Dog Breeds for Families Series: Considerations

When it comes time to look for the family dog many parents aren't sure what to consider. It can be easy to think only about the color or name of a future pet. But when a family has small children, there are more important qualities to look for when choosing their new animal family member.

Tolerant to Children

Most children love dogs, but to make the match complete parents must make sure that their dog loves their children as well. There are some breeds of dogs that do not get along well with children. Some breeds are most specific and tend to not get along with small kids. Usually this is because they are intolerant to the sometimes clumsy behavior or loud cries or screams that come from youngsters. It is hard for some dogs to be patient with children who are learning how to treat their pet. Jack Russell Terriers are among the group of dogs that has little tolerance for small children. They usually retaliate with aggression when they feel that have been abused (even if it is accidental.)

Another problem with some breeds is that they can be territorial. Dogs that have the tendency to be territorial can be protective of a number of things from their water and food dishes, to their toys, sleeping areas, and their particular human of choice. This can be a serious problem when a small child picks up a doggy toy or comes too near the water dish. Some smaller dogs, such as the Chihuahua get very jealous of human relationships. They will usually make an attachment to one human and want them all to him or herself.

Dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers love children. These dogs have the patience to deal with the occasional pulled tail or rough hug. And they love to play for hours and hours.

Size

When a family is choosing which breed of dog they should choose for their new pet, it is important to consider the size. Getting too big of dog can be dangerous for children no matter how friendly the dog's disposition is. St. Bernards and Great Danes are usually very friendly, but they can easily knock over a small child. Little kids could get stepped on, run over by a running dog, or pushed into walls, tables, or counters by a large canine.

Of course there are also big dogs that could be dangerous for little children. Little running and crying children can be mistaken for prey by some big dogs. This has been known to happen with larger dogs such as Rottweilers. The attack is usually an accident but it can be very dangerous to have such as large and strong dog when a family has small children.

But littler is not always better when it comes to dogs and small children. Some little dogs can be too delicate to have around cute, clumsy toddlers. Dachshunds backs are fragile and if they are carried around roughly they can get injured. Chihuahuas are the smallest dog in the world and love to burrow into clothes and blankets to sleep. This could be very dangerous for the dog if a child were to climb up on the couch and accidentally land on the sleeping dog.

Training

It is essential that a family with small children make sure their pet dog is trained. If they are adopting a dog that is no longer a puppy, parents should ensure that the dog is well trained and socialized so that the dog can safely live with the family. If the family is getting a puppy, getting a dog that is very trainable could be a better fit with the small children. Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are very intelligent and easy to train dogs. Their temperament is such that they tend to get along better with small children than some other dogs.

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