What is the best dog for children?

Answer 1

It varies partly by breed and partly by the individual dog's temperament. Certain dogs like beagles and golden retrievers have a good reputation as family dogs, while others like pit bulls aren't recommended, but what you really need to look at is whether the dog is patient, well-socialized, and likes children.

Many people will swear that a mutt is the best kind of dog because they tend to be smarter and less prone to health problems than many purebreds.

Take your kids with you when you're looking for a dog, and you'll be able to see how he reacts to them. That's the best way of knowing whether that dog and your kids can make a good connection.

Answer 2

American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the American Pitbull Terrier depending on whether the animal is papered through the ACK or UKC. Beautiful dogs. Despite the horror stories you hear on the news, there is really nothing to be concerned about with these dogs. In fact most of the incidents mentioned of a pitbull attacking someone is a mixed breed. Once you mix the strength of a pitbull with another breed that may be more likely to bite, you will have the potential for problems. The breeding actually makes them less likely to bite people. They were originally bred and fighting dogs. When the owners were in the ring with their animal and had to break them apart they did not want to be bit. Any dog that showed a sign of human agression would have been put down. This breed is extremely intelligent, protective, strong, and very intimidating if a stranger. Best of all they have a high pain tolerance so they are unlikely to snap at the little one when they get their ears or tail pulled. When my girls were babies, they would actually sit in the dogs' food dish and feed them out of their hands. They do require a lot of attention just like a child or any other dog for that matter. My male dog is about 90 pounds and thinks he's a baby still. If I could carry him around, he would love it. He sits in my lap when I watch tv and sleeps right next to the kids' beds every night.

Some breeds to stay away from because they are less tolerant of children: cocker spaniels, german shepard, australian shepard, and chow. I had all of those when I was growing up and they will snap at you if you pester them enough. Also, the labradors and retrievers can be a bit hyper and can end up hurting a small child by jumping on them.

Answer 3

Well..it depends a lot on both your lifestyle and the age of the kids. Small dogs are not good choices for small children because toddlers can be rough and unpredictable, which poses a danger to the dog, plus small dogs can be nervous nellies and biters.

Big dogs tend to be more calm, but not all breeds and a big dog that jumps is a hazzard to younger kids. The giant dogs are all calm but don't live that long..7-10 years and can be more work. Here I mean dogs like New Foundlands, Sheepdogs, etc.

Labs and retreivers are known to be loyal and gentle but pups are still very active. German Shepards are wonderful as can be Dobermans. Dalmations are usually a bad idea and Visla's can be high strung. If you want a smaller breed, I used to have corgi's and they have a big dog personality in a 20lb body (I got my first one on my 5th birthday..great kid dog except they will herd running toddlers by biting at their shoes!).

I would select a dog in large part based on your lifestyle. Will the dog need exercise and can you provide it? Do you have space for a bigger dog? Do you want one that must be brushed every day or go to the groomers (which can get pricey).

Often the best temperment is a mixed breed, and these dogs are often free of the health risks inbreeding causes. An older dog with a known history can also be a plus because they are calmer and won't be as destructive as a pup.

Meet the dog. A shy dog or pup is more likely to be a poor choice with kids as they may be fearful and fearful dogs are often biters.

Other than that, one thing I used to do was visit the dog shows and talk to breeders. They are usually proud of their dogs and will offer up suggestions as to whether or not that breed is right for you.

Answer 4

I'd recommend one of the Sporting breeds for a child. My all-time favorite mid-sized dog for kids is the English (or Welsh) Springer Spaniel. They require some grooming, but don't shed too much, are generally great with kids and easy to train. Females are a little bit easier than males, but either should make a terrific pet. They will need a good thirty minute walk every day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pekingese are great too and need less exercise. They are small, sweet and quiet.

Vizslas, Setters, Labs and Goldens are usually great with kids but they're bigger and are very boisterous until they are about two. Labs shed a LOT.

I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.


Whatever breed of puppy you decide on DON'T go to a pet shop or buy one off the internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. The breeding animals are kept in deplorable conditions. They probably haven't been vaccinated against contagious diseases or tested for any health or temperament problems or genetic diseases - that costs money and cuts into their profits. A female is often bred every time she comes into heat. When her poor little body can't take it any more, she is often clubbed in the head and tossed into a dumpster or an open ditch. Most puppy mills ship their pups to pet stores at wholesale prices and many pups die before they even get there. These "breeders" have figured out that they can use the internet to ship a dog directly to the customer and thus make more money by cutting out the middleman. If you buy a dog from out of state, good luck getting your money back if there's something wrong with the pup. These people count on you becoming instantly attached to the poor little guy and being willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at the vet to treat whatever is wrong with him.

Find a good breeder by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money.

Answer 5

I am going to vote for Boxers. I have two of them and a three year old daughter. The dogs are very protective of her, gentle, patient, and even though they are very stong dogs, they are so very careful with her!

My second vote would be a golden retriever or a lab. Be warned, though...they can be a bit smelly and messy-lots and lots of fur!

Beagles are also great, but again...kinda stinky.

Finally, may I chime in about Jack Russell Terriers? They are fantastic, very energetic, fun, loyal, but very very VERY busy little critters!

Then again...some of the best dogs I have ever met have been mutts.

Answer 6

The best dog I ever had growing up was an Austrailian Shepard.

They are smart, loyal, friendly, loving and GREAT with children. They are used a lot with therapy for the children in hospitals. Its a breed that is MAJORLY overlooked.

I just purchased a mini from a great breader and I love him to death!!

Answer 7

Please consider getting a dog from a shelter. A lot of shelters test the dogs for temperament and to see if they get along with children, cats and other dogs. You'd be giving a dog a much needed home, opening up a space, and maybe saving a life.

Answer 8

Golden Labrador Retrievers, Maltese

Answer 9

Pembroke Welsh Corgis!!! They are sweet and loving dogs that love to be around their owners. They are very intellegent dogs that are easy to train. they are good guard dogs and bark at strangers. don't bite, love to play, perfects for a kid. low-maitenence, shed a little bit, very short, very happy, get along with other animals, and love people like there's no tomorrow! also, on the plus side, the Queen of England has them, too!!
Good Luck!
also, mixes are always the best!

Answer 10

King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. Not only are they one of the most beautiful breeds ever, they're also extremely sweet with everyone, kids too. Their small size makes them easy to have around kids, you don't have to worry about the dog trampling your toddler when they grow old. They are extremely affectionate and loyal to their owners. Awesome awesome dog for children.