THIS LIST IS GOING TO THE DOGS. BUT IN A GOOD WAY.

10 Great Dog Breeds to Own if You Have Children or Grandchildren.

Image: Minnie Zhou

Parents and grandparents thinking of getting a canine companion should keep in mind that some breeds are friendlier to children than others. Every dog is cute as a puppy but as time goes by, character disposition and genetic traits play an important role in a dog’s relationship with humans. We have compiled a list of ten children-loving dog races that are patient, playful, protective, and safe. You will be surprised to find breeds that were thought to be more aggressive than they really are and the last one will truly shock you.

Image: Ivan Louis

We will start with the obvious so, no surprises here. Labrador dogs are often ranked as one of the best breeds for families, because of their fondness for children and good relations with other home pets as well.

A playful, affectionate, and kind dog that enjoys spending time with his pack, the labrador is full of energy, smart, and well-suited for families with an active lifestyle. Keep in mind that young Labradors are full of energy and can be quite messy, jumping around all day.

Image: Richard Burlton

Resembling a Labrador’s cousin with longer hair, and a much more epic name, the Golden Retriever is also a great option for families with kids. It has a kind temperament and friendly attitude, and the younglings tend to be a bit calmer than their Labrador cousins.

The Golden Retriever is named like that because of its hair and the fact that it enjoys fetching and retrieving things. This dog has tons of energy and adores playing with kids, to the point of following them around in order to keep playing.

Image: Arun B.S

Another easy pick here. The Beagle is an amazing breed for families and one of the friendliest dogs out there. It has a vibrant, energetic, and playful personality, and loves to hang out with its pack and to fool around with kids.

Yes, Beagles can be quite excitable and messy but this breed is well known for being extremely patient and calm with children, which is why it makes such a great family dog.

Image: Matthew Henry

This breed might not be the most elegant one on the list but it certainly wins its place by being specially kind to children. Pugs have expressive faces that win the hearts of their owners and make for great Instagram posts.

While Pugs are not the most agile dogs out there, their strong legs and curiosity make them an active breed that needs exercise and mental stimulation. That being said, pugs are equally comfortable in small apartments or country homes, adapting easily to all kinds of situations.

Image: Ryan Stone

A breed that embodies the expression "good boy", the Irish Setter is a good-natured and trainable animal that is always looking for its owner's approval.

Irish Setters are very outgoing, sociable with other dogs and people alike, and an overall great choice for active families with children. This breed loves spending time outdoors, where it can spend its endless energy.

Image: Kanashi

A Hero dog if we ever saw one, the Collie is a legendary herding breed, known for its ability to watch out for its pack. Collies make for great companions, as they are strong, loyal, responsive, and affectionate animals.

Active families with children greatly benefit from Collies, as they love to move around and play. And, while they certainly need their daily dose of energy spending, these dogs are happy to relax at home with their family.

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Don’t let their grumpy faces deceive you, Bulldogs make top-notch family dogs. Loyal, adaptable to most atmospheres, and wonderful companions to children, this breed is a jack of all trades when it comes to finding a four-legged friend.

Bulldogs are not the most active dogs out there but they certainly need their daily exercise and play, like any other breed. They are calm dogs, courageous, protective of their pack yet friendly, and good candidates for training.

Image: Jovana Askrabic

As we move further away from the obvious choices for family dogs, we encounter this big fellow. Bernese Mountain dogs are surprisingly loving creatures, with fun personalities, patience, and kindness toward kids.

Due to their big size, this breed is better suited for households where the children are older. This is simply because the dog can inadvertently knock over a small child or hurt them accidentally when playing. Other than that, Bernese Mountain dogs make for excellent companions, great for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring, and camping.

Image: Ticka Kao

And speaking of big dogs, this one takes the prize. The Newfoundland is a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and, yes, sweetness. This massive animal is a soft and tender companion to families with children.

This breed is patient and devoted to its owners. It needs exercise to stretch its legs and stay happy and healthy. Great for long walks or hikes, the Newfoundland makes for an excellent family dog.

Image: darolti dan

We don't usually hear the term "bull terrier" and children together but the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may very well be the exception that makes the rule. This dog is a great breed for kids as it is playful, patient, and loving to no end. Well-socialized Staffordshire Bull Terriers make for amazing companions. They are sweet, love being around their families, and have great overall character.

