Best Dogs for Kids and Families

Choosing the Right Dog for Children - Temperament Based on Breed

Aug 29, 2009

Dog training can make most breeds suitable as family pets. But genetics and breeding play a large role in canine temperament.

Certain dogs are prone to certain behaviors. Some are sociable and loving. Others are excitable and playful. Still others are sheepish or master-friendly.

A dog's temperament is a serious factor parents should consider before selecting a dog for their families. Other factors that should be considered include the dog's size, athleticism, and even its socializing needs. Nearly every dog, if properly trained and cared for, can serve as a family pet and friend to children. Some breeds are just naturally better at it. Here are some of those breeds.

The Poodle

Though perhaps not the toughest dog, Poodles are amongst the most lovable and playful breeds. They are great with adults, children, and even other pets. They love their families and respond to affection with affection. Their coats are curly and dense, requiring regular grooming. However, poodles generally do not develop dander; thus, they may make great pets for children who may otherwise be allergic to dogs.

Additionally, Poodles are very smart. Potty training and basic tricks do not require much effort. They come in standard (over 15 inches at the shoulder), miniature (10-15 inches), and toy (under 10 inches) sizes. Standard Poodles are active and sturdy, neither too big nor too small for most children. They do require attention and play time, however, and will get into some mischief if left to their own devices for too long. Also, they may bark . . . too much, which is not good for sleeping infants.

The Great Dane

A "gentle giant" amongst canines, the Great Dane is truly a peaceful dog. They are intelligent, loyal, loving, protective, and kind-hearted. It's almost as if this dog will do everything in its power to please both masters and children alike. It will treat small children as though they were its own, seemingly realizing the need for additional tenderness and carefulness. If bred and raised properly, Great Danes are never timid or aggressive. Their short coats require very little grooming. Despite their size, Danes require no more exercise than the average dog.

Great Danes will greet their masters at the door when they return home and settle next to them. They do not like being alone and, like poodles and other smart dogs, may get into trouble if left alone too long. As puppies, they can be jumpy, creating the danger of knocking over toddlers. The weight of the Great Dane, when combined with its affectionate nature, can also be troublesome. They often lean against owners or jump on their laps. A 150 lb. dog with a 30 lb. child can be a harmful mismatch, even if the harm is entirely unintended.

The Beagle

Beagles are outgoing and non-threatening dogs. They are sweet, playful, energetic, and stable, great for both a game of fetch or relaxing with on the carpet.

Beagles can be stubborn, which can make them difficult to train. They also have a strong sense of smell that, when combined with their curiosity, tends to lead them to far off lands following a particular scent. In short, owners will need a fence. Also, their coats are not inordinately long, but they may shed heavily.

The Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are known for their ability to track scents. As with Beagles, owners will need a fence. But Bloodhounds are canine pacifists. They will allow children to tug, sit, or crawl on them with nary a protest. This is good for children, although not always healthy for the dog. Their short coats are easy to maintain.

Bloodhounds love and exhibit devotion toward their families, though they may be timid around strangers. They can be independent and difficult to train. Bloodhounds are also known to drool or howl.

The Collie

There's a reason why Lassie was always saving young Timmy. Collies are extremely smart, protective, and caring. They generally like people and other animals and are easy to train. They have all the attributes necessary for fine family pets.

Being herding dogs, Collies will sometimes nip at the heels of exiting people. They can be very sensitive, easily hurt by mistreatment. Their long hair requires attention, and owners will be vacuuming regularly.

The Labrador Retriever

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Labs are the most popular dogs in America. This is most likely due to their temperament and family-oriented nature. These dogs love to play and are perfect for children who love the same. They are cheerful, affectionate, goofy, and sociable with everyone and everything. Their coats require minimal maintenance, usually soiled only by outside play.

However, Labs require lots of exercise and a fair amount of training. Thus, they require more attention than other breeds. They are easily excited and can be very bouncy.

The above list is not all-inclusive. Other great family dogs include: Golden Retrievers, Border Terriers, Whippets, American Eskimos, Samoyeds, and with proper training, German Shepherds, American Bulldogs, and Pugs.

For information on dogs less suited for families with small children see this author's article, Worst Dogs for Kids and Families. For additional information about these or other breeds, the AKC's website is a comprehensive source for anyone wishing to purchase a puppy or adult dog.

The copyright of the article Best Dogs for Kids and Families in Dogs is owned by Jason Parent. Permission to republish Best Dogs for Kids and Families in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.