What are the best dog breeds when you have children. 

• Coonhound - Black and Tans (Coonhounds) are very dedicated to what they do which includes hunting, tracking and being a guard dog. They are extremely smart but a little harder to train than say an English Cocker Spaniel. They are best with older children who are considerate and will not tease or play rough with them. They are usually friendly towards people they know but can be somewhat reserved when it comes to strangers. You will find that leaving your Coonhound alone a lot is not a good idea. They do not do well in independent situations and they may begin to howl quite a bit while you are gone.
• Mastiff - This "gentle giant" of a dog is an excellent choice for homes with children, especially if they are raised from puppy hood. The Mastiff is a good natured dog and responds best to gentle and patient training. Never allow a child to hit a Mastiff because the traits they were originally most valued for (fierceness and fighting ability) may come to the surface. Remember, it's instinct. These dogs love to please their masters and will defend them to the end. They are very possessive of home and family.
• Boxer - These quiet, intelligent, playful dogs are fun to be around and are an excellent choice for a family with children. They are very alert and protective as well. Boxers are dedicated and devoted to a family but can be reserved around strangers. They love just about everyone and are extremely easy to train. They tend to need people more than most dogs and should not be given a lot of independence.
• Newfoundland - These are noble dogs. They are very patient and they are playful and loving toward children. They make excellent family pets. Newfoundland's are trustworthy and loyal. They will defend you and your family by placing themselves in harms way, between you and the bad guy, rather than just bark or growl at them. They are very friendly and are normally okay with strangers. To do love to bark, so take that into account when you are training them.
• English Cocker Spaniel - The English Cocker Spaniel is lovable and has a great personality, making them an excellent medium sized breed for families with children. They love everyone and are extremely easy to train. They are gentle and playful with most children but will not put up with teasing. So it might be a good idea to tell your child not to pull his tail or ears. The English Cocker is very lively and energetic and is usually very outgoing. Males tend to be less dominate than the females but as long as you, the owner, becomes the Alpha in the home there shouldn't be any problems. Finally, the English Cocker Spaniel relies on humans for companionship. They do not do well when given their independence.
• Pugs - These loving and affectionate little dogs are excellent with children. They are extremely charming and they love to play. They do get bored though when you train them using repetitive techniques because they learn quickly and are easy to train. They are very needy so leaving them alone a lot is not a good idea. They are usually friendly to strangers and good with other pets. Give these rambunctious dogs your heart and they will return it with their loyalty for life.
• Labrador Retrievers - These dogs are so eager to please but are also high spirited so a little patience is required when training. They are excellent for families with children because they are lovable and huggable and very patient when it comes to being loved by children. Labrador Retrievers love everyone and do pretty well with independence as far as being left alone. They are not normally aggressive.
• Irish Setter - These lovable, outgoing dogs are really good for families with children. Some are reserved while others can be high-strung. They love everyone including strangers. But they need people to be around so they should not be given their independence. They need good training because they are very impulsive at times and they tend to forget their house manners. They are fairly easy to train and are good with other pets in most situations.
• Boston Terriers - These affectionate dogs make for a great house dog, especially with a family that has children. Boston Terrier's make excellent watch dogs and are usually friendly when it comes to strangers. This native American breed is fairly easy to train but you must be patient and kind... he will be.
• Australian Shepherd - This is a robust dog that is often suspicious of strangers. Good social skills training are a must as a puppy. Aussies are loyal and affectionate and therefore are excellent for families that have children. They are active dogs and great with active children. These protective dogs are very easy to train are normally okay with other pets. The Australian Shepherd is eager to please and some believe they have a sixth-sense and almost always know what the owner wants.
• Scottish Deerhound - These beautiful dogs are very gentle and love everyone. They make a wonderful companion for children. They are a little difficult to train but patience and persistence will bring results. They are extremely courageous, devoted and dignified animals even though can be somewhat strong willed. They can be dependent upon humans so should not be allowed their independence for long periods of time.
• Bichon Frise - This beautiful, pure white dog, is charming, cheerful and very gentle. They are excellent with children and truly love everyone they meet. The do need people a lot so don't leave these intelligent and dignified dogs alone for long periods of time. Although a little difficult to housebreak, they are extremely easy to train. They are affectionate and happy go lucky. They are friendly with other dogs and normally good with other pets as well.
• Giant Schnauzer - The Giant Schnauzer are a somewhat large breed with bushy on their chin (a beard) and on their eyebrows. They have a very rough outer coat and a silky undercoat. They need to be brushed at least weekly. They are very proactive and should be socialized with other dogs, children and adults while they are puppies. Make sure you exercise them regularly to prevent restlessness and stiffness in their joints. They make wonderful family pets if trained properly.
• Dalmatians - These energetic dogs make wonderful companions for a younger crowd. At times though, they may be a little hyper for toddlers. Generally they love to play. Daily exercise may be needed to make sure your things STAY yours. Although they have very short hair, they constantly shed, so do lots of brushing. Puppies should be tested for BAER to insure they are not deaf. They could be difficult to train if they are deaf. Uric acids levels are higher in Dalmatians than any other dog and this may cause urinary blockage. Never leave your Dalmatian outside in the cold.
• Siberian Husky - This dog loves the outdoors and is also known as a sled dog. They are friendly to everyone and great with children. However, they are NOT watch dogs. Huskies are puppies at heart. They are very friendly with other dogs. They are normally dominant if there are other animals. They can be destructive at times, especially if left alone for long periods of time.
• Shiba Inu - A Shiba Inu is a very good dog with children. They're especially good in an average sized yard. Inu's are not very reliable off the leash, outside of the yard, because they love to roam and are hunters by nature so they may see a bird and try to track it down. Inu's are really a big dog in a small dog's body, and they can be pretty protective of especially the smaller members of the family. They should be socialized as a puppy so that they won't get aggressive towards strangers.
• Argentine Dogo - The Argentine Dogo is the size of a mastiff. They are very easy to train, and they are great family dogs. A Dogo is a very intelligent dog, so he knows when to be playful with the kids or when to be serious, with the right owner of course. The owner needs to be firm and constant with commands, also the Dogo needs to be loved just as much as he needs to be disciplined. The Dogo is moderately protective towards strangers, but loves to kiss and cuddle with family and friends.
• Doberman Pinscher - A Doberman Pinscher is a very loyal, elegant and highly intelligent animal. They are best with more considerate children. Dobes are very family oriented, that's why they are mostly inside dogs. As long as the dog as been trained properly, and interacts with a lot of people, as well as the family, as it is growing up you shouldn't have any dominance problems. A Doberman needs a owner that can discipline the dog without being scared of it. Dobes have a highly defined body, because they are so athletic. Therefore they need lots of exercise. This dog is also a very good guard dog, but doesn't have to be outside to be one.
• Beagle - These dogs are probably the ideal dog for any family, especially one with small children. Beagles are good with children of all ages. They are very good watch dogs, especially late at night. Their bark is very loud and long. Beagles absolutely love everyone it knows, and has very low dominance towards other dogs. This very loving dog hates to be left alone so make sure they're house trained before the family starts leaving the house for long periods of time.
• Golden Retriever - A Golden Retriever is one of the most obedient dog breeds in the world. They are very loyal and enjoy pleasing their master. Golden Retrievers are great with children. They are gentle and patient even with very small children. They generally don't have a dominance problem with any kind of animals. Golden Retrievers may become destructive if you leave them alone for a long period of time.
• Dachshund - The Dachshund is a very short yet proud breed. They are very affectionate and clever. They may try to train the trainer instead of the other way around. These dogs are better with older children. They tend to be devoted to family. Dachshunds are much better to travel with than other dogs. But make sure you don't overfeed them though because they tend to put on weight very easily. And a 50 pound Dachshund is not something you want to travel with.