Unfortunately, due to bad press and stereotypes, this breed is usually seen as more dangerous and less family-friendly than it really is. But, whoever takes a chance with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and has the love and care that it deserves, will encounter a golden heart for life.

AMERICAN ICONS

10 Surprising Facts About America's Most Iconic Monuments

Image: Luke Stackpoole

From the rugged cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the stoic majesty of the Statue of Liberty, America's cultural and natural landscape tells the story of a nation shaped by diversity, resilience, and innovation. These landmarks stand as testaments to human achievement and the magnificence of the natural world.

Join us on a journey to explore some of the craziest facts behind 10 of America's greatest monuments!

Image: Omer Nezih Gerek

Carved into layers of rock by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is proof of the breathtaking power of nature. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, this geological marvel is so intricate that it ends up creating its own weather - with temperature and humidity varying wildly between different points within the canyon.

Image: Guilherme Bustamante

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants and visitors to the shores of New York Harbor since 1886. Standing 305 feet tall, Lady Liberty holds a torch of enlightenment and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. Curiously, it wasn’t always green. When it was first assembled, it displayed a stunning reddish brown due to its thin patina of copper. However, as years passed by, the copper skin oxidized and turned into the bluish-green we know today.

Image: Ronda Darby

Carved into the granite face of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore features the sculpted heads of four iconic American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This colossal tribute to democracy is one of America’s most famous landmarks, and it attracts millions of visitors each year, but did you know that the monument is far from finished according to its original plan? The project was prematurely halted in 1941 due to the death of Gutzon Borglum - its leading sculptor - but it was intended for the carved figures to be sculpted down to the waist.

Image: Lucas

America's first national park, Yellowstone, is a wonderland of geothermal features, with over 500 active geysers and hot springs. Designated as a national park by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, it is nestled in the vicinity of the Yellowstone supervolcano, experiencing nearly 3,000 earthquakes annually. It also boasts diverse wildlife, from grizzly bears to bison, roaming across its vast wilderness.

Image: Joseph Barrientos

Spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is considered an engineering marvel and an iconic symbol of the City by the Bay. Opened in 1937, it stretches 1.7 miles long and stands a maximum of 746 feet above the water. Its distinctive "International Orange" color was specifically created for the bridge, ensuring visibility through the bay's frequent fog. Beyond its engineering feats, the Golden Gate Bridge has also become a cinematic icon, featuring prominently in dozens of films, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Image: Ernie Journeys

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a glimpse into America's early beginnings. However, the historic building wasn’t always so revered. In 1816, it was almost demolished as part of a real estate development project, and the city of Philadelphia only intervened at the last possible moment, purchasing the entire block to prevent its destruction.

Image: Andy Feliciotti

Honoring the 16th President of the United States, the Lincoln Memorial is a neoclassical masterpiece located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Within the memorial’s marble columns, a towering statue of Abraham Lincoln seats majestically, overseeing visitors with solemnity. Interestingly, Lincoln's arms rest over representations of Roman fasces, an ancient symbol of power, both expressing his strength and authority and associating the monument with the imperial theme of the Washington Mall.

Image: Fudo Jahic

Carved by wind and water over millions of years, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on Navajo land in Arizona. Known for its mesmerizing light beams and swirling sandstone formations, this natural wonder is a photographer's dream. But despite its serene appearance, Antelope Canyon demands respect and caution, as the same processes that created it are still active. During the monsoon season, swiftly rising water levels can flood the narrow passageways in a matter of seconds, and official tours are required to adhere to strict safety protocols.

Image: Emiliano Bar

An enduring symbol of New York City, the Empire State Building is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. Completed in 1931, the iconic skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city from its famous observation decks. Originally, it was designed to have a dirigible mooring mast, but only one airship ever docked at the skyscraper - and for only three minutes!

Image: Rikin Katyal

Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is a breathtaking cascade of water that attracts millions of visitors each year. While its natural beauty is unparalleled, Niagara Falls has also witnessed remarkable human intervention. Amazingly, during the summer of 1969, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers diverted the majority of the water away from the American side of the falls, halting the majestic spectacle for several months. This unprecedented action was undertaken to assess the effect of erosion on the submerged rock face, while providing a unique opportunity to study the geological processes behind the iconic waterfall.