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Good Dogs For Kids
How do you recognize them?

Want to learn all about Good Dogs for Kids? I mean, really what is the Best Dog Breed for Children?

If you have children but don't have a dog (yet...), it is very possible that you'll find yourself wondering about that pretty soon! Most kids love dogs and the question "Can we have a dog, pleaseee....?" will come up sooner or later.

Really, are there special breeds considered to be
good dogs for kids?

The answer is easy and clear. NO. Dogs, just like humans, are living creatures and can have their own personality, special characteristics and needs.

The general rule is that well trained dogs can "co-exist"

with well behaved children just fine!

Look around you at families with dogs and kids or do some photo or video search on the net. You'll see kids with dogs of all breeds and sizes living happily together.

Ashley Gwyneth with her dog. His name is BigBen
and he's just perfect for her!

photo submitted by: Cecil Cayetano-Espiritu

Do you want a list of breeds?

If you’d ask for a list with the best dog breeds for children, the following would be certainly in it:

Golden retriever

Labrador

Beagle

Irish Setter

Poodle

Jack Russel Terrier

German Shepherd

Bichon Frise

Welsh Corgi

Springer Spaniel

What does that mean? Could an Irish Setter be the perfect dog for any toddler? NO WAY! Especially in case he or she lives in an apartment and the parents don’t have at least two hours every day to spare for this athletic dog’s needs!

How Do You Recognize Good Dogs For Kids?

The truth is that you will not find the answer in any list.

- The first thing you have to do is to think about YOUR Family and YOUR Living Conditions.

- The second -equally important- is to understand that obedience training is absolutely essential.

How Old Are Your Children?

If your children are under the age of 10-12, then you should realize that it will be their dog when they play or cuddle together BUT it will be your dog when everything else is involved (feeding, walking, cleaning, grooming etc).

We often hear that owning a dog teaches children how to be responsible. They get an idea, but don’t count on them too much at these early ages.

Small or toy dogs is not a great idea for kids under the age of five. Children of that age can be clumsy, play hard (pulling ears and tails) and could harm the dog. Puppies is also not a good idea for toddlers. A puppy and a toddler is a great picture to see but a very difficult "combination" in real life.

In case you've reached this page not because you have a kid yet but because you are expecting one, then I have two things to say to you...

First of all CONGRATULATIONS! And then, I suggest that before starting the research about Good Dogs For Kids You Go And Check Out The Dog and Baby Page.

Good dogs for kids and good dogs for babies have one thing in common. Well informed and responsible owners.

One of your best options would be to adopt an adult dog from a shelter or even better one that has been living with a foster family. Foster family with children? Perfect choice when looking for good dogs for kids. People who take care of dogs or live with them can give you the most reliable information about their temperament and how they cope with kids. And since these people love these dogs so much and want to find them really good homes they won’t lie to you!

Children over 12 are mature enough to live with all kinds of dogs and undertake more responsibilities, even to help with the dog's training. Of course, this is a general rule. You know your children best.

What is it that your kids want from the dog?

Talk to your children and try to understand what they truly want. A young boy for instance may want a big energetic dog to play with. Small boys love big dogs!

A shy, reserved child might want a calm, gentle dog to keep him or her company.

Sometimes, children ask for a specific breed after watching a movie or reading a book. Do you remember the "101 Dalmatians" ? Every little kid wanted a Dalmatian after watching that movie. Don’t give in to your child’s pleas if you feel that the dog wouldn’t fit in your family.

Always remember this. You are the parent and it is your responsibility to make the right decision and chose a good dog for your kids. Listen to your children, get all the information you can get about the kind of dog they want and then bring their best friend home.

It is going to be one of the most precious gifts

you'll ever give them.

This is Ruby in the photo with her two best friends. Sir Spanky on her right and Miss Pearl sitting on her left. Both of them are registered therapy dogs. Ruby is an only child and her mother, Kimberly Willis Altenberg who shared this beautiful photo with us commented that she feels very happy her daughter has these two special "furry siblings".