The best dog breed for children: choose your pet wisely

Does a child need a dog?

There are many opinions about whether a child needs a dog. Almost all psychologists answer this question in the affirmative.

Positive influence of a dog:

Instills in the child a love of nature. The baby will spend more time outside with the dog than at the computer.
Makes the child attentive. A pet teaches a child to be caring and attentive. At the same time, the baby learns to listen to the needs of the animal.
Family unity. Thanks to a pet, family relationships are strengthened. At the same time, the dog will unite family members and improve mutual understanding.
Fosters kindness. It is best if the dog was taken from a kennel. Accordingly, parents will set an example of kindness and compassion for the child.
Sport. The dog needs to move and run a lot. This way you can instill in your child a love of sports.
Discipline. The child will be forced to walk the dog and take care of it. This will make the child disciplined.

Does a child need a dog?

How to choose a dog for your family?

Among the wide variety of dog breeds, there are dogs that get along well in the family. They come in different sizes, characters, dispositions, with long or short hair. But all family dogs get along well with both children and adults, easily become attached to people and after a while can become true friends. When choosing a dog, it is very important to consider how much time you can devote to it, with whom it will communicate most often, and what the lifestyle of your household members is.

When choosing a dog, consider how much time you can spend with it. For example, some breeds have very playful and energetic personalities. You will have to walk a lot with such pets. If you just got a small dog, someone should be with it. Therefore, we recommend that you start choosing a pet closer to the start of your vacation. Then you can really take care of your pet. Distribute responsibilities among family members. Agree on how you will care for him and what litter box training methods to use.

Naturally, you will need a lot of patience and endurance at first. Puppies still don’t understand at all where they can go to the toilet and where they can’t. At first you will need to take care of them. Perhaps, when training your dog to use the tray, you will need to cover the entire apartment with diapers. Make an enclosure so that the puppy does not run around anywhere while you are away. To ensure that your dog is trainable in the future, try to establish a trusting relationship. Show maximum warmth and care.

Dogs that are ideal for children love children: breeds, list

Below is a list of breeds that are ideal for a child:

Labrador
French Bulldog
Cocker Spaniel
Poodle
Border Collie
Irish Setter
German Shepherd
Sheltie
Beagle

Dogs that are ideal for children love children: breeds, list

Bulldog

English and French bulldogs are much more than just dogs. They are real companions. Despite their average size, they can become very good guards. However, it should be noted that English bulldogs are considered the sickest dogs in the world with an extremely short life expectancy (up to 8 years). They are passive and cannot live in climates that are too cold or hot. French bulldogs get sick less often, live longer and are considered athletes (very active, especially in puppyhood). In general, a bulldog is an excellent companion who will always be with you.

Dog breeds for home and child protection

A home guard dog must be calm, balanced, and capable of making decisions independently. In addition, such pets should be indifferent to birds and domestic animals. It's not bad if the dog can withstand severe frosts. A prerequisite is tolerance towards family and children and distrust towards strangers.

Review of the best dogs for home protection:

German Shepherd
Belgian Shepherd
Leonberger
Giant Schnauzer
Russian Terrier
Moscow watchdog
Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Dog breeds for home and child protection

6. St. Bernard

Saint Bernards are a large breed of dog that can intimidate an unknowing person with their size. In fact, St. Bernards are calm and sensitive dogs that are kind to the whole family. These are very smart pets that learn easily and have excellent memory. Due to their character traits, large dogs are patient, especially with children. Despite their impressive size, St. Bernards are strong and resilient. They are quite silent and bark only when absolutely necessary, so the owner should listen to the pet. He will desperately protect his family, and robbers will be afraid just at the sight of such a massive guard. Saint Bernards have an amazing sense of smell and easily find the right path in emergency situations. The owner of such a dog must remember that St. Bernards need constant communication and affection, since lonely individuals quickly become depressed, even to the point of auto-aggression.

Good dogs for children

Psychologists advise buying a dog for a 6-7 year old child. This age can be considered minimum. It is at the age of 7 that a child will already be able to care for a dog and walk with it. At the very beginning, it is advisable for the baby to purchase small dogs with a calm character.

Small and kind dogs:

Spitz
Dwarf Terrier
Dachshund
Poodle
Pinscher

These dogs are small in size, so they won't take up much space in the house. They are also affectionate and patient.

Good dogs for children

Features of choosing a pet for children of different ages

Many family dogs get along well with children of any age due to their peaceful nature and patience. But there are special cases, for example, Yorkies. Due to the number of potential dog health problems and the carelessness of young children, accidents can occur while playing. Some large, hyperactive dog breeds may also not be suitable for families with very young children.

It is quite possible to choose the ideal dog for your home and family, and there is no need to worry about whether the pet will be able to get along with the child: many dogs are good with children and can be their friends and protectors.

