If you and your family are looking to adopt a dog our Mooresville vets are here to help. Today, we are sharing a list of 10 dogs that are great for families with kids, all of them have different energy levels to help you decide which one might suit your family best.
Adopting The Best Dog for Your Family
When you have decided it's the right time for you and your family to adopt a dog, it's important to look past the cute factor and find one that will fit your home and lifestyle. Some things you will need to consider include how much space the dog needs and the size of your home, the amount of exercise the pup needs and energy level of your family, and the temperament of the dog and how much your family is willing to commit to training. To help you out, our vets have listed some of our favorite dog breeds for families with kids:
Newfoundland
If you live in a large home and are looking for a dog to help fill it, the huge Newfoundland might be an excellent choice for your family. Over the years this dog has taken on the nickname 'Nature's babysitter', these sweet-natured dogs are smart and love being around kids. Water-loving and friendly Newfoundlands can make a great pet for the family.
Irish Setter
Weighing on average 65 lbs, this breed is more than just stunningly beautiful! These dogs are intelligent, lively, and have a great sense of mischief. Irish Setters enjoy chasing balls, going outside for long runs, but also enjoy playing in the backyard with kids. High-energy kids will love spending time with this breed.
Golden Retriever
If you have kids that will love throwing a ball and playing with the family pup, or taking the time to teach the dog new tricks, this could be the breed for you. Ranging in weight from 55-75 lbs Golden Retrievers are confident, friendly, smart, kind, and loyal, making them perfect for family life.
English Bulldog
This breed isn't as energetic as the ones above, it weighs in at about 50-55 lbs, making it more appropriate for smaller homes and apartments. These dogs look for social interactions with their people and will enjoy cuddling up with the family to relax and watch a movie. English bulldogs make sweet, gentle, and dependable family pets.
Beagle
At between 18-30 lbs this medium-sized breed craves quality time with their people, going on walks, and playing games. These dogs are smart and can make very loving family pets when they are given lots of exercise and family interaction. This is not the best breed for families that spend a lot of time away from the house.
Boston Terrier
Checking in at just below 25 pounds, these people-loving canines come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. They are happy just playing with the kids and going out for short walks. This charming dog breed adapts well to an apartment lifestyle and makes a great companion for kids. Boston terriers are full of personality that your children will fall in love with.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At between 10-18 lbs, the portable size of this lively but gentle breed makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with kids as well as other dogs, loving to play and snuggle in equal measure. These sweet-natured dogs can be great pets for kids of many energy levels and ages.
Pug
These adorable little characters enjoy eating and sleeping. If you have small kids, or your family has a lower energy level you may appreciate a dog that will play indoors then curl up with the kids and watch tv. At around 15 lbs, pugs don't need a lot of space just a couple of short walks every day.
The Mutt
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs that can be fantastic for families! These dogs often come equipped with the best traits of many kid-friendly breeds such as a gentle loving nature and loyalty. These dogs can be just as good with children as purebred dogs and are often less susceptible to genetic diseases, and less expensive. The perfect breed for your kids might be waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
French Bull Dog
This small breed dog is very adaptable and perfect for city-dwelling families. They are very easygoing as well as not very active. They respond well to training, are generally very affectionate, and great for new families.