Best Dog Breeds for Children: Pugs, Collies, and Boxers Can Be Good Choices for a Family Pet

Dogs and children just naturally are drawn to each other. Kids love dogs and dogs are good for kids. Because they do not compete, criticize, or tell secrets, dogs make wonderful best friends for kids.

Some studies have shown that children who grow up with pets tend to be more emotionally stable. Having a dog can teach acceptance, responsibility, empathy, patience, trust, and compassion. Having a dog can also promote increased attention span and motor coordination as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and hostility in children.

"Children who are involved with their pets seem to show more empathy and may tend to have higher IQ scores," says Robert H. Poresky, Ph.D., associate professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.

Medical evidence has shown that children who had a dog present during a medical exam had a lower heart rate, blood pressure, and behavioral stress than children who did not have a dog present. Moreover, children exposed to pets in the first year of life have a lower risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Choosing a Dog for the Family with Children

Many dogs make great family pets but some breeds tend to be better with children than others. When parents consider a dog, their main concern may be size, temperament, and potential for training. A very small dog may not strong enough for the rigorous play of kids. A large dog may prove to be too much for the kids by knocking them over in play. Of course any family dog should be trustworthy to tolerate a certain amount of boisterous play. Some breeds such as those listed below can make good family pets.

Bulldog Breeds

Bulldogs bear mentioning because they were originally bred for their gentle temperament with humans. American Staffordshire Terriers like Petey on the tv show, Little Rascals, were even known as ‘nanny’ dogs. However, in the past few decades, these breeds have fallen victim to unscrupulous breeders. Bloodlines that do not conform to breed standards and improper early handling can cause these dogs to be unsafe. They can be rehabilitated by experts such as those at Best Friends who rescued and retrained the Vick dogs but these powerful animals are not for children or inexperienced owners.

Mixed Breeds

Many mixed breeds make great family pets. Shelters and breed rescues can provide a great selection of dogs where workers are usually happy to help match your family with the right one.

Keeping Children Safe with a Dog

Temperament will vary somewhat within breeds and any dog can become frustrated and react. For a happy dog-child relationship, children must be taught how to read dog body language and how to behave with the dog.

It’s important that families provide obedience training and learn to read dog body language. Parents should never leave small children alone with the dog.

Parents who want to learn more about safety with dogs may want to read Dog Bite Prevention.

Jun 15, 2009 8:21 PM

Guest :

you cant get a better family dog than a st bernard

Jun 17, 2009 2:23 AM

Guest :

I think that pugs aren't very good dogs. Labras are better than them. They're more friendly have a good build and look much better. They make perfect family dogs.

Jul 15, 2009 1:46 PM

Guest :

pugs are the best dog breeds,labras are ugly.

Sep 7, 2009 11:17 AM

Guest :

how bout pugs

Sep 27, 2009 8:10 PM

Guest :

I have a male American German Shephard for a Service Dog that loves kids and is protective in a non-aggresive way. He puts his body in between us and whoever he is unsure of. He is playful with the kids and even refees when the kids are fighting and licks their faces to get them to stop. He shows them that he loves them equally. He even thinks and acts like he is one of my kids.He is supersmart in every way.He opens and closes doors,know left and right and how to retrieve my cellphone.Yes,knows most dog tricks too.He even saved my son's life when two coyotes snuck up behind my son when none of us adults could see them.He pinned the one down that was closest to my son and fought off the other one at the same time. His value to the family goes way beyond than just a service animal who saves my life a couple of times a year. I say that his grooming is more work than most people are willing to handle but he tries to make it as easy as possible too. Stands in the outdoor shower and lets you bathe him and loves to be groomed afterwards.A number of times,he has gotten stickers in his paws and limps to me to remove them and then gives me big kisses of joy.He understands his commands in two languages and two forms of hand signals including military hand signals.As a Disabled Veteran with more metal in me that a Glock,I need help in many different ways and I have plenty of time to work with him.I can get down into a kneeling position but can't get back up without him. If you are in need of a service dog,take a good hard look at the American German Shephards with an average weight between 65-90 lbs. I also believe that the American German Shephards stay as puppies longer(3 years) and then become teenagers like our own children and therefore easier to train.
I wanted a dog with a lot of heart,protective and very good with people and children and very smart was a key factor.I really haven't found a downside yet with my service dog and discovered that they are adaptable to any situation.If there was any,it would be that the American German Shephard don't make good outside dogs because of their devotions to their owners.They always want to be within eyeshot of their masters.Another thing to consider is that German Shephards love to communicate with their owners. They will let you know if something is bothering them or if the kids are being to rough and give you a warning before any action is needed.As with any dog,their temperment parallels with their owners.