Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children

Top five dog breeds for homes with children

* Beagle
* Bernese Mountain Dog
* Bichon Frise
* Bloodhound
* Boston Terrier
* Boxer
* Brittany Spaniel
* Bulldog
* Coonhound
* English Setter
* Foxhound
* Gordon Setter
* Irish Setter
* Keeshond
* Labrador Retriever
* Mastiff
* Newfoundland
* Pugs
* Samoyed
* Siberian Husky
* Springer Spaniel
* Standard Poodles
* Vizsla

With proper training of both the children and the dog, any one of the above breeds should be able to adapt without many problems. Of course, there are some individuals, both human and canine, that simply refuse to get along.

Watch for warning signs like overprotection of food, toys, bed, or an area that he has claimed as his own. Be especially careful with very young todlers that may crawl right up to the dog while it is eating. Even small dogs can leave a nasty bite on a small child. Be careful not to let children play tug of war or wrestle with dominant breeds, when the dog wins, he will feel empowered and will consider your child inferior. This may lead to more aggressive actions against your child.

Some dog breeds to avoid, or at least be wary of are listed below. Obviously there are exceptions to every breed, but research shows that the following are some of the worst breeds for homes with small children (alphabetically):

* Chihuahuas ? Intolerant, especially toddlers and infants
* Chow Chows ? Often bond to just one person, can be very cranky with kids
* Dachshunds ? Intolerant
* Dalmatians ? Too excitable, prone to jumping on and knocking down kids
* Dobermans ? A dominant breed, may consider child inferior
* Giant Schnauzers ? A dominant breed, may challenge even adults
* Heelers ? Prone to nipping at legs and heels of children
* Lhasa Apso ? Intolerant, may be intolerant of some adults too
* Malamutes ? A dominant breed, may consider child inferior
* Mini Pinchers ? Intolerant, fierce for their size
* Pekinese ? Intolerant
* Pit Bulls ? Either adore children or hate them, Powerful bite can break bones
* Rhodesian Ridgeback ? A dominant breed, may consider child inferior
* Rottweiller ? A dominant breed, may consider child inferiorv * Toy Poodle ? May be injured by children, may bite in self defense

These following breeds may adapt to family life but should have come with warning labels attached. Dogs chosen from these breeds should be very carefully screened individuals that were raised in homes that also had children. They should be well socialized with many children from puppyhood, and they should most definitely be obedience trained.

* Akita
* Cocker Spaniel ? Inbreeding has caused personality defects in some pups
* Collie
* German Shepherd
* Golden Retriever
* Great Dane
* Great Pyrenees
* Irish Setter - Inbreeding has caused personality defects in some pups
* Irish Wolfhound
* Old English Sheepdog ? Either like children or hate them
* Saint Bernard ? Either like children or hate them

So which dogs are the very best breeds for homes with children? In my opinion, there are five.

I think the very best suited for the position, is the Labrador Retriever. They are intelligent, affectionate and can take a lot of abuse from children without getting grumpy. A Lab is most likely to lie on the floor, wagging its tail, as your toddler plays his stomach as a drum set. They should receive firm obedience training, but they will make excellent pets.

Second is the Golden Retriever. They are reliable, loving and very sociable dogs that will also be able to take some rough handling from children without getting too upset.

Third is the Basset Hound. Lazy and stubborn they most certainly may be, but also very sweet and gentle. They adore children and can be very affectionate with them.

Fourth is the Beagle. They are affectionate, intelligent and lively dogs best suited for children over the age of six, but somewhat adaptable.

Fifth is the Bulldog. They can be very good with children over the age of six if the child is taught to respect them. They are generally good natured, but very strong dogs.

The best choice for young children is always going to be a puppy born and raised in a household with children. A good dog is one that already has a history of pleasant interaction with youngsters.

Introduce the dog to your children before you agree to purchase or adopt, and make sure that there aren't any personality conflicts. The dog should be attentive, loving and gentle even if the children are a little rough with their affection. If the dog or puppy plays well with your children in it's current home, it will probably play well with them in your home.

Best of luck, and happy puppy hunting!

Visit Avid Pets for additional helpful tips and advice on caring for both puppies and dogs.

____________________

Advertisement: SitStayFetch Dog Training - Click Here!

---

Goldfish Tips - Keeping The Aquarium Clean

You do clean your house don't you? Well you have to clean your Goldfish's house too and it's a lot simpler! Cleaning and maintaining a goldfish tank... Read More

Garbage-Raiding Dogs: One Simple Solution to the Problem

Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may know this scenario. You walk in the door and your pal greets you with elated tail wagging,... Read More

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several tips to keep in mind before starting any dog obedience training. First of all, understand that dogs... Read More

Nutrition and Your Dogs Behavior

Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental basis for every aspect of your dog's life. It affects their health and longevity by offering an... Read More

Telepathic Communication With Animals

Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an occurrence in some people's lives as it is an oddity in the lives of others. Telepathy is... Read More

Scottie & Westie - This Mistake is Perfectly Understandable

Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they'd identify a Westie as a white Scottie. This mistake is perfectly understandable, since they do... Read More

Dog Training - How To Communicate With An Elderly Dog

As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also... Read More

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog

Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals (as opposed to one who treats large and small ? like horses, cows, cats and dogs.) Your... Read More

Is A Boxer Dog The Right Pet For You?

Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them... Read More

Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat?

Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five, even six cats. So her regular meal is just not enough. What should you give instead?Pregnant and... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition to your family. Children love to play with puppies and kittens. They learn about life as their... Read More

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet foods, treats and supplies. First, use of natural products is consistent with a holistic view. A holistic... Read More

Get Your Dog Safely Through a Storm

Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others get extremely worked up. Count yourself lucky if you a dog that doesn't mind storms and loud... Read More

Natural Horsemanship Patientis: The 4th Of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse.In Natural Horsemanship, being patient/tolerant means taking the time do it right so you... Read More

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and the local pet store usually has some for sale. They seem to be intelligent and cuddly. But... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall lately, exhibiting serious behavior problems -- and no amount of verbal correction seems to work. She chews... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word "dysplasia" means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can... Read More

Care for Your Dogs Ears

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in... Read More

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too

Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead,... Read More

Beds for Smaller Dogs

All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be small for very long. You have to know how big your dog is going to be when... Read More

Filtration Methods For The Discus Tank

Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank. Basically, there are three types of filtration - mechanical, chemical and biological. Let's start with the basics...Mechanical... Read More

The Background and Use of Clicker Training For Dogs

Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the dog-lover's community. It was called "Clicker Training," and was implemented to teach dogs (along with horses and... Read More

Attacking the Pit Bull Problem in Los Angeles-MuttShack Animal Rescue Launches Grassroots Campaign

Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles Animal Services shelters are "Pit Bulls". American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull are... Read More

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know when to stop. But... Read More

The Right Way to Use Electronic Dog Training Collars

As with every training tool used to modify a behavior in your pet, electronic dog training collars need to be used correctly in order to be effective.Some... Read More

Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog Self-Control

Is your dog one of those that pulls at his leash constantly whenever there is a distraction? A child walks by, or he sees another dog? If... Read More