Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is no easy feat, especially if you have little kids. Although dogs are considered man’s best friend, this saying varies by breed. Your new pup must not only get along with you and yours but also your children, as well as guests and neighbors. Although all dogs can be trained, not all breeds can be trained to like and cohabit with kids. Believe it or not, owning certain breeds may even cause your homeowner’s insurance to hike! These are the dog breeds families should be wary of letting their little ones around.
- Chihuahua
Although chihuahuas are small and cute, they may not be the best fit for you and your family, especially if you have young kids. Chihuahuas are known to display their dominance over younger members of the pack. They view kids as members of the pack, often becoming jealous and aggressive of children of the family. Chihuahuas are quite the stubborn breed, often very strong-willed, making them difficult to train.
- Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes were made for the harshest of harsh conditions. They are bred for isolated, as well as cold environments. Survival skills often kick in with this breed, as they are known to attack small animals, as well as children. The Malamute is another breed difficult to train, even worse if they sense a weak owner. If anyone in your family suffers from asthma, you’ll also want to stay away from this breed as they shed a whole lot
- Rottweiler
The Rottweiler breed is known for its strength and its large size. They were originally bred for their prowess, often used to herd livestock and pull small carts. Rottweilers can act violently around strangers due to their loyalty and courageous nature. This breed is often used as police dogs and guard dogs. They do love to play, but often mistake roughing around for something real.
- Bullmastiff
Combine the fact that bullmastiffs aren’t very aware of their large size, and that they’re more aggressive than other breeds, it makes sense why parents with young kids are worried. But, like all dogs, with proper training, this breed can be your family’s best friend. They show a heightened loyalty to their owners, often viewing them as leaders of the pack, so make sure to avoid showing signs of weakness around your Bullmastiff.
- Saint Bernard
The 90’s film Beethoven is responsible for making the Saint Bernard breed infamous. Although they can be trained, their playful nature makes it all the more difficult. Saint Bernards are very sweet with children, but their enormous size makes it almost impossible for them not to knock over everything and anyone in their path. They are great family dogs, but their stature makes them very difficult for people with young kids.
- Weimaraner
Weimaraners are another breed who may not be the best pick if you have small kids, but for other reasons. Their excitable nature and elevated energy levels cause them to unintentionally knock little ones over. Bred as a hunting dogs, they bore easily, and need constant activity and love from owners. Meeting your Weimaraner’s needs, along with caring for young kids will leave your hands extremely full.
- Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is another breed that needs lots of exercise Bred as watchdogs and disaster rescue dogs, these pups need daily walks and runs or behavioral problems can develop. With little kids to care for, the needs of this breed may be too much for parents with multiple tots to run after. Australian Shepherds are also often uneasy when meeting new people, and with play dates a weekly ordeal, this may be less than ideal.
- Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are another breed known for their inexhaustible energy. Their strong personality and desire for affection will have them competing with kids for attention. If you want a guard dog to protect your brood, the Siberian Husky is not the breed for you. Since they were originally bred as sled dogs, they have zero interest in guarding your home. But, with proper training and a whole lot of patience, this breed may be the perfect family dog for you and yours.
- Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are known for their playful and equally amusing nature. This breed is the jokester of dog breeds, known to be very mischievous and inquisitive. Since they are quite small, children often think of them as stuffed animals and thus mishandle them. Although they do well at defending themselves against rough play, they may act out if they feel uncomfortable. Just look at that face, we don’t blame your little ones for mistaking them for toys!
- Chow Chow
As you’d probably expect, children 99.9% of the time mistake Chow Chows for stuffed animals; just look at all of that fluffiness! Although we can’t deny their cuteness, they are quite large, and the possible and of knocking over little ones is very likely. Chows are also very attached to their owners and can be very jealous when others interact with their loved ones. Don’t be surprised if they compete with your children for love and affection.
- Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are very strong-willed dogs who require a strong leader in their lives. This breed was originally bred as guard dogs and hunting dogs. It is very important to be gentle, calm, and collected when interacting with Afghans…not the easiest for little ones. Their large size also makes them a hazard for kids.
- The English Toy Spaniel
Although English Toy Spaniels are small and adorable, they are not the best around kids. They often perceive kids’ rough play as threatening and can act out if they feel they are being mistreated. Strong leadership is crucial since they can become very dominant in the household, leading to aggressive behavior towards both children and adults. As with every breed out there, proper training can combat all of these issues.
- Greyhound
Thanks to their energy levels and incredible speed, this breed has been bred for racing. They require constant running, which can be hard for parents with little ones to chase after. They tend to attack small animals, as may be the case with small kids. They also don’t tolerate kids cuddling or hovering and they hate the rough play.
- French Bulldog
Although the French Bulldog is very playful and energetic, they require a lot of affection from owners, taking time away from the needs of small kids. Without attention and obedience classes, these little pups will feel ignored and unappreciated, leading to mischief and even aggression. For those with a French Bulldog, or those thinking of adopting one, make sure your children show authority over the dog…this is crucial.
- Japanese Chin
These adorable dogs were originally bred as companion dogs for Royals, so they understandably demand affection from owners. Be sure not to pamper your Chin too much, as they will feel as if they are the master. They are also known to be quite jealous little guys.
- Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus become overexcited and scared very easily. When children play rough or sneak up behind them, they can turn mean and bite. Shih Tzus also develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so it’s best if their owners are retired or work from home.
- Pekingese
Although their looks may give you a different impression, Pekingese are very courageous and independent dogs. Children often cuddle and want to constantly hold and pet these dogs, but Pekingese desire anything but this. If you do decide a Pekingese is a right fit, just be sure your children are authoritative over the dog and that they are aware of the dog’s distinct nature.
- Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most energetic dog breeds out there. Jack Russells also despise rough play, so if your child pokes and pinches them, they’ll defend themselves by biting. They are also very protective over their space, so try to teach your kids to learn to respect their spots.
- Chinese Shar Pei
Although the extra skin and folds on the Shar Pei make them look all the more adorable, they cause a lot of issues. You see, this breed suffers from numerous health issues, their skin folds often contract pathogens. Children can often become sick when the dog gets sick, a recipe for disaster for parents with kids. They are also aggressive dogs, and therefore difficult to train.
- Dachshund Standard Smooth
The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt small animals, so it makes sense they don’t get along with small pets such as kittens and hamsters. Many of them also suffer from small dog syndrome, making up for their size with attitude. They are only good around children if rough play is not involved, as they hate it. Also, be careful to not manhandle them as they can be aggressive if they feel they are being wrongly handled.
- Dalmatian
Dalmatians are another breed that was originally bred as guard dogs and for hunting small rodents. Dalmatians are also reserved towards other dogs and require constant love and socialization from their owners. These adorable spotted friends are known to bite and scratch if they don’t receive the necessary attention. If you have older kids, this may be the dog for you, as they have a lot of energy and need constant exercise.
- Neapolitan Mastiff
Although the Neapolitan Mastiff is quite huge, they are known to be very gentle. While older kids say this breed is very affectionate, parents find that they often unintentionally sit, step on and knock over little ones… it’s said to say they are a bit clumsy! They are also big droolers…get the Swiffer Wet Jet ready!
