From Lovey-Dovey To High Maintenance
Having a dog around is a great way to make lasting memories for your children, but it's important to make sure you pick the right breed. Some dogs can be a little gregarious for little ones, others get territorial where their humans are concerned. Keep reading to learn about breeds that are (and aren't) great for young families.
1. Beagle
This happy-go-lucky hound is a great pick for families with young children. Beagles are curious and easygoing, making them a great companion for kids. Beagles are also on the smaller size, so you shouldn't have to worry about anyone getting knocked over.
2. Newfoundland
On the other end of the spectrum is this gentle giant, the Newfoundland! Newfies are docile and very affectionate towards anyone in their vicinity. Their patience makes them a great watchdog for little ones.
3. Golden Retriever
The archetypal family dog is known for being one of the friendliest breeds around. Not only are golden retrievers affectionate, they also take to training like a duck to water...or a dog to basketball. However, goldens need daily exercise and plenty of brushing, so they may not be the best choice if there's a newborn in the picture.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Bred as the real fisherman's friend, Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and energetic. We mean seriously energetic, if you have an active family, this is the dog for you. While PWDs are happy to lap up hugs and kisses, they're happiest when they have a job to do.
5. Labrador Retriever
The dog so gentle it can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking the shell, Labs are one of the most popular dogs in America for a good reason! Not only does this breed have a loveable face, but its gentle temperament and trainability make it a great choice for families.
6. American Staffordshire Terrier
With an adorable expression and people-pleaser nature, American Staffordshire Terriers are known as a "nanny dog". Staffordshires are graceful with big personalities. Mostly, they're just happy to be a part of a family.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the best picks for active young families. Despite their size, Berners are particularly gentle with children, often getting attached to one person in particular. Bred for hard work, modern Berners are just as content to lounge on the couch.
Anastasiia Tarasova on Unsplash
8. Basset Hound
With their long, velvety ears and sad eyes, Basset Hounds are almost impossible to resist. Luckily, they're a great addition to almost every household. This charming and patient dog knows how to roll with the punches (and how to roll over for belly rubs).
9. Collie
Don't be afraid to let Lassie jump out of the television and into your arms; this iconic breed is famously fond of children. Not just a pretty face with a graceful gait, Collies may surprise you with their intelligence. These herding dogs learn fast, making them a great choice for kids who want a hand in training them.
10. Cocker Spaniel
Most spaniels are great choices for families, but those who grew up with Lady and the Tramp may be biased toward this particular breed. These spaniels were actually the most popular dog in America for a few years! In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, Cocker Spaniels play great with kids and other animals.
Now that we've covered some dogs that are great with young kids, let's get into a few breeds that you should hold off getting until the kids are a bit older.
1. Chihuahua
We understand why you may think that Chihuahuas are great family dogs: their small size makes them great with kids, right? Wrong. Chis may be small, but their bark and bite prove otherwise. Chihuahuas need a lot of personal space and will defend themselves when this space is invaded, something that kids can be slow to pick up on.
2. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a bit of a contradiction: while they get along great with children (along with anyone else they deem part of their pack), they're not the best fit for young families. Huskies are a lot to handle; they need a lot of brushing, a lot of training, and a lot of exercise. Also, while gentle, these are strong dogs that could inadvertently injure a child during play.
3. Akita
Akitas may be known for their sweetness and loyalty but, make no mistake, they were bred to be guard dogs. Unlike other breeds, Akitas are not predisposed towards play. As a result, they don't take kindly to teasing, erratic behavior, or strangers.
4. Mastiff
Unlike with Newfies, bigger isn't always better when it comes to dogs. Mastiffs are big sweeties—emphasis on the big, averaging 150 pounds of muscle. A mastiff's eagerness to play may result in injuries if toddlers get too close to wagging tails.
5. Rottweiler
One of the better known "beware of dog" guard dogs, Rottweilers are snugglebugs that don't know their own strength. Rotties are thick and rather clumsy, meaning that kids can become tripping or dragging hazards. Additionally, Rotties have finely-tuned protection senses that can mistakenly extend to rambunctious little ones.
6. Shar Pei
A wrinkly breed that looks more like a hippopotamus than a dog, Shar Peis are extremely particular to the point of aloofness. This watchful temperament doesn't mesh well with kids, nor with other pets. However, Shar Peis excel in peaceful, single-pet households where they're the star of the show.
7. Chow Chow
An ancient lion of a dog, Chow Chows may be difficult to resist, but they're also difficult with kids. Despite their cuddly fur, Chows aren't the most affectionate dogs and don't take kindly to being disturbed. Chows are highly intelligent, however that intelligence manifests in stubborn independence.
8. Dalmatian
101 Dalmatians may be one of the greatest marketing ploys of all time: thanks to the film, countless Dalmatian puppies are adopted, then promptly returned when they're not the right fit for families. Dalmatians are energetic dogs that grow quickly, demanding a lot of your attention. Also, many Dalmatians have hereditary deafness, meaning they can be easily startled and lash out.
9. Dachshund
If Dachshunds are sausage dogs, then they're topped with five-alarm chili. Dachshunds enjoy being the pint-sized boss of the house and can nip when frustrated. Also, their long spines are at risk for back injuries, which could arise during rough or sudden play.
10. Greyhound
Greyhounds are a lot like racehorses in that they're built for speed and startle easily. Greyhounds are affectionate, but don't want to be "on" all the time, which can be frustrating for children. Also, these speedsters can and will run down children.
