Five dog breeds often suggested for families with young children

Many children love the idea of a dog, and growing up with one can teach them to be caring and responsible. A dog and a child can become great friends.

Every dog needs to be kept safe around young children, and children need to be kept safe around dogs. Always supervise dogs and young children together, never leave them alone in a room, and teach children to be gentle and to give a dog space when it wants it.

Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if possible, before you decide. The five breeds below are often suggested for families.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is known as a loyal family dog. Most are sweet-natured and playful, and they usually respond well to training. Many are calm indoors but love a good run outside, and they enjoy active games in the park.

Golden Retrievers are often patient with children, but always supervise dogs and young children together, and teach children to leave a dog alone when it's eating, sleeping or moves away. Their thick coat sheds and needs regular brushing.

Beagle

The Beagle is famous for its floppy ears. Beagles were originally bred to hunt, so they may not be safe around small pets such as hamsters or ferrets.

Beagles are prone to putting on weight, so their food needs watching. Teach children how to feed the dog properly and not to give it scraps from the table. Beagles usually enjoy the company of other dogs and people, and they need plenty of daily exercise. Most are gentle, loving and playful.

Poodle

Poodles come in toy, miniature and standard sizes. They are known for their elaborate show haircuts, but most pet Poodles have a simpler clip. They are fun-loving and usually easy to train.

Their low-shedding coat may suit some people with allergies, but no dog is guaranteed not to cause a reaction. The coat needs regular brushing and clipping to stop it matting. Poodles need regular exercise and can put on weight without it, so they suit active families.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky, lively little dog that usually enjoys meeting people. Their coat sheds very little but needs regular brushing and professional grooming.

Like many small dogs, Bichons do best with consistent, reward-based training from puppyhood. They need regular exercise and play to stop them becoming bored, so they suit families who enjoy being outdoors.

Bulldog

The Bulldog is usually gentle, loving and loyal, and many form strong bonds with their families.

Bulldogs are a flat-faced breed and can have breathing, skin and eye problems. If you choose one, look for health-tested parents and a puppy with open nostrils. Their skin folds need to be kept clean and dry, so ask your vet how to care for them.

Keeping dogs and children safe

• Supervise all contact between dogs and young children.
• Give the dog a quiet place to retreat to where children don't follow.
• Teach children not to hug, climb on or disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Learn the signs that a dog is uncomfortable, such as turning away, lip licking or yawning, and step in early.