Nanny dogs for children

If you have a very tiny child, but you really want to get a dog, then in this case, choose a nanny breed. These dogs are very calm, reasonable and patient.

List of nanny dogs:

Collie
German Shepherd
Poodle
Retriever
Labrador
Great Dane

Nanny dogs for children

Small dog breeds for children

If you live in an apartment and have a very small living space, then you should take a closer look at small dogs. They don't take up much space, eat little and require minimal effort to train.

Small dog breeds:

York
English bulldog
Poodle
Cocker Spaniel
Dachshund

Small dog breeds for children

Other nuances of living a dog in an apartment

When choosing a dog for a family, it is important to consider that it should be comfortable and spacious. If this concerns an apartment, make sure in advance that there is maximum space in the room. Also, nothing should interfere. Of course, the dog should not run around the house and do pranks. It will take a little time to teach your dog to behave properly in an apartment. You will need to be patient when teaching your dog commands. It is impossible to reliably say which breed is the best for a family, since all animals, like people, are different. For some, an active and cheerful Miniature Schnauzer is more suitable, while for others, a sensible and leisurely French Bulldog is more suitable.

Family dogs must have the following skills:

Friendliness. If the dog treats both older family members and smaller ones equally well, then he will get along well with you and other household members;
Equilibrium. The extent to which a dog can show restraint, as well as distinctive character traits and temperament, which also affects behavior. The dog can be very active or prefer calm. The breed that suits you is determined by your pace of life and preferences in choosing a pet;
Affectionateness. A puppy or adult dog should be shown love and care. In order to properly raise a puppy, be strict during training or training, but also show the dog that you love him;
Compliance to training. If the dog will live in an apartment, it is very important to teach him good behavior, both in front of you and in your absence.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds for children

If you have a child with allergies at home, this does not mean that you should not have a pet. There are breeds that do not shed and are not prone to skin diseases. Allergies are usually triggered by skin flakes during shedding and a large amount of fur that comes out. Of course, dogs without hair at all would be an ideal option, but they require special care. In addition, they are quite temperamental and will not tolerate playing with children.

Breeds of hypoallergenic dogs:

Chinese Crested
Mexican naked
Yorkshire Terrier
Border Terrier
Portuguese merman
Maltese
Shih Tsu

Among these breeds there are also those with long hair. Despite this, they do not shed.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds for children

Children and dogs

Quite often, when choosing a dog, we try to find out how it gets along with children. After all, many families may even have babies. Some dogs can be excellent nannies for children. But still, when choosing a dog for a family, people are sometimes very worried about how the pet will interact with children.

In order for the dog to communicate with your child, it is necessary to keep it clean and have all the necessary vaccinations. Since family breeds have a strong sense of community and child-friendly behavior, you will have an easier time training your dog to play with your baby. Perhaps you yourself will notice that the dog shows love for the child. It is important for you to prevent manifestations of jealousy, which means show warmth and care towards the dog. We discussed in the article which dog is best to choose for a family. Many of them get along well with both adults and children. With the right attitude towards a dog, you will find a true friend for your family. At an older age, children can begin to help train the dog. If the child is still small, help him establish a trusting relationship with his pet.

Sociable dog breeds for children

Companion dogs are those breeds that do not like to be alone and constantly strive to be with their owner. These are the kind of dogs a child should get. These breeds include:

German Shepherd
Golden retriever
Labrador
Rottweiler
Belgian Shepherd
Japanese Spitz

But the best companion is a mongrel dog, that is, a mongrel.

Sociable dog breeds for children

Which breed is best for a family?

Although every animal has a unique character, every breed has certain traits that are typical of its members. Predisposition to specific behavior determines the best family dogs.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly, intelligent, and easy to train dogs. These dogs have an aristocratic appearance, which has made them one of the star breeds in cinema. In the list of the most family-friendly dog breeds, golden retrievers deservedly take one of the first places due to their good nature and cheerful disposition.

Collie

They are also called Scottish Sheepdogs. They are very peaceful and patient, they get along well in families with children and get along with other pets. Since these dogs are quite large and noisy, it is best to get them for owners of private country houses.

American Water Spaniel

This breed is not very common outside of its native state of Wisconsin. However, the dogs are notable for their easygoing and obedient nature, and their curly coat makes them look like toys.

West Highland White Terrier

An inquisitive and playful little terrier will make an excellent pet and play partner. Despite his size, he is a good guard. The breed also has its drawbacks: the terrier is prone to loud barking, especially in the absence of its owners, so it is impossible to leave it alone for a long time in a city apartment.

