So you have finally succumbed to the constant pleas of your five year old to have a dog. Well, choosing a dog is not just about picking up a dog breed which looks cute and adorable, especially when there are young children or toddlers in the family. It is vital that before deciding which canine breed to add to your family, you consider a dog who can adjust to your lifestyle and your children. For example, are your kids noisy and boisterous or are they quiet and gentle? So while an active, fun loving German Short-Haired Pointer might be the ideal companion for an active kid, a more placid breed like the Bassett Hound, might be more suitable for a shy bookworm. Choosing a dog breed from the various medium-sized dogs, is an ideal choice for a family which cannot care for a large dog breed, and also cannot handle small dogs which are too fragile and tiny to play with.

List of Medium-Sized Dogs Good With Children

Airedale Terrier: The Airedale terrier is a delightful companion for a hyperactive kid. Known as the "king of terriers" this terrier dog breed is known for its excellent agility, eyesight and hearing. Airedale terriers are all tan except for a black straddle and wiry hard fur. Intelligent and loyal, this medium-sized dog is well known for its love for children. However, if you have very young kids you might want to watch over them as it is easy for your over exuberant Airedale terrier to knock over a toddler.

American Staffordshire Terrier: Resembling an American Pit Bull terrier, this medium-sized dog breed is compact, stocky and muscular. These powerful looking dogs are devoted, gentle and loving members of a family. Towards a child this dog will be affable, patient and protective, often taking the teasing and playful antics of a child quite well. However, if you want medium-sized dogs good with cats or other small dogs then this is certainly NOT the breed for you as they can be quite aggressive towards other pet dogs.

Basset Hound: Made popular by the "Hush Puppies" advertisements, basset hounds have short pudgy legs and heads that are wide and have saggy and wrinkled skin. However, it is the hallmark long broad ears and drooping eyelids which give it that adorable sad look. Usually basset hounds are sweet and gentle towards everyone including kids. While its tracking and hunting instincts make it stubborn especially when it is in close vicinity to other animals, this dog breed is extremely intelligent, loving and good natured.

Beagle: The beautiful soft brown eyes indicate the warm personality and courage of these dogs. Available in multiple hound colors, beagles have a short, dense coat. However, it is the sweet disposition and gentle, curious personalities of these dogs that make them great for families with children. In fact in most cases you would find that beagles and children are almost inseparable, they truly adore children.

Bulldog: These dogs have a thick set, heavy bodies with a massive short faced head. They drool, wheeze and snore and can be quite comical. Moreover, bulldogs are very affectionate, gentle and loving. They are wonderful with children of all ages and can romp around with them for a long time.

Cocker Spaniel: These beloved pooch breeds have a sturdy, compact body and a chiseled refined head with long drop ears. Cocker spaniels usually feature a double coat in which the top coat is silky while the undercoat is dense. They are usually quite active, friendly and fun loving and very good companions for kids. The happy, good natured temperament of these dogs allow them to fit into any lifestyle.

Samoyed: This good-natured, kind and mischievous family dog loves people especially kids. Known for its "smiling face", these dogs have thick, harsh coats in colors like pure white, white, biscuit and cream. Intelligent and affectionate, a Samoyed loves to be around the owners and children. However, regular dog grooming is an essential part of the dog care.

Whippet: These medium-sized hounds look like a miniature version of a greyhound. There thin muscular bodies allow it to attain great speed, power and balance without coarseness. Around children, these dogs are calm and amiable and can form a strong bond with their human "siblings" if mutual trust and respect is established. However, they are better suited for older children.

While considering the medium-sized dogs good with children, you might want to see if it is apartment friendly or not. Some dog breeds like the whippet need large open spaces to run around as they are quite active and need constant exercise. Basset hounds and beagles are some of the few medium-sized dogs good for apartments. However, relying too much on breed standards and stereotypes is not really recommended as you may find an ill treated beagle which is aggressive and many docile Rottweilers. Instead, you can try building a bond of trust and love with the dog and teach your children not to ill treat them. This will help you enjoy the companionship of your pet for ages.