Information on a Dog Breed That Is Good With Children

Many kids love dogs, but not all dogs like children. Bringing home a dog that cannot tolerate the affectionate but often overwhelming attention of kids can result in a traumatic experience for both your family and the animal. Choosing a good family pet requires careful consideration of the needs of both your family and your new pet.

  1. Misconceptions

    • There is no such thing as a safe breed of dog. While it is true that each breed has a characteristic temperament, dogs are individuals, much like humans. Every dog has its own personality.

      A dog's personal history is also a key determining factor in its disposition and child compatibility. Don't rule out mixed-breed dogs simply because you fear the influence of an unfavorable breed. Any dog that is well cared for and raised from a young age with kids has excellent potential to become a safe family pet. Many puppies with child-safe temperaments are waiting in shelters for loving homes.

    Small Size

    • Pug

      Often children are attracted to cute little dogs. However, take care when selecting a miniature breed, because many small dogs are easily excited and become defensive around children.

      According to Safe Pets, two child-friendly miniature breeds are the pug and the Shih Tzu. Pugs are often affectionate, low-energy and require minimal grooming. Because of their short snouts, pugs suffer in heat and humidity according to "The World Atlas of Dog Breeds." Higher-energy dogs than pugs, Shih Tzus love attention and usually get along well with both kids and other animals. Handsome long-haired dogs, Shih Tzus' require more grooming than pugs.

    Medium Size

    • Cocker spaniel

      Medium-sized dogs tend to be calmer and more tolerant than toy dogs and take up less space than large dogs. Two gentle medium-sized family dogs are the bulldog and the Cocker spaniel. According to "The Atlas of Dog Breeds," bulldogs often forms powerful long-term bonds with kids. The good-natured loyalty of this breed make it a strong contender for the best all-around family dog. Well suited to more sedentary families, the bulldog's detractors see this dog as lazy and prone to health problems. The Cocker spaniel is a high-energy, sensitive and smart family dog. A traditional hunting breed, the spaniel requires more grooming than many breeds and lots of exercise.

    Large Size

    • Many large dog breeds are known for their gentle natures. Although these gentle giants are often good family pets, according to Safe Pets, big dogs "have a lengthy period as huge, clumsy, boisterous puppies and as such, are generally unsuitable for households with young children."

      Two choices for large family dogs include the Labrador or Golden retriever and the Bernese mountain dog. These loving dogs are active and require regular exercise. Both the retriever and mountain dog have long hair and require special grooming. Labradors especially love water.

    Considerations

    • Once you have chosen a dog breed, take care when selecting your puppy from the litter. Safe Pets suggests choosing a puppy that, when you approach the litter, does not hang back out of fear or charge forward to greet you. Choosing the puppy this way may help ensure that it will not be overpowering, hyperactive or nervous.