Skip to main content

The best dog breeds if you’ve got an overactive toddler

Dogs make wonderful companions for children. They provide unconditional love and teach youngsters about responsibility and cooperation. When it comes to choosing a dog for the family, though, it’s important to pick a breed that’s tolerant of children. According to Petfinder.com, dogs who do best with kids have a gentle demeanor, friendly attitude, and trainable nature. When you live with an overactive toddler, it’s also important that the dog has enough stamina to match your child’s energy level. Training experts say that any interaction between young children and dogs should always be supervised. If you don’t have the time to watch them, then they should be separated until you do. Following are four of the best dog breeds for kids.

Golden retriever with toddler.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Golden retrievers

Spend any time browsing dog photos or videos online, and you’re sure to come across gentle goldens hanging out with the children in their families. You’ll see kids dressing them in clothes, hugging them, or lying against them to sleep. Goldens just love being with their people, whether big or small. This breed is smart, kind, loyal, and extremely patient, making them a great choice for a hyped-up kid. These dogs have lots of energy and will help your little one burn off steam by playing games of chase or fetch.

Coat maintenance: There is some maintenance involved in caring for a golden’s stunning coat. These dogs lose hair year-round but especially during shedding season, which happens in the spring and fall. Frequent brushing will help keep the shedding under control and avoid tangles and mats. According to the Golden Retriever Society, this breed should be bathed every six to eight weeks. However, more frequent bathing can help during the height of shedding season.

Labrador retrievers

There’s a reason this breed has held the number one spot on the American Kennel Club (AKC) Most Popular Dog Breeds list since 1991. Labradors are patient, gentle dogs, and with early socialization and training, they make wonderful companions for children. This breed has endless energy and loves to participate in family adventures. They are protective of family members and will enjoy nothing more than watching out for and playing with your energetic toddler. As people-pleasers, they are easy to train, which can be fun for kids.

Coat maintenance: This breed has a short double coat that’s easily maintained. They do shed a little throughout the year and a lot during the shedding season in the spring and fall. Brushing their coats at least once a week and more during shedding season — will help manage the loose hair. For Labs who spend most of their time indoors, AKC experts recommend bathing every four to six weeks.

Beagles

Breed experts at the AKC describe beagles as “happy-go-lucky funny dogs with cute expressions” that children find so appealing. They are a playful, energetic, and sometimes mischievous breed, which of course, makes them a perfect companion for an active toddler. Being scent dogs, beagles love playing games like hide-and-seek, which also happens to be a favorite kids’ game. And when it’s time to take a break, these little hounds make great snuggling buddies.

Beagle and toddler hanging out together.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Coat maintenance: Beagles have a short double coat that gets heavier in the winter. While they shed a little all year round, their main shedding season is in the spring. Grooming experts recommend weekly brushing to remove loose hair and promote new hair growth. Beagles need only occasional baths unless, of course, they roll in something stinky.

Cairn terriers

According to the Cairn Terrier Club of America (CTCA), this breed seems to have an “inborn affinity for children.” These little dogs seem to enjoy the high level of activity in a household with young kids. Breed experts at the CTCA say these dogs are physically tough and “forgive or overlook mishaps and stepped-on feet with characteristic generosity of spirit.” This is important as mistakes do happen, especially with toddlers. Cairns are highly intelligent and love learning but will lose interest if training sessions are boring. Teaching these terriers to perform ticks can be a fun activity for both your terrier and toddler.

Coat maintenance: Grooming experts at the AKC describe this breed as “easy keepers,” with weekly combing or brushing recommended. One bath every three months will work well for these terriers as bathing too often can strip the natural oils from his coat. A cairn’s coat will naturally grow long and shaggy. Long coats require more work, and many owners opt to have them stripped or clipped, a job best left to grooming professionals.

These are just some of the many dogs that get along well with kids. Whichever breed you choose, it’s essential to understand that even the most tolerant pet has his limits. Your toddler needs to learn how to be gentle and respect the dog’s boundaries. By teaching these rules at an early age, you will be helping your child and dog develop a loving and lasting relationship.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
8 autumn Instagram pet photographs that will get you excited for the gorgeous season ahead
Fall Instagram pet photos sweeter than a pumpkin spice latte
a dog and woman cuddling on fall woodland walk

Fall is such a fun and inspirational time of year. Nature offers up some awesome colors as leaves turn from lush green to stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange. Farm fields are dotted with orange pumpkins, and people and pets get to dress up for Halloween. It’s the perfect season for taking photos of your pet. We scoured social media. Here are our favorite autumn Instagram pet photos.

Dogs falling for autumn on Instagram
These pups have an extra pep in their steps as the seasons change. They're dressing up, winding down, and taking scenic routes.

Read more
The 6 biggest myths about Chihuahuas, debunked once and for all
Chihuahua fact or fiction? Here's the truth behind 6 common myths about these small dogs
A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop

Chihuahuas are a small breed with a big personality. Some have a Napoleon complex — they totally think they can take on the mail carrier, and they will threaten to do so. Purebred Chihuahuas don’t exceed 6 pounds, so their valiant efforts can be more comedic than anything. Their reputation as an opinionated, snuggly, and incredibly loyal breed precedes them, and more than a few dog owners dream of being a Chihuahua's favorite person.
However, not every part of their reputation is true, and there are more than a few myths about these lovable dogs. We’re debunking them and giving you straight Chihuahua facts.

Myth 1: Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise
This statement is one of the biggest Chihuahua myths. Though the breed is small, Chihuahuas are full of energy and need stimulation. Any dog can become overweight, and Chihuahuas are particularly prone to obesity. Physical activity is one way to keep your Chihuahua healthy. While they don’t need as much physical activity as a larger breed, such as a Labrador Retriever, they need frequent exercise. About 30 minutes of walking and playing per day should do, and it’s a great way to bond. Some dogs may need more or less, depending on their age and overall health. Talk to your vet.

Read more
These national parks are stunning in the fall – and allow your dog to visit, too
These 4 beautiful national parks have pet-friendly attractions
Couple looking at map on fall trail with dog.

With cooler fall temperatures just around the corner, pet parents dream of taking their dogs on long outdoor adventures. Some might even be planning pet-friendly getaways. Autumn is certainly a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy nature, and where better to do this than in a U.S. national park? Many of these wonderful parks are pet-friendly. Here we highlight four national parks that are incredible in the fall and perfect for both of you.

Are dogs allowed in national parks?
The good news is that most national parks do allow pets in some areas and under certain conditions. Only a few deny pets in all parts of the park — so you can easily plan an outing or vacation for you and your four-legged friend. However, it's important to follow the rules, especially when it comes to hiking and wildlife. The National Park Service uses the acronym B.A.R.K. to sum up the four basic principles you should follow while in the parks with your pets. It stands for:

Read more