Top Five Dog Breeds for Kids

With the help of Dr. Scott Bainbridge, a veterinarian at the Queen West Animal Hospital in Toronto, here is a list of the top five breeds of dog to consider for children.

1. Labrador Retriever

Lovable and patient, labs are very affectionate and good natured, making them a great breed for families. They are also intelligent, easy to train and love to play!

2. Golden Retriever

Intelligent and lovable, goldens are easy to train and typically very patient and gentle with children. Some can be quite exuberant, but their eagerness to please makes them great family dogs and they thrive on lots of attention.

3. Goldendoodle & Labradoodle

Both these breeds are crosses (golden retriever/poodle and Labrador retriever/poodle) and each are highly social, friendly, eager-to-please and devoted family dogs. Though younger pups can be boisterous, their intelligence make them quick learners and easy to train.

4. Bearded Collie

These dogs are very social and playful. They love to be with people and are great with children. Joyful, boisterous and affectionate, you'll be convinced they're smiling as they greet you with that ever wagging tail.

5. Bichon Frise

A much smaller dog, bichon frises are very sociable. They love being in the company of people and are excellent with children. They are also smart, gentle, affectionate and full of energy, and, unlike other small dogs, not typically yappy.

 By Rochelle Strauss