Dogs can be great companions and fantastic teachers for kids. However, not every breed can be classified as a "family dog" that can get along with children that easily.
Dogs can be great companions and fantastic teachers for kids. However, not every breed can be classified as a “family dog” that can get along with children that easily.
Before you buy or adopt a puppy, it’s crucial to determine which breed would be perfect for your family’s lifestyle.
There are plenty of factors to consider. Energetic dogs would be the best pick for lively children that are down for a playmate at home. Toddlers would develop better in the companion of more patient and calmer breeds. Temperaments can vary, but if you have children at home, your dog should be gentle, friendly, and easy to train.
We’ve prepared a list of the best dog breeds for families with kids.
Cane Corso
Called also Italian Mastiffs, Cane Corsos are great family dogs. Don’t be misled by their size and imposing posture – they are usually loving, gentle, and devoted to the family that takes care of them. Contrary to popular belief, Italian Mastiffs for sale from trusted and reputable breeders aren’t that likely to develop aggressive behaviours.
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They recognise their owners and always greet them in a friendly manner. Additionally, they don’t need much training due to their natural intelligence and instinct. However, due to this dog’s size, it’s not recommended to adopt a Cane Corso if you have a toddler. They can easily, but unintentionally, knock your little child over.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are considered to be one of the kindest dogs in the world. They just love attention. They’re enthusiastic, friendly, active, and always ready to play. However, as their energy level is extremely high, owners need to make sure that they can provide labradors with a sufficient amount of exercise.
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Additionally, grooming them is easy due to their short double-coat fur. They need only to be brushed once a month in winter and once a week in summer. They’re highly trainable and trustworthy. A well-trained labrador can develop enough social skills to play with your children safely. Not without reason, they are known for being an excellent choice for families.
Cocker Spaniel
If you live in an apartment with children, adopting a spaniel can be a great option for you. They can thrive both outside and inside, and they enjoy snuggling on the couch with their beloved owners. They have an incredibly gentle and loving personality and want to be included in each family activity; be a real part of it.
However, you have to remember that cocker spaniels need a lot of attention. They’re not aggressive, and they’re easy to train, but if you neglect their needs, they can develop separation anxiety or fight-or-flight syndrome. But if you train it since its early years, you can be sure that your spaniel will be a loving and patient companion.
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Irish Setter
Irish Setters are amiable and have high energy levels. This breed can be a great best friend of an older kid that wants to play with them, but they’re not recommended for little children due to their loudness. But don’t worry – they’re relatively easy to manage and can be trained to calm down when asked.
Setters love the companionship of their owners and the other dogs. They love to play and would be perfect for active children. If you decide to adopt a setter, remember to provide it with enough playtime and exercise, or it can get frustrated and unhappy.
French Bulldog
Bulldogs are perfect for those who are worried about their babies around the dogs. Bulldogs are exceptional watchdogs and get attached to their families, including the youngest. They want to take part in each family activity, so if you’re going to adopt a Frenchie or even an english bulldog (see here for personality traits), be ready to take it to all your family trips and give it a lot of affection.
If you’re not a fan of sports activities, a bulldog can be a great pup to adopt. They don’t need a lot of exercises and prefer to spend evenings wrapped up in the blanket with their owners. They are known for their gentleness and cuddliness, so if you’re looking for a gentle couch potato, Frenchie can be your choice.
Conclusion
Dogs can teach your children a lot. Your kids can learn how to be more responsible and caring while having a fantastic companion to play with. However, you have to remember that not each dog would be suitable for you and your family.
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It all depends on your lifestyle and personality. If you like to spend time outdoors, a labrador would be your best friend. But if you prefer to watch TV shows with your children instead of taking long walks, think about a bulldog.
Remember that each dog can be gentle and friendly if you train it properly from an early age. Be prepared for a specific dog’s character, and don’t ignore their natural instincts and needs, and you can be sure that they will make your family happier.
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A much-loved Manc grassroots venue is hosting a live screening of The Traitors final
Danny Jones
A beloved grassroots venue here in Manchester city centre is holding a big screening of this year’s The Traitors final.
