American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid-1800s as a versatile hunting dog. These dogs excel at flushing and retrieving birds, and are comfortable both in the field and in the water.

The breed is a little standoffish with strangers and needs socialization and training in puppyhood to develop into a confident and well-manned adult dog.

American Water Spaniels are hard workers and have energy to spare, so they need lots of daily exercise to prevent behavior issues stemming from boredom. The upside to all this energy is that these dogs are happy to romp and play fetch as the kids keep throwing the ball or Frisbee. 

One of the rarer spaniels, the midsize American Water Spaniel is an energetic and merry companion, completely devoted to its human family, including children.

Boykin Spaniel

Another rare spaniel that originated in the United States (South Carolina to be specific), the brown Boykin Spaniel is an enthusiastic hunting dog when in the field, but sweet and laid back at home.

The breed was originally used to hunt wild turkeys, but today is prized for hunting smaller birds like ducks and doves.

Friendly and playful, Boykins love being included in family activities, and get along great with respectful children, especially older kids who can throw the ball and play in the yard.

Boykin Spaniels are very rare, so be prepared to get on a waitlist if you’re hoping for a puppy. 

Brittany

Larger than a spaniel but smaller than a pointer or setter, the Brittany (sometimes incorrectly called the Brittany Spaniel) is a popular and versatile hunting, pointing and retrieving dog.

Brittanys are exceptionally friendly, willing to please, and are easily trained. They make great family dogs and are always ready and willing to join in on the next adventure. This could include hunting, hiking, running, swimming, camping and training for a competitive dog sport like agility.

Because Brittanys have abundant energy, it’s important to provide enough exercise and mental stimulation or they may become destructive or try to escape your yard. 

Bulldog

Dignified and even-tempered, the Bulldog is known for its affinity for children. These dogs are patient and docile, happily going along with calm play. Although Bulldogs are very tolerant, children should never be allowed to pester the dog or play too rough. Teach kids how to respect the dog’s space and interact gently.

Despite its heavy build, the Bulldog is also surprisingly active, enjoying long walks and romps in a safely enclosed area like your backyard. Many Bulldogs also love to chase after balls and toys—an excellent way for kids and dogs to play together. Take care not to exercise your Bulldog in hot weather. Due to the breed’s pushed-in face, the Bulldog can overheat easily. 

English Springer Spaniel

Full of energy and exceedingly playful, the English Springer Spaniel is a great companion for kids. Excellent dogs for active families, Springers needs lots of daily exercise. Fom long walks to jogging, hiking, swimming, games of fetch or even training for a competitive sport like agility or flyball, your ESS will be up for the challenge.

These dogs don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, but luckily their medium size makes it easy to take them along on family outings. The Springer’s coat requires professional grooming, and brushing a few times a week to keep mats at bay. 

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a spitz breed, a type of dog that hails from cold and snowy regions and has a fluffy coat, upright triangular ears and a tail that curls up and over the back.

These types of dogs have been in existence for thousands of years in the northernmost region of Finland, where they were most recently used a reindeer herders.

Lappies, as they are often called, have a friendly and submissive demeanor that makes the breed excellent for families with children.

However, as with all breeds, care must be taken ensure the kids are gentle and kind in their interaction. Lappies love to play—toss a ball in the backyard and offer daily walks to keep them happy.

Icelandic Sheepdog

The only native breed to Iceland, the fluffy Icelandic Sheepdogs history dates back more than 1,000 years. The breed was used to watch over and herd livestock like sheep, cattle and horses. The Icelandic Sheepdog is another spitz breed (also referred to as Northern breeds), easily identified by its foxy-looking face, triangle ears, fluffy coat, and plumed tail curling over its back.

Friendly and affectionate, Icelandic Sheepdogs are mostly beloved family pets these days, though they still retain a strong instinct to herd. They are lively, confident, curious, and enjoy playing with respectful children.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are sturdy enough for gentle play, yet small enough that they won’t accidentally knock down small children. The breed is rare, so if you think you might be interested in a puppy, prepare to wait.

Keeshond

Another spitz breed, the Keeshond stands out with its unique black glasses-shaped markings around the eyes. Though found throughout Europe for many centuries, the breed was most popular in Holland, where they were used as watchdogs on riverboats, barges and farms.

Friendly, spirited and outgoing, the Keeshond is renowned as an outstanding family dog. They are especially gentle and empathetic and make wonderful therapy dogs.

This breed is active and needs daily exercise and play, but what it wants most is to spend time with the family.

The fluffy coat, which feels clean and has very little doggie odor, needs a good weekly brushing and bathing every month or two. 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Famous for its affection toward people and its special affinity for children, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has earned the nicknames “Children’s Nursemaid” and “Nanny Dog.” Of course, this is not to say that this breed should be left home alone to babysit the kids, but with proper adult supervision, kids and Staffies can be the very best of friends.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is small but mighty, with a muscular body and brave temperament. Although Staffies love people, many do not get along well with other dogs, especially strange dogs. Some have very high prey drive (the instinct to chase), and the breed is not considered trustworthy around small pets like cats. 

Whippet

The Whippet is a sighthound, which is a type of hound that hunts using its excellent eyesight and speed. Quiet, gentle and mellow, the Whippet is made for family life.

The breed is known for being tolerant and kind and for enjoying the company of children as long as the kids are gentle and respectful.

If you provide daily opportunities for brief sprints, Whippets are generally very laidback in the house—some may even call them lazy.

Whippets are prone to escape attempts and will chase anything that moves (cats, squirrels, even wind-blown leaves or trash), even if that is into the street and oncoming cars. To avoid heartbreak, keep your doors secured and keep your Whippet on a leash when outside or ensure off-leash exercise is always in a safely enclosed area.