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When choosing a family dog, many think of well-known breeds like the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever. However, many lesser-known dog breeds are just as fantastic with children and make excellent family companions. These breeds are often overlooked, but they have the temperament, loyalty, and gentle nature that make them ideal for families with young children. Some of these dogs are playful and energetic, while others are calm and protective, but all are known for their ability to bond deeply with kids and provide endless love and companionship.
Icelandic Sheepdog
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a friendly, playful breed known for its loyalty and gentle nature, making it a great companion for children. Originally bred to herd sheep and livestock in the harsh conditions of Iceland, this breed is highly intelligent and adaptable. Icelandic Sheepdogs are energetic and thrive in family settings where they can be involved in daily activities. They love to play and interact with children, and their affectionate nature means they form strong bonds with their human families. Their protective instincts also make them excellent watchdogs, ensuring the safety of children.
Keeshond
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Keeshonds are known for their affectionate, friendly nature, making them ideal family dogs. Originally bred in the Netherlands as companions and watchdogs on riverboats, Keeshonds are naturally good-natured and deeply love their human companions. This breed is particularly known for its loyalty and attachment to its family, especially children. Keeshonds are playful, energetic, and always up for a game, making them great companions for active kids. Their soft, fluffy coats make them popular with children who enjoy petting and cuddling their furry friends.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
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The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, originally from Switzerland, is a lesser-known breed that excels as a family dog. Known for its intelligence and loyalty, this breed was traditionally used for herding cattle. Despite its working background, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is gentle, patient, and great with children. They are known for their protective instincts and will watch over kids while being playful and engaging. Their energetic nature means they enjoy outdoor activities, making them perfect for active families who love spending time outdoors with their dogs and children.
Norwegian Buhund
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The Norwegian Buhund is a versatile herding dog that is affectionate, playful, and wonderful with children. Known for its friendly and energetic personality, the Buhund is a highly trainable breed that thrives in family environments. Their playful nature makes them excellent companions for kids, as they love to engage in games and activities. Norwegian Buhunds are also very affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. Their gentle temperament and natural protective instincts make them great watchdogs for children, ensuring their safety while being loving and devoted companions.
Lagotto Romagnolo
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The Lagotto Romagnolo is an affectionate, intelligent breed originally bred in Italy as a water retriever and truffle hunter. This curly-coated breed is known for its friendly and playful nature, making it a perfect companion for children. Lagottos are gentle, affectionate, and love to spend time with their families. They have a calm temperament, which makes them well-suited for families with young children. Additionally, the Lagotto Romagnolo is highly trainable and enjoys learning new tricks and commands, making it easy to integrate into family life. Their loyalty and love for human companionship make them a lesser-known gem for families.
Finnish Spitz
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The Finnish Spitz is a lively, friendly breed known for its affectionate nature and excellent relationship with children. Originally bred in Finland to hunt small game, the Finnish Spitz is known for its playful and energetic personality. This breed loves to interact with kids and is always ready for playtime. Despite their energetic nature, they are gentle and patient, making them a great choice for families with young children. Finnish Spitz dogs are also highly loyal and protective, forming strong bonds with their family members and acting as loving guardians.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
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The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small but sturdy breed with a gentle and affectionate nature, making it a great choice for families with children. Originally bred in Ireland for hunting and farm work, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is known for its calm and laid-back personality. Unlike many terriers, this breed is not overly energetic or excitable, making it a great companion for children who may not be used to high-energy dogs. Glens are also known for their loyalty and protective instincts, ensuring they will always watch over the kids in their family.
Swedish Vallhund
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The Swedish Vallhund is a small, sturdy herding dog that is highly intelligent and playful. Known for its friendly and outgoing personality, this breed is an excellent family companion, especially for households with children. Swedish Vallhunds love to play and are always up for a game, making them great playmates for active kids. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train, and they quickly form strong bonds with their human family members. Their affectionate nature and love for companionship make them a perfect choice for families looking for a lesser-known breed that’s great with kids.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
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The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, is a small, energetic breed known for its playful and friendly nature. Originally bred in France for hunting, this breed is known for its strong sense of adventure and love of exploration. PBGVs are great with children, who love to play and interact with their human companions. Despite their hunting background, they are gentle and affectionate, making them wonderful family dogs. Their playful nature and love for life make them ideal companions for children who enjoy active play and outdoor adventures.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a lesser-known retriever breed that is excellent with children. Bred in Canada to lure and retrieve waterfowl, this breed is highly intelligent, energetic, and playful. Tollers, as they are often called, have a friendly and affectionate nature that makes them wonderful companions for kids. They love to play, especially in the water, and are always ready for an adventure. Their gentle disposition and eagerness to please make them easy to train and well-suited for family life. Tollers are known for forming strong bonds with their families, especially with children.
Portuguese Podengo
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The Portuguese Podengo is a lively, energetic breed that is excellent with children. Originally from Portugal, this ancient breed was used for hunting small game, but today it makes a wonderful family companion. Portuguese Podengos are known for their playful nature and love for human interaction. They are intelligent and quick learners, making them easy to train. Their energy and enthusiasm make them great playmates for active kids, while their affectionate nature ensures they form strong bonds with their human family members. This lesser-known breed is perfect for families looking for a playful and loving dog.
Japanese Chin
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The Japanese Chin is a small, affectionate breed known for its gentle and loving nature. Originally bred as a companion dog for Japanese nobility, this breed is known for its loyalty and devotion to its human family. Japanese Chins are great with children, as they are gentle and patient, making them ideal companions for families with young kids. They love to cuddle and spend time with their human companions, forming strong emotional bonds. Despite their small size, Japanese Chins have big hearts and are always eager to show their love and affection to their families.
Your Kid’s Best Friend
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These lesser-known dog breeds may not be as popular as some of the more well-known family breeds, but they are just as fantastic with children. From the playful Swedish Vallhund to the gentle Japanese Chin, these dogs bring love, loyalty, and companionship to any family. Their unique personalities and deep bonds with their human families make them excellent choices for households with children. Whether you are looking for an energetic playmate or a calm, affectionate companion, these breeds will bring your family joy and become your child’s best friend.
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