Dogs Good With Children

You need to know which dogs are good with children if your child is asking for a dog this Christmas. Instead of heading to the nearest pet shop, dog breeder or shelter to pick out the cutest puppy, you need to know a little more about the various breeds. Some dogs just do have the temperament to be around small children, yet are perfect for older children.

One of the most popular dog breeds chosen as dogs good with children are those dogs from the retriever family. Golden retrievers, Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, curly and flat-coated retrievers are excellent with both small children and other small animals. Eager to please, the retriever is gentle, friendly and affectionate; the perfect companion for even the smallest child.

When considering which dogs are good with children you must take into account the age of the child or children that will be exposed to the dog. While many breeds are great with older children, their instincts may cause them to exhibit behaviors that could be a problem. For instance, herding dogs may try to herd their charges by nipping at their feet and ankles.

For dogs such as Alaska Malamutes, consideration must be given to their pack rank or dominance level in the family. Being most closely related to their wild wolf ancestors, these dogs are great with their own family and will tolerate a good deal of rough and tumble. However, their hunting instinct can be triggered by an infant crying and teasing or abuse by strange children will not be tolerated. Ideally a Malamute or other pack-rank-motivated-breed dog should only be the companion of an older child who is capable of maintaining a higher dominance rank than the dog.

Surprisingly some of the most trustworthy and gentle dogs good with children are those giant dog breeds like the Newfoundland and Saint Bernard and members of the herding class of dogs, such as: the Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Dogue de Bordeaux and the Mastiffs. Despite their size, at well over 100 pounds, these gentle giants are unusually patient and protective of their charges, especially when socialized at an early age.

Often the very small dogs are not always the best companions for very small children. For instance while the Miniature poodle is very affectionate towards children, the Toy poodle has a reputation for snapping at kids. Also, you wont find small lap dogs such as Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas being recommended for households with small children. Their small size makes them susceptible to being hurt during normal rough and tumble play with common with small children.

Its important that you know which dogs are good with children before adding one to your household. Investigate the different breeds, learn what job they were bred for (herding, hunting, guarding) as that will give a good idea of what their instinctual reactions may be in certain situations. Speak to breeders, trainers, veterinarians and dog owners to ask for their recommendations. Do your research and narrow down those breeds that you would consider suitable companions for your children. With a little effort you can find the perfect companion dog for your children.