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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Pep Guardiola delivers important reminder about multiculturalism after Jim Ratcliffe controversy
Danny Jones
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an important message about the power of multiculturalism in his most recent press conference.
Guardiola’s comments come after the high-profile controversy surrounding his rival club across the city, Man United, whose co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, saw some of his recent remarks fall under major scrutiny.
In case you somehow missed it, the Failsworth-born British billionaire was heavily criticised after claiming he believes the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.
Fast forward a couple of days, and while the club and the fan base are still dealing with the fallout of the story, Pep acknowledged the debate by reminding people that “embracing other cultures” makes for a “better society”.
Well put, Pep – in fact, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Although he didn’t reference the 74-year-old directly after being probed on the subject by journalists, the Man City boss reiterated that his time spent living and working across the world has only broadened his mind and enriched his life.
That goes for both his professional and personal spheres, by the way, as the Catalan coach has often spoken of his love for English culture and the Manc people, specifically.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup game against local side Salford City, Pep described the attitudes towards immigrants around the world as a “big problem” despite most people simply leaving their country in search of “a better life”.
He also drew attention to the fact that he, like so many others in football – a sporting industry loved the world round by people from all walks of life and that the likes of Ratcliffe directly benefit from – is an immigrant working and contributing to not just the game but the British economy by being here.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have since shared a public statement on their club website and across social media, reiterating to fans and supporters the world over that they are an “inclusive club”.
‘We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.’
The INEOS chairman, CEO and minority stakeholder in Manchester United Football Club, has since apologised (at least in part) for his “choice of language” following the divisive interview with Sky News.
In a world where plenty of people are quick to pessimism, negativity and turn to division almost by default, Pep’s message is one echoed by so many and is one that we should all keep in mind.
And for anyone who needs a more light-hearted bit of content on their timeline this week, here’s what else Pep said in his pre-match presser…
Pep Guardiola responding to a really intelligent question from a reporter:
‘Do you want to be my assistant coach, fucking hell, you are brilliant…’
Featured Images — Hayters TV (screenshot via YouTube)
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Chester Zoo becomes first UK zoo to gain important international status
Danny Jones
The North West’s beloved Chester Zoo has been awarded a highly coveted global status, being named as the first international botanical garden in the entire UK.
With so many well-deserved awards, accolades and plaudits from within the world of wildlife preservation over the year, it’s no surprise.
A gem in Cheshire and the wider region’s crown, which continues to express its extreme commitment to ecological and environmental causes year in and year out, Chester Zoo is regularly ranked the best in the country and one of the top facilities in all of Europe, and now its worldwide reputation is growing too.
Taking its already sterling CV one further this year, 2026 marks the inaugural year of not only Chester Zoo existing as a recognised international botanical garden, but a big moment for Great Britain’s conservation status in general, as it’s been over 150 years since it last held the status.
Writing on social media in response to the huge honour, they wrote: “We’re officially the FIRST UK zoo recognised as a globally important botanic garden!
“We care for hundreds of rare plants, protect species at risk of extinction, and create beautiful gardens that encourage visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
“Global plant conservation organisation [Botanic Gardens Conservation International] assessed us against 22 criteria before awarding us Conservation Practitioner status – a recognition that now lets us do even more to protect native wildlife alongside our incredible conservation partners!”
Incredible stuff.
They signed off by adding that their efforts are “all made possible by YOU”, with 2025 marking an all-around groundbreaking year for the venue, as a total of 2,136,224 visitors came through the gates to surpass their previous record tally back in 2019 (2,086,785).
BGCI’s awarding of Conservation Practitioner is yet more proof of just how much work Chester Zoo does throughout the annual calendar, not least of all the incredible fundraising they do via various activations like their hugely successful charity run.
They signed off by adding that their efforts are “all made possible by YOU”, with 2025 marking an all-around groundbreaking year for the venue, as a total of 2,136,224 individuals came through the gates to surpass their previous record tally back in 2019 (2,086,785).
Speaking directly on the watershed moment, the zoo’s head of plants, Philip Esseen, said in an official press release: “This recognition shows that our plant work has real conservation value.
“We’re caring for species that are threatened with extinction in the wild, and that carries a responsibility to protect them, propagate them and share our expertise with others.
“The accreditation will help us work more closely with other horticultural and conservation organisations and increase the amount of conservation work we can do, particularly to support native species.”
Congratulations once again to Chester Zoo on such a significant achievement, and with around 10k people visiting each day – be that staff, field-expert guests or visitors – the proof is in the pudding: it really is the best in Britain doing some of the most vital work possible.
The UK has lost half of it's hedgehogs in the last 20 years, so here's 3 simple things you can do to make your garden a hedgehog haven 👇
🏡 Create a cosy hideout – piles of leaves, logs, or a hedgehog house give them a safe spot to rest Make a hedgehog highway – leave a…
The Manc -
16th February 2021 
