Kids and dogs are heart-warming duos. We’ve seen children make unbreakable bonds with their dogs, and it just warms our hearts to see that kind of connection. Aside from being a playmate, dogs play a significant role in the emotional, physical, and mental advancement of young kids. And for the parents of kids with special needs, dogs can be life-changing. So for this post, we listed 10 of the best dogs for kids and allergies, so your little one stays safe while bonding with their new furry friend.
Why get a dog for your child?
A lot of parents are hesitant to get their child a pet for a variety of reasons. It could be the child’s safety, the additional responsibility of caring for a dog, or the idea that the kid may not welcome the canine.
Still, there are many benefits to getting the best dogs for kids and allergies. Scientists say that there’s evidence that dogs give us some kind of protective perk. This is due to the exposure to a diversity of bacteria, which could be a small amount of dander and dirt from dogs.
According to a Canadian study, infants who live with a dog or cat have more diverse gut bacteria than those who don’t. Such diversity in gut bacteria is said to lower the risk of obesity and allergies as they grow older.
Another good reason to get a dog for your child is that the doggo will help them develop new skills. A 2017 study actually showed that having pets will help kids become more engaged in learning. Dogs or cats give them more courage and drive to do learning tasks like reading out loud.
Also, dogs would become your child’s friend. So if you have a shy child, dogs will help them open up easier and make connections. It will also boost your child’s sense of sharing, trust, and kindness. Most of all, pets allow your child to develop their sense of responsibility and commitment.
Lastly, children with autism and other special needs would benefit a lot from having a dog. The furry friend provides the child with a sense of security. Also, dogs become a bridge toward socialization. Many parents reported positive change with their kids once they have bonded with their dogs.
In this video, Insider tells us why dogs are beneficial for your child:
10 Best Dogs for Kids and Allergies
1. Shih Tzu
If you’re worried about your child’s safety around a dog, you should consider getting a Shih Tzu. This non-shedding doggo is very affectionate and often dubbed as a ‘Velcro dog’. This is quite surprising because the words ‘Shih Tzu’ means ‘Little Lion’. Despite the fierce name, Shih Tzus are amazing pets for kids.
This dog was bred to be companions. Also, they are indoor dogs who love staying cozy with their owners. Shih Tzus don’t require too much exercise, though they can be very playful at times.
Shih Tzus aren’t heavy shedders because they have hair instead of fur. Also, they aren’t droolers.
Your kid will surely have a great time with Shih Tzus since this breed loves everyone. They also have the right energy level and intensity, even for small children.
If you are to get this breed, make sure that it will always have company. Overall, Shih Tzus are great for first-time dog owners.
2. Bichon Frise
Is your kid an active type? If so, he or she may thrive with a Bichon Frise. This white, fluffy doggo is a force to be reckoned with. Bichon Frises are packed with high levels of energy and always up for some game time. Still, their intensity is manageable and safe for kids.
Another thing that we like about Bichon Frise is they are extremely devoted to their families. They also get along with other dogs in the house and even strangers that will pop up in your front door.
But just like Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises don’t like being left alone. It’s also a Velcro dog that always begs for company.
Moreover, this breed is hypoallergenic and quite a healthy one. However, you should watch out over their diet since this doggo has a high potential of being obese. Also, Bichon Frise dogs love chasing around, which makes training a little challenging.
3. Havanese
Another ray of sunshine in the dog kingdom is the Havanese breed. This breed has expressive eyes, silky hair, and endless energy. They may look like lapdogs, but they have the enthusiasm of a large canine.
The Havanese dog loves a good playtime. They will romp and play around with your kid, but you don’t have to worry because this breed has a manageable energy level.
Havanese dogs are also intelligent, but due to their prey drive, they tend to be challenging to train. Despite that, this doggo will shower your whole family with love. They also welcome strangers and other dogs.
We really like that Havanese dogs shed very little. Although grooming this pooch takes a little more time than most, it’s just a little sacrifice as compared to the joy it will give your child.
Take note that Havanese dogs don’t like being left alone. Also, you should keep them indoors if it’s too hot outside.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a charming doggo that even Barack Obama fell in love with it, thus his dog Bo. A known retriever dog, this breed is a companion of fisherfolks in retrieving lost gear and herding fish.
Nowadays, the Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate household pet that kids will love. They are welcoming of everybody, except strangers with whom they show aloofness.
It’s important to know that this is a high-energy breed. The Portuguese Water Dog loves a nice romp in the yard and long playtimes with kids. But even if this is the case, Portuguese Water Dog can be trained to adjust in apartment living.
This breed is smart, though you’d have to put up with their mouthiness, something that’s innate among retriever dogs. Also, this doggo requires a lot of exercise each day, which you can utilize to keep your child physically active.