Got A Dog Stuff 

If you have a dog, you gotta have stuff!

Give the perfect dog gift to the dog lover in your life! No matter what the breed... add your dogs picture to any of the products.

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But there are ALWAYS exceptions... 

• Dogs guarding their food, their bed, your bed, their toys or an area of your home that the dog has claimed as his/her own.
• Dogs that growl and snap for any reason.
• Dogs trying to sit on, lay on or mount your children. This is a display of dominance and should not be allowed to occur.

Doggie Friends and their Owners 

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Dog Sites and More 

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How to Choose the Right Breed of Dog for your Family PT 1 

Not All Dogs are Right for Everyone

A dog can be a lifelong friend and a welcome addition to any family but it is important to ask yourself the right questions before you decide to bring a dog home to stay. Think carefully about your lifestyle and size up your expectations before making a final decision.

First of all do you have children presently or do you plan to have any in the near future? Not all breeds of dogs are equally good with children. Some types of dogs are more tolerant of children and their exuberant behavior, such as yelling, laughing, jumping, running and rougher handling than are others. Dogs that can handle playtime will work better in a household with little ones than dogs that cannot. Keep in mind that the number one reason that dogs bite people is because they are scared and are therefore reacting in self-defense. Breeds that can understand the excitability of kids are much less likely to bite. Two examples of good dogs for children are Labradors and Golden Retrievers.

