Bringing a new dog into your home is a big deal. Sure, it's exciting, but there are so many factors to consider — especially when you're bringing a dog into a home with kids. Sadly, more than 50 percent of dog bite victims are children, and 61 percent of these bites take place at home or in another familiar place. As scary as this sounds, many of these accidents can be prevented if you take the time to research the breed you are bringing into your home.
So, which dogs fare best in a houseful of kids? The American Kennel Club lists the "calm and courageous" bulldog as one of its top picks for children, and we've added 10 more of our family-friendly favorites to the list.
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11. Bulldog
The bulldog has a sturdy build that is perfect for kids who like to roughhouse. Only between 12 and 16 inches in height and weighing about 50 pounds, the bulldog is comfortable living in large houses as well as apartments. However, he won't win any awards for most energetic dog. A docile, friendly and loyal dog, he gets along well with dogs and other pets too.
But their temperament with kids is all but famous. As intimidating as they look, they're friendly and gentle with kids and known for their guarding capabilities and courage.
Next: Boxer
A version of this article was originally published in January 2009.
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10. Boxer
If the bulldog doesn’t strike your fancy, the boxer is another sturdy dog that can maintain its composure around kids. While boxers were originally bred as medium-size guard dogs, you’ll find them as an extra member of the family in many homes today. Along with its stout size, the boxer is known for its high energy — this playful pup needs lots of exercise and may keep your kids occupied for hours.
True to form, the boxer is described by the American Kennel Club as fun-loving, bright and active, making it the 10th-most popular dog breed of the AKC. When introducing a boxer to the family for the first time, plenty of supervision is required, though the breed is ultimately considered an ideal family dog.
Next: Beagle
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9. Beagle
Originally kept as hunting dogs, beagles fit well in homes with active kids, as they are sturdily built and never too tired to play a game. Friendly, clever and cheerful — if properly socialized with non-canine animals — the beagle usually gets along with other pets too (except for a bit of chasing here and there). They do shed and require frequent brushing and bathing, however.
About 15 inches tall and around 22 pounds, they are great little apartment dogs, but they do need lots of exercise, so plan to take them on a brisk daily walk to make sure they live out their full 12 to 15 years of life. Always keep them on a lead or in the confines of a well-fenced yard, though. They really do follow their noses and may wander off on adventures.
While your beagle most likely won't have a bird named Woodstock as his best friend, you can by all means name him (or her) Snoopy.
More: 130 Unique Female Dog Names That Are Perfect for Your Pup
Next: Bull terrier
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8. Bull terrier
The bull terrier can get quite rambunctious and requires plenty of playtime. Therefore, he is a perfect dog for a large family. The bull terrier will return your affection by being very protective of your children for his average decadelong life expectancy.
Often mistaken for the larger pit bull, the bull terrier was bred to be a companion dog — friendly and loving toward grown-ups and kids alike. This well-framed dog also has a high threshold for pain, making him perfect for rambunctious children who are learning how to properly treat dogs.
The bull terrier comes in two sizes, which are standard (about 22 inches and anywhere between 40 and 85 pounds) and miniature (roughly half the size of the standard), so choose your size based on the size of your home. But note that even the little ones need plenty of exercise.
Next: Collie
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7. Collie
This is the dog breed Lassie made famous. Collies are a very gentle and predictable breed, rarely biting their human family and easily trainable, perfect for families unfamiliar with dogs.
While this breed is typically mild-mannered (like Clark Kent!), it was originally bred as a herding dog, so he or she may try to herd your children. This might be amusing at first, but it's probably best to discourage the child-herding (no matter how handy you may think it could be). The collie's long hair means it requires regular grooming to keep its coat in tip-top shape. Collies get along great with children and love to please their owners and protect their families.
At about 25 inches tall and 60 pounds, the collie is a breed you may think inappropriate for apartment living, but as long as they do get exercise, they're pretty docile indoors. For a larger dog, they live a very long life of about 14 to 16 years.
