What breed of dog is best with small children?

Question

We want to get a medium size dog that is good with small children and not too hyper. Mutts are fine. No poodles please.

Answer 1

Hopefully this list will help you out. PLEASE Remember that as with all breeds of dogs, background is the key to determining how your dogs personality will be. If the parents are prone to agression, most likely the puppy will be as well. Please research any dog that you are intersted in and if you do chose a purebred, PLEASE find a reputable breeder. I have a doberman pinscher and I found a wonderful breeder. Her dogs have amazing personalities and my dobie LOVES children. He pracyically drags me to the park when he hears kids playing. Anyways, here's a list of Top Ten biters:
1. Pit Bull
2. Rottweiler
3. German Shepherd
4. Siberian Husky
5. Alaskan Malamute
6. Doberman Pinscher
7.Chow Chow
8.Great Dane
9. Saint Bernard
10. Akita

Here is also a list of the top 20 child friendly dogs:
Golden retriever
Pembroke Welsh Corgie
West Highland White Terrier
Irish Setter
Schnauzer
Labrador Retriever
Poodle
Bichon Frise
Airdale
Bassett Hound
Beagle
Shih Tzu
Boxer
Cairn Terrier
Collie
Boston Terrier
Newfoundland
Pomeranian
Pug
Whippet

Answer 2

The thought has always been, "the smaller the child, the larger the dog". Check with your local vet. They certainly know the breed that is best for your situation. The personality of the child/children is important in determining the dog to choose. No tempermental poodles, no Rottweilers, no Sheepdogs, no Dobermans, no Chow Chows, no Akitas. A good vet should be able to steer you to the best choice and perhaps know a good breeder. Or possibly have info on some dogs that are available for adoption.

Answer 3

Every one here is going to tell the breed of dog they have is the best dog for kids, well a lot of them are wrong. You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifesyle. AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog. AKC.org You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Chosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.

If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet. With that said, some dogs are seen as more “kid-friendly” than others and, as a result, have become extremely popular among families. According to the AKC, the five most popular breeds in the United States are:

Labrador Retrievers are by far America’s most popular dog—more than 140,000 Lab puppies were registered last year with the AKC—and have a reputation for being playful, hardworking and affectionate toward children. The Lab is easily trained and is highly respected for his prowess at many jobs: as a guide dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog, and for narcotics detection.

Golden Retrievers are sporty, easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to people of all ages, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, too.

German Shepherd are noble in appearence and character. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to families for generations. Active and outdoorsy, German Shepherds are very fond of children and make wonderful companions.

Beagles love being around people and other animals. They are gentle, happy companions who thrive on affection and attention. They are also clever, quick, and, most of all curious. They need plenty of active exercise.

Dachshund has a lively, upbeat personality—spunky, curious and friendly. Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshund’s love to dig, romp and run. They are affectionate, especially with children, and enjoy going for walks and other forms of exercise

You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home. A lot of small breeds are not good for very young kids (and a lot of experts recommend that you wait until your youngest child is 4 to 5 to get a dog) but if you get a dog never leave dog and children alone unattended. A dog your is a responsiblity for the rest of its life and should not be bought on impulse.

Answer 4

In my opinion, the best thing that you can do is make a trip to your local animal shelter with your children, and choose an adult dog that interacts well with your children. While breed guides are useful in deciding what type of dog you may be more interested in, it is important to know that dogs rarely fit perfectly into their breed description. By going to the shelter and choosing an adult dog, you know exactly what you're getting before you get it, based on actual temperament rather than a generalized breed temperament. As an added bonus, by adopting from the shelter, you'll get the satisfaction of saving a dog's life!

Answer 5

Before I can help you, you need to answer a few questions about your lifestyle: what is your lifestyle (active, not active), are you an out-doors type family or out-doors, what kind of time do you have, what degree of maintanance do/dont you want (i.e. wash-and-dry dog or hair requiring grooming), do you plan on adding another child to your household, what other pets do you have or plan to get? What purpose do you want the dog for (companionship, guard and companionship, activities like agility/flyball)?

These are all important questions to ask yourself before setting out to look for a dog. There are also certain breeds that were bred to be good with children so that's another piece (Akita's contrary to what someone mentioned should be fantastic with kids...but are large dogs. A smaller dog that was designed to be achild's playmate is the Havanese, but they are small dogs).

Answer 6

I like how you are asking questions on what kind of dog you should get. (I read your first question). But, to answer your question, I would have to go with any type of dog that does not give off too much hair and is not a kind of dog that will bark a lot. (To not affect your children's hearing). Go with a Golden Retriever or a German Sheppard. Hope this helps, and I hope you have a great New Year.

Answer 7

A dog large enough to be able to protect itself
against the mean things small children often do.
Golden Retriever or Lab are gentle dogs with children.

Answer 8

mutts are best since they aren't as skiddish.maybe get a dog out of its puppy chewing stage if your children are really small. you said no poodles but the poodle mixes are popular like the labadoodle. im not a poodle fan, but ive seen a few and their non shed and non allergenic and their pretty cool

Answer 9

Little dogs are mostly not good with kids, I have heard collies are great with kids and labs. Of course its all about training them correctly too. Check online at the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel he is really good with training them. You do have learn to be the pack leader or the dog will tear up the furniture and be too agressive for kids.

Answer 10

I highly recommend a nice smart mutt from the animal shelter. They are ofter very smart and very well behaived and love having a family. A collie, some are small, would be ideal, or any of the collie type breeds.