If you’re a single parent, finding the time to take care of a pet can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the joys of owning a dog! There are many breeds of dogs, that are a great fit for your family.
This blog post will discuss 16 of the best breeds for single parents and their children. We will provide information on each dog breed and tips on how to take care of them. So read on to learn more about these pups!
16 Best Dog Breeds for Single Parents
1. Airedale Terrier
This medium-sized dog is a great pet everyone would love! Airedale Terriers are generally friendly with other people, have infectious energy, and make great companions to single parents and their children.
Airedales tend to bark an average amount, but make up for it by being outgoing, trainable, and alert pets. Plus: They’re wired-haired and don’t shed! They do need regular grooming to prevent their skin from becoming irritated, but other than that they’re pretty low-maintenance, which is perfect for a busy parent.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an active and intelligent dog. These energetic dogs love playing outdoors and will do anything you ask them if given enough space.
These quick-witted creatures like to play around older kids, making them great pets for active adults and kids. They are also loyal and protective, which makes them good guard dogs.
Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of exercises. These dogs were bred to work all day on the farm, so they had a lot of energy. Take your Australian Cattle Dog for long walks or a trip to the park with the kids to keep your pup happy!
3. Beagle
Small, lovable, and highly energetic, Beagles make adorable pets fit for kids (and adults!). These affectionate creatures are naturally curious and like to sniff around and find anything they put their nose to. Because of this, a fenced yard is recommended when choosing a beagle.
These pups adapt well to any environment, making them excellent family dogs. For young kids, a beagle makes a perfect playmate and would willingly take every opportunity to play fetch or go treasure hunting for treats! They’re also generally great with other dogs, so if they’re well socialized, they’re fun for taking family trips to the dog park.
4. Boxer
Boxers have been considered a favorite pup for families. They are active and love to play, and are happiest when they’re out in the park playing fetch or running across a spacious field.
Boxers are patient so, they can tolerate loud and rowdy kids. Are you looking to cuddle after a long day at work? Your Boxer wouldn’t mind! Even your kids will be asking to cuddle with this big, friendly dog. These adorable big dogs are softies at heart and want to be cuddled more often than not!
5. Bull Terrier
Don’t be deceived by their looks! Bull Terriers make great pets for parents with older kids. While they may look tough outside, these dogs are very gentle and loving. They need a family that can keep up with their high energy levels. Bull terriers tend to be cautious with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
Roughly 60 minutes of walking or play keep this pup happy and healthy. If they tend to get stubborn on some occasions, don’t fret! These pups will get the hang of your instructions after a few tries.
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
As medium-sized dogs, Shar Peis are gentle and loving with their family. They can be aloof with strangers, but they make excellent watchdogs.
A Chinese Shar-Pei’s feature is so adorable that you can almost mistake one for a sweet teddy bear. Being a single parent can be exhausting but Chinese Shar-Peis exude a calm and relaxing demeanor, making them great options for parents and kids who prefer a pet who is a little more laid back.
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chows need regular walks, but are generally calm and rarely bark except to alert you.
You can expect your Chow chow to come to your defense when they sense danger nearby. Despite being protective, they are pretty patient, especially with older kids. However, they require proper training and socializing before introducing them to your little ones.
8. Bulldog
Cute and plump Bulldogs are affectionate creatures who develop deep bonds with their fur parents and kids. They are not particularly active dogs, making them ideal pets for busy parents with smaller kids. These dogs are patient with sweet temperaments fitting for your little ones to play tea parties with.
However, having a Bulldog for a pet may require a bit of patience as well. Though trainable, they can get stubborn. Despite that, they are compassionate and would love to babysit your kids.
9. Golden Retriever
With their flowy coats and sunny personalities, you can’t help but fall in love with these cute pups! A Golden Retriever makes for a great family pet, especially for homes with smaller kids. They have friendly, patient temperaments and love to interact often with their fur parents and kids.
They are generally curious about nature, but also don’t mind spending an afternoon sleeping beside a toddler. Furthermore, they do well in small apartments but do need regular walks and playtime. In terms of grooming and maintenance, their golden coat requires regular brushing to keep it from matting.
