Readers often ask me: What are the best dogs for kids? It's an important question, but unfortunately there is no exact answer. Finding the best dog for kids means considering many factors. In this day and age, we constantly hear terrible stories of children and dog bites. This cannot be blamed on the dog breed alone. When you make a decision to bring a dog into your family, you take responsibility for raising both the dog and the children. That's a lot of work!
Do the research up front to learn about the best dogs for kids. If you have children and dogs, how has it worked out? Tell us about your secrets for a harmonious household with kids and dogs!
Photo © Kerry Michaels
Comments
If you’ve had experience raising a puppy before, I’d pick a pitbull pup every time. But not from a backyard breeder that is breeding fighters! Pits are headstrong, it takes firm training, but they are also very dedicated to their family. Make sure they know where they fit into the “pack” and they thrive with kids.
Dogs are wonderful companions. I can’t imagine my life without them. I’ve owned a number of breeds, but personally prefer most of the herding dogs – collie, sheltie, australian shepherd, etc. They are devoted to their owners and are less likely to wander off, important for our homestead without fences.
I appreciate pitbull owners’ love of the breed and agree with what Jack says about the breed, but most people who are getting a first dog do not know how to teach a dog where it “fits into the pack”. Any breed is okay for someone who knows how to be pack leader in their household. If you are not confident about your ability to train a dog, stick with the breeds listed in the article. Take any dog to puppy classes and/or obedience classes to begin to learn how to be in charge. Personally, I think labs are a little to hyper for a small child. You can’t go wrong with most Golden Retrievers. I’ve also seen young children with beagles that worked out well.
I have had multiple breeds in the past. We were breeders of Cocker Spaniels when the kids were young. They were very good with the boys but one day one of the males bit my oldest son because he came up behind him and startled him. The bite required stitches and anyone who has ever had to hold a two year old when they are getting stitches knows how horrible that can be. This dog had played with my son, watched over him in the cradle, and even climbed into the crib to sleep at his feet! Any dog can bite, they are still animals and responsible dog owners have to remember that even when years go by without an incident.
My sons are much older now and we have three rescued mixed breeds in our home. One is a lab/pit mix who I would not leave near a young child though – he is loyal and playful he is still strong willed. In my experience a well trained shepherd or golden is an excellent choice for a larger breed.
My pediatrician said that getting a dog after your youngest child turns five is a good benchmark. I thought it was great advice – of course I ignored it because I just couldn’t wait to get a puppy. Everyone says having a puppy is like having a baby. I think it’s harder. My babies didn’t eat my shoes.
I have had quite a few breeds in my lifetime. Right now I have bulldogs and they are WONDERFUL with kids .. the kids however my get a little jealous of the bulldogs .. they are huge babys and want mommy and daddy to treat them just like the kids … We also had a Lab she was wonderful with the children, the only downfall was they tend to get each other waaaaay wound up the dog and the kids both ..the kids endurance is not as strong as the dogs .. so they get a little overwhelming when in full play mode. The mom or dad has to step in and settle the dog down. So in my opinion a Bulldogs and Labs probably run neck and neck.
I agree with the poster.
There are a lot of variables to consider in selecting the dog that will fit in with your lifestyle, and with your children.
You have to figure in energy, size, temperament, etc.
It can be a lot of work, but when you research and find the right dog it will all be worth it!
We have a 3 year old, but before we had him we had 3 dogs. All are mixed Lab breeds. I think you can’t just go by the breed. Dogs have personalities like people. Tristan can be a little grouchy, but as Nik gets older Tristan’s patience seems to grow. Madb is the middle child. She will flop on her back and roll over for anyone, so she was the best one to teach Nik to be patient and rub her belly. Gwen is really hyper. She was incredibly patient with Nik as a crawling baby. She is still patient, but expects more from him now that he walks. He loves when they play and always has. When he was learning to stand and walk, he would be in the middle of their rough housing and I was always having to “rescue” him much to his anger.
Also, I think it’s important to let the dogs know that pack order changes when you add a baby. Now that Nik is nearly 3, we let him give the dogs treats too. Tristan has learned so well that Nik is above him that if he has to go out and we don’t move fast enough, he will even go to Nik or scratch at Nik’s door to go out.
Believe it or not, Great Danes make wonderful dogs with children. I was personally raised from a baby until I was a teen with great danes. All of them were incredibly gentle, loving and protective of me.
Even with their big size, the worst that ever happened is the occassional knock down as a toddler and if I cried, they’d go get my parents!
As an adult with kids, having a YOUNG Dane and a toddler is a little bit of a challenge, however the dogs are fast learners and she keeps her energy away from the baby.
I think,if you already have children then you get your dog the dog is less likley to bite your children because it wouldn’t be jealous if thats all it knows is to love children.
My 3 year old Beagel Zoey is great with everyone from my 12 year old daughter to my 3 year old nephew who hugs and kisses her as she is so sweet with them. I think it is really important that the children understand that the dog needs her own space sometimes and how to read the signs when they are tired or may don’t want to play right now. It is also important the dog is raised with the child so they understand their behavior and for owners to take your child with you to the puppy training classes to learn to handle the dog.
I think it depends on the age of the child on what breed of dog to get. I grew up with German Shepards, and about 8 years ago rescued a boxer. My 13 year old daughter has established a great relationship with. She is however the one that does the nightly feedings. If you have the time obedience training a dog as well as teaching your child how to handle the dog is a must.
We had Airedales growing up and they were nice dogs. The dog we had the longest was very calm but it was so long ago I don’t know how they would be with very small children. We have a Beagle now. She can take a lot of ear pulling, skin pulling, clothing put on her, and other things, of course we do not actually hurt her. My husband likes to tuck her ears under her collar. It makes her look funny but she just shakes them loose and goes on her way. She absolutely loves everyone too, no matter who they are. The only thing with Beagles is you have to make sure they don’t get loose and run away because they live to sniff. She spends a lot of time sleeping on the couch and she likes to sit up and beg. She does it on her own when she wants something.
Check out your local animal shelters and rescue groups!! They have knowledgable and caring counselors to help you find the right puppy for your family situation. There are many different animals (from purebreds to ‘Heinz57s’)to choose from. Also, I feel that my ‘Shelter’ pets have been much better companions than those I’ve found through breeders,etc. I think they’re appreciative of being given a forever home filled with love and security.
hi guys i’m eager to have a pup,but i think its not a good idea after all cause i have a nine months old baby and i want to have a pup also..so i might get any ideas here when to get a pup or what kind of pup i’ll get cause by january my daughter will be 1 yr old and i want a pup that is 1 yr also i don’t want pups with big sizes i mean i want the standard one like beagles shitzu or a pug^^ so how van u help me with these?thanks for your suggestions
We just purchased a Scottish Terrier in January. We also have a 5 year old black lab. Our lab is amazing! Such a sweet and loyal dog. He is also very protective of our 5 children. Now, for the Scottie.. he is a sweet boy, but is a trouble maker. He has been known to playfully nip at our kids, jump all over them and was VERY hard to house train. He also digs holes all over our yard! I know he is a puppy.. but we should have done a little more research on this breed of dog. He requires more attention and training. He is still a puppy and I’m sure once he outgrows this stage, he’ll be a great dog.. but I wish we went with another lab!