Asking which breed is the best big dogs for kids is a tricky question. Organizations like the American Kennel Club and the American Temperament Test Society offer clues into which dog breed might be the best companion for your children. However, it\’s important to know that like all things, dog behavior is situational. A Golden Retriever is just as likely to have aggression issues as a Pit Bull Terrier. The key to owning an amazing dog is treating your dog amazingly. This being said, if you are thinking of introducing a pet into your children\’s life there are some suggestions from the pet experts. Behavior idiosyncrasies, common medical issues, and trainability are all things to consider.
Having a dog in the home helps teach kids responsibility, especially if you get a puppy. During puppy training, everyone in the house will have to follow through with consistency. If you don\’t want your dog to jump up on people as they walk in, and your kids are letting him jump up—all the training goes out the door. Your kids can also learn to keep up with a dog\’s walking and eating schedule. These small chores are a fun way to learn some responsibility.
Getting a dog is a big decision, almost as big as having human children. Make sure your whole family is on board and ready to take on the loving, challenge. If you have any questions, ask your vet or groomers at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique.
Raise the Ruff: The Best Big Dogs for Kids
Mixed Breeds
\”Mutts\” actually make some of the best big dogs for kids. With mixed breeds, it\’s a win-win situation. Many shelters and rescues are overburdened with a number of stray dogs across the country. Going to a rescue or shelter can give a puppy or older dog a chance at a loving home. Genetic variance is also important. The larger the gene pool, the better probability your dog has of avoiding medical issues. Mixed breeds make unique and friendly family pets!
Great Dane
We love these guys! Great Dane\’s are the gentle giants of the dog world. Even though a male can weigh up to 200 lbs, these doggos think they’re lap dogs. This breed loves to be played and relax for their grooming. Since they are large dogs they will need good exercise and if you have a very small child you will need to supervise their time spent together. Great Dane\’s are sweethearts but they could possibly knock your child over in excitement.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese dogs are amazing companions who can make a great cuddle-mate for your kids. With a good-natured disposition toward other dogs and children, Bernese dogs are friendly with the family but can be a little shy with strangers. These dogs are eager to please and can be trained easily. The dogs do shed often and need weekly grooming as well as needing plenty of outdoor activity. A Bernese Mountain Dog is the teddy bears of pets!
Collies
You might consider doing your kids a favor and not letting them see the end of Lassie, opting into getting a Collie as a pet instead. Collies are known for having a graceful and devoted personality traits. As a part of the herding family, Collies can be trained easily and are great alongside kids. Of all the best big dogs for kids, a Male Collie can reach up to 75 lbs, making them an obvious contender. If you and your kids are looking for loyalty, get the family a Collie to herd the kids.
Labradoodle
This mixed breed dog combines two other stunning breeds to make one incredible dog. Of course, being a cross between Labrador Retriever and Poodle, these dogs are almost incapable of frowning. Intelligent, playful, and highly-skilled—these dogs are great with kids. They are easy to train because of their intrinsic good nature and often make great service and therapy dogs. If your kids have any allergies—no worries—this dog\’s non-shedding coat is a good choice for allergy sufferers. Not to mention, Jennifer Aniston and Neil Young both have Labradoodles!
Mastiff
The Mastiff family comprises several types: American, English, Alpine, Cane Corso, Neopolitan, and others. All of them share similar characteristics including being great with kids. Mastiffs were originally used as guard dogs because of their thick sizes but underneath the body mass, they are softies.
Newfoundland
Coming from workhorse origins, the Newfoundland is a horse himself with a male weighing up to 150 lbs, but still makes one of the best big dogs for kids. Because of their massive size, these dogs romp around, are somewhat active, and great with kids. The Newfoundland sheds seasonally and sometimes will need supervision with other dogs. With these bear-like doggies, your kids will have an easy chore as the dogs need daily grooming.
Golden Retriever
Since the dawn of Airbud, families have fallen in love with the Golden Retriever. These loving dogs are friendly, confident, and will do just about anything for a game of fetch. Since Goldies are loyal and social they make great guard dogs for your household and have an intrinsic paternal sense with your kids. With these pups, it\’s hard to distinguish who will be having more fun in the backyard; the kids, or the dog?
Boxer
At the shoulder, Boxer males can tower over 25 inches and weigh in at over 80 lbs. Boxers are very active and need tons of exercise so this can encourage your kids to stop playing video games and go outside to play with the dog. Boxers respond well to training and have high intelligence and social skills. As the 10th most popular breed in the U.S., Boxers make great playmates for your children!
Standard Poodle
The Poodle gets a bad rap as the beauty with no brains but this breed is actually one of the best big dogs for kids. A well-trained poodle is proud, intelligent, with a pleasing nature. Poodles come in three different sizes: toy (4-6 lbs), miniature (10-15 lbs), standard (40-50 lbs). Each variation has the same temperament so if you\’re looking for a bigger rendition go with a standard poodle. The breed needs constant grooming and is very active.
We All Need Somepawdy to Love
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique loves dogs of all shapes and sizes! Whether you are looking for one of the best big dogs for kids or searching for a lap dog, we wish you luck finding an amazing furry companion for the kids!
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