Most breeds of dog are compatible with children and are not dangerous, but you must consider personalities of your children, as well as the temperament of your future pooch, when selecting a dog breed for your family.
First, you need to educate your children on the responsibilities of owning a pet and to make sure your kids are well prepared for owning a dog. Remember, it’s a two-way street.
Puppies are generally not recommended for very young children. If you have young children, consider bringing home a dog of 5 months or older, or consider waiting a bit more before getting a pooch altogether.
Size does matter. Bear in mind that small breed dogs are better for older and more mature children.
Young children can be inadvertently rough with small dogs and can hurt them by accident, whereas large breed dogs may not be best for small children because the dog could accidentally knock the children over or scratch the child with his large claws or teeth.
It is always a good idea to seek professional opinion. Review the seven breed groups defined by the American Kennel Club, in order to determine which group of breeds best fits your desire for a family pet. The seven breed groups are sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding.
Inquire which breeds the AKC particularly recommends for families with children. Some of the breeds will include Labrador retrievers, beagles, golden retrievers, bulldogs, boxers and poodles. Dachshunds are not recommended for small children, but can fit better for older, more mature children.
Take your family to the local pet store or animal shelter to see what breeds of dog they have in store for you. If your children do not already have a preference for which breed they want, this will help them with this tough decision.
Once you’ve chosen the dog and brought him to your home, observe the dog’s behavior while he is interacting with your children to determine whether he is a good fit for your family. If the dog becomes violent in the presence of your children, it is probably time for another dog.