The Most Suitable Dog Breeds For Children
It is very important to know which are the best dog breeds for children before choosing a pet for the home. If the right canine pet is chosen, the child will not be at risk in living with it. Quite the opposite. We know that every dog is capable of bringing joy with his company to many lives. Regardless of race, age or color. Good coexistence between dogs and children is essential for our peace of mind.
Although there are many lists of ideal dogs for children, and there are those who recommend – from their own experience – some breeds, it is best to review which are the most suitable dog breeds for children. Our list is based on statistical data from different studies that have allowed us to verify which are indeed the most recommended breeds.
origins
It is assumed that the wolves approached the men in search of shelter and the warmth of the fire. So the man took advantage of this approach to improve his hunting strategy and protect his family, making the wolf his ally. In this way, a link was created. Little by little, the wolf was incorporated into the closest circles of man and obtained a new role, with which he received benefits. Over time, both man and wolf grew closer and closer to each other and grew stronger in each other’s company.
In the beginning, men and wolves went hunting while women looked after the home and children. Although there were exceptions to the rule -as in everything-, the common was this. Thanks to the coexistence of wolves in the home as protective animals, little by little, their character became more docile.
The progressive transformation from wolf to dog allowed man to get to know and distinguish the character of the different breeds of dogs that emerged. This is how babysitting dogs became famous for accompanying men from a very remote past, taking care of their descendants as part of their dog pack. Throughout history, the dog has established itself as a companion animal and therefore it is not surprising that it has been given the honor of protecting even the children of royals from an early age.
Currently, thanks to the critical gaze of man, it is possible to know and choose the most suitable dog breeds for children, based on their natural temperamental disposition. In fact, the evolution of man is partly due to his coexistence with dogs.
What makes a dog suitable for living with children?
There are no breeds that are totally “better” or “worse”. This criterion does not depend on the animal but on the eye that looks at it. Humans make comparisons according to the behavior of each dog to choose the breed that we like the most or best meets a specific need. The important thing is to analyze the natural characteristics of the animal and choose according to its ease of living with other living beings and especially children and puppies.
When you want to acquire a pet to accompany children and live peacefully at home, you have to analyze the situation. The criterion is the adaptation of the dog’s personality to the hyperactivity and curiosity that characterize the development of the little ones. For coexistence with children, the animal must be obedient and must have an ability to learn easily, so more intelligent dogs should be preferred. Affection is also a very important factor.
You do not necessarily have to opt for animals of short stature or small body. Size does not determine the ability or behavior of the animal. Dogs have no notion of identity. Which explains why they don’t recognize themselves in the mirror and why a Yorkshire terrier can scare a Great Dane. Also, a dog that seems “good-natured” is not always the best option for the child, as is the case of the Cocker Spaniel.
Ultimately, what makes a dog suitable for living with children is its capacity for socialization and affection, behavior, mode of living with other beings, and of course, intelligence. In other words, the dog has to be loving, sociable and ready to be able to respond positively – and effortlessly – to a child’s behavior.
Behavior and socialization
The behavior of a dog is determined 50% by its race or lineage of origin and 50% by lived experiences. Therefore, all animals must be educated with care and properly socialized before living with children. The socialization process teaches the dog to live peacefully with other animals and other people. The ideal is to do it during the first 20 weeks of the animal’s life, since that is where its notions of social relationship are established.
It is also essential to take into account the availability of space in the home and time to provide care for the animal. Some breeds need more exercises to properly direct their energy, and others require more care thanks to their fur or anatomical characteristics.
What are the most suitable dog breeds?
Here are the most suitable dog breeds for children according to scientific evidence and statistics from various studies carried out around the world:
- German shepherd.
This is considered the second most intelligent canine in the world and the most suitable breed of dog for children. They learn quickly, obey easily, and love to play with children. Shepherds tend to protect little ones with a lot of love, much like their own cubs. Although they require daily exercise and a periodic check-up, these dogs have been the best companions of the family and the favorites of children since the Middle Ages. They are also dogs that learn many tricks. - Boxer.
Their kind and affectionate character, strength, intelligence and physical endurance make them excellent watchdogs for children. They are very sweet and dedicated companions. But they need daily exercises to expend excess energy and a larger environment due to their medium size. - Poodle.
These dogs are easy to care for but require daily brushing to prevent their hair from tangling and a haircut every so often. It is one of the most intelligent races in the world, occupying the very first positions of the lists. There are poodles in almost all sizes, from “toy” to giants, so they adapt to the space where we use them. They are playful, obedient, very faithful and affectionate. They love water but are very homey. - Beagle.
It is a friendly, active dog with a small-medium bearing. They like to play in the company of children and can entertain children for hours. But you should get a good deal of exercise and daily walks. - Labrador (Retriever).
This breed is intelligent, loving, faithful, and patient. The good-natured classic. They learn easily and obey commands quickly. Owner of a calm and energetic temperament, he is a family dog par excellence. - Golden Retriever.
These are relatives of the Labradors and, like them, they are intelligent, loyal and of temperate character. They learn and obey easily. They are less hyperactive, but require more care with their fur. - Collie.
It is about the breed from the famous movie Lassie. As we saw in this film and television classic, it is a very intelligent dog, with a very pleasant and obedient character. It adapts to the fields and the city. It is a good option for those who prefer a larger and more protective dog. It requires space, exercises and a lot of care with its long coat. He loves games and pampering. This is one of the most suitable dog breeds for children by far, which is why it remains one of the most preferred worldwide. - Mixed.
Many times we do not consider mixed breeds because we are used to choosing purebred dogs. However, mixed breeds also have a lot to contribute. The vast majority are affectionate, very faithful and easy to adapt. At home, they are appreciative and playful pets. The size will depend on the breeds from which it was created, and like the poodle, they can come from miniature to giant size.
The most suitable dog breeds for children are, in short, those whose natural disposition is coexistence, affection and obedience. The most important thing is to evaluate their nature well before incorporating them into our home to avoid conflicts. If the dog is not, by nature, the most suitable, the fault is ours, not the animal’s. As simple as that.
