3 BEST AFFORDABLE AND FRIENDLY DOG BREEDS FOR KIDS

If you are thinking of getting a dog for your kids but don’t know how to choose one, who will not cost you much and will be loved by your kids as well, then your confusion will solve out today!

While deciding to add a puppy or dog to your family, you have to make sure which breed will be the perfect match for your kids and family. Before you are going to jump into it, you should do proper research while considering the lifestyle and ages of your children. There is no doubt that dogs can be great for kids as they not only teach them responsibility and corporation but also proven as a source of unconditional love but some factors need consideration while picking up a dog as it’s a matter of your kids and pocket.

FACTORS WHILE CONSIDERING AFFORDABLE KID-FRIENDLY DOG

TEMPERAMENT: Before looking for a dog’s temperament just ask yourself about the temperament of your kids and family. Are they serious, jolly, or calmer? Every dog has a different personality, some are overly affectionate, and some are too bored to let you kiss them while others are calmer or tolerant. So you should look up for the one who will easily fit in right according to your kids’ nature.

ENERGY LEVEL: What kind of dog your kids want? Are they looking for a dog who can run or hike with them or they just want their dog to cuddle or sleep on a couch? Every dog has a different energy level, some are overly active and some are too lethargic to run. So it will be better to choose one that will go better with your lifestyle.

SIZE: what’s the age of your kid? What’s the height of your kid? What’s the size of your house? All these questions should be in your mind while considering the dog size for kids. If your kid is small in height then a big dog will easily knock the kid down. Also if your house size is not big enough then a big dog will be a bad option.

YOUR POCKET: Before plunging yourself as an owner of a dog, consider your pocket first. Your duty will not be finished after buying a cute-faced dog. Pets are not like toys that you bought once for your kids and never looked them up again. Have you thought that dogs also need grooming? They can also experience health issues and also their food may vary from time to time. So before buying or adopting a dog, research on how much they eat, how much they need to groom, how hard they get to train, and how much it cost to buy it from a breeder or shelter.

3 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR 3 to 7 YEARS OLD KIDS

Three to seven years old children are usually short heightened and ready to explore the world so they need a companion who can go along with them in their initial ages. Dog breed for these kids must be of short height and can vary in temperament and energy level according to kids’ nature but here are three best affordable kid-friendly dog breeds for these children.

1-PUGS

Pugs are one of the best dog breeds in town for kids. Most of the kids require a tolerant pal and they are proven to be the best friend as they have patience and show affectionate behavior.

PROS:

They are of short height usually 10–13 inches. Their energy level is not much high but they have an outgoing temperament, they love socializing and cuddling. Usually weighs around 14–18 pounds. Their life expectancy 13–15 years. They don’t have long or bushy hairs, so they need less grooming, might be required brushing once or twice a week. If you adopt a pug from a shelter they can be as cheap as $50

CONS:

They have issues in gaining weight so they may need a daily walk or exercise. They need to have cared in extremely warm weather as they have a short nose, so they usually snort, also their protruding eyes can dry out while too much exposure. They may shed regularly so ready to pay the cleaning bill. Also, they are not hypoallergenic. From breeder, it can cost you around $800-$1000.

2-MALTESE

If your kid wants a super active and talkative friend then Maltese can be a great match.

PROS:

They have a high energy level and jolly temperament. They are short height, sweet and gentle pups who enjoy making others happy. Their life span is 15–18 years. They weigh more or less 7 pounds. If they have short hair coats then they may need occasional grooming. They shed very little and are hypoallergenic. Requires brushing and eye care once or thrice a week. They eat less. They are playful so need to go outside but also happy to spend time inside.

CONS:

Maltese with long hair coat may be proved to be heavy on your pocket as require high maintenance and grooming. Moreover, they bark frequently and may show less patience. From breeder, it may cost you more than $1200.

3-CAVILIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL DOG

This innocent-faced dog with long ears can be great for kids. They have a pleasing attitude and friendly nature.

PROS: These dogs have a sociable, affectionate, playful, and patient temperament. Their height is short usually 30–33cm. Their weight varies from 13–18 pounds. Their life expectancy is 9–14 years. They have a medium energy level. They don’t need excessive exercise but love to go outside to play. They don’t bark a lot and possess calmer nature. They have a medium-length hair coat so they don’t need much grooming.

