10. Bulldog
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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, it won't win any awards for "most energetic dog." A docile, friendly and loyal dog, it gets along well with other pets and dogs, too.
But its temperament with kids is all but famous. As intimidating as it looks, they're friendly and gentle with kids and known for their guarding capabilities and courage.
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9. Beagle
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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.
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8. Bull terrier
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The bull terrier can get quite rambunctious and requires plenty of playtime. Therefore, it is a perfect dog for a large family. The bull terrier will return your affection by being very protective of your children for its average decade-long life expectancy.
Often mistaken for the larger pit bull, the bull terrier was bred to be a companion dog — friendly and loving toward grownups and kids alike. This well-framed dog also has a high threshold for pain, making it 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.
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7. Collie
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This is the dog breed Lassie made famous. Collies are a very gentle and predictable breed, rarely biting its human family and easily trainable, perfect for families that are unfamiliar with dogs.
While this breed is typically mild mannered (like Clark Kent!), it was originally bred as a herding dog, so it 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 family.
At about 25 inches tall and 60 pounds, you may think they're 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.
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6. Newfoundland
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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 it best suits a family with large open spaces at home.
And although it is known to drool and shed excessively, it is not considered a proper dog for the yard. This breed wants to be inside with its 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.
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5. Vizsla
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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, it is obedient, confident and smart, forming close bonds with its family and able to learn new tricks quickly. Best of all, the vizsla has very little "doggy" smell about it.
Only a little shorter than the Newfoundland (around 23 inches) and weighing around 50 pounds, you might be tempted to subject them to apartment life, but that's not a good idea. It might be too rambunctious indoors and needs at least an average-size backyard to play in. Make sure they're happy and healthy, and they can live up to 15 years.
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4. Irish setter
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Known for its red coat, the Irish setter is playful, 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, it may seem small enough for a large apartment, but I'd avoid it unless you're an avid daily jogger.
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3. Poodle
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Often given rather curious haircuts by their owners, the poodle is a very smart and gentle dog. It's also great for kids with allergies, as it sheds very little; it does, however, require scheduled 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 it an excellent playing partner for any child.
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 between toy, miniature and standard.
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2. Labrador retriever
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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 its sweet personality and intelligence. What does this mean for you? It's your perfect family pet.
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.
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1. Golden retriever
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At an average of only 22 inches and a typical max weight of only 80 pounds, it'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 it does need a lot of exercise, its love of play makes this an easy thing to achieve.
They have the same life expectancy of 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.
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!
For more pet health information, visit PetMD.com; and don't forget to visit PetMD's new Topic Centers.
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