Plenty of dogs enjoy the energy and companionship of children but can they tolerate them all of the time? You must take your child's personality into consideration as well. Would he or she be kind and patient with a dog or not? It is important to always teach your children how to properly treat an animal before you bring one into your home. Whatever you do, don't allow your child to abuse the family dog.

Are you a physically active person who runs, jogs or walks on a regular basis? If yes then opt for the kind of dog who has lots of energy and loves to exercise. Examples would be working dogs or herding dogs that are used to moving around a lot. If you are a more sedate person and are more at home in a comfy chair in your living room than you are running in the park then you need to choose a less active dog.

How to Choose the Right Breed of Dog for your Family PT 2 

All sorts of things to think about...

All dogs need to stretch their legs but some breeds are content with shorter bursts of activity, such as going for a brisk walk morning and evening. If you want a dog who will lie down and relax with you on your bed while you take an afternoon nap or will lie down on the couch while you watch your favorite television show then consider getting a hound dog for example, such as a member of the hunting breed, a Basset Hound or a sight hound such as a Greyhound.

Size is another consideration. Do you want a big, small or medium size dog? Do you want a dog with tall or short legs? Do you want a dog that you can cuddle in your arms or one that will sit on your lap? Do you want a dog that can put his paws up to your chest and shoulders or do you want a smaller one that you need to bend down to pat on the head? Be aware of the fact that smaller dogs tend to move slower and also tend to live longer than do larger sized dogs.

Is a purebred or a mutt better for you and your family? Take the time to do your research on this one. There are different benefits and risks connected to deciding which is best for you. Keep in mind that all dogs give and receive love in their own way and no one type is superior to others.

What about age- is a puppy best for you or a dog that is fully-grown? Puppies are small and adorable but they require a great deal of time and attention. Puppies require training as well as plenty of exercise. Ask yourself if you are willing to make that much of a time investment with a pet? Puppies crave their owner's undivided attention and need a great deal of socialization and they love human contact. They also need to be exercised many times throughout the course of a day. As well puppies need to go for regular veterinarian visits. Not only will you need to have lots of time to devote to your puppy but also you will need an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and you will need to be emotionally available for your "shadow."

Barking Dogs!!! 

And Talking Owners.

Tell me what you think of my lens, share your links with my visitors, tell me about your family DOG!

CHOPRN1127 Excellent Lens. Definitely 5*****. Stop on by and check out our lens about dog breeds: Den of the Dog Posted June 29, 2008

Beth

Hi there, thanks so much for this list - do you know anything about Border Terriers? I've read alot about the breed and everything says they're one of the best dogs around children, not dog aggressive & shed very little. Yet there are few lists specifically created as "best dogs for children" that includes them. maybe not a popular breed? I'm still researching thanks so much! Beth

Posted March 22, 2008

chrisdillon Really helpful lens. Glad you mentioned all kinds of breeds including Dogo and Shiba Inu. Well done. I've added you to my lensroll at Books for Dog Lovers. Posted February 24, 2008

tearod13

We are looking to add a 4 legged kid to our family and your site had a lot of very informative info on it! Thanks!

Posted February 12, 2008

Zoo two great family dogs that you have not mentioned is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Great Dane. they are very diffrent in size but both have hearts bigger than the biggest dog on earth! I had a corgi and she rocked, little perky thing.. I still have a dane and he is soo funny, he's a big 'ole teddy bear! nice lens! bye! Posted February 10, 2008

thomasz Nice lens. Great info. So many dogs to choose from as my pet. Posted February 08, 2008

ddixonart You're right on the money about Boston Terriers. I grew up with one. We recently had to give up our Sheltie because (as a herding dog) he starting trying to dominate my kids and bit 2 of my kids. Broke my heart, too. Thankfully, Sheltie rescue was able to find a new home for him. Thank you for listing the dog rescue groups, I think that's wonderful. Posted February 07, 2008

Adrie Hello, I like your lens, some good info. Did you know that people with a dog phobia can use self help hypnosis to overcome fear of dogs? Feel free to visit my Lens: Dog Phobia You can also visit my site: e-books about dogs . Adrie Rackers Posted November 21, 2007

bpmvid nice lens - my brindle lurcher is great with kids, just looks at them with bemusement when they want to go for a ride on his back. they seem to think he's a tiger tho' cos the stripes on his coat come out really brightly after grooming. Posted October 28, 2007

Gatsby 5* You Have done some good work here! Dog Whisper With Rena Posted October 06, 2007

DogWhisperWoman 5* For how you have presented this. Dog Whisper Woman Posted October 06, 2007

jodeven Great! I would appreciate it if you would visit and rate my lens Toilet Training Your Pet Is Easy. All Pet owners and Pet lovers welcome to my Group Our lovely pets Posted September 28, 2007