5. Airedale Terrier
Dubbed as the ‘King of the Terriers’, the Airedale Terrier has cemented its spot as one of the most affectionate and friendliest of the terrier breeds. This is quite surprising because this breed is also the largest among all terriers.
Still, don’t be fooled by its size. The Airedale Terrier has a big heart for their families and young kids. However, they are aloof of strangers.
The good thing about the Airedale Terrier is they shed a little and doesn’t drool. It’s quite rare for such a large doggo. With this, your child will not have allergic reactions.
You have to brace yourself if you’re going to get this breed. The Airedale Terriers aren’t couch potatoes. They always want something to get busy at and activities where they can burn their extra energy. This makes them a great companion for adventurous kids who always want to stay outdoors.
6. Poodle
This breed needs no further introduction. Poodles are one of the favorite breeds in the U.S., which is due to some great reasons.
Poodles are one of the smartest canines. This is why they are often enlisted to become emotional support canines and service dogs. Their intelligence perfectly pairs their large size (if you’re getting the standard Poodle).
Poodles are patient companions who can take roughhousing. Also, they love being around their masters and kids. They love playing and definitely made for the outdoors as a retriever dog.
Another great thing about Poodles is that they don’t shed. And even if they are mouthy (again, we have a retriever!), they are relatively easy to train.
You can also get the Poodle dog in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. All of these have the same amazing features that many dog owners love.
If there’s one gripe about this breed, it would be the extra effort for grooming. Still, that’s just a small issue compared to the doggo’s amazing personality.
7. Tibetan Terrier
If you’re looking for a smaller terrier to accompany your child, the Tibetan Terrier might be the best dogs for kids and allergies you can get. This doggo is very affectionate to their families, but they are aloof of strangers.
Take note that the Tibetan Terrier is an energetic breed so you’ll need to give it ample exercise and extended playtimes. Still, this breed was bred to be companions, so you’ll have peace of mind that your child is in good paws. With proper training and supervision, your child will bond with a Tibetan Terrier.
Another great thing about this dog is they shed very little. They are also hardy dogs with milder predispositions to various illnesses. Tibetan Terriers are also smart and easy to train.
Still, you should watch out for this dog’s eating habits as Tibetan Terriers are susceptible to obesity.
8. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An easy-going terrier – the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a great family dog, even for those with young kids. They are also excellent for first-time owners and those living in apartments.
This doggo has a heart of gold – it loves everyone, including other dogs and strangers. And the bonus part is that the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a hypoallergenic dog.
Like most terriers, this doggo has high levels of energy. You must give this pooch daily exercise and playtime to stay happy.
As much as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a joy to have, you also have to watch out for some bad habits. This doggo is a wanderer, and they can be escape artists at times. It’s the same reason why you need to impose strict rules when training the dog. Also, this pooch hates being alone.
9. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier has short legs, which suits kids who can’t keep up with a speedy doggo. As much as they aren’t fast runners, Scottish Terriers are great walking companions. They also have high energy for playtime and can be quite intense when they get extremely excited.
The Scottish Terrier makes a cute buddy for your kid. They are very affectionate and loves being around people. Still, this doggo won’t mind being left alone for a short period.
Take note that like any dogs, the Scottish Terrier requires training to be a well-rounded pet. This is the reason why they are not for first-time dog owners. Also, you should prepare a ton of patience because this breed isn’t the easiest to train, primarily due to their urge to wander off. With consistency, you can utilize the intelligence of this breed.
10. Bouvier des Flandres
If you want to get a breed that’s not typical, you can consider the Bouvier des Flandres. It’s a versatile dog that’s on the larger side but with a very gentle demeanor. In the past, this breed has been enlisted for law enforcement, service, assistance, and even for guarding purposes.
Although they are aloof around strangers, Bouvier des Flandres will be loyal to their families and kids. They are intelligent and easy to train. However, they can be barkers, too, which is why they aren’t suitable for apartment living.
Aside from that, the Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic dog. They can be very intense during playtime so it’s best to give some exercise to burn the extra energy.
Though large, the Bouvier des Flandres doesn’t shed nor drool. However, you should always control their diet as this doggo has a large appetite that can lead to obesity. Also, this dog won’t thrive in a multi-canine household.
Wrapping Up
The best dogs for kids and allergies will help a child develop emotional, physical, and mental skills. You should get a dog that matches your child’s personality, preferences, and activities. This way, the two will have a strong bond.
Most of all, don’t forget that training and socialization are necessary, regardless of the breed you’re going to get. Paired with supervision, your child will be safe.
What do you think of these 10 breeds? Let us know below!
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