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10 kid-friendly dogs and cats

May 1, 2012
By Jaclyn Bertner

You may already have a house full of kids or you may still be in the planning stages of starting your family. Either way, if you hope to add some four-legged friends to your home, it’s essential to know what kind of pet will play the best with your children. And petMD has got you covered with its top five dog and cat breeds that will be your kids’ new best friend.

Bulldog

Bulldog

If your kids fancy themselves WWF wrestlers, the bulldog could be a good choice. Thanks to its sturdy build, this breed is docile, friendly and loyal and won’t retaliate when poked and prodded. Since bulldogs aren’t overly active, they are suitable for both houses with a backyard and small apartments.

Vizsla

Vizsla

The Vizsla is gentle, loyal, quiet, affectionate and obedient, and picks up on tricks and commands quickly.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

One of the most popular breeds, golden retrievers are smart, loyal and kind. They also need a lot of exercise, so they’re best suited for active families.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier

Bred to be a companion dog, the friendly bull terrier is great for a child’s first dog. And even though we don’t condone dog bullying, the bull terrier does have a high threshold for pain — perfect for children with a propensity for tail tugging.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Weighing in at 100-plus pounds, the Newfoundland is known to love and protect the children in the family, according to petMD. Active and easy to train, this breed is gentle, kind, intelligent and patient.

Birman

Birman

Very much the social cat, the birman will run up and greet guests rather than hiding in a corner. But if you’re looking for an active breed, the birman, which would rather lounge around the house, may not be right for your family.

Ragdoll

Ragdoll

Aptly named for the limp, ragdoll position it takes when you pick it up, this breed is gentle, likes playing games and relaxing afterward.

Himalayan

Himalayan

An indoor breed that will bond with its family, the Himalayan is quiet and active, but also enjoys a little relaxation.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon

One of the oldest companion cat breeds, according to petMD, this patient breed is calm around rambunctious children. Maine coons are also “naturally familiar” with human temperaments and will adapt to their owners’ needs.

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Easygoing and laid-back, exotic shorthairs are quiet and will lovingly greet you and your family at the door — just show them plenty of affection.

 

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Comments (3)
A Bulldog Is A Kid’s Best Friend? |
May 9th, 2012 at 2:16 pm

[...] By Jaclyn Bertner, HellaWella.com [...]

Harry
May 21st, 2012 at 4:31 pm

The Bulldog is a danger to small kids. It’s know to bite children some times. Child has harassed them. They actually know to plan a nip or bite. Also if they lose their cool the child will be dead.

Thousands of recorded bites on kids by bulldogs. Realy bad INFO for readers.

Try a beagle, shnowzer or poodle.

Jaclyn Bertner
May 22nd, 2012 at 10:29 am

Thank you for your comment, Harry. Of course, every family has to decide for themselves which breed is best for them. However, please check out this information on the American Kennel Club website, which offers this information on bulldogs:

“Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective.”

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