More: 11 Things Only Border Collie Owners Understand
Next: Newfoundland
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6. Newfoundland
Nicknamed "nature's babysitter," the Newfoundland dog loves children and is very protective of them. Gentle, kind and patient, this breed is almost like the Mother Teresa of dogs. The Newfoundland is about 27 inches tall and weighs as much as 150 pounds, so he best suits a family with large, open spaces at home.
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And although the breed is known to drool and shed excessively, it is not considered a proper dog for the yard. This breed wants to be inside with his family. Wouldn't you? The Newfoundland is also a great swimmer and has been known to save lives in emergency situations. Both young and old will quickly fall in love with this wonderfully sweet large dog.
Next: Vizsla
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5. Vizsla
This may be a breed you haven't heard of before, but it's actually one of the best dog breeds for kids. The vizsla has a gentle disposition and manner and is loyal, affectionate and quiet, perfect for your little ones to play with.
Additionally, viszlas are obedient, confident and smart, forming close bonds with their family and able to learn new tricks quickly. Best of all, the vizslas have very little "doggy" smell about them.
Only a little shorter than the Newfoundland (around 23 inches) and weighing around 50 pounds, this is a breed you might be tempted to subject to apartment life, but that's not a good idea. They might be too rambunctious indoors and need at least an average-size backyard to play in. Make sure they're happy and healthy, and they can live up to 15 years.
More: How Many Dogs Are Too Many?
Next: Irish setter
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4. Irish setter
Known for its red coat, the Irish setter is playful and energetic, loves being around people and plays well with children. This doggy needs lots of exercise and is a good match for energetic kids.
A smart and trainable companion, the Irish setter is perfect for people with lots of space but isn't what one would call a good apartment dweller. At 26 inches high and about 65 pounds, the breed may seem small enough for a large apartment, but I'd avoid it unless you're an avid daily jogger.
Next: Poodle
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3. Poodle
Often given rather curious haircuts by their owners, the poodle is a very smart and gentle dog. They're also great for kids with allergies, as they shed very little; they do, however, require regular grooming.
This is a proud and elegant dog that is both caring and loyal. Seldom annoyed or bored, the poodle's friendly demeanor, good nature and patience make him an excellent playing partner for any child.
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Generally, the larger breeds are best for kids, but if you're vigilant about obedience training, smaller versions won't develop small-dog syndromes that often make them a danger to kids and adults alike. Sizes vary, but you can choose from among toy, miniature and standard.
Next: Labrador retriever
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2. Labrador retriever
This is one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason — it is protective, playful, loving, patient and reliable. The Lab's beauty is only matched by his sweet personality and intelligence. What does this mean for you? He's your perfect family pet.
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They live between 10 and 12 years, though they're prone to mass cell tumors, which can shorten life expectancy. They're also fairly large dogs — about 23 inches tall and 65 pounds, though some males can get as big as 100 pounds. They're not recommended for small apartments or houses with small yards, but with adequate exercise in a spacious apartment, they can adapt to apartment life.
Next: Golden retriever
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1. Golden retriever
At an average of only 22 inches and a typical max weight of only 80 pounds, he's not quite as big as the Lab, but the golden retriever is a kind, smart, confident and loyal dog. Neither aggressive nor timid, the golden retriever is extremely patient, which is perfect for kids. While he does need a lot of exercise, his love of play makes this an easy thing to achieve.
They have the same life expectancy as the Lab, as well as similar health problems (mass cell tumors may limit their 10 to 12 years), and while they aren't considered large, smaller apartments probably aren't a great idea.
More: 28 Things Only Golden Retriever Owners Understand
So now that you know a thing or two about kid-friendly dogs, choosing one for your home and your family should be a little bit simpler. Remember, highly strung small dogs are usually not the best choice for children, though there are some to choose from if you have a small apartment. Also, keep in mind that mutts from the pound are a fantastic option, as they are often more docile and well-tempered.
Good luck finding the best dog for your family!
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