What Are the Best Dogs for Children?
Owning a dog for a pet is a fun way to teach children responsibility, cooperation, and most of all compassion towards living things. The most important question is what type of dogs are appropriate for children. Something to consider is how old your children are. Some dog breeds are better for little children and other breeds are more appropriate for older children. Here are some dog breeds to consider as a family pet.
Dogs for Elementary School and Younger
Adopting an older dog or a rescue dog is probably a good idea if you have a child in preschool or early elementary education. Older dogs have experience with people, preferably with young people, and the dogs have already been housebroken. Sometimes small breeds like the Bichon Frise are friendly and playful. Other pedigree dogs that are great for families with small children include the beagle, the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, the pug, Boston Terrier, Bull Dog, and the Cairn Terrier. Another choice of dog for the small child is the mixed breed small dog. The small dog or lap dog is easy to handle. There are some breeds of large dogs that are even-tempered enough for small, young children. Low energy and large breed dogs suitable for small children include large mixed breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, and the Collie.
Dogs for Older Children
Dogs that are right for young kids are suitable for older children. Dogs that can keep up with older children, dogs like the Labrador Retriever, dachshunds, Papillion, sheepdogs, and mixed breeds. Dogs need to be tame enough to be controlled by children. If a dog can be led on the leash by a child and not the other way around, you have found the right dog. The right dog needs to tolerate all children. Collies and boxers make terrific guard dogs for children. A child getting his first dog can’t go wrong with a Labrador Retriever. The lab is easily trainable and has been chosen as one of the best breeds to use as a guide dog and therapy dog. Labs are good dogs for senior citizens. The lab is good for every member of the family, able-bodied and disabled.
Originally published at https://michaelwolkindqc.org.uk.
