Top 10 Kid-Friendly Pets
Dogs are recommended pets for families, because they are good friends for both children and adults. They play with the children, and keep adults company. However, not all dog breeds are ideal for households with children.
Children, especially younger ones, tend to tug on their pet’s tails and abuse them – all in love, of course. Children often cannot control their own strength, and they don’t realize that they’re hurting the dog. Dogs sometimes bite or hurt the children to defend themselves or communicate their discomfort. There are also dogs that unknowingly hurt the children in their playfulness.
There are many good-natured dogs out there, though. These dogs remain playful and gentle despite having children poke and prod them all the time, and tend to be protective of their children companions.
Here is a list of ten perfect pets for families with kids. These kid-friendly dogs will grow with your kids and be their loyal companions for a long time.
10. Maltese

Maltese dogs are harmless and like walking outside, but it’s not a problem if you just want to keep them indoors. The Maltese will stay by your kid’s side no matter what, and will wait for you and your family to come home with excitement. These dogs don’t shed and are easy to take care of, even for kids.
They don’t need a lot of space, and they exercise themselves by being so playful. They will need to be bathed and groomed once a week, but that’s easy and something you can do in a short amount of time.
9. Papillon

Papillons are easy to take care of because playtime is their main source of exercise. A Papillon will stay by your kid’s side and shower him with affection. The only problem with one is their prodigious shedding.
8. Miniature Dachshund

The miniature Dachshund is a small dog, and is great with other dogs. They tend to be stubborn, but are also very adorable. They’ll play with just about anything and everyone, which is good for families with children of diverse ages.
Dachshunds love sleeping next to the kids and being cuddled. They don’t shed much, and are easy to take care of. You only need to bathe your Dachshund about once a month, though you have to watch out for their toenails if you’re keeping them indoors all the time.
The only problem you might face is that they have sensitive backs, so you have to be careful about how your kids pick the dog up.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are patient and won’t mind getting tugged and poked by kids. They don’t bite, and the most that they do is snarl a warning if your kid is getting too rough. They love to play and be around children.
Cavaliers are generally easy to take care of, although they do shed. You’ll need to groom them once or twice a week. They should be walked everyday, but playing with them also works as exercise.
6. Beagle

Beagles are very playful and friendly towards children and animals. It doesn’t matter if you live in the city or in the country, because they can adapt to either environment.
Beagle puppies should be trained early so their tendency to bark and howl can be controlled. Beagles also like digging in the yard, as well as following scents. Beagles require a lot of exercise everyday, but make sure that your Beagle is always on a leash when you walk him. Beagles need only to be groomed once a week.
5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are good dogs to grow up with, and remain easy to take care of throughout their lives. They need to be brushed regularly so their fur doesn’t tangle, but they don’t shed and they only need to be walked twice a week.
Yorkies may be a little hard to housebreak at first, but a little effort should do the trick. You’ll get your dog to do his business where you want in no time.
4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature schnauzers tend to be stubborn and may bark a lot, but they make great watchdogs and will protect your children from danger. They will stay by your children’s sides and shower them with affection.
Mini Schnauzers do not have fur, but instead have hair. The great thing about them is that they are hypoallergenic and don’t shed at all.
3. Boxers

Boxers may look athletic and serious, but they are very goofy and love to have fun. They are also easy to take care of because of their short fur, though they’ll enjoy it if you groom them everyday. Boxers can entertain themselves by running around your backyard, and wrestling with your kids.
2. Collie

Collies are beautiful dogs and are great with kids. They are smart and easy to train, and they are good pets for the family. Collies are will protect your kids and provide them with company all day. They are gentle and loyal animals.
Collies have thick coats, so you will have to brush them regularly. Collies are also big working dogs, so they’ll need a lot of exercise. Walks and runs are fine, but it will be easier for you and more stimulating for your Collie of you teach him to fetch and herd. Collies need a lot of space to run around, but they can adapt well to the city.
1. Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Retrievers are affectionate dogs and love to be around people. They are very active and can keep up with a lot of playful children at a time. They love running around and swimming, which means that you’ll need a large space for them.
Retrievers are said to be puppies forever because of their nature. They need a lot of exercise. You’ll need to brush a Goldie everyday to keep their fur from shedding, but Labradors can do with once-a-week grooming.
Retrievers need a lot of space, but they can adapt to city life as long as you play with them a good bit.
There are many kinds of dogs that fit the personalities of many different people. Families, however, need to think about how their pets will get along with their children. Kid-friendly pets are the best choices for families and individuals both.
If you’re looking for a small pet dog, you may want to look on The Top Ten Small Dog Breeds In America. And if you really love dogs, you must know how to take good care of them. Here are the Top Ten Ways On How To Keep Your Dog Healthy.


(3 votes, average: 3.33 out of 5)

on 2008-10-22 at 23:31:47
I am a very proud beagle owner! Just make sure you give it enough room to run for the day and you'll have the best friend ever!