Finally, after much nagging and tugging at your sleeve, you’ve finally decided to do things your way and give the kids a canine playmate. In addition to providing them with an exciting new playmate, having a dog around can also teach them to become responsible, outdoorsy adults. The cause is good, but to achieve it, you must be careful about the breed of dog that you will finally take home with your little ones. You need to know what are the best dog breeds that toddlers will love and grow up with.

Here are some perennial family favorites:

or The Shih-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is a very outgoing and enthusiastic breed. He has a lively and agile personality that is perfectly suited to children. Other than that, they can’t help but be smart too. Best of all, they are low maintenance because once they have been trained or accustomed to the house rules; you can practically leave them alone.

or The Pug. The Pug is probably one of the friendliest breeds. Pugs are also warm and quite demonstrative. However, they can be annoying when the weather is humid. Unlike other toy breeds, pugs can also keep their cool. They are also low maintenance and require little brushing or exercise.

or The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is one of the best playmates your child can get at the pet store. In addition to being lively, the breed is also affectionate. They have no problem adapting to the lifestyle of their owners and can therefore be easily trained. Disadvantages include high maintenance, which requires regular brushing of their coat, and special attention to the heart, which is known to be the common cause of disease.

or The Border Terrier. This breed is small but full of vigor, making them a great companion for the whole family, especially playful children. It has a short coat which means it is low maintenance. They are usually dependent as watchdogs, but may exhibit some of the annoying characteristics of terriers, such as digging.

or The Beagle. Beagles are by nature a cheerful breed. They also love to be around and interact with people, making them the perfect canine companion for the whole family. However, training beagles could be challenging. They are primarily hounds, a trait that can become destructive during training. So be ready to restrain a beagle the moment it picks up a familiar scent because it will likely shut down and chase the scent to the last.

or The Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed is characterized by a good muscular build, which gives it the energy for which it is most famous. While they can be very active, Staffordshire bull terriers can be patient and loving with children, and are known to make a loyal canine companion for the family. They are an intelligent and courageous breed, and as such, they can be quite confrontational or aggressive towards other dogs.