Expanding your family by adding a new human or canine member to the home is a very big decision that will change every member of the household’s life significantly. So, keep in mind that choosing the right dog for your family is imperative to both the safety and happiness of your dog and kids.
(Check out Tips on How to Foster Good Relationship Between Your Dog and Your Kids)
Popular Dog Breeds for Kids
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Collies are the most popular and frequently recommended breeds of dogs for household with small kids. Even in movies and TV series, these dogs portray the quintessential “family dog.”
Breed is no more a universal predictor of a suitable match for your family than hair color is in the selection of your babysitter.
However, not just because said dog breeds are the most popular means they’re just the breeds right for your family. Dog breed isn’t always the answer to the question. What you can do is RESEARCH before anything else. Think about the best dog traits for children rather than the best dog breeds for children. Looking at traits, rather than breeds, also allows you to consider one of the millions of mutts that would make great family dogs.
Dog and Kids
The most significant predictor of a dog’s consistency with kids is its socialization history. Puppies that are well-socialized with kids grow into dogs that are more dependable around children.
Raising a pup and a baby at the same time can be more work than you bargained for and can leave even the most energetic of families besieged quickly.
Rescuing an adult dog is a great solution for many families. However, its socialization history may be unknown, so you must have a dog that is already very kid-friendly and one who actively seeks gentle and tolerant interaction with kids.
Watch for signs of canine stress such as yawning, lip licking, backing away, growling or hackling, frequently looking away, urinating when approached by children. These indicate a dog that is uncomfortable around kids. A dog that will be living with toddlers must also be carefully desensitized to all types of touch and noises.
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