How to Pick the Perfect Pooch for Your Kids

by Sandy Maple (Subscribe to Sandy Maple's posts)
Apr 2nd 2010 11:00AM

Filed under: Adoption, Pets, Relationships, Expert Advice: Babies, Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Big Kids, Expert Advice: Tweens

Look for tolerant breeds when picking a puppy to join your family. Credit: Susan.W.Patton, Flickr

If you've decided to adopt a dog for your family, it's time to do your homework. Because while all dogs require commitment and financial resources, some definitely make better family pets than others.

When choosing a dog breed, there are certain traits you should look for: A good dog for children is friendly, calm and most of all, tolerant.

Before selecting a dog, consider the amount of space, time and energy you can offer this new member of your family. A very large, active dog is probably not well-suited for apartment-dwellers, and busy families should consider a breed that can adapt to being alone during the day. Families with very young children should avoid tiny dogs, as they can be easily injured if dropped or handled roughly.

To help you get started in your search for the perfect pooch, we've compiled a list of some of the best dogs for kids. Click on the links for more detailed information about each breed.

Beagle: Beagles are friendly and easy-going. Their short hair and compact size make them easy to live with and they're good with other dogs, as well as humans. Bred to hunt, Beagles need plenty of exercise and activities to keep them out of trouble.
Golden Retriever: A beautiful dog with a long, golden coat, Golden Retrievers are the most popular breed in the nation, according to the American Kennel Club. They are easily trained, have a sweet temperament and are known for their loyalty. This dog has lots of energy and needs room to roam.
Pug: With their wrinkled faces and expressive eyes, Pugs are playful and even-tempered. Their short hair is easy to maintain and their exercise needs are minimal.
Bichon Frise: As happy as it is beautiful, the fluffy white Bichon Frise is a playful dog who needs plenty of exercise. With fast-growing hair, the Bichon requires regular grooming. It doesn't shed and is well-suited for allergy sufferers.
Labrador Retriever: Intelligent and friendly, this dog has a yellow, brown or black coat. Long a family favorite, a Lab is non-aggressive, eager to please and known to be quite adaptable.
Poodle: Active and proud, the Poodle can sometimes be a little shy. Varying in color, the Poodle's coat is hypoallergenic and requires regular grooming. Despite their reputation as dumb, Poodles are actually quite intelligent.
Great Dane: A gentle giant, the Great Dane needs a home that can accommodate its extremely large size and exercise needs. Sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs" the Great Dane's spirit and friendly disposition have made it a popular family pet.
Samoyed: With light colored hair, black lips and blue eyes, the looks of a Samoyed are striking. A good-natured dog who enjoys the company of humans, the Samoyed requires patient and consistent training along with lots of exercise.
Boston Terrier: Highly intelligent and determined, this made-in-America dog is actually a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. With a gentle disposition and moderate exercise needs, the Boston Terrier is easily trained and makes for a loyal companion.
Mutt: Because its parentage can be unknown, adopting a mutt requires a little guesswork. While a mutt puppy's breed mix can sometimes be determined by its appearance, adopting an older mixed-breed dog whose behavior and size is already known might be a better choice.

Whichever breed you choose, it should be a decision that your family makes together. After all, the dog you bring home will be a part of your lives for a very long time.

Related: How dogs and toddlers are alike.

ReaderComments (Page 2 of 5)

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4-05-2010 @ 8:51AM

Joe Turner said...

I simply cannot believe that you did not mention the Cocker Spaniel.

Along with Basset Hounds, they are the most loving, loyal, intelligent and affectionate breeds we have every owned among 8 dogs in our lifetime.

They were formerly much more popular, although a Chocolate Cocker won Westminster for Best of Show in the last five years,

On the other hand, I have had a Pug run off his leash and attack my dog (Cocker Spaniel) at our front door even though he outweighed the Pug by 20 lbs. I find them both ugly AND STUPID.
The eyes look "vacant " to me.

4-05-2010 @ 9:06AM

Laura said...

I had a beautiful beagle for 16 yrs, Bee-Bo never had a mean bone in his body, he loved everyone,, Always the clown, he could make you laugh even when you didn't want to. I also had a purebred dalmatian Apache who lived to be 12 yrs, Apache didn't like strangers, if he knew you he loved you, but if he didn't it took him sometimes 6 mos.to be confortable with you. I had a Irish Wolfhound/Old English Sheepdog also (all3 at the same time) Scruffy was huge 120 lbs, but a big old teddy bear,very gentle except for his size, and if I was outside, he figure he had to protect me,Never bite anyone just barked.I have had alot of dogs over the years as pets,I think as long as you get a dog just love him and protect any dog can be a great dog, it all how you treat them and train them.

4-05-2010 @ 9:12AM

L.A. said...

