What Are Child-Friendly Breeds of Dogs?

Breed is one of the most important points when choosing a dog for your children, but don't forget that dogs are individuals. Though members of a particular breed tend to behave similarly, there are always variations in individuals. Typically, larger breeds are better for children, especially very small children. Larger breeds tend to be calmer, less excitable and more tolerant of the antics and accidents of small children. The age of the children makes a difference, too. Choosing the right dog is just the beginning, however. You must train and socialize any dog well to live with children, as well as training the children to live with and respect the dog.

  1. Considerations

    • Children like to hold and hug their pets, and a dog this small could be injured accidentally.

      A dog that lives with children should have certain characteristics, regardless of breed. An individual dog must be calm and tolerant, especially if the children are very young. There are always exceptions, such as a golden retriever that bites or a chihuahua that loves children, but don't assume the exception is true of the entire breed. Although most dogs will be protective of its family, a child's dog cannot be too protective, or it may bite the child's friends. Whether small or large, the dog must be sturdy, not fragile. A dog with an elongated spine, or tiny, thin legs, for example, could easily be injured by a small child attempting to love it. Although larger breeds are generally better choices for young children, they will be rambunctious and large when they are puppies, and training and extra-close supervision is a must.

    Retrievers

    • Golden retrievers are well known for their tolerance and love of children.

      Retrievers are bred to work closely with humans, to have soft mouths to retrieve game and then give it gently to its owner. These are all qualities that work well with young children. When a dog is said to have a soft mouth, it means that it can pick up a game bird very gently, leaving no teeth marks. These are not independent-minded dogs in most cases. Golden retrievers are legendary in their tolerance and gentleness with children. Labrador retrievers are also excellent with children. These dogs have the size and sturdiness to handle a clumsy toddler falling near them or grabbing a handful of fur when trying to get up. Some retrievers may not be quite as tolerant, such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The standard poodle is not usually thought of as a retriever, but it is a hunting and retrieving breed as well and is excellent with children.

    Hounds

    • Beagles are usually very good with children.

      Hounds are generally good with children, with the beagle being a standout. Beagles tend to be docile and easygoing. The beagle is a good breed for families that don't have the space for a larger breed, but still need a gentle, sturdy dog. Some families find beagles and other hounds difficult to train, especially if small children are occupying most of the parents' time.

    Working Breeds

    • Boxers are great with children if you train and exercise them well.

      The working breeds tend to be large, strong and tolerant of children they were raised with, but some breeds can be overprotective or too dominant for children. Boxers, rottweilers and Dobermans are usually excellent with children if they are raised with young children early on. Boxers are high-energy dogs that love to play, so they -- and the children -- need proper training to play safely. Dobermans and rottweilers often have an uncanny ability to understand how to watch over children without being too protective.

    Miscellaneous

    • Newfoundlands make excellent pets for children.

      One of the best dogs with children is the Newfoundland. This is a very large breed, with longer hair. It is used for water rescues. This is among the gentlest of all breeds of dog. They have a shorter life span, around 9 to 12 years. On the other end of the size range, Boston terriers, corgis, West Highland white terriers, shih tzus, bichon frises and miniature poodles can all be good choices for children. The American pit bull terrier is a medium-sized breed that is great with children, despite some usually undeserved bad press. A little-known fact is that pit bulls were bred to be exceptionally gentle with all humans. They are tolerant of children, love to play and tolerant of accidental rough handling.