(Child-friendly dogs, Family-friendly dogs,
Best dog breeds for Families with Children)
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Nearly every dog, if raised with children and with the proper amount of training can become the most wonderful and reliable child companion. No breed of dog can right away be declared unsuitable for a family with children. Nor can a dog breed be unconditionally recommended for as being 'the best breed for children' or most child-friendly dog.
Two young boys with their labrador
Photo: Caitlin Cahill
Also, remember that aggressive behavior or a dominant temperament are not the only concerns when considering whether a dog is suitable for a family with kids. Other factors such as excitability, patience and size are to be considered as well when selecting a child-compatible dog. Some dogs are very excitable and more prone to jump on the children than other dogs.
Little boy and bulldog puppy Axl
Photo: Mellany Arbues
Some very large breeds may be very sweet and loving with children, but may nevertheless put your child at risk, just because these dogs are sometimes not aware of their own size and strength.
The selection that we have made here, comprises dog breeds that are child-friendly with a minimum amount of training.
We have to add some provision, tough, i.e. that the personality of a dog depends more on a triad of factors, namely: line, breeder, and owner, rather than only the breed they belong to. This list does by no means imply that all other dog breeds are unsuitable for families with children. Once again, ultimately a successful cohabitation will as much depend on the individual dog, early puppy socialization (breeder), education, training (owner) and living conditions within the family.
