We know that finding the perfect family friendly dog can be difficult, especially when concerned for your smaller children. When looking at the reasons why owning a pet is good for your health, we found that children tend to benefit particularly well when there’s a dog in the home. So who’s in line to be your family’s newest four-legged member? Take a look at some of our favourite kiddy-friendly pooches...
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan: 10-12 years or older
Size: 54-57 cm
We’ll start with one of the world’s most popular dogs - and it’s not hard to see why. Labs continue to make themselves right at home in so many families.
For a start, they love to make new friends and are naturally good with children. No matter how big or small your family the chances are that your Labrador will find their place with ease, even if it includes other dogs and cats.
As pups and young adults, these characters are playful bordering on boisterous. As such they’re always up for a game - and they’re also incredibly sweet natured in their play. Do however be careful with tiny children as they can so easily be bowled over by an over-enthusiastic Lab!
On the care front, Labs need lots of exercise - and they shed a lot throughout the year. But if you’re looking for a trustworthy and fun family companion, Labradors are a good family dog.
Check out our Labrador Retriever breed guide for a more detailed look.
Airedale Terrier
Lifespan: 11-12 years
Size: Males 56-61cm, Females 56-58 cm
One of the largest terrier breeds, these guys have earned the title “King of Terriers” - and they can certainly settle in wonderfully well in a family environment, making for great family dogs.
Commonly mistaken for a small dog breed, these gentle giants are a great pick for families with children, and love to spend time with you despite them being high energy dogs.
A well-socialised Airedale will thrive when there are lots of people around, especially if those people are up for some fun and games. As they get older, a typical Airedale also has an incredible appetite for exercise. If your family relishes the idea of two-hour long country walks, this is exactly the type of dog for you!
Cocker Spaniel
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 38-41 cm
They’re energetic, always happy to see you - and their relatively compact size means that these guys can also adapt easily to life in a family home with small children.
The Cocker was bred originally as a gundog, but has long-since earned a reputation as one of the UK’s best loved family pets. Cockers are generally easy to train (you have to be smart to be a gundog). And in fact, the more time you and your family are able to devote to teaching your dog new tricks, the happier your Cocker will be.
They need a couple of brisk walks each day and plenty of time in the garden. Eager to please, the Cocker is more than willing to play games with young children and although not aggressive, extra care needs to be taken when a Cocker and toddler are together, just to make sure they don’t try to torment each other!
Check out our Cocker Spaniel breed guide for a more detailed look.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Size: 30-33 cm
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect little furry companion that fits right into any family. They're always up for a long walk and then a cozy snuggle on your lap. Their loving and playful nature makes them a wonderful choice for new pet owners and families with kids. They may be small, but don't be fooled – they've got lots of energy for fun and games. Just remember, they need plenty of exercise to keep them from getting too excited.
Cavaliers are friendly, sociable, and laid-back. Bred to be by your side, they thrive on being with their family. But be aware, they can feel a bit anxious if left alone for too long. On the bright side, they're pretty easy to take care of and are always eager to please their humans.
Check out our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed guide for a more detailed look.
Golden Retriever
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Size: 51-61 cm
Looking for a furry addition to your family? Look no further than Golden Retrievers! These friendly and active pups are the perfect fit for an energetic family that loves the outdoors. Despite their size and energy, these lovable goofballs will bring endless joy to your home.
From their puppy days to their mature years, Golden Retrievers are a breeze to train and will become your family's loyal and affectionate companion. These popular pets will bring calmness and affection to your life, but don't forget they're big dogs with big appetites and big fur. But once you experience the love and joy they bring to your family, you'll know it's all worth it!
Check out our Golden Retrievers breed guide for a more detailed look.
Whippet
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: Males 47-52 cm, Females 44-47 cm
Looking for something not too big and not too “yappy”? Take a good look at the Whippet. These guys were bred to be silent hunters and are only generally known to make a fuss if they are left alone for too long or are severely stressed. Gentle and devoted, the Whippet is a generally healthy and loving dog who makes a great family pet.
They love to be in a home environment where there are people around to play games and go out for walks, but this isn’t exactly a boisterous dog. As such, Whippets can get a little nervous and withdrawn if there’s always a toddler chasing them. So Whippets can make a better match for families with older, active children as opposed to really tiny ones.
Most adult Whippets will thrive on daily exercise, with a short walk in the morning and a longer one later in the day. One thing to watch out for is their strong prey drive: if they spot a squirrel, they’ll make a run for it - so youngsters need to be taught to keep tight hold of the lead!
German Shepherd
Lifespan: 9-13 years
Size: Males 60-65 cm, Females 55-60 cm
A big dog with an even bigger heart, a correctly-bred GSD soon becomes devoted to its new family - and that devotion works both ways!
These are big, active dogs and aren’t the best option for flats or houses where space is restricted. An adult German Shepherd needs up to two hours or more of exercise each day, so it definitely helps if you are an active family that is able to share the walking load!
As pups, they need to be handled firmly and gently to show them who’s boss. But given you choose your puppy well from a reputable breeder and you get to grips with socialising these dogs, the end result should be an incredibly loyal and trustworthy companion - and one who’s great with children of all ages.
If formal training sessions, agility and canine sports are your thing - and you’d love to get the kids involved - the German Shepherd is ideal!
Check out our German Shepherd breed guide for a more detailed look.
Everypaw Dog Insurance
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.