which type of dog is best for a child?

Question

can someone pls tell me a few types of dogs that are really friendly and protective with a child?

Answer 1

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. If breed is not an issue you could always adopt a pup from your local pound or shelter. As I stated in the beginning any dog can be good with children it is a matter of how the are trained and socialized. Small children should never be left alone with dogs.

Answer 2

depends on the age of the child. Any breed is good with children if the children are good with it. When you say you want it to be protective do you mean you want the dog to bite people which go near the child? That's what protective dogs do.

Answer 3

Friendly and protective usually don't go together. A dog with a guardian instinct more often ends up as a dangerous dog or a dog that will bite the child's friend while they are wrestling. I recommend getting a friendly, good-natured dog, not a dog with a protective instinct.

As far as breeds go that are typically good with children, I'd recommend either the Labrador or golden retriever. These are large, very active dogs that are very playful and typically tolerant of kids when they're raised around them. I might also suggest the Portuguese water dog, an active mid-sized dog that doesn't shed and does well with children. Beagles also do very well with kids, except they're not nearly as trainable as the above three that I mentioned, and they can never be off-leash.

I hope those pointers help!

Answer 4

Ok generally the bigger the dog, the more calmer and laid back it is and sometimes more protective, that is pretty general.

However I was brought up with a Dalmation since I was 4 and she was great and no matter what the little kids done she was as good as gold, not aggressive or anything.
Dalmations aren't as such a guard dog and will tend to bond with one member of the family and protect that family and if anyone from outside the family went in the house she would bark and jump up at them, not agressively but more playing in her mind. Imagine a big Dalmation jumping up though, you're not exactly going to want to try anything are you?

Oh and since the Disney movie 101Dalmations, every kid loves them
What more could you want - A word of warning, they do eat a lot!

Answer 5

a toy one ( first answer) was right - all dogs need watching with children as both can be so unpreidctable. Occasionally there might be a really lucky family that get a great dog but more often this in not the case and dog ends up in the pound or in the newspaper

Answer 6

In my opinion Boston terriers are best for children. I have two and they are wonderful. I have two children, 3 and 5. My dogs have always been great around the children. I have many friends with children too, and they are often at my house. We let all the kids run around and play in the back yard and they play with the dogs are they are all great. The dogs let the children do whatever they want to them and understand (I think..hehe) that they are children and take their 'abuse'. Also golden retrievers are good. I had one growing up and I know my little brother put that dog through a little torture. We loved her so much. I am so happy my parents had her for us. Labs are great too, but these two are bigger dogs. Beagles are good too. Whatever breed you choose you will love. Dogs are great for children. They really bring a sense of responsibility, companionship, love, comfort, and joy for kids. I would suggest finding out about the temperament of the puppies parent. Dogs have a tendency to have similar ones as their parents. Make sure you get the dog from a reputable place. And one last thing, if you plan to adopt, make sure the dog has no been badly abused or neglected. These dogs can sometimes have erratic behavior and parents should use caution bringing this type of dog in their home with children. Please don't get me wrong, these are sweet lovable pets too, but you should try not to adopt them with children. Good luck, and I know all of you will be so happy! :)

Answer 7

There are a TON of them. The first ones that come to mind are labs, golden retrievers, st. bernards, and boxers. It is like they were made for kids. But there are a few that i really like, that most people wouldn't consider. I think pit bull terriers, german shepherds, and rottweilers can be excellent with kids if raised with them. They are full of energy, very loving, and rottweilers can be protective of their family. Pit bull terriers don't make the best gaurd dogs. Try going to dogbreedinfo.com to look at all the different breeds. There are so many that would do great with kids. But any dog should not be unsupervised around kids.

Answer 8

Labradors are good with children. Intelligent but placid- thats why they are chosen as guide dogs for the blind. Also Irish Wolfhounds- enormous but wonderful with children. They have been bred for a thousand years or more as family dogs- gentle and protective but unless you live in the country and have a huge house they are impractable. (I used to have one)
Small dogs like terriers are not generally good with children.
Check with a vet or animal rescue, Im sure they would give good advice.

Answer 9

i think this depends alot on the age of your child? Toy breeds are good because they are small, but are not toys, so they wouldn't want your child carrying them around etc. The bigger the dog the heavier there feet would be if they stood on a child's toe, and of course if a puppy they love to chew on toys and play, which might involve bitting?

I have chihuahuas which are great, but because they are small its important that they are not carried around, because they can jump straight out of your arms, possible breaking a leg, also due to there size it is easy for someone to stand on them. But this really is general knowledge with toy breeds.

Hope this helps, i think if you mention child's age it would help us to answer, good luck

Answer 10

All dogs have to be watched around young children but I have 3 small boys and have recenlty lost our Boxer *****. She was great and loved the boys. We have just now adopted a 4 year old boxer who is still as loving and careful with the boys as our last.