So you have finally decided to get a dog and are quite excited about it. But, with so many breeds, which one would be a good family dog? and what characteristics should you look for? It’s best not to rush in to making a decision. Take some time to learn about various dog breeds.
Children often don’t realize how strong they are, and can unintentionally play a little rough. So parents need to supervise the interaction between pets and their children, and teach their children to play gently. There are, however, times when a clumsy child may fall near the family dog and latch on in an attempt to stop a fall. Or, a child may pet the dog a little too rough as she is learning how to be gentle. For these reasons, any family dog should be tolerant of some hard patting, tail tugging, and ear tugging. What fun!
The family dog might also have to be patient enough to sit through a "dress-up" session or tea-party. He must have enough energy to withstand hours of play and yet not be so rambunctious that injury could occur.
Many breeds work well with children, but always remember: There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. It's important to know that individual dogs within breeds can demonstrate their own, unique personality traits. No matter what breed you choose, you should not leave dogs and young children together unsupervised – for the safety of both.
The top 10 breeds for children:
Golden Retriever. The golden retriever is an excellent choice for families that enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the golden rapidly proved to be a loyal and devoted family member.
Poodle. The poodle is highly intelligent and friendly dog that craves human companionship. Happiest when allowed to run and play, the poodle is well known for being low shed, and comes in three different sizes.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi. At about 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a popular pet. This stocky short tailed breed needs daily exercise and loves romping with the kids. They are best with older kids (over 6 or 7 years) as some dogs can be bossy and possessive.
Labrador Retriever. The lab is a popular choice for active families, especially those that enjoy water sports. The lab seems to have boundless energy to keep up with the kids as well as natural protective instincts. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the lab is also a loyal and devoted family member.
Bichon Frise. This white fluff ball of a dog is happy-go-lucky. Faithful and obedient, the bichon is a wonderful addition to any home. This little dog loves to investigate and participate in all social interaction. The bichon does require regular grooming to keep his coat looking great.
Shih Tzu. Originally bred as a companion animal for royalty, the shih tzu still enjoys a life a luxury. Not too proud to get down and dirty with the kids, this dog loves nothing better than sharing time with people, even if that means getting dressed up for a tea party.
Irish Setter. This beautiful red dog was originally developed to help with hunting but early on, the breed showed his natural aptitude as a companion. Loved by many and always eager to please, the Irish setter is a proud member of many families.
Schnauzer. The schnauzer is a wonderful family pet. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily exercise. This breed thrives on human companionship and is available in three different sizes.
Beagle. The beagle fits in well with very active families. This dog needs plenty of games to play and a good place to sleep. The Beagle is an easy addition to most families.
West Highland Terrier. This small white dog is playful and loveable but does require some exercise to keep him happy. The Westie is a good watch dog and faithful friend that needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free. The Westie is an excellent dog for older children, over the age of 10. It is not the best breed for young children as they tend not to be tolerant of children's accidental mistreatments.
