Sooner or later, every parent is faced with the desire of a child to have a pet. Adults are well aware that responsibility for the animal will fall entirely on their shoulders. The child will acquire in the person of the pet a faithful friend, an indefatigable companion for games and an excellent educator of the most necessary human qualities. If the decision to acquire a four-legged friend is a decided matter, we will help you choose the best dog breed for children.
Influence of a dog on a child
In contrast to the pediatrician’s instructions that dogs are a source of worms, fleas, infectious diseases and other troubles, child psychologists strongly recommend acquiring four-legged friends for children. The first thing that a dog brings up in a child is a sense of responsibility.
Children quickly master the concepts – “what is good and what is bad”. Dogs teach children honesty, tolerance, loyalty, the ability to forgive and truly love Children often grow up withdrawn, feeling comfortable only in a small world called “home”. They do not find a common language with their peers and other people. Dogs socialize children, help to cope with this invisible barrier, make them sociable and friendly. Four-legged friends are always ready to listen to the secrets of their little owners, support and comfort them. And then the world no longer seems so hopeless, scary and incomprehensible to children’s problems.
Another positive moment in communication between a dog and a child is the distraction of the latter from all kinds of gadgets that immerse the baby in a fictional world. Outdoor fun games with your beloved pet bring undeniably greater benefits for the physical and mental development of the child than motionless sitting and communication with artificial intelligence.
Best child age to buy a dog
Parents of young children are well aware that “misunderstandings” can arise between babies and pets. Someone can unintentionally hurt someone. Often there is jealousy, both on the part of the child and on the part of the animal. Lack of love, affection and attention can cause aggression, again, both in children and in dogs. Therefore, experts, psychologists and dog handlers advise children who have reached at least 6 years of age to acquire a dog.
At the age of 6-7, children are able to help their parents in caring for the animal – to feed the dog, walk with it in the yard under the supervision of their parents and wash their paws. The child is already well aware that a dog is a living being that requires attention, care, respect, love and affection.
Suitable dog size for a child
Guided by logic and common sense, parents will certainly want to buy their child the smallest dog. Such a pet is unlikely to harm the health of the baby, and it will be much easier to take care of him.
Dear parents, we do not want to disappoint you, but it is the small breeds of dogs that often cause a lot of trouble. They are considered more aggressive than dogs of medium and large breeds, less amenable to education and training. They tend to bite more often than their larger relatives. In addition, it is not only the child who can be affected. Small dogs are much more likely to be injured than medium and large breeds.
A small breed of dogs is more suitable for calm children, whose age has crossed the border with the mark of 10-12 years.
The average breed of dogs is an ideal pet for a child and for keeping in an apartment. However, when choosing a four-legged friend, one should take into account the temperament of the child and the characteristics of the character of the breed. Medium-sized dogs are considered the best companions for play, which patiently endure the pranks of children and, with the right upbringing, are not able to harm them.
Large breeds of dogs are best started when the child is 14-15 years old. Big people usually have a calm and docile nature, they are excellent guards and protectors. However, even adult family members are not always able to cope with such pets on a walk. And it will be extremely difficult to maintain them in apartment conditions. Large dogs require not only training and education, but also a serious training course for unquestioning obedience and control from the owners.
What breed to choose for a child
Of the small dog breeds, the most tolerant and non-aggressive towards children are pugs, dachshunds, welsh corgi and dwarf poodles. But Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pomeranian and Miniature Pinschers take persistent harassment and rough careless handling more difficult, not hesitating to snap back, expressing their dissatisfaction.
From medium breeds of dogs for a child, the retriever, beagle, labrador, spaniel, terrier, sheltie are ideal. These breeds are distinguished by their non-conflict and calm nature. They are great companions in games and all sorts of pranks.
For those parents who nevertheless decided to have a large pet, it is important to know that there are breeds that will never cause any harm to a child, even to the detriment of their own safety and health. Among these breeds are German Shepherds and Collies. However, all of them require a full course of training and proper education.
Nowadays it is popular to have dogs such as Husky, Shar Pei, Malamute, Laika or Chow Chow. These are undoubtedly beautiful and intelligent breeds; however, they have a very complex character. For them, there is only one owner, all other family members are put on a par with the dogs.
Another feature when choosing a dog breed is the gender of the child. Boys love active and outdoor games, so the same active and playful dog breeds – Dalmatians or Border Collie – are suitable for them. But girls love to comb the dogs, tie them bows and try on outfits, such games will appeal to Yorkshire terriers, Chinese crested dogs or miniature poodles.
When buying a pet, do not be lazy to find out everything about the breed, especially a description with an assessment of characteristics. The weight of the dog should not exceed the weight of the child. Situations are very different, and in case of emergency, children cannot always control an animal that exceeds them in weight.
