Not every dog is suitable for a child. Research shows that a lot of child/dog problems are encountered especially if the kid is less than six years old. This has a lot to do with both the behaviors of child and dog at an early stage.
In general, you should avoid getting a large dog bred as guard dogs or those who have history of aggression for the safety of your child. Also, hyper-energetic large dogs that can knock out your child or dog breeds that bark excessively should be avoided as well.
Picking the right dog for your child can be very frustrating. While you know that having a pet can be very beneficial for your kid, you still can’t help but think of the possible harm a dog may pose to your child. So to help you with your dilemma, we have made a list of the dog breeds that are suitable for young kids. Here are some of the best dog breeds for children:
Beagle
Clingy, sweet, gentle and loving, beagles are great companion for humans, especially for children. They are friendly with other dog breeds and they tend to become over-protective of their human best friend. Beagles enjoy walking and playing outdoor games, which is can be beneficial to your child too since he or she will be encouraged to be active as well. Beagles are easy to take for and have a very minimal health concerns.
Bichon Frise
Cute, lively, energetic and sweet, this small dog is a great addition to any family with kids. They have puffy fur with may require constant grooming, however they shed less compared to other dog breeds which makes them ideal for kids prone to allergies. Bichon Frise loves outdoor actives and the have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The only downside of this breed is that they often suffer from hyperadrenocorticism, allegies and liver diseases if not taken care of properly.
Golden Retriever
Considered to be a great family dog, golden retrievers are known for their calm indoor behaviors and are active when in comes to outdoor activities. They are naturally sweet and playful, which what you would want for your kid. On average, golden retriever can live up to 13 years, which is actually a long time for large dog breeds. Surprisingly, their beautiful long coats are actually easy to maintain and do not require constant grooming.
Bulldogs
Loving, gentle and very clingy, bulldogs are very energetic as puppies but gradually become calmer as they grow. Aside from being pets, they can also be great guard dogs as they are naturally sensitive and have a good sense of feeling when something is not right. Bulldogs are considered to be average shedder, however it is important to clean their wrinkles everyday to avoid infection.
Newfoundland
Considered to be the most intelligent among all dog breeds, Newfoundlands are very sweet and love interaction with humans. They can be trained easily and are great swimmers. However, they are not advisable for households prone to allergies as this breed shed excessively especially during spring and fall.
Bull Terrier
Active, playful and charming, bull terrier is described as “a three-year old kid inside a dog.” They are very loyal companion and great with young kids. As it is a very active breed, bull terriers need lots of exercise to prevent them from having behavior problems. They have very short coats, which makes them easy to maintain.
Collie
Smart, faithful and friendly, the Collie are among the most gentle of dog breeds. They love being around with people and tend to treat their child companion as part of its herd. Collies are naturally warm and affectionate, which makes them very ideal for young kids. They are heavy shedder and require constant brushing.
American Boxer
Although deemed as powerful, active and very attentive, this breed naturally loves human affection and companion, especially from children. They can be excellent playmates for children and great guard dog as well. However, they require lots of high-energy activities and they are prone to several health conditions.
Labrador Retriever
Smart, loving, outgoing and very playful, Labrador retrievers love human interaction. They are great with kids and can put up with excitement and stubbornness. In general, labs are healthy dogs but they are susceptible to genetic diseases, which they can pass on to their offspring. They have very thick coats and needed daily brushing.
These are the most favorable breeds of dogs for your young kids. If you have already decided which is best suitable for your child, make sure you purchase or adopt only from trusted pet shops like Petsmart. Happy dog shopping!
