Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Kennel Club's breed standard calls the Staffie affectionate, especially with children, and its compact, muscular frame of 11 to 17 kg copes with rough-and-tumble that would hurt a smaller dog. It is people-mad rather than guard-minded. The honest trade-offs: some Staffies are pushy with other dogs and most pull hard, so an adult should hold the lead. Rescue centres have plenty, and a good one can match you with an adult dog already seen around children.