Dogs can teach kids responsibility, compassion, and cooperation — all while being the best playmates anyone could ask for. Before you adopt any pup, however, it's always a good idea to research the best kind of dog breed for your children and lifestyle.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a wonderful family pet; a gentle, calm dog, who is happy to be combed and brushed. This breed is, however, less enthusiastic about games, such as tug of war, and rough-and-tumble play. King Charles spaniels are a good match for a more urban lifestyle and a sensitive child.

Bulldog - For a devoted, patient pup that’s sure to act affectionately towards kids, the Bulldog is your go-to breed. The Bulldog has a sturdy build that is perfect for kids. However, he won’t win any awards for "most energetic dog."

A docile, friendly, and loyal dog, the Bulldog gets along well with other pets and dogs, too. The Bulldog is comfortable living in large houses as well as small apartments.  

Most are also pleasant with outside visitors and compatible with other pets, which makes them the perfect fit for a busy, social family. Their smaller size makes them suitable to both large houses and small apartments, as well. 

Beagle - Cute? Check. Friendly? Check? Totally lovable? Check and check. Beagles absolutely thrive on companionship; long days alone won't work for these pack animals. These charming dogs are among the best dogs for kids and best dog breeds for families because they are loving by nature, love to play, and have goofy personalities.

If you want a dog who wants to be with people, this is a great breed for your family. Pass beagles up, however, if your house is always empty during the day, Beagles don’t do well being left alone for long stretches of time.

Golden Retriever - The Golden Retriever is a confident, smart, kind, and loyal dog. Neither aggressive nor timid, the Golden Retriever is extremely patient, which makes them a perfect match for kids.

The breed’s friendly, tolerant attitude makes them great family pets, and their intelligence makes them highly capable working dogs. These dogs are fairly easy to train and get along in just about any home or family. They’re great with kids and very protective of their humans. If you want a loyal, loving, and smart companion, then you should consider adopting one of these pups into your pack.

Labrador Retriever - This is one of THE most popular dog breeds, and for good reason—the Labrador Retriever is playful, patient, loving, protective, and reliable. Another perk—Labs are highly intelligent and take well to training.

They require A LOT of exercise (they love swimming!), so be sure your family is up for the challenge. Make sure that they have plenty of room to run around and play.

Whether they’re Black Labs, Chocolate Labs, or Yellow Labs, they all share the same sense of stamina, strength, and obedience that makes them such a popular breed.

These affable dogs get along well with other animals and pretty much everyone they meet, plus their short coats mean that they only really need a weekly combing to keep them clean and healthy. However, Labradors do shed, so you should be prepared for cleaning up their hair regularly.

Irish Setter - Does your family love a good group jog or a game of beach Frisbee? If so, an Irish setter will be the perfect fit for you. Regal to look at and energetic beyond words, this breed grows to be large, around 50 to 70 pounds, and has a long lifespan, so they can grow up with your kids.

Irish setters are one of the best family dogs, make great companions, are wonderful with children, have lively dispositions, and are some of the best dogs for first-time owners. An active lifestyle (and an endless supply of tennis balls) is a must. This is a work-out partner that'll motivate everyone in the family to get moving.

Newfoundland - Nicknamed "Nature’s Babysitter," the Newfoundland is considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds in the world, and these dogs just happen to love children and are very protective of them.

Gentle, kind, and patient, this breed is almost like the Mother Teresa of dogs. Both younger and older family members will quickly fall in love with this large, wonderfully sweet dog.

The Newfoundland best suits a family with large, open spaces, and although they are known to drool and shed excessively, they should not be left to live outdoors in the yard (no dog should). Their long coats will also require regular grooming and upkeep.

The Newfoundland is also a great swimmer and has been known to save lives in emergency situations. They are easily trained and quite task-oriented, so don’t be afraid to provide them with stimulation that requires a little extra work on their part. 

Please do bear in mind that everything in this post is strictly advisory and has been gathered from various reputable sources from the internet. We’re not vets, and you should always seek professional advice if you ever have concerns.

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