We have a Standard Poodle (which is our second) and she is super smart. We know that we should have rescued one, but we just could not pass her up. Along with her we have a Doberman Pincher which we did rescue. She is the best!

4-05-2010 @ 9:11AM

Val said...

I have two of the most adorable and affectionate pugs in the world. I would recommend pugs to anyone who really wants the commitment of a dog. They love to interact with the family and sit by your side if not on your lap. You really have to be an animal over and be committed to being an animal parent if you want a pug.

4-05-2010 @ 9:16AM

Cheryl said...

OK you left out Minature Pinschers : Min Pins ! They can be nasty but I've had mine for 7 years and I couldn't ask for a better dog! All dogs can be nasty. You the owner determine how your dogs behaves and how it acts. Yes they like to run but what dog doesn't.Mine knows every family member and how to behave when they come around. He is faithful to me ,he was easy to train. He gives High Fives and he and I do exercise every morning, not much but some! We have relocated to South Caroline and he and the squirrels have a love hate relationship these days. They are very smart little dogs also, oh he sheds tiny black hair but I don't care!

4-05-2010 @ 9:27AM

Jeanie said...

Some people seem to think we are all obligated to rescue all the dogs in the shelters. It's great for those who are okay with that,but I don't want an older dog that I know nothing about it's past, i want a puppy i can raise and there is nothing wrong with that

4-16-2010 @ 9:07AM

Laina said...

So sad what you have and are missing out on...there ARE puppies at the shelters/rescues/pounds/etc. But, you are very mistaken in the saddest way if you do not understand the love of one that is old enough to know they have been saved. Hope that you are not a 'dog snob'...one that has be seen with a specialty breed. There are a lot of those type of people around. As sad as someone who would say they could not love an adopted child.

If you have never known the love of a dog from a rescue/pound/Humane Society/or a stray...you have never known the love I have from my dogs~! Nothing comes close from one you 'buy'...and many of those from 'reputable breeders' are not well adjusted no matter how young you get them. I've taken some BOUGHT ones from owners that have bought and paid a lot of money for the poor things, and most could never be inside dogs. Fenced yard/pet door to the garage.
They do have puppies at shelters. But one that is old enough to know they have been saved, there are not words to express what they will to you. Sadly, many people are 'dog snobs' and must have whatever perfect looking breed on the end of their leash. No one stops traffic like my Chihuahua mixes have over the years, but most importantly I have received such love from them. As for a particular breed for children... NO animal should be left alone around small children...dog or cat. At least, I would never take the chance.

4-05-2010 @ 11:43AM

KRS said...

Nobody's obligated to acquire any animal. We have five dogs, pound and found, ranging from seven to seventyfive pounds. All had 'issues' on arrival but are now the best pets one could imagine. Older dogs are trainable (or re-trainable, depending on your outlook). Puppies all go through their own rites of passage (chewing, house and obedince training, etc) whatever their lineage, and patience and consistancy are going to be the keys to raising a good companion. Don't assume buying a pup, be it from a pet store, breeder or shelter, will guarantee a good outcome if the owner isn't going to put signicant effort into it's training. If you can't commit to this, the animal will probably wind up in one of those shelters as an older doge nobody wants.

4-05-2010 @ 9:28AM

Donna said...

MUTTS, MUTTS, MUTTS, SHELTERS, SHELTERS, RESCUES, RESCUES. That is where you get the best dogs!!!!

And, people have no clue what they get into when getting a puppy. Urinating all over, pooping all over, chewing furniture, etc. All puppy behaviors. PLEASE adopt an older dog. Already trained, passed the chewing stage. If you do decide to get a puppy, be prepared to take it outdoors at least 10 times a day to do it's business. Socialize it so it gets along with other animals. Puppies are ALOT of work!! Try adopting a dog a year or two old or ever older is better. And, make sure you'll be alive and able to care for a puppy at least 15 years from your age. Nothing worse than not being able to care for a pet because you are 70 years old and buy a puppy. Then what happens to it when you are no longer able to care for it? Never buy a dog from a pet store no matter how cute it looks. Let's try to close puppy mills down. Ignorance is keeping them in business.

And, PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER at 6 months old!!! Even one litter is too many.

andy said...

Please include a caveat not to allow kids to harass and abuse the dog. You would think that would be common sense, but obviously it's not.
Pugs are very loving and accepting - I would not subject that breed to a house with kids that hit, bite, or have parents who let them completely terrorize an animal.
Please check rescues and shelters - there are good pure breed dogs out there that need good, loving homes. Do not buy from a pet store because if you do you are supporting puppy mills.

4-05-2010 @ 9:40AM

George said...