Consider already there with bells, whistles and a big hood on.
Yes, following the return of The Traitors mainline show this month, not to mention even more versions of the show landing on the BBC in 2026, we’re expecting record-breaking numbers of viewers for this year’s highly anticipated ‘Grand Final’.
With that in mind, Manc favourite arts and entertainment venue, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), will be playing The Traitors season four final on the big screen.
You do not want to miss this, and we don’t just mean the episode: we’re talking about the unparalleled and often unhinged vibes at Fairfield.
Having been to plenty of live events at FSC over the past 18 months or so, from live viewing parties and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia quizzes to nights out with other social clubs and community organisations, we can personally vouch for their hosting chops.
As for this particular watchalong, they’ve promised they’re “going all in for The Traitors Finale 2026, live on the FSC big screen with a full crowd, big reactions and plenty of drama.”
With the team set to deliver a full pre-show Traitors quiz with plenty of prizes up for grabs, and even free drinks for anyone who turns up in a cloak or top-notch Claudia Winkleman fancy dress, there are so many reasons to make this gaff the place you choose as your venue for the final.
We’ll also be making sure to attend their upcoming Lily Allen line-dancing show, because we’re still obsessed with West End Girl.
Like with The Traitors final, don’t worry, they’ve done this dance MANY times before.
Honestly, this place never disappoints when it comes to variety or enjoyment.
As if any of the above wasn’t already convincing enough for you, tickets are just a fiver, and they also include a welcome drink. Doors will open 6pm, and seating plans are simply first-come first first-served.
Not only is that a great deal across the board, but it’s also probably one of the cheapest drinks you’ll find in town these days…
If you fancy joining in the chaos and inevitable chorus of gasps when the Grand Final goes live, you can grab your tickets for the conclusion of this season’s Traitors at Fairfield Social Club right HERE – and we promise you that it will sell out fast.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (via BBC)/Fairfield Social Club (supplied)
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The Boots recycling scheme where you can get £5 off every shop
Thomas Melia
UK high street retailer and healthcare shop Boots has launched an innovative recycling scheme that entitles customers to £5 off their future shopping trips.
If you’re still struggling to come up with a New Year’s resolution, why not try a spot of recycling and earn some money off your next cosmetics shop while you’re at it?
Started in 2020, the Boots Recycling Scheme allows Advantage Card holders the opportunity to get money while also being more conscious about how we recycle our used health and beauty products.
Their third-party app, Recycle at Boots, uses a ‘Scan2Recycle‘ system where users can upload items from various beauty brands by taking a picture of the empty packaging before identifying its form.
This scheme takes items that can’t usually be recycled at home, such as lotion pumps, toothpaste tubes, lipstick, mascaras, travel minis, make-up palettes and more.
Once you have five items approved, head over to your nearest participating Boots store, drop off your empties and scan the QR code on the deposit box.
After you’ve followed all these steps, a voucher will appear entitling you to 500 Advantage Points when you spend £10 in-store at your nearest location, and not only do you have £5 worth of points with your name on it, you’re also an eco-warrior.
There’s even a dedicated section of the app to recycling empty medicine and vitamin blister packs, which gives customers 100 Advantage Points when they spend £5 in-store.
Brilliant.
Credit: Publicity pictures (supplied)
Items dropped into these deposit boxes are taken to MyGroup, a recycling and waste management service which works around the clock to help divert waste from landfill.
These empties will be washed and traditionally recycled into a material called MyBoard, a construction board material most similar to plywood, with lots of different uses.
Nearest Boots locations in Manchester running the Recycle at Boots scheme:
Manchester Market Street – 32 Market Street, M1 1PL
Salford Regent Park – Regents Park, M5 3TP
Manchester Didsbury – 736-740 Wilmslow Road, M20 2DW
The Trafford Centre – 10 Peel Avenue, M17 8BD
Trafford Retail Park – Neary Way, M41 7FN
If you’re up for getting money off your next Boots splurge while also helping recycle cosmetics containers and more, you can download the Recycle at Boots app and find your nearest HERE.
The Manc -
16th February 2021 
