We all know that kids love dogs. They can’t resist reaching out to stroke them and of course dogs love to play, so they’re made for each other, and it's wise for parents to find the best dogs for kids of theirs.

Owning a dog is also a great way to teach children lessons about life. It gives them a taste of real responsibility – they have someone depending on them for feeding, exercise, attention and love. It allows them to create a unique bond with another living being, and a bond which could last a life-time.

However, not all breeds of dog are suitable for kids. Some are too big or too boisterous, and some just don’t have the right temperament to be around unpredictable younger people. Here are some suggestions for breeds that are known to be great for kids.

Golden Retriever

A hallmark of this breed is that it’s ‘kindly, friendly and confident’. They are also trusting and gentle, which makes them ideal for children but poor guard dogs. Unprovoked aggression or hostility towards people or other dogs is almost unheard of in Golden Retrievers, who are highly sociable.

These beautiful dogs were bred as gun dogs, so they are also agile and intelligent, making them an enthusiastic playmate with almost unlimited energy. Their breeding has also made them exceptionally patient, which is another fantastic virtue for working with kids.

They are quick learners and successfully teaching them new tricks will help build a child’s self-confidence.

Golden Retrievers live for 10-12 years and need a living area of around 500 square feet.

St Bernard

These are big dogs, weighing up to 250 pounds and standing perhaps 35 inches high. But size is deceptive – they are gentle giants; extremely loyal, naturally friendly and always keen to please. They are not aggressive but will bark at strangers.

They are generally a docile breed and can spend a lot of time asleep. Their coat of thick, short hair needs regular grooming to keep it tidy, and they need a reasonable amount of exercise.

Because of their size St Bernards are best suited to a home with a reasonable amount of land. They can have a relatively short life span compared with other breeds.

Cocker Spaniel

Like Golden Retrievers, the Cocker Spaniel was bred as a gun dog. They are smaller than Retrievers and are compact and well-balanced, with long silky fur and long ears. They can weigh up to 28 pounds.

Kids immediately fall in love with their large, dark eye, and the dogs respond in kind, having a naturally outgoing and friendly temperament. These are companion dogs, loyal and gentle, and staying close to their owner come what may.

Because of their heritage as gun dogs they are quick and intelligent, enjoying active play and they are very trainable.

Cocker Spaniels live for about 10 years.

Dogs love kids and they are great playmates. But take some time to make sure you choose the right one.

This article should have given you some ideas about breeds that are suitable for kids, and about some of the other things you need to think about, such as lifespan, size and the space required for keeping a dog.