Smart Dogs for Kids

Lots of people have great memories of their first dog. They may recall the animal being a loving friend whose company was appreciated and cherished. You can help foster similarly fond memories for your children by choosing the right dog for a home with kids. However, as wonderful as these dogs may be with children, they are still animals, and parents should always supervise playtime between their kids and dogs.

  1. Golden Retriever

    • Gentle and friendly, golden retrievers are among the most popular dogs in the United States and are great dogs for people with kids. They have a sweet and easy demeanor and are responsive and easy to train. They enjoy spending time with people and are almost always eager and ready to play. Golden retrievers are not shy dogs and are comfortable with strangers, so they are ideal pets to have for kids' play dates and sleepovers.

    Great Dane

    • Though they are one of the biggest breeds, a Great Dane's size should not intimidate parents. These dogs are sweet and gentle --- even almost timid at times --- and they form strong bonds with kids. Since young children are much smaller than the dogs, it is as if the dogs take to them as they would their own pups. Great Danes are also patient and can tolerate a young child still learning how to handle animals.

    Beagle

    • The beagle's energy makes it a great dog for kids. It is hard to tire out these sweet dogs, so they can play with their kid companion for hours. The beagle's personality is similar to that of a child. Beagles are playful, curious and full of energy. Plus, they are not too big, so they won't accidentally hurt a kid with their weight or size.

    Poodle

    • The poodle's delicate-looking features belie its rough-and-tumble nature. The large standard poodle is sturdy and strong, while the small toy poodle is very affectionate. Overall, poodles are playful and smart, and their low-dander coats are great for kids' still-developing immune systems. They also will generally not aggravate allergies. In addition, since they are not overly excitable, they are unlikely to react dangerously to a kid's sudden outburst or unexpected physicality.

    Pug

    • These little dogs have big personalities. They like to play and bond well with their families. They are also easy to care for, so new dog owners will have an easy time with them. As playful as they are, pugs are also patient. They will wait until it is time to play rather than disturb kids with pent-up energy. Pugs are also very affectionate. They will ask for lots of petting and give kids lots of kisses --- especially kids who are small enough to be within reach of the small-stature pug.

    Keeshond

    • The keeshond (plural, keeshonden) is a stocky, sturdy dog that can put up with what a young kid can dish out. They are so happy and good-natured that they earned the nickname the "smiling Dutchman." These dogs are extremely friendly and love giving and getting affection and attention. They are also alert dogs that remain watchful without turning violent.