You might be tempted to snatch up the first dog that wins you over with its loving gaze. How could you not?!
When choosing to open your home to a new family member, make the right breed choice that will mesh with your family and your lifestyle. Make it a forever home!
Imagining a husky in a tiny apartment with no one home makes about as much sense as a miniature poodle living in the countryside. If you have kids, you’ve probably already wondered how to choose a dog that will be great (and safe!) around them.
Take some time to think about your living situation, lifestyle, and family situation (both now and in the future) to make the correct choice.
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Read this list to find out which are the best dog breeds for living indoors or with kids!
Top 5 Best Dog Breeds For Indoor Living And Families With Kids
When it comes to dog breeds that are okay with living indoors and not having lots of outdoor time, you have several to choose from. Making the wrong choice of dog breed for a household with children can have disastrous results, where a family member is injured or the dog develops behavioral problems due to lack of exercise and mental stimulation.
Once you’ve properly prepared your family and your home for your new best friend, read this list of 5 dog breeds that are perfect for indoor living and busy families.
1. Labrador Retriever
A star in many a family movie, labrador retrievers are often portrayed as the picture-perfect family dog for a reason. They are known for being docile, gentle with kids, and love just about everyone they will ever meet: including other pets!
Keep in mind that labs do need frequent exercise so if you’re too busy for daily walks, make sure you have adequate outdoor areas for the dog to run. Bonus points if your kids love to play with them! This breed loves attention from anyone, at any time.
2. Beagle
On the smaller side, this breed is the perfect mix of high energy and playful, while also being gentle and calm around family members. This happy-go-lucky breed will be happy to just be around people and are always down for play. Plus, they’re irresistibly cute!
3. Pug
Pugs are great for families with limited time to go on long walks and exercise them frequently. Pugs are happy indoors and around kids, prioritizing laid-back playtime over intense exercise. Their small frame makes them ideal for smaller apartments and homes, as they don’t need as much space.
Pugs love eating and sleeping (so you have to watch their weight!) but are otherwise the perfect family companion.
4. Golden Retriever
Another world-famous family dog, the golden retriever is gentle, loving, loyal, and a top-notch protector. Golden retrievers will adopt your kids as their own, keeping them endlessly entertained and out of harm’s way.
The breed’s versatility, intelligence, and agreeable personality suit it for many family situations.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Resembling more of a stuffed animal with huge, glowing eyes and tufted fur than a dog, King Charles Spaniels are about as cute as it gets. It turns out, they’re also great with kids and indoor living!
The Cavalier King Charles loves companionship and shows it with an eager-to-please attitude. They don’t need tons of exercise but do love to explore around in the backyard and play.
Another perk is that they make great breed mixes! For example, cavoodles, a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, are perfect for those after a small, fluffy, intelligent and low-shedding dog that great with kids.
Final Thoughts
As always, personalities within breeds can vary widely and nothing is a guarantee. That’s why it’s best to have your new pooch meet with your whole family prior to adoption to assure that it’s a good fit.
Still have questions about the best dog breeds or want to see if another breed is a good fit for you? Contact us today!
