If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
And if you have young childen (or are planning a family) then there are certain breeds that should top your list.
These are dogs that tend to be calm, gentle, loving and patient - that are unlikley to snap and enjoy playing games and snuggling with their young human siblings.
Meanwhile, other breeds have particular attributes or temperaments which mean that they are less suitable for households with small children - being more likely to snap, become impatient, or simply not enjoy the attention of youngsters,
Here are 22 of the best and worst breeds of dog for young families.
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9. Irish Setter
The noble-looking Irish Setter is an outgoing and sweet-natured breed that loves big long walks and plenty of cuddles from the younger members of the family. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Bernese Mountain Dog
A breed that's as gentle as it is large, the Bernese Mountain Dog is incredibly affectionate and famously patient with children - no snapping here! They enjoy outdoor play, especially when it's not too hot, and have a generally calm and sweet disposition. | Getty Images
11. Bulldog
They may sometimes look a little grumpy due to their distinctive wrinkles, but the adaptable Bulldog's calm and relaxed nature makes it a perfect choice for families with young children. | Getty Images
12. Weimaraner
Now we're moving onto the dog breeds probably best avoided by households with young kids - or those planning a family. A large and beautiful dog bred to hunt big game, the Weimaraner sometimes doesn't know its own strength and can enjoy playing rough with its human family. This is no problem when it comes to adults, but can be a problem with youngsters. | Canva/Getty Images