10. Kerry Blue Terrier
A Kerry Blue Terrier is another medium-sized dog that makes a great fit for families with young children – they’re very people-oriented! They love their families and do tend to be protective of their humans. But with regular socialization, they’re friendly and open to meeting visitors. We love that Kerry Blues don’t shed, so having one won’t add to your vacuuming.
Because they don’t regularly shed, they require regular grooming. So, if you can tolerate some noise, this would make an excellent pet for your little family!
11. Labrador Retriever
Also known as Labs, Labradors Retrievers are generally an exceptional fit for families with kids. These adorable, classic pups have an even temperament and tend to be gentle around younger children. They love a good cuddle on lazy afternoons, but still, get excited when you take them out for a walk.
Labrador Retrievers are easy-going creatures, so they adapt to most environments. Furthermore, they interact with fellow dogs and other pets as well. Labs are prone to overeating, so make sure to keep your furry friend on a good, healthy diet. Ensure they’re health by giving them essential vitamins you can purchase from Pet Meds. When you have a Labrador Retriever as a pet, you and your kids can expect enthusiastic greetings every time you come home!
12. Mutt
They come in adorable sizes, shapes, and patterns. Having a mutt as a pet is typically a go-to for a single parent with younger children. They adapt quickly to change and love unconditionally. They may have a little bit of everything from different breeds, but they’re all 100% dog!
Adopting a mutt from a local animal shelter is a great way to find your new furry friend. Not only are you giving a dog in need a loving home, but you’re also getting a unique pet that will bring joy to your family.
Ask an adoption counselor to see which one would best fit into your home before you make your decision.
13. Newfoundland
Gentle giants, the Newfoundland’s sweet nature and temperament and large, fluffy form make them a delightful pet to have. Many have coined Newfoundlands as “nanny dogs” because they make great companions for little children—even infants.
But because of their playful and energetic nature, Newfoundlands tend to be a handful when not socialized and trained. You can avoid negative behaviors by regular, frequent walks and mental stimulation, to ensure your pup is happy and healthy.
14. Poodle
When you picture a Poodle, you’re probably thinking about a silly and sophisticated poofy hairdo. But under the curly hair, these dogs are a fantastic fit for families: they’re sweet, super smart, and gentle with young children. Poodles come in various sizes, but we’re focusing on the large, standard breed here – they love their families and are typically big cuddlers. They’re also friendly with visitors and get along well with other pets.
As for that fancy hairstyle, Poodles don’t shed, which takes extra vacuuming out of the equation. They do need regular grooming, and you can choose to either have a classic show dog cut done professionally, or have your pup have a general, all-over curly coat that you can trim yourself (with some training! Check out YouTube for resource videos on using dog clippers).
15. Siberian Husky
Famous for their sled-pulling abilities, Siberian Huskies make adorable pets for you and your kids. Single parents have so many responsibilities, but the good news is that Huskies aren’t that high maintenance. In fact, they are self-cleaning and don’t need regular bathing. These intelligent dogs are also amiable, making them good family dogs. They require a lot of exercise, so be prepared to take them for long walks or runs daily.
Having a Siberian Husky could be a handful, but it’s worth it when you see the joy they bring to your family!
16. Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzers are known in Germany as “kinder watchers,” because they make incredible babysitters and love kids of all ages – making them a perfect choice for a single-parent family. This medium-sized breed is loyal and protective, with a calm and pleasant temperament. They’re also extremely trainable, which makes owning a Schnauzer easier for you, and is for your kids when they’re old enough to teach your pup tricks.
Schnauzers need an average amount of physical exercise, and an above-average amount of playtime and mental stimulation. They also require regular brushing to keep their non-shedding coat clean and healthy. Standard Schnauzers are a great pick for your family!
The Canine Bottom Line
Dog breeds that didn’t make it to the list but are worth mentioning are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. Dogs are great companions, and if you are a single parent, many breeds of dogs would be perfect for you. If you opt to have additional protection for you and your child, consider adopting an adult dog that has been trained to handle threats
And there is no need to worry about cleaning the fur around the house with an easy home cleaning gadget.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you and that you will find the perfect dog for your family!