What breed(s) of dog are good for a family with young children?

Question

We are in the early stages of making plans to adopt a dog. We are aware that adopting means we will most likely get a mixed breed but we have heard conflicting info on which dogs are compatible with young children.

The children are old enough to respect a dog but just the same we want a dog that will play but not too rough.

I'm just looking for some ideas so when it is time to start looking we know which dogs to rule out.

Answer 1

I'd go with a mature dog that has been around children rather than a breed per se'. Many times you can find a wonderful dog that has lost it's home through no problem of it's own. Make sure the rescue/shelter knows exactly what you're looking for. The added benefit is some of these dogs are completely housetrained, know obedience, are non-destructive and most important child safe. As usual I would never trust kids and dogs totally without adult supervision.

Bless you for considering adopting a rescued dog.

Answer 2

Firstly, kudos to you and your family for doing some research before bringing home your new pet. And kudos for choosing to adopt! There really isn't any one breed or group of breeds who are compatible with young children. It really matters what the individual dog's personality is like.

But, if you're looking for broad generalizations, gun dogs, scent hounds, and retrievers all have a reputation for being good with kids. herding and working breeds also have a reputation for being good with kids as long as they are taught that nipping is unacceptable and the kids are taught not to run and scream around the dog. Terriers and toy breeds have a reputation for being nippy and/or bad with kids.

Since you are not opposed to mixed breeds figuring out which breed is more "compatible" with kids isn't really going to be all that helpful since there is no way to tell how much the puppies will inherit from one parent and how much from the other. Also because often there is no way to tell what breeds are in a mixed breed dog.

Your best bet is to go with an older dog who is known to be good with kids. Puppies, especially mixed breed puppies, are a crap-shot when it comes to adult health and temperament. An adult dog will already have an established temperament and will be less likely to surprise you with health issues (allergies, epilepsy, and many joint problems often present when a dog reaches maturity although if you adopt a healthy two or three year old there is still no guarantee that the dog will still be healthy at 5 or 11 years old). Also, older dogs are calmer and can be easier to train than puppies and adolescent dogs, which means they may be less likely to accidentally knock a toddler down or hurt them by running into them.

Answer 3

In my opinion, any dog will be good with young children as long as both are respectful of one another - but, normally your "softer" breeds will be your better bet. Dogs like labs, retrievers....lower energy, medium sized dogs are usually best. When adopting an animal, you should definitley bring the children with you to make sure that the dog is good with children and you should try to schedule some time with the dog as a family so he understands what he's about to go to - it allows both sides to feel each other out; you'll get a better understanding. I wish you luck on your dog adopting decision - saving an animal and gaining a pet! I wish you and your family a great dog!

Answer 4

it depends on the individual dog...however, i feel that small ten-pound dogs are not good choices for active kids...they can be easily injured and their temperament tends to be nippy. i recommend adopting a young adult about 2 yrs that is medium sized.
you really cannot generalize a whole breed. pit bulls and labs are generally great with children but there are exceptions...and though pomeranians (for example) be small they have indeed been involved in fatally mauling children.
just remember to never ever leave your children and your dog unsupervised. in almost all cases of a child being mauled the parents had no idea what happened because they were not in the same room.

Answer 5

It's really not good to generalize. There's plenty of dogs out there that are supposedly not good with kids, but that turns out not to be true. You need to take into account the individual dog's temperament and training, the way the kids are taught to respect and interact with the dog.

Having said that, it's best to stay away from toy breeds. Very small dogs tend to be nervous anyway, and young kids with their quick movements, loud voices, make these dogs more nervous, hence they're more likely to snap at them.

If you're looking to adopt, look for a dog who seems to be calm, not afraid, friendly, responsive when you talk to him. Take your kids with you if possible, but you have to keep in mind that if the dog's in a shelter, he's not going to be showing his true personality.

Answer 6

Well if you have the room then labs are real good with kids... I have 3 of them myself! This breed of dog has many fine qualities... their even tempered, fast learners, and love interacting with the family. Only thing is they need plenty of romping room since they are active animals. They're definitely a people loving dog though... Good Luck!!

Answer 7

Pits/rotties/shepherds and mixes of them cause over 70% of all bites. Chihuahuas come in next with 27% of bites, but they rarely break the skin and never maul people. I wouldn't suggest pekes or dauchies, minpins, or any cute little yappy type dog. Beagles and Goldens are both great with kids and rarely ever bite. Lab would be my third choice. Few scent hounds bite, but they are also harder to house train.

Answer 8

Basset Hounds are great with children and there loving pets

Answer 9

I think Labs are great with children!

Answer 10

dont get a ;
great dain
staint brenard
jack russle
or any sort of hunting dog

get a :
poodle
westie
yorky
****-stuz
molties
and anything as in a toy dog