Newly wedded couple with a baby on the way? Young parents who want their toddler to grow up with a faithful comrade? Family of five who can’t wait for a furry and loving new member? The answer to all of your dreams is simpler than you think. Three letters, one word: dog. Yes, a dog is exactly what you have been looking for. Widely regarded as the most loyal, affectionate and playful pet of all, dogs are generally fantastic with children.

They possess the necessary energy and care to play with your kids all day, while protecting and loving them more than anything in the world. Having your child or children grow up with a canine companion is delightful for quite an amount of reasons: your little ones will never get bored, they will develop a strong sense of responsibility and compassion and they will enjoy a dear friend that can be considered a brother or a sister at one point in life.

Personally speaking, I think my childhood wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t grow up with a dog; they sincerely offer the most precious and beautiful memories a kid could hope for. But what exactly are the best types of dogs to welcome into your family? We have gathered 10 great dog breeds for children in order for you to discover the best kind for your own family. Please take note that we fully support adoption, so try to rescue one of these pretty and playful pups and enjoy irreplaceable loyalty, gratitude and unbreakable love.

1. Beagle

Those floppy little ears and forever-wagging tail are the definite signs of an adorable and playful partner. They are absolutely excellent with children and will love them until the day they part. Surprisingly enough, beagles are known to be big eaters and can become obese quite quickly if you don’t take care. They require a lot of exercise and walks to get rid of all that extra energy, but this fact also makes them even greater with kids. An additional advantage is that they get along with virtually all other dog breeds.

2. Mastiff

At over 30 inches tall, it’s a pleasant to surprise that Mastiffs are actually gentle giants that adore children. According to Mastiffweb.com, these huge furry friends see children as their “puppies” and really put an effort into taking care of them. They are so loving and protective that they actually can be left to guard children. Another awesome fact is that you don’t have to get a Mastiff after you have a baby, they easily adapt with children even if they had lived without them in your family beforehand.

3. Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are actually one of the most playful dog breeds out there. That is perfect news if you have energy-filled children who want to constantly play. Even more so, Bull Terriers have an excellent resistance to pain, so even if your kids pull and push them around a lot they still will act fine. Please keep in mind that they still need a lot of exercise, so make sure you take them out for walks often, as well as letting them play with your children.

4. Collie

We have all had our hearts melted at least once in our lives by watching Lassie, but did you know that Collies are incredible companions for your children? They are extremely gentle with little ones and are rarely known for biting. Aside from the gorgeous, long and lush fur that makes them an absolute pleasure to pet, Collies take pride in protecting their loved ones and offering them plenty of affection. Beware of child-herding, though. It will be funny to watch as these dogs, firstly bred for herding, trying to herd your kids into one place, but it’s best to train them out of it.

5. Dachshund

This oh-my-goodness-it’s-so-cute wiener dog is the perfect addition to your blossoming family. These adorable little guys are wonderful with children as they offer plenty of energy to play all day long. We believe that their relationship is extra special thanks to their size, as Dachshunds are well-known for their short and stout legs. It is actually a pleasure for them to be around children and they get along with other types of dogs, as well. You would be surprised to see how big a heart can reside in such a tiny body.

6. Dalmatian

Although we don’t recommend holding 101 Dalmatians in your house, we guarantee that one or a few will act as perfect pets for your little ones. If you already have children, it is best to gradually allow Dalmatians to get acquainted with them, and vice-versa, of course. It is not that Dalmatians won’t get along with kids, it’s just that it’s better to socialize them in time. Training your dog isn’t the only significant aspect; you should also focus upon growing your children to be well-behaved and teach them how to act with animals, whether they are Dalmatians or not.

7. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is probably the most beloved dog breed of Americans. It’s easy to see why: they are incredibly compassionate, affectionate and empathetic, all at the same time. Goldens actually adore children from every point of view and are very protective and loving with them. The bonds that a Golden Retriever can form with kids are more than astonishing, they will love them with all their being for the rest of their lives. This is easily a top pick of dog breed for any family.

8. Pug

Last but not least, we have the chubby, boggle-eyed, forever-panting cuties we know as pugs. This particular type of dog breed is an absolute pleasure to live with for both children and adults alike. You will definitely be enjoying constant funny moments and endless play time. These tiny fellows can be an exceptional addition to any family and will offer plenty of unforgettable moments throughout their lives and yours.