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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Manchester’s libraries to become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi this winter
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s libraries are set to become ‘warm welcome spaces’ offering free hot drinks and internet access to those in need again this winter.
After millions of local residents visited the ‘stigma-free safe spaces’ to escape and take refuge from the cold each year since they were first introduced in 2022, Manchester City Council has decided to reintroduce its popular ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ scheme again this year during the chillier months.
All 22 of Manchester‘s public libraries are, once again, taking part in the scheme this time around.
Designed to ‘provide support to people who need it’ over some of the most challenging months of the year when temperatures drop, the Council’s scheme is offering a range of different services – and they’re all for free of charge.
Free hot drinks, WiFi and internet access, data SIM cards, and newspapers are just some of the things people can make the most of inside these ‘warm spaces’, as well as get access to information, advice, and extra signposting to other support services they made need in the city.
Manchester’s libraries will become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi again this winter / Credit: Haydon Waldeck | koolshooters (Pexels)
There will be age-friendly spaces to connect with others, story times once a week at 11am for children under five, and even weekly digital drop-ins too.
Manchester Central Library, Miles Platting Community Library, Hulme High Street Library, Beswick Library, Longsight Library, and Abraham Moss Library are just some of the libraries taking part this winter.
All 22 libraries will be free to enter, and the Council says people can stay in them ‘for as long as you like’.
“For many years, the Council has been a proud supporter of the Warm Welcome Spaces initiative,” explained Councillor Thomas Robinson, who is the Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council.
“In Manchester we have been all too aware of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the hardships people have suffered as a result.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say this work has the potential to be lifesaving. The simple act of offering a person a safe place where they can interact with other Mancunians, to not feel alone or get the help they need, can have a lasting and meaningful impact.”
Find your local free ‘Warm Welcome Space’ in Manchester here.
Featured Image – RawPixel
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Jürgen Klopp reveals the main reason he turned down the Manchester United job
Danny Jones
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has revealed one of the main reasons he turned down the Manchester United job more than a decade ago.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss turned Merseyside hero spent nine years at Anfield, going on to win a Champions League, Premier League, and a collection of cups.
It’s also worth noting that this all came in the years following the departure of legendary Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but there could have been an alternate reality where Klopp carried on where ‘Fergie’ left off, as the now 58-year-old says the club spoke to him during that time.
With Sir Alex leaving in 2013 after the best part of 30 years, Klopp told Steven Bartlett on his most recent Diary of A CEO episode that “of course, they were interested.”
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💥Jürgen Klopp on The Diary Of A CEO
Some of the topics we cover:
•His surprise at Liverpool’s £450m transfer window and why he didn’t get the same money
•He says a return to Liverpool is possible – but he couldn’t ask for just one year off
Admitting that the interest was mutual “at one point”, the prospect of joining Liverpool‘s historic rivals clearly appealed to him.
Noting that he was flourishing as an up-and-coming coach (aged 46 back then) in charge of an impressive Dortmund team – adding that even some of his then future players to be at Liverpool flew to watch them play in the Champions League – it’s clear he had plenty of suitors.
However, the retired German footballer turned ‘Gegenpressing’ tactician goes on to explain that despite United trying to poach him from the Bundesliga, it was “the wrong time, wrong moment for me.”
Crucially, he says that some aspects of the conversations between him and the club at the time proved to be a turn-off rather than an incentive, citing talk of ‘the biggest club in the world’ and supposedly “signing any player we want.”
In short, Klopp says that, crucially, it didn’t sound like it would have been his project, drawing parallels to the board wanting to bring back players like Paul Pogba, with arguably similar ‘mistakes’ being made with the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. In his eyes, looking backwards simply “never helps”.
You can see the clip in full here:
Had he not turned down the offer, do you think Klopp could have helped rebuild Man United?
According to Klopp, after negotiations seemed to revolve primarily around the kind of players they were going to bring in, he decided the opportunity wasn’t for him.
Nevertheless, it looked like things worked out for Merseyside’s biggest club, at least, as he went on to become one of the most successful managers in the Premier League, managing to break up the long period of dominance overseen by both Manchester United and, most recently, Man City.
As for the red half of Manchester, they at the very least had a good weekend as they finally ended their long wait for a win away against Liverpool.
In case you missed it, you can watch the highlights – including another big clutch goal from Harry Maguire – down below.