So Many Dogs, So Little Time
Dogs may be man’s best friend but they’re just as important to man’s family. If we’re lucky, our four-legged friends hang around for well over a decade, swiftly earning their spot in the family and enriching our lives. However, as much as we’d love to welcome all of them, certain breeds are best left off the family Christmas card.
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1. Chihuahua
Little dogs mean little stress, right? Chihuahuas have some thoughts about that. Though they’re often dismissed as yappy demons, these little guys are just misunderstood. They don’t enjoy rough-housing, can be a bit possessive, and tend to enjoy a quiet night at home. Children, on the other hand, are full of energy and can easily freak them out.
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2. Border Collie
Border collies make wonderful pets when raised by experienced pet parents. However, failure to properly train these classic herding dogs results in nipping. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children’s fingers.
3. Weimaraner
You thought your children had non-stop batteries? Weimaraners are full of beans, which is great for tuckering out the munchkins but could also prove too much—even for them. They’ve also shown to be more impatient than other breeds, so unpredictable kids aren’t always the best playmates.
4. Siberian Husky
Don’t let their piercing eyes fool you, huskies throw bigger tantrums than your toddler. These erratic fluffballs have no trouble voicing every problem, often with a howl loud enough to rival sirens. Not exactly something you want to deal with alongside a baby’s cry.
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5. Akita
Akitas are very serious dogs who don’t have time for your nonsense. More specifically, they don’t have time for your children’s nonsense. While fiercely loyal and protective, they’re not exactly family-friendly jesters.
6. Rottweiler
This beautiful breed is filled with gentle giants, plenty of whom have snuggled up with toddlers. However, they can take longer to train and don’t always know the difference between child’s play and something more serious.
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7. Pit Bull
Though the onus ultimately falls on the owner, many people label these dogs as “bully breeds,” branding them troublemakers despite their being kind and loyal. That said, if they’re not trained to socialize from an early age, you might see issues with the little ones.
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8. Alaskan Malamute
While it’s cute to imagine our children with teddy bear dogs, Alaskan malamutes are the farthest thing from a good family breed. They require extensive training, are massive, and can easily knock your child over during horseplay.
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9. Chow Chow
They may look like little Ewoks but this breed isn’t really for children. They don’t take kindly to change or little hands grabbing at them. They also enjoy their own space and can be quite difficult to train.
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10. Mastiff
Mastiffs are big, excitable dogs packed with muscle—not the kind of pet you’d want around small children. While they make great pets for older children, toddlers likely won’t fare well under a mastiff’s whipping tail or their insistence on being a lap dog.
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The good news is that kids still have plenty of options for great companions, even the smallest partners in crime.
1. Golden Retriever
Adorable, sociable, and wickedly intelligent, they’re golden for a reason. This breed is a popular choice among families, especially those with an active enough lifestyle to match their pup’s. They may be high-energy, but they’re a perfect match for families of any size.
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2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Have you ever wanted to bring one of those giant life-sized stuffed animals home? Now you can! These dogs are calm, fluffy protectors that do wonderfully with children, despite their size. Their major downfall is that they’re often prone to more health concerns.
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3. Newfoundland
It’s hard to see a dog this size and think, “That’s the one for my child!” But don’t let their size intimidate you. They’re gentle giants well-known for their patience, which makes them particularly great for young kids.
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4. Beagle
Beagles are happy, friendly little adventurers who get along well with children of all ages. So long as they have the proper training and plenty of room to explore, they’re a lifelong friend perfect for families.
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5. Labrador Retriever
This breed comes loaded with personality, so much so that they’re one of the most sought-after dogs in America. They’re smart, goofy, and loveable, which is exactly why families are drawn to them every year.
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6. Vizsla
Not only are vizslas beautiful, but they’re easy to train and more than patient enough to deal with young kids. While they’ll need ample room to roam around and play, it’s a small price for such a friendly, happy companion.
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7. Cocker Spaniel
This breed has two major green flags: they’re great with kids and get along well with other pets. Both make cocker spaniels an ample companion for families or those rocking the single life, especially because they aren’t large. They do need plenty of exercise though.
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8. Poodle
Poodles quite literally come in all shapes and sizes—you can choose standard sizes or opt for their perpetually baby brothers. Either way, you’ve landed an adorable pet that’s highly intelligent and keeps you active.
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9. Bichon Frise
These little guys adore companionship, making them a great choice for children. While they do appreciate daily activity, they also aren’t a notoriously energetic breed. They fare well in small spaces too because of their size.
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10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is easily trainable and does well with children, often peacefully coexisting with other pets as well. The only thing to worry about with these floppy-eared pups is potential health issues down the line—they’re known to suffer from cognitive disorders, heart problems, and even ear infections.
