Worst Dogs for Kids and Families
Choosing the Wrong Dog for Children - Temperament Based on Breed
Aug 31, 2009
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. However, training aside, certain breeds exhibit natural behavior or have been bred to showcase particular traits that are less suited for families with children. Here are some of those breeds:
The Pit Bull
Pit Bulls have a terrible reputation, which is largely undeserved. When bred and raised properly, Pit Bulls are lovable, friendly, goofy, easy to please, and eager to please. When bred and raised incorrectly (e.g. those raised by NFL quarterback Michael Vick), they are vicious, aggressive, hostile killing machines. Thus these otherwise docile and playful animals are viewed as monsters due to the inhumane actions of despicable breeders and owners.
With that said, even properly bred and trained Pit Bulls are not good pets for small children. This is primarily due to their strength and energy. Pit Bulls are rambunctious, and their muscular frames are no match for many ten year-olds at the other end of their leashes. Although they love people, they may be aggressive toward other dogs, rabbits, cats, and other small animals. Pit Bulls mature slowly. As such, they require mature owners.
The Rottweiler
For reasons similar to those pertaining to Pit Bulls, Rottweilers make poor pets for families with small children. Powerful and bred to guard, these dogs cannot be taken lightly. Rottweilers are lovable and family friendly. However, they are confident dogs requiring confident, strong-willed masters. Also, they are protective and may show distrust toward strangers. Further, they tend to slobber and may give chase after other animals. Due to improper breeding, it is very hard to gauge the personality of Rottweiler pups. Those intending to purchase a Rottweiler should thoroughly researcher the dog's breeder before buying.
The Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are yippy, nervous little creatures. Their timidity may cause them to nip at children and strangers. If any breed of dog could be diagnosed with ADHD, it's this one. They need attention and lots of it. They bark, and then they bark some more. Also, Chihuahuas can be difficult to house train.
Another reason for families with small children to stay away from this neurotic dog is the Chihuahua's own well-being. Being as tiny as they are, they are fragile and easily hurt by roughhousing. If injured by a child, the dog may come to fear it (if the dog doesn't fear the child already).
The Doberman Pinscher
Much like Rottweilers, Dobermans were bred to guard. They are naturally aggressive. A strong master is needed to harness this dog's sometimes misplaced determination. With proper socialization and obedience training, Dobermans can be calm and gentle. However, they may respond to aggression with aggression. A small child who tugs on this dog's ear may be met with snarls or bites. Dobermans are suspicious and watchful and need masters who will properly watch over them.
The Dalmatian
Thanks to Disney's 101 Dalmatians, this dog is a popular family pet. For families who spend a fair amount of time exercising and socializing with their pets, a Dalmatian may not be a terrible choice. Dalmatians have tremendous endurance and agility. However, this breed has both an aggressive and a stubborn side. If not properly raised, these traits may amplify.
Further, Dalmatians can be jumpy and wary of strangers. Deafness is a serious health problem amongst the breed and can lead to bites caused by fear or surprise.
The Akita
Akitas have a history of aggression. When bred irresponsibly or not socialized properly, Akitas live up to their reputation. They are big, strong-willed, and strong-framed dogs, requiring the same from their masters for proper control and upbringing. Bred to hunt, Akitas may instinctively go after other animals, including other dogs. They are independent and no-nonsense. It is not hard for a small child to provoke an improperly trained Akita. Even Akita puppies are lively and bouncy, needing a strong master to rein them in.
The Rat Terrier
Speaking of stubborn dogs, the Rat Terrier fits the mold. Like many terriers, this breed will tear apart yards, chase other animals, and generally fly around as if on illegal substances. They require full obedience training. Otherwise, they'll bark at whim, misbehave when it suits them, and cause havoc inside and out without guilt or second-thought. Owners of Rat Terriers should provide their dogs with considerable physical and mental stimuli (and probably fences). They are good dogs for older, active chilrden who include their dogs in their activities.
The Chow Chow
The Chow Chow looks like a fluffy teddy bear. If handled improperly, it can be as ferocious as a grizzly bear. They can be immensely territorial, protecting their homes or yards by showing aggression toward strangers. Chows are not dogs for undisciplining or undisciplined owners. A toddler's hand will find this breed's coat ripe for the tugging. With a reputation for being quick tempered, a hurt or even irritated Chow may lash out at the cause of its distress. Their deep-set eyes limit their peripheral vision, which may lead to snapping if startled by an unseen approacher.
Other dogs that families with small children should think twice before buying include: all toy breeds, all larger breeds, German Shepherds, Italian Greyhounds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Siberian Huskies. The dogs listed are certainly not all-inclusive, and one should research any breed before purchasing.
For information on dogs that make great family companions, see this author's article, Best Dogs for Kids and Families or the American Kennel Club's website.
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