Dog Breeds Good with Children

Dog breeds vary a great deal in their behavioral characteristics, and some are undoubtedly better suited to children than others are.

The first thing to understand is that some research is required here, or not only might you have an unpleasant experience with your future dog, but perhaps even a dangerous one. There are a few things you need to look out for in a breed if you want to make sure that it is a suitable companion for children.

A good dog will be mild, easy-going, and somewhat playful. In this article, it will list some dog breeds good with children.

Golden Retrievers and children

Golden Retrievers are lovely dogs all-round, and can get along very well with children.

They are very playful and eager to please their owners, and can bond readily with the children.

A Golden Retriever can grow up with the children to be a well-loved friend and companion, and should never be any trouble.

They are capable of dealing with many different living conditions and adapt quite well.

Saint Bernards and children

These massive dogs can be gentle giants, very mild in temperament and great with children. All dogs need some training, and with just a little a Saint Bernard can become really devoted and trustworthy.

It is worth remembering, though, the sheer size of a Saint Bernard, especially if you plan to get a puppy, as you may not realize just how big he or she will get! Small children might even be frightened of the large dog, and they also need a great deal of space, so if you live in a very small house or apartment, a Saint Bernard is probably not so well suited.

You will also have to be ready to cope with drool, as no example of this breed is without it!

Newfoundlands and children

Newfoundland is another very large dog, but so long as you have the space, they are an excellent choice for coping with children. For example, they tend to put up with roughhousing very well, and are unlikely to get over-agitated or flustered.

Standard Newfoundland behavior is to simply give up and lie down when they have had too much, which is excellent for dealing with hyperactive children. Similarly, to the Saint Bernard, though, Newfoundlands need plenty of space, and lots of exercise, too.

Dogs and children generally

The breed you choose is very important, but it is also vital to remember that there is much variation within a breed, not only within each dog’s inherent tendencies, but also in their history of training.

No well-behaved dog has gone without suitable training, and this is a vital consideration, especially when dealing with children. Similarly, children themselves need to be educated as to how to behave around the dog – no animal should ever have to put up with abuse or torment by small children who may not understand what they are doing.

With careful training and the right environment, however, any of these breeds and more can be a wonderful companion to children.