CONS: This dog has hairs that need regular brushing. Also, they are not hypoallergenic, moreover, they shed as well but not extreme. From breeder, it may cost you more than $1500.

3 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR 8 TO 12 YEARS OLD KIDS

Children of these ages tend to be a little taller. For these kids, a dog must be of medium height and the one who’s ready to explore the world with them. Following are the affordable breeds for them.

1-BEAGLE

If your kid wants an adventurous companion then beagle can be the best pair. They are always willing to explore the world even if your world is just your town.

PROS: They are of friendly and curious temperament. Their energy level is high as very energetic and quickly responsive. Their height varies from 13–15 inches. They weigh about 20–30 pounds. Their life expectancy is 10–15 years. They shed seasonal and easy to care for and groom. They don’t require a lot of exercise. Can be adjusted with other pets as well. From breeder, it cost you around $400-$1000.

CONS: They can be proven destructive when left alone for a long time. They may irritate you while training. They may bark a lot at strangers but can be quickly warm up. They require care to prevent obesity.

2-COLLIE

If you are looking for the most loyal friend for your kid then collie will the best choice. Collies are quite social dogs and can be protective for your kid.

PROS: They have a quite gentle, affectionate, and devoted temperament. The energy level of collies is medium. Their height varies from 22–26 inches. They weigh about 50–70 pounds. Life expectancy is 12–14 years. They shed seasonal, require occasional grooming. They are very intelligent, easy to train.

CONS: They have a high potential of shedding. They are not hypoallergenic. Sometimes quite too protective. May bark excessively. Need to go outside daily but they feel happy to spend the rest of the time at home. They may cost you more than $800.

3-POODLE

If you want a dog that will appeal to your kid by their physical features especially hair then a poodle will be the best choice. The poodle comes in three sizes and colors and it’s your choice what suited you best.

PROS: Poodles have a smart and gentle temperament. Their energy level is high. A medium-sized poodle’s height varies from 13–17 inches. Their weight is around 45 to 70 pounds. Life expectancy is 12–15 years. They are hypoallergenic and usually shed very little or not. They need occasional grooming. They are very intelligent and easy to train.

CONS: They may need professional grooming especially for hair-cut. They may show aggression and bark when don’t get enough attention. From breeder, it may cost you around $700-$1500.

3 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR 13 TO 18 YEARS OLD KIDS

Teenage kids are usually tall enough so, for these kids dogs should be tall and strong with whom they can hang-out and play what they want to.

1-GOLDEN RETRIEVER

This dog is confident, playful, smart, loyal, and neither aggressive nor timid which makes them the best dog for kids and family.

PROS: Golden Retriever has a friendly, intelligent, and trustworthy temperament. Their energy level is medium. Their height can be around 20 to 24 inches. They weigh about 55 to 79 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–12 years. They just require brushing twice a week and occasional grooming. Easy to train, enjoys running and swimming.

CONS: They require a lot of exercise as they love to run and play games. They shed high than average. They have minimal watchdog instincts. It may cost you around $500-$3000.

2-BOXER

A Boxer can prove their selves as energetic as your kid. They may look like tough giants but will go well with your kids and you’ll find them joyful pets.

PROS: They have a friendly, cheerful, and fearless temperament. They have a high energy level. Their height might be 21 to 25 inches. They weigh around 60 to 70 pounds. Their life expectancy 10–12 years. Their hair coats are easy to care for and require light grooming. They are highly affectionate and adjustable with any age of kids but because of their huge mass, they would be better for elder kids.

CONS: They need a lot of exercises to expel energy. They might have issues in extremely hot and cold weather. They also snort. It may cost you $800-$3000 from a breeder.

3-NEWFOUNDLAND

If you want a dog that looks after your kids then Newfoundland will be the right choice. Just like our grannies these dogs love to live with kids.

PROS: They have a gentle and sweet temperament. They have very low energy levels. They weigh about 99 to 154 pounds. Their height might be around 24–29 inches. Life expectancy 8–10 years. They are highly protective and tolerant. They are easy to train and task-oriented. They require less exercise.

CONS: As they are heavy dogs so they require a large house or space to play. They can become overweight without exercise. They have a high potential for shedding and require proper grooming and care. It may cost you in the range of $800-$1500.

Hoping you have become a little aware of the best affordable kid-friendly dog breeds, choosing a well-suited pet is up to you now!