You forgot to mention the Boxer. Probably the best family dog ever. They love children, are gentle and love to play and to be loved. Most people look at them and think they are ferocious because of their Pit Bull appearance, but they are far from the temperment of a Pit Bull. They are a devoted loving smart dog. I had my Rosy for 14 years. Even on her last day with us she was giving us licks. She was so sick she couldn't stand on her own, but she wanted to touch us one last time. If you want a GREAT family dog, the Boxer is a perfect addition to any family.

4-05-2010 @ 9:41AM

Dee said...

I hve a Pug and a Shihtzu, My Pug has been the most wonderful dog. She is very even tempered and sweet. On the other hand, the shihtzu is stubborn, difficult to train, and just a nightmare! I have had her for almost a year but am really considering getting rid of her. She attacks my Pug and barks unrelentlessly. I have been patient but am at my wits end with this dog! My mother-in-law purchased her sister who is a wonderful dog. I agree with the previous post. Please research the breed before purchasing any pet. Also, sometimes it's not just the breed but individual differences in personalities.

4-05-2010 @ 10:26AM

Sandy Larchwood said...

My parents have two shih tzus (both female). One is jealous, barks all the time and is a one person dog (my mother). The other is such a sweet loving thing it is hard to believe they are same breed. My parents personalities are very different and although the dogs live together my Dad is responsible for his dog and Mom is responsible for hers. Hers is the oldest. Dad's is almost a year old. My neighbor and sister-in-law each have a shih zu as well. The consensus I have come to is shih tzus can be very sweet but are strong-willed and can be hard to train. The owner does have a big influence on personality. Also in reference to George who wrote about Boxers. I once had a Pit Bull/ Boxer mix and she was a very sweet dog. I will never forget her.

4-05-2010 @ 9:53AM

Chris said...

You forgot Cocker Spaniel. They are really nice dogs they love to be around people.My Cocker Zack was loving and kind and really Smart.

4-05-2010 @ 10:08AM

sexybabyjamie10 said...

Some of you will be shocked at this. Pittbulls are great with children and can take the rough treatment children dish out. They are known as "nanny dogs" in Britain. I have seen my grand kids drag her by the tail up a ladder and push my Pitt down a slide and she comes back for more. This is the same Pitt that brought down a mule that kicked a child once.

4-05-2010 @ 12:10PM

B. Taylor said...

I think you're confusing your bully breeds. There are several different dogs which are commonly called Pit Bulls, all derived from basically the same genes but bred to achieve the desired temperment. Remember the old "Our Gang" crew with Spanky and Alfalfa? Their dog was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Those unfortunate animals from The Michael Vick disaster? Pit Bull Terriers. No dog should be left alone with children who either can't defend themselves or can't be trusted to treat the animal correctly. Think a sleeping dog won't instantly bite when they awaken to having their ear twisted by a prankster kid who either doesn't understand (or care about) the difference between a toy and a real dog? Even a toy breed will bite but when a bully breed bites, it's the difference being shot by a BB gun or shot by a .45.

Sandi Greever said...

I would just like to add some comments. Before we ever had a fur people to live with us permanently, we dog sat a Pug, while her Mom had more babies. Had her a month. She was quite young herself, and the best doggie ever. We loved her. But we gave her back after her people Mom was ready for her to come back with her Mom. Very good disposition and a great doggie along with her Mommie. We later decided to get dogs of our own and we had 2 Poodles. The one was very smart, actually they both were, but one more so than the other. Very loyal animals, in fact the one was snappy sometimes to my husband and daughter.He really liked me the most. We didn't train them in any way, they were rescue dogs to a degree. One was found wandering on a busy freeway and the other was a rescue from a home where he wasn't wanted. He was the snappy one.We knew his Mommie and my friend knew the Daddy too, and they had the Grandma, too. ha A family thing. But I just wanted to say that both these breeds are great dogs. But after our fur babies died, I still cry when I think of them and that was in the mid 80's, we said never again dogs and we haven't had any. They are like little children who never grow up, have no one to care for them when you go away. They do tie you down but we love other people's dogs and cats too. But never again for us, is just too hard when they pass.

4-05-2010 @ 10:09AM

Sandy said...

I have a pug/chihuahua mix (Chug). He is perfect. Full grown 14 lbs. 11 inches tall. Creamy tan coat, black mask and ears like a pug. Body more like a chihuahua. Curled tail. Sweet personality not too hyper or barky. Would highly recommend this mix to anyone living in a apt. or just doesn't want a big dog. Very fortunate to find him before his owners gave him to the pound.

4-05-2010 @ 3:11PM

That sounds adoreable! My first dog, of 18 years of bliss, was adopted. Chihuahua mother was all the county shelter in Louisville, KY knew. It became obvious, and confusing to all trying to guess her breed, that father was a mini-daschund. Yes...even a tiny mix somwhere in the 'woodpile' makes for the best dog. And, one who has seen the bars of a pound and you choosen them~!

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