Spaniels, especially Cocker Spaniels
- I've been fortunate enough to raise dogs since I was little and have had a lot of practice with several breeds. Hands down, a Cocker Spaniel, or just about any other Spaniel, are GREAT with kids. They are devoted, patient, loving, even-temered, and easy to traine. They are extremely loyal, especially to a child. Mine even walked me to school and picked me up at the end of the day, every day. Devoted, loving, caring dogs and they don't let little children climbing on them bother them at all. They are GREAT!!!
- —Guest Lady Ilea
Best match for an active, special child!
- My son has SID; a disorder which causes him to be awkward, somewhat clumsy, to not always recognize his own strength, and to be VERY active. The best doggie match for him has been our rescued Catahoula Hound. This VERY active dog can keep up with our child. Bred to hunt large and small game, she's quite tough and sturdy, so accidental bumps don't bother her at all! Bred to work closely with humans, she's very devoted, very loving, and seems to have an automatic understanding that that is my "puppy" and needs some extra looking-after. Though I am always near, she's shown herself to be a conscientious babysitter. If you consider a Catahoula, I would recommend temperament testing first, and make SURE that your family is ready to provide hours and hours of exercise everyday. If you do, you'll be well rewarded with a very happy, very loyal, very TOUGH companion.
- —Guest Rissa
Bullet the Wonder Dog
- I have a GSD who we've had as part of the family for over ten years. He's a great dog, smart, easy to train and great with kids. Even at his more advanced age he's a character with the neighborhood kids and still loves to play. But he never fails to let us know if someone is at the door. German Shepherds are simply awesome.
- —Guest Dad
Doberman & Great Dane
- My doberman Moxy was a great family dog, she was kinda like the nanny dog in Peter Pan, lol. She was very protective of my kids. My Great Dane Lilly was also a great family dog. She would get very upset if someone got hurt or was in any kind of distress. I think any dog you love and who loves can be the best family dog.
- —Guest Joann Rogers
Loving Chihuahua! :)
- I have a little 3 pound toy Chihuahua named Donut and he is the most caring dog in the world! I have 3 baby cousins who love to be around him. He may be kind of small, but he makes a great pet because he's alert, he doesn't scare kids, he loves to go on walks, and meet other kids and dogs. When my little baby cousin fell down and hurt himself, Donut came over and licked all his tears away...he also started snuggling my cousin and whimpering. Isn't that sweet? Well, in my opinion he is a good family dog.
- —Guest Viviane
Sweet and Smart
- We adopted a Lab/German Wirehair Pointer from a shelter over two years ago. She was a stray. We can't believe anyone would ever let her go! She is the sweetest and smartest dog you could imagine. While she likes to be active, she also is a great calming influence in our house. Our son is ADHD and her ability to calm all of us down is amazing. As someone once said, the best therapist is a dog licking your face!
- —Guest Mike
Roxy the golden retriever
- The sweet disposition of the golden retriever I believe makes it the best candidate for a family dog. Roxy has her own personality, is absolutely the smartest dog I have ever met, and yes, she is spoiled.
- —Guest Paola Brooks
Loving, intelligent and smart
- My American Pitbull Terrier was the best dog I will ever have. When a robber opened my window, she stayed there keeping him out and our many cats in. She mothered all the rescues we brought in and loved playing with my neighbor's children. I have never met a smarter dog and miss her every day.
- —Guest Cat
Bull Mastiff
- We have a Bull Mastiff. He is so gentle with our 2 yr old, and has been since she was born, She can climb on him, ride him and stick her fingers in his mouth and he doesn't mind a bit! He is the most loving, calm dog I've ever met.
- —Guest astin
BOXERS
- I agree that Boxers are great with children. I have 7 siblings, who all have children now. We had two boxers growing up without a single problem. We have had a total of seven since then. I don't have children, but my two watch out for the children who live near us. If kids are outside, they must be out to watch them!
- —Lyn2
favorite dog
- Our labradoodle Carl is 5 mos old and is very sweet. He is great with children, even with the smallest he is so gentle. He loves to ride in the car and is my constant companion.
- —mustangsmedic
GSD
- We had a German Shepard when I was growing up. He was the most intellegent and loving dog ever. He would whimper & whine when anyone would yell. If we yelled in anger, he would gently grasp your hand with his mouth. He was the easiest dog to train.
- —Guest Jesi D
Buster
- We had a mixed breed dog that was black lab and Springer spaniel. He was the best dog. We called him our babysitter because when ever the kids were out playing he was right there. No one was going to touch his kids. He was a wonderful friend and we loved him dearly for 8 years. RIP Buster. We miss you.
- —Guest Amy in Cheney, WA
great dogs
- my daughter has a golden retriever and we have a black labrador retriever and both are excellent dogs! luv them!
- —Guest kimmer
What about boxers?
- I am very suprised that boxers are not on here. About a year ago we purchased a boxer pup for our daughter who was 3 at time, He has been the most wonderful companion for her. He loves playing with her, follows her around, and has to be in the same room with her. Even after he had his rear leg amputated, he still insists on running and playing with her. He is so good with her, he even listens to her. He is never mouthy with her and she can do almost anything she wants to him including take his food away. He is almost like an extra child. We also have an older dog who is a chow-lab mix, he is not for children. He doesn't like a commotion and prefers to hang out with me most of the time which doesn't mean we love him any less, it just means he isn't the right dog for a child.
- —Guest Beth
