When searching for a new furry friend for your family, it's important to take into consideration your family's lifestyle and how particular dog breeds interact with children. Understanding a breed's personality, grooming habits, and energy level are just a few considerations to take into account before bringing home a new pup. The American Kennel Club suggests nine breeds that are well suited for households with children.
_Labrador Retriever
Personality: Friendly, outgoing and playful Energy: High Size:
Energy: High
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Water-resistant coat that sheds seasonally and requires regular grooming
Exercise: Very active and high-spirited
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
_Beagle
Personality: Lovable, happy, easygoing and companionable
Energy: Medium
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Short coat that is easy to care for
Exercise: Very active and energetic
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
_Weimaraner
Personality: Friendly, fearless, alert and obedient
Energy: High
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Grooming time can be an excellent bonding experience with this particular breed
Exercise: Very active
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
_Bulldog
Personality: Calm, courageous and friendly
Energy: Medium
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Minimal grooming
Exercise: Not very active, but requires regular walks
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
_Golden Retriever
Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted
Energy: Medium
Size: Large
Coat and grooming: This breed sheds seasonally and needs regular grooming and brushing as a weekly routine
Exercise: Very active and energetic and needs daily exercise
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
_Bull Terrier
Personality: Playful, loyal and charming but can be mischievous
Energy: High
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Short coat, easy to care for
Exercise: Very active breed that requires exercise to prevent problem behaviors and boredom
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
_Boxer
Personality: Fun-loving, bright, active and loyal
Energy: High
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Short coat requires little grooming
Exercise: This particular breed is very active and requires plenty of exercise. They also love to partake in physical and mental challenges
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
_Newfoundland
Personality: Sweet, patient, devoted and good companions
Energy: Medium
Size: Large
Coat and grooming: Regular grooming is required to keep coat healthy
Exercise: Somewhat active but enjoys playing around
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
_Soft coated wheaten terrier
Personality: Happy, friendly, and deeply devoted
Energy: Medium
Size: Medium
Coat and grooming: Sheds minimally but requires regular grooming to keep fur mat free
Exercise: Fun-loving and somewhat active
Health: Generally a healthy breed
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
