Let’s face it: most families wouldn’t be complete without the beloved family pet. In most cases this includes a breed of dog. However, if a family includes children, parents should do their research, because there are dog breeds that are more compatible with children than others. Parents should consider the age of their children and compare it to the particular breed of dog they wish to purchase. This can easily be done by asking your veterinarian for recommendations, asking an associate at the local pet store, or simply getting information on the Internet. It really doesn’t matter, as long as some initial research is done, because being in a breed of dog that is not conducive to children would be a grave injustice to both the children and the pet.
If there are children in the household of different ages and a larger dog is preferred, a Labrador retriever or golden retriever is the best option. These canines are very gentle and very tolerant of small children and even babies. Their calm demeanor makes them one of the most popular choices for a large family. If you are looking for a smaller dog, then a Pug is your best option. This breed is very social and often prefers the company of people to other dogs. They are especially compatible with young children, often acting like “little kids.” They love to play and will do so in a gentle way so as not to cause harm to young children.
Other breeds that are great with children include the Newfoundland, Collie, and Standard Poodle. Believe it or not, the larger dog breeds are the most recommended for families with children. Toy breeds tend to be more temperamental and more compatible with adults without children. The Standard Poodle is well known for its extreme patience with young children and is very easy to train. The Newfoundland is a large dog that is well known for its docile and calm nature. They are very loved by children, which is often a two-way street. When a child comes face to face with this giant breed, it is usually love at first sight.
These are just a few of the many examples of child-friendly dog breeds. But a good rule of thumb is this. In general, larger breeds of the retriever family are a better fit than smaller dogs. When looking for a family dog, always have an initial “meet and greet,” and bring the children along so you can observe them in a safe environment with the prospective pet. That way, you’ll know without a doubt if they’re going to be a match made in heaven. You’ll also know if the match will be there before you drop a good chunk of change, only to have to return the dog if there’s a mismatch.