family wants a giant lust for adventure in a pint-size, consider adopting a Jack Russell terrier. One member of this breed, Bothy, was the first to step foot on both the North and South poles — a feat few humans can claim.
Although relatively small at only 13 to 17 pounds, this breed is a behemoth when it comes to energy. Therefore, they aren’t the ideal pet for laid-back families who enjoy nothing better than a Netflix binge. If left alone and unexercised, they can become destructive.
8. Great Danes
You might not consider a Great Dane if you have a tiny home, but you’d be surprised. For all its massive size, this breed makes the perfect apartment pet because of its laid-back nature.
Some pet owners might hesitate — after all, at 150 pounds, these dogs might outweigh them, let alone their toddlers. However, this breed is famous for its reputation as a gentle giant. If you aren’t sure that you aren’t confusing that adorable mountain for a less-friendly breed, you can take a canine DNA test to be sure.
Consider These 8 Child-Friendly Dog Breeds When Adopting
If you are considering adding a furry family member, the child-friendly dog breeds above make excellent choices. Seek these canines or their hybrids when you head to the shelter.