Labrador

The Labrador Retriever is another popular breed that is rightfully celebrated by owners as an ideal family dog. A relative of the Golden Retriever, the Labrador shares many of its personality traits and is considered very friendly. His coat is less demanding to care for and he does not shed as much as the Golden, which is also a big plus.

English bulldog

When people hear the name of this breed, they often think of fighting dogs, but the English Bulldog is an incredibly calm and calm dog, and sometimes even lazy. Suitable for people who spend a lot of time at work, because it does not require much attention and tolerates loneliness well.

Important! You should not base your opinion about a dog on popular stereotypes, because they do not always correspond to reality.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Corgis have become famous all over the world thanks to funny photographs. Representatives of this breed are able to bring a lot of fun into the life of their owners. They love to play, are active and intelligent, good-natured and sensitive to other people's moods. Corgis adapt well to large families and can even act as guards.

Border Collie

Which family dog is the smartest and kindest? As an answer, canine researchers call the border collie. This breed is used in many areas: they make excellent rescuers, guide dogs and simply companions. The only downside is that dogs cannot live in cramped spaces, meaning that they are not suitable for many city apartments.

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter requires not only a lot of physical activity, but also careful grooming to maintain the noble appearance for which these dogs are famous. At the same time, the dog hardly sheds. Stubbornness and hyperactivity mean that the setter can sometimes be difficult to handle, but it is quite harmless and suitable for a family. It takes a long time to mature by dog standards.

Yorkshire Terrier

A decorative dog can fit into any family. Yorkies are active and playful, get along well with all people, although they usually recognize only one person as the owner. A significant drawback of the Yorkie is poor health, which is why you have to pay special attention to the dog’s exercise and nutrition.

Basset Hound

These medium-sized dogs with short legs have a deceptively helpless appearance, but Basset Hounds are very agile and can be excellent hunters. In the absence of people they tend to bark loudly. Smart and stubborn, but friendly.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is able to cope with any role, feels good both in an apartment and in an enclosure on the territory of a private house, and gets along with other animals and children. This breed is one of the smartest dogs and is famous for its loyalty.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is an excellent guard and protector; you can freely leave your child under its supervision. The dog is well trained, but has a tendency to dominate, which is why it is not recommended for inexperienced owners.

English pointer

Pointers are intelligent, balanced and surprisingly loyal to their owners. Although good companions, they were bred primarily for hunting and, as a result, require frequent physical activity.

Important! English Pointers are not suitable for lazy or busy owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog

He's a Bernese Shepherd. Suitable for owners who lead an active lifestyle and are ready to share it with their pet. It is a large breed of dog, but can live in large city apartments. It is easy to train and loyal to its owner; if necessary, it can act as a protector.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small, cute dogs easily take on the role of a cheerful companion. They are affectionate, love cuddles, and are always friendly, making them a great choice for families with small children.

Bearded Collie

Playful and savvy, the Bearded Collie is ready to have fun at any time. Attention is very important to him, he happily plays with children, while being quite neat and sensitive.

Hungarian Vizsla

Initially a pure hunting dog, the pointing dog can be a good choice for an ordinary family. She constantly requires attention; it is not recommended to leave her alone for a long time, as she has a tendency to damage furniture. The Vizsla is very friendly and is not able to get along only with small ornamental animals.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels have a difficult character, so when getting such a dog, you should pay special attention to proper upbringing. They love outdoor games and are quite obedient, which makes them good friends for their owners, including children.

Beagle

The beagle's cheerful and friendly disposition makes it an excellent friend for both adult family members and children, but it does not get along well with other pets due to its hunting instincts. These dogs love to bark loudly, which can cause problems for residents of urban apartment buildings.

What kind of dog to buy for a child in an apartment: the best dog breeds for families with children for an apartment

The peculiarity of living in an apartment is the limited space and small area. In addition, there is no own yard, so the dog needs to be constantly walked. You should choose small animals for your apartment.

Breeds for an apartment:

Beagle
Pug
Welsh Corgi
Bichon Frize
Spitz

These small dogs are distinguished by their mischievous character and mobility. It won't be boring with such pets.

What kind of dog to buy for a child in an apartment: the best dog breeds for families with children for an apartment

Medium and small breeds of dogs for living with the family:

Corgi. One of the most popular family dogs. This dog is the favorite breed of the family of Queen Elizabeth II. Small in stature but strong in build. He is distinguished by his cheerful character, energy and cheerfulness. Easily learns commands, has a wonderful sense of humor and well-developed intelligence;

Miniature Schnauzer. A cheerful, active and cheerful dog with an interesting appearance. Differs in devotion to family. Training a dog, taking into account its character, should begin at 3-4 months. In order to prevent the dog from acquiring bad habits, young puppies are taught discipline;
American Cocker Spaniel. He interacts well with children and gets along well in an apartment. An active dog, loves walks and communication with people. Perfect for both singles and families. Do not show aggression towards cats and other dogs;

