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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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named The StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…