Guinness Thanks for the good dog breed information! 5 stars! Razor looks so gentle... My goal is to keep dogs like him healthy - Best Dog Health Care for Your Best Dog Posted August 07, 2007

KonaGirl I so enjoyed reading these articles,very informative. 5 stars for youand a lensroll too. Are You Poisoning Your Dog? Dogs Eating Chocolate 10 Best Dog Food Posted August 02, 2007

SemperFidelis Great dog lens. Helpful, as we have 5 children. A 5 from me. Check our Recycling lens out and rate it. All proceeds go to Save The Children. :o) Posted July 29, 2007

Lesley_Feeney Hi! Very nice lens! A definite 5 Star rating! I'm not even insulted that you didn't recommend basset hounds... they are too fun and full of personality. Check out my Lens when you can find the time. Cheers! Lesley Posted July 27, 2007

klapskie simply amazing! I enjoy reading your topic and I have learned a lot. 5 stars for an excellent job! Hope to see you again. :) Posted July 11, 2007

Mister_Gug While some (untrained) can be temperamental, my miniature schnauzer loves to run with children. Great lens! -Mister Gug Lens: http://www.squidoo.com/cafepress/parti-schnauzers Posted July 07, 2007

Karendelac Congratulations on a well designed site. This was most informative! Best wishes, Karen Karen at Karens Kinkade Art Store Posted July 06, 2007

datingtips93 Excellent lens. i have been thinking of what kind of dog to get and this makes it a little easier for the long run. 5/5 Posted June 21, 2007

 

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Dogs and Kids! 

Dogs, Kids and Parents... Oh My! 

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Raising Puppies & Kids Together: A Guide for Parents by Pia Silvani

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Kids Draw Dogs, Puppies and Wolves (Kids Draw) by Christopher Hart

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Living with Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar

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At last! A kids-and-dogs book for parents written by someone who gets it. This is a wonderful book. Useful, useful, useful informationall the main points in an extremely easy-to-read style. As a trainer and a mom, Colleen sees the full picture. Dr. Ian Dunbar Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar, CPDT, covers more than introducing a baby to the family dog. It has chapters devoted to each stage of a childs life with parental pointers for setting their family u...1 point

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Puppy Training for Kids by Sarah Whitehead

Kids and puppies make natural friends. This heavil more...1 point

Kids and puppies make natural friends. This heavily illustrated guide is written especially for kids, with information on dogs and how they develop and grow. Just as important are easy to understand instructions for boys and girls on puppy training and care. Kids learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling and grooming, giving commands and teaching obedience, tricks they can teach young canines,...1 point

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The Complete Dog Book for Kids

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Pooches & Small Fry: Parenting Skills for Dogs (And Kids!) (And Kids!) by Colleen McDaniel

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Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets

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Just Funny Dogs 

Links to the Best Dog Breeds for Children Rescue Organizations 

American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue

Saving Black & Tan Coonhounds across America.

Mastiff Club of America - Rescue/Placement Service

Help a Mastiff in Need

Boxer Angels Rescue

Boxer Angels Rescue was formed in the summer of 2002 by volunteers devoted to Boxers in need.

Newfoundland rescue

Lots of info. Annoying dog sound when you first get to the site and the pointer is a group of dog graphics, but still good info.

English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Inc. Rescue

Rescue stories, photos, explanation of the program and lots more.

Pug Rescue

Pug Rescue Organizations of the United States, Canada, & Australia

Pugs 'N Pals

Pugs' N Pals offer sections on About the Breed, Available Dogs, Events, Links and Rescue Links from around the United States. Membership information is also available. Be sure to watch their video below.

Labrador Retrievers Rescue, Inc.

Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. (LRR) is a local all-volunteer group whose purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted Labrador Retrievers in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, Maryland Suburbs, and parts of central Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They have purebred Labrador Retrievers available for adoption, and they occasionally have lab mixes available as well.

Save Our Setters, Inc.

Save Our Setters, Inc. relies on donations and fund-raising activities for its income. They do not receive any state or federal funds, nor do they derive any benefits from the Irish Setter Club of America Rescue Fund or any other Breed Club funding. Donations to Save Our Setters, Inc. are tax deductible. Site offers Available Dogs, Adopting A Friend, Miracle Dogs, Happy Tails of dogs who have found loving families and more.

Dog Breeds Best for Children Rescue Videos 

Dog Breeds Good for Kids Rescue Videos 

Video from Boxer Rescue Ontario 

The Rainbow Bridge - Very Touching

Is Your Dog Food Good For Your Dog?