If you have a small child then there are some special things to take into consideration when choosing a dog. Contrary to what you might think, a small dog is not always the best choice for a small child. Small children are not always as gentle with dogs as they should be. They can play more roughly they realize, grab a dog, or pull a dog’s tail. A small child can often accidentally injure a small dog, while a large dog is less likely to be affected if a child grabs him or falls on him. The dog’s size is an important consideration when choosing a dog for a small child.
At the same time, while many small dogs make great pets for adults and older children, some breeds do not have the patience to put up with small children. They may snap at a small child who tries to play with them. There are some small dogs who get along well with children and which are sturdy enough to play with them, but there are also many medium and larger-sized dogs which are patient and gentle with small children. A good temperament is very important when choosing a dog for a small child. Be sure to look for a dog that has the right kind of temperament to get along with a small child.
When choosing a dog for a small child, you can choose either a puppy or an adult dog, but you should be aware that puppies can be wild at times and they will take some training. You will need to supervise your small child when he or she plays with a puppy even more closely than you would normally supervise your child and an adult dog. It can be great to see a puppy grow up with your child and watch the bond they develop as they get older. But getting an adult dog for a small child also has its advantages. An adult dog is usually calmer from the start and there is usually less training involved.
The best dogs for small children include the following breeds:
The Labrador. The Labrador Retriever is one of the very best dogs for small children. An adult Lab is gentle, calm, and trustworthy. They are highly intelligent and they love children. As puppies they can be very active, but they will start to calm down when they are 12-18 months old.
The Bulldog. The Bulldog is a calm, gentle breed that loves children, including small children. Their exercise needs are minimal. They can be protective of children and they are big enough that small children won’t hurt them. They make loving and devoted pets.
The Pug. Pugs are loving, gentle, and friendly. They love children. They are a small dog but they weigh up to 18-20 pounds and they are usually sturdy enough to play with small children. Pugs love to play and they love people. They make wonderful pets.
The Poodle. The Poodle, especially the Standard Poodle, makes a wonderful dog for small children. They are loving and devoted. They get along very well with children. The Standard Poodle is large enough that small children won’t hurt him when they play with him. Poodles are very smart and easy to train and they make excellent family dogs.
The Bichon. The Bichon can make a great dog for small children. They are small dogs, weighing up to about 20 pounds, but they are quite sturdy, so small children who are supervised shouldn’t injure them when playing. The Bichon is very intelligent, playful, and cheerful. They make excellent family dogs.
The Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is wonderful with small children. They are slightly more active than the Labrador Retriever but they are still gentle and sweet dogs and highly intelligent. They love kids and they love to play. They can keep your children busy and entertained for hours. The Golden makes a great family pet.
These are some of the very best dogs for small children. You can always find more if these dogs don’t appeal to you or fit your family situation. Check the AKC’s web site for more information about these breeds and others.
