Breeds

Best Dog Breeds To Be Around Small Children

Best Dog Breeds To Be Around Small Children 2
Written by Graeme Hall

* Please note: Doggytastic is completely reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More >

Does the thought of adding a furry friend to your family fill you with both excitement and trepidation, especially with little ones in the mix?

Fret not!

Certain dog breeds are renowned for their gentle natures and ability to form beautiful bonds with children.

By choosing wisely, you can create a safe, loving environment where your kids and canine companion thrive together.

Keep reading to discover the top pup picks perfectly suited for households with small children.

Traits of Child-Friendly Dog Breeds

When identifying the best dog breeds for children, several key characteristics are important.

These traits not only contribute to a harmonious relationship between kids and dogs but also promote a safe environment.

Patience: Child-friendly dog breeds often exhibit a high level of patience. This trait is crucial as children may unintentionally be rough or invasive with their actions.

Gentleness: Dogs that are known to be gentle can interact more safely with children. Gentle breeds are less likely to react aggressively if a child makes sudden movements or loud noises.

Sturdiness: It’s ideal for a dog to have a stable and sturdy build if they are to be around small children. This ensures that the dog can withstand the occasional clumsy cuddles or playful pats from a young child.

Intelligence and Trainability: A breed with the capacity to learn quickly and respond well to training is beneficial in a family setting. Intelligent breeds are often easier to teach about acceptable behavior around children.

Energy Level: The right balance of energy is important. An overactive dog might unintentionally knock over a child, while a too-sedentary dog might not engage enough for a child’s liking.

Loyalty: Breeds that are known for their loyalty tend to be more protective and caring towards family members, including children.

To illustrate these characteristics, here’s a simplified chart:

TraitImportance for Child-Friendly Dogs
PatienceHigh
GentlenessHigh
SturdinessModerate to High
Intelligence and TrainabilityHigh
Energy LevelModerate
LoyaltyModerate to High

Dog breeds that possess these traits and can adapt to a household with children include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Beagle, and the Bulldog.

Each of these breeds typically showcases the above traits, making them suitable companions for small children with proper socialization and training.

8 Popular Dog Breeds for Families

So, what are the safest dogs for families? The following breeds are known for their friendly nature and ability to integrate into family life.

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is renowned for its friendly demeanor and loyalty. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a gentle nature, making them exceptional companions for children.

2. Golden Retriever

Similar to the Labrador, the Golden Retriever is an affectionate and patient breed. They are very sociable and great at adapting to a family’s lifestyle and bonding with all members.

3. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs that are curious and merry. Their size and amiable personality make them well-suited for interacting with children.

4. Boxer

Boxers are playful and energetic with a protective streak, perfect for families looking for a fun-loving guardian. They bond well with kids and are known for their patience.

5. Bulldog

Bulldogs are sturdy and reliable with a notoriously calm disposition. Despite their gruff appearance, they are especially gentle with kids and enjoy being part of the family’s routine.

6. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are known as “nature’s babysitter.” They are impressively gentle giants, with a sweet temperament that makes them perfect for families with children.

7. Collie

Collies are both smart and affectionate. They are easy to train, which, coupled with their devotion, makes them ideal for families with little ones.

8. Vizsla

Vizslas are gentle and affectionate, often referred to as a “velcro” breed due to their strong desire to be close to their owners. Their energy and gentle nature make them great companions for active children.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog

Choosing the right dog breed for a family with small children requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure a harmonious match.

Temperament

The temperament of a dog is indicative of its general attitude and is crucial in predicting how it may interact with children.

Breeds known for their gentle and patient disposition, such as the Labrador Retriever and Beagle, are often preferred for their predictability in reactions and tolerance to the high-energy interaction of kids.

Size

While size does not always correlate with suitability, it is an important factor to consider for safety and space reasons.

Smaller breeds can be delicate and prone to injury, while larger breeds, though often friendly, need to be monitored to prevent accidental knocking over or injury to small children.

Energy Level

A dog’s energy level should complement the family’s lifestyle.

Low-energy breeds may be less demanding of active play, while high-energy breeds like the Australian Shepherd may require more playtime and can be great companions for active children.