By the way, you should pay attention to the fact that mongrel animals are sometimes the best pets for children. Mongrels are no less loyal and loving than their purebred brethren. So, you don’t have to have a lot of money to find a four-legged friend for your child, just look around or visit a dog shelter.
Top 10 best dog breeds for kids
Beagle
Beagle is an average breed of dogs weighing 12-18 kg and a height of 33-40 cm. The popularity of these cute dogs is growing every day. This is due to the ease of care and, most importantly, with the wonderful character of the beagles. These animals are perfect for any family, they are absolutely not aggressive, energetic, loving and endlessly loyal. Beagles are friendly to other pets. The only thing that beagles just need is physical activity, long walks and active games. However, families with children will be happy with such requirements for the content.
Golden retriever
The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, gentle, affectionate and friendly breed of dog. Adult animals can reach 60 cm at the withers, and weigh about 27-35 kg. For the first four years of their lives, retrievers retain their puppy character by having fun and relentless play. Some dogs retain this behavior until old age. Golden Retrievers are great nannies and great play companions. The only thing to consider is the size of the animal, which during the game can accidentally injure the child. Therefore, families with very young children should be careful in this matter.
American cocker spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a small breed of dog 35-38 cm tall and weighing 10-15 kg. These are companion dogs with a balanced and good-natured character. At the same time, they are very active and playful, get along well with children and other pets. For spaniels, there is nothing like fun walks, nature trips, and socializing with your loved ones.
Welsh corgi
Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dogs 25-30 cm tall and weighing 12-15 kg. The nature of the dogs is very kind and open. They are incredibly funny and active, adore all family members and get along well with other pets. Corgis do not need active physical exercise, but they require increased attention to themselves. These dogs love interactive and logic games. If they are not provided with “mental stimulation”, then all the potential will be directed to the destruction of furniture and household items.
Toy poodle
The Toy Poodle is a very smart and funny breed of dog, whose height reaches 28 cm and weighs 6-8 kg, ready to be always close to the family and to carry out all commands. Poodles love to play with children. This breed is considered a long-liver – 18 years old. Children will grow and develop with their beloved pet. Poodles require a lot of attention, care and affection. On the street these dogs do not get tired of running, having fun and playing.
Miniature schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the most cheerful and cheerful breed of dogs 30-35 cm tall and weighing 4-8 kg. Miniature Schnauzers are smart, funny and playful entertainers who are constantly in the spotlight. Children are their most grateful fans and friends for active games. Despite the small size, it is better to walk the miniature schnauzers for adult family members, and not for children. These small dogs are well-known stubborn and bully, and the more the object for “sorting out the relationship”, the better.
Sheltie
Sheltie is a sensual and gentle breed of dog, the size of which reaches 33-41 cm at the withers, and weighs 12-15 kg. The nature of these beautiful animals can be very different – modest and shy or very noisy and active. But regardless of the nature of the Sheltie are considered one of the best family dog breeds, getting along well with children, forgiving them any pranks, even not harmless. Shelties are distinguished by their friendliness and quick-wittedness, they will never show aggression, especially towards children.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most friendly, affectionate breed of dog. The weight of Labradors can reach 40 kg, and the height is 57 cm. These dogs are loyal friends and reliable helpers. Labradors love their family, and they love children. Long walks, fun active games, trips to nature, swimming, jogging are the most favorite joint activities of Labradors and children. Dogs will never intentionally harm children, unless they accidentally step on or touch them during the game.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a real family dog, weighing 18-29 kg, and height 56-61 cm. The distinctive character traits of this breed are poise, intelligence and playfulness. Airedale terriers are truly happy when life rages around them. They are full of inexhaustible energy that needs to be released on walks or while playing with children. If the family travels often, then the Airedale will be the ideal companion, reliable guard and a true friend for play and fun.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a very beautiful breed of dog, the weight of which usually reaches a maximum of 5 kg, and the height is no more than 30 cm. An affectionate dog with amazing curls will be an ideal friend for a girl who dreams of doing hairstyles and dressing an animal in all kinds of outfits. Bichons are real artists, distinguished by their intelligence and demanding a lot of attention. If there are small children or active adolescents in the house, it is better to refuse to keep this breed.
Owners of other wonderful dog breeds may disagree with this rating, extolling the wonderful qualities of their pets. It is not only the inherent character of the breed that gives a complete picture of it. Last but not least, the upbringing, education, training of the animal and the attitude towards it play a role.
It is important to prepare for the appearance of a four-legged pet in the house, be sure to explain to the child that a dog is not a toy, but a living creature that has its own feelings and needs to be taken care of. And most importantly, adults must understand that they will have another child that needs attention and love.