Poodle. A sporty dog that requires exercise. They also require an affectionate and friendly attitude, because they know how to interact well with their owner. Finds a common language with children and shows good training skills;

Beagle. A good-natured and cheerful dog. Loves children and adults. But it can be aggressive towards smaller animals, because it perceives them as prey. It can have a stubborn character, so the dog needs to be taught order from childhood. Despite all the shortcomings, this breed is in high demand among dog breeders;

Bulldog. A wonderful family dog that gets along well with adults and even small children. These are balanced and good-natured dogs that show great perseverance in playing with your child;

Pugs. Unpretentious in care, cheerful and cheerful. They love to play, but also to relax. Ideal for homestays. The only thing you will have to learn to cope with is the animal’s diet. Pugs are prone to gaining excess weight and therefore require a balanced diet.

Future dog owners often have questions about how to keep large breed dogs in apartments. The fact is that many family dogs adapt perfectly to living conditions in an apartment. The only thing is that you should take care in advance that the dog can restrain barking. These are, for example, Dalmatians. If the breed allows it, it is also important to teach the dog discipline and restraint.

Small breeds are suitable for families with a small apartment or those who travel frequently. A small child is not always a reason to choose a small dog. Some medium-sized pets do an excellent job as a nanny, protector, and just a good companion.

How to make friends between a dog and a child?

The baby may accidentally push or pull the dog by the tail or ear. The dog may instinctively growl or snap. This is a completely normal reaction. You need to show your child and dog that this is not the way to do this. Command the dog “Place” or “no”. Explain to your child that the pet is uncomfortable and in pain.
Dogs often conflict with children because they perceive them as equals. The dog has only one owner. Therefore, children must, in the presence of their parents, give commands to the dog, and the dog must carry them out. Reward your dog with treats. At the same time, parents should praise the dog too. This way, the dog will understand that the baby is also the master and needs to be obeyed.
Typically, children 5-6 years old will not be able to give commands harshly. Therefore, parents must constantly tell the dog how to behave and stop all attempts to bite or growl at the baby. The dog should be praised for correct behavior. If there are errors in behavior, then punish them. By the age of 7, the child will already know how to behave.
The dog may be jealous. Therefore, try not to spoil the dog, but you shouldn’t punish it often either. Do what is fair. The dog should not see any bias.
If all attempts to make friends between the dog and the baby are unsuccessful, then contact a dog handler.

How to make friends between a dog and a child?

As you can see, you shouldn’t get a breed that you just like in appearance. Be sure to take into account the characteristics of the breed and the ability to make friends with kids.

Big doesn't mean scary and dangerous

Oddly enough, large breeds of dogs are also suitable for families with children, the main thing is to make the right choice. Well, the most important thing for a large species is training and education. A properly raised dog will never harm either its owner or his family, even if we are talking about aggressive and terrifying fighting animals.

But in order to still feel safe in your home, dog experts recommend getting the following types of dogs:

German Shepherd . It is difficult to find a more ideal pet for a large family. First of all, they are really not dog-likely beautiful. Secondly, they have a unique character and temperament. The German Shepherd is a decoration, a bodyguard, a security guard for the home, a guide, and a nanny. But an intelligent and active animal is able to show its best qualities only in the appropriate environment. Therefore, the German Shepherd is suitable only for an active and “smart” family;

boxers _ Despite its warlike name, representatives of this breed get along very well with children and all members of their family. They are patient, emotionally stable and have a balanced temperament. But if you consider that in order to be in shape, a representative of the Boxer breed requires a lot of physical activity, and you need to start it on the condition that you can provide it with long walks and jogs;

Cane Corso . The attitude of dogs of this breed towards children is legendary. Just as a true Italian cannot imagine himself outside of his family, so the Cane Corso, given its Italian roots, cannot exist outside of children and their parents. Devotion and emotional dependence on the owner are the distinctive features of representatives of this breed. Despite their rather large dimensions, Cane Corsos occupy the top in the ranking of the best dogs for a family with children. Dog handlers call this breed not just a nanny, but a bodyguard and governess who not only takes care of the children of her owners, but is ready to give her life for them in case of a threat;

Newfoundlands . These huge dogs, which look more like clouds, command respect at first sight. But, despite their intimidating size, dogs are ideal for families, even with children. You shouldn't make them into guards or fighters. But in case of a threat, they are able to protect and save;

St. Bernards . These beauties became popular after the film “Beethoven” was released. The uniqueness of this breed lies in its unshakable calmness. Even the most restless baby will not be able to get a St. Bernard out of his temper. You won't be able to train him to be a guard, but you can always count on his protection.