If you are looking to add a dog to the family, you may be looking for friendly dog breeds, especially if you have kids. Today, our Hohenwald vets share 5 very friendly dog breeds to help you make a decision.
How Kids Can Benefit from Having a Dog
There are a few benefits (other than lots of love and doggy kisses!) to bringing a dog into your home. Here are some reasons kids benefit from having a pup to love and care for:
Improved Happiness
There's science behind why we feel so happy to come home to a dog's wagging tail; playing with a pet raises levels of dopamine and serotonin, which calms the mind and improves our mood.
Reduced Stress
Patting a dog has proven to lower levels of cortisol - the stress hormone - in both people and pets. Research has also found that children's
Develop Compassion
Owning and caring for a pet gives children more compassion and empathy for others. Studies have shown that nurturing and caring for an animal that depends on them helps children grow personally.
Stay Healthier
Many dogs require exercise, attention, and outdoor activities that can help your kid spend more time outside, getting in their physical activity for the day.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
If you're considering a canine pal for your kids, choosing a breed with qualities that complement your child's personality is important. Would your child like a pet that they can take to the park and run around with, or a cuddle companion?
Make sure to consider your available square footage at home as well. Do you have lots of space or is your home on the smaller side?
At Hohenwald Animal Hospital, we want you to find the best family dog for your kids. Read below for a list of our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1. Labrador Retriever
Still one of the most popular family pets, Labrador Retrievers are fun, gentle, and loyal - and they can be excellent dogs for kids. Labs relish spending time with people and will likely become your child's best friend quickly. That said, it's important to ensure this breed gets plenty of exercises or they can begin to cause mischief. These pooches vary in stature somewhat - they generally weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This gentle but compact breed (they weigh in at between 10 and 18 pounds) may be an excellent match for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers tend to do well with kids and other dogs. They can be both cuddly and playful, which makes this sweet, good-natured pup well-suited for kids of many energy levels and ages.
3. Newfoundland
Sweet, loyal, and patient are just some of the words that best describe this fluffy giant. This delightful breed has a real affinity for kids and is often referred to as a 'nanny dog' due to its gentle patience with children. Weighing in between 100 -150 lbs you will need space if you plan to get a Newfoundland for your family, and it's important to note that as with many giant breeds, Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of only 8 - 10 whereas many small to medium dogs can live 15 - 20 years or in some cases even longer.
4. Golden Retriever
Affectionate, good with children, and playful with other dogs, the faithful Golden Retriever can make an excellent dog for families with kids of any age. Covered in a dense, lustrous coat of gold this breed is as lovely to cuddle with as it is to play with. Goldens are typically eager-to-please family dogs, that are relatively easy to train. They have a joyous and playful approach to life and keep their youthful spirit well into adulthood. This breed generally weighs in at about 60 - 80 lbs and is a moderate shedder.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
If your family is looking for a big dog, your kids will love this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70-100lbs, and despite their size, have a reputation for being gentle with kids. One word of warning - these big beautiful dogs are major shedders.
Once you've chosen your new four-legged family member, we recommend bringing them into our Hohenwald animal hospital for a complete physical exam to assess, diagnose and treat any health conditions. We can also administer any pet vaccinations your animal may need.