Shedding

Shedding could be a concern due to allergies or the desire for a clean home.

Dogs such as Poodles and Bichon Frises shed minimally, making them suitable options for families concerned about excessive hair around the home.

Training Tips for a Child-Friendly Dog

Training a child-friendly dog involves patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

Focusing on obedience, socialization, and handling helps ensure a safe and harmonious relationship between children and dogs.

Basic Obedience

For a dog to be deemed child-friendly, they must master basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.

Training should begin as early as possible using the following steps:

  1. Sit: Hold a treat close to the dog’s nose, move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once they are in a sitting position, say “Sit,” give them the treat, and share affection.
  2. Stay: Ask the dog to “Sit.” Open your palm in front of you, and say “Stay.” Take a few steps back. Reward them with a treat and affection if they stay.
  3. Come: Put a leash on your dog. Gently tug on the leash while saying “Come.” When they come to you, reward them with a treat.
  4. Down: Find a quiet place and hold a treat in your closed hand. Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When they sniff it, move your hand to the floor, so they follow. Slide your hand along the ground in front of them to encourage their body to follow their head. Once they are down, say “Down,” give them the treat, and share affection.

Socialization

Socialization is crucial for a dog’s development; it helps them feel at ease around children.

Socialization involves exposing the dog to new people, animals, environments, and experiences. It is most effective when started early. Use these guidelines:

  • Expose the dog to children of varying ages in monitored, short, and positive interactions.
  • Use positive reinforcement to reward the dog for calm and polite behavior with treats or praise.
  • Introduce the dog to different sounds, smells, and sights gradually to prevent overwhelming them.

Handling

Children may unintentionally handle dogs roughly, so it’s important to prepare the dog for this type of interaction.

  • Acclimate the dog to being touched in various areas like feet, mouth, and tail.
  • Reward the dog for calm behavior during handling with treats and praise.
  • Practice mock child-like interactions gently and without causing stress to the dog, reinforcing positive experiences with rewards.

Safety Tips for Children and Dogs

Creating a safe environment for children and dogs involves clear rules and appropriate behavior from both parties. It’s essential to establish a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

Supervision

Always supervise interactions between children and dogs, especially with younger children who may not recognize a dog’s body language.

An adult should be present to intervene if necessary, ensuring that playtime is safe for both the child and the dog.

  • Infants: Never leave infants alone with a dog.
  • Small children: Close monitoring is required; maintain within arm’s reach if possible.
  • Older children: Teach them to recognize signs of discomfort in the dog.

Teaching Boundaries

Boundaries help both children and dogs understand acceptable behavior.

  1. Respect Space: Teach children to respect a dog’s personal space and possessions—like their food bowl or bed.
    • Do not disturb dogs while they are eating.
    • Avoid touching their toys without permission.
  2. Gentle Handling: Show children how to touch and handle dogs gently.
    • Use a calm voice and slow movements.
    • No pulling on ears or tails.

A Few Last Words

Bringing a dog into a home with young kids is a big decision that requires careful thought and preparation.

By selecting a breed known for its patience, gentleness, and affinity for children, you can help set the stage for a beautiful lifelong bond between your kids and their four-legged buddy.

The safest dogs for families include favorites like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Bulldogs, tend to possess the ideal mix of characteristics that allow them to thrive in households with little ones.

However, it’s important to remember that even the most child-friendly pup needs proper training, socialization, and an introduction to children from an early age.

With positive reinforcement techniques, consistent rules around handling, and diligent supervision, you can forge a safe, loving relationship between your new furry family member and your kids.

By taking a responsible approach, you’re investing in years of laughter, unconditional love, and priceless memories created together as a family. So don’t be deterred by extra precautions – embrace them as the first steps towards an unbreakable bond that will enrich all of your lives.

About the author

Graeme Hall

Graeme is the founder of Doggytastic! which is where he blogs about dog training, health, nutrition and anything else related to keeping a dog happy and healthy. Want to know a little bit more? Make sure to check out his full bio.

Leave a Comment

Share this

Doggytastic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Send this to a friend