Which breeds are good with young children?

Question

beside labs. I know they are good with children and most people usually say lab but i dont want a lab.

particularly are huskies, malamutes, or mastiffs?

Answer 1

Any breed can be good with kids. This is based entirely on proper training of the dog, teaching the kids correct behavior around the dog, and that the dog comes from genetically stable parents and is of good temperament itself.

Any large dog especailly as a puppy may be overly excited and accidently knock down small children. Make sure you socialize any dog around other kids, not just your own. Some dogs become protective of their pack including kids and will bite other children because your child screamed even if they were just playing.

Not all labs are good with kids, I know of several that were not raised around kids and will bite because kids yell and move too fast, grab them to hug etc.

All dogs should be supervised around children regardless of size (and some kids since most go through a biting stage and I have seen kids bite dogs!) In the end choosing the correct temperament in the dog you choose and how you train it make all the difference in the world.

My son grew up with a german shepherd mix (2 when we got the pup), my daughter grew up with that dog and a female rottweiller (6 when we got the rottie)

Answer 2

Great answer, Lady M! Most important, young children should be taught how and how not to handle dogs and should always be supervised when around them. All breeds can and will bite IF SUFFICIENTLY PROVOKED. The good news is that many dogs live long and happy lives without being provoked to that extent; the others we hear about on the news.

Of the three choices you mentioned, a mastiff would be my pick. As others mentioned, mastiffs tend to be more laid-back while huskies and malamutes can be more high-strung. Of course, there are those who will argue with this, but I am speaking in generalities and each individual dog will definitely have its own unique traits -- not to mention how it is raised, training, etc.

Although I picked mastiff from your choices, it would not be my first pick overall. As a family dog I would opt for a boxer for its gentle nature and sweet disposition. We owned two -- one when our son was a toddler; the other now that he is a teenager. A boxer is just a great all-around people dog and loves kids.

While a larger breed is often thought of as better with young children, a shih tzu would be a terrific choice. We got a shih tzu puppy when our son was 3 and I was amazed how well they interacted. Of all the dogs I've owned in 47 years, the shih tzu has been my overall favorite -- of course, not to discredit the others that were special in their own unique ways. The shih tzu is a sturdy little dog and just as full of energy as your young one. In fact, this would have been my top recommendation if it were not for the fact that you seem to prefer larger dogs.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Answer 3

Well, I'd say just get a dog that has the kindest personality. These are usually the females(no offense, guys). I have a female westie who loves kids and does absolutely great with them. But, if you want a husky, malamute, or mastiff, I think that getting a husky as a very young pup would be good. If the kids you want it around are younger than three, though, I don't think any kind of dog would be good for that age. If they're older, husky would be probably the best choice. But like I said, it just depends on the personality. Almost any kind of dog wold be good with kids if you find one with a kind and gentle nature.

Answer 4

I vote golden retriever. Awesome gentle personality. As for the breeds you mentioned, huskies tend to be high strung. Not sure about Malamutes, but also a high energy breed. Mastiffs are a bit more laid back but they get so large, I wouldn't feel comfortable around a very small child with a puppy. Maybe with older kids. I've only ever met two goldens with personality problems, one was abused and the other was sick at the time (bad ear infection) and in a lot of pain - he was just as sweet as could be when he got better.

Answer 5

Golden Retrievers are a widely known family dog so they are good. Collies tend to try and "herd" young children at times so they might not be good as they might nip them. Mastiffs can be nice but are extremely huge and might accidently hurt children with sheer weight/size. Malamutes are good with older children as are Huskies but of course they can be good with younger children too just try to let the Malamute/Husky get used to the children first and make sure they don't go overboard. Gradually they'll warm up to them.

Answer 6

Mastiff Grouped Breeds . Staffs , Apbts , Mastiffs . Huskies have a dominant behavoir and may not be suitable with children unless they were raised with them or have been around them in past time . Malamutes are the same . They have domminant behavoir and may not be suitable around children unless raised with them or has been around them in past time . They have dominant behavoir because of there pack like instincts . Must be treated like they're in a pack . Leadership is best for these dogs . Labs are ok but there overrated . But basically all dogs can be good around children but supervision is best . Do not leave a dog around small children unsupervised no matter how good they act around them . It is for safety reasons.

Answer 7

Mastiffs are really big for little kids, and are kinda intimidating - especially if you meet a kid that doesn't like dogs, they'll freak.

Huskies and malamutes are fine - I would say. Just prepare for the hair. My dad's roomate had a husky and she was a joy and very passive. :)

Answer 8

2 unexpected dogs are fantastic with kids. Rotties and boxers! They love kids!
Little dogs are the ones that you need to be a bit leary of they can be a bit snappy at times. The once best family dog the cocker spaniel is now listed as one of the worse family dogs around. Bad breeders ruined the breed in the 70's by damaging the gene pool.
Collies are also fantastic!! In general all "hunting" breeds are good with kids. They have devotion in their blood.
This link gives the top 20 dogs and a bit of information on each breed. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-families/page1.aspx
I am partial to labs as you can tell but I have found my husbands Australian cattle dog (not Aussie shepherd) to be a great kid dog. This breed is unusual to the states but is very obedient and fun loving. a bit of a clown and playful!
Good luck with your search!

Answer 9

Well bull-mastiffs, I would suggest a female though, they are less ... intimidating i guess... , as I happen to have one, are VERY good with children, they will even protect them!!!(they're guard dogs). But they do shed quite a lot so be prepared for that

Answer 10

I would say a malamute , husky, rottiwelers ar good to and german shepherds are good too. especially if you want something to also protect the house too. st bernards are good but shed a lot. i hopes this help you can also look dog breeds on th internet to fing out which ones will be good with kids.