We are big fans of having family dogs! We've had several different breeds on our farm: big dogs, little dogs, loud ones, quiet ones, and we've loved them all.
According to a scientific study carried out in the in the university of Cambridge an increasing evidence was found that household pets or family dogs may have a major influence on a child's development and could have a great positive impact on a child's social skills and emotional well-being.
Evidence also continues to show that family dogs have great benefits on human health and community cohesion. That said, if you are a big family like us with little kids, not all dogs can be brought home. We've actually made a couple choices that we regretted in the past. Two people in our family (myself included) have been bit by aggressive dogs who weren't a great match with all of our bustling activity.
You want to think carefully about which family dogs are the best fit for your lifestyle. Do you travel a lot? Then you'll want a low-key dog that's friendly with pet sitters – or a small one that can come along. Do you have allergies? Or specific weather concerns that call for a short-hair or long-hair dog? Here are some fantastic kid-friendly breeds to consider when looking for family dogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great fit for families who live in cold climates because they thrive in cold weather. They are known to be very gentle with kids, so when it comes to your little ones you will have nothing to worry about with the Bernese.
The Beagle
Growing up, one of my best friends had a Beagle and he was the BEST! The Beagle lives for companionship because they were meant to hunt in packs. They also have lots of energy which means if you have little ones who love playtime, the Beagle's one of your best bets. This breed of dog requires lots of attention, care and love – but in return makes one of the best family dogs out there.
The Newfoundland Dog
Remember “Nana” from Peter Pan? These are really gentle and nurturing. If your kids are very little, the Newfoundland dog would be a great family dog for you.
The Bichon Frise Dog
The Bichon Frise is a great people pleaser and is very likable and friendly. One of the best advantages of having them is that they are hypoallergenic, so if you have someone in your family who usually reacts to dog fur this is a great bet.
The Irish Setter Dog
The Irish Setter is a good breed to consider when searching for family dogs. They are totally friendly with new people, which means they will behave great when taken to play dates or parks. They thrive in an environment where they are surrounded by loved ones, making them a great fit for a family with kids.
The Boxer Dog
The Boxer breed is a great watchdog. If you're looking for a dog that can protect your household while still getting along well with kids, the Boxer is a great option.
The Golden Retriever
This breed is known for being really obedient and patient, if you are searching for a breed that is really affectionate for a family dog I would suggest The Golden Retriever.
Which of these are your favorite picks for family dogs?
Also, check out my recommendation for fresh pet food.