If we are considering the idea of acquiring a companion for our children, nothing better than a puppy. But it is good to know that there are some breeds that, due to their particularities, are more suitable than others to become the best dogs for children.. For that reason, do not miss this article, with very useful tips to buy that special little friend.
Dogs for Children
When we refer to dogs for children, many aspects must be considered, which are necessary for a healthy and happy coexistence with dogs. Issues such as personality, size or characteristics are essential. We will take all these considerations into account when recommending which are the best breeds to acquire.
But first we need to have some serious conversations with the kids who are going to become dog owners. Aspects such as hygiene, responsibility and ways of showing affection are very important. We have to get the children to commit to the care routines of the animals. Good treatment and respect are essential elements that we must instill in them.
Children love dogs, and they can often come to love children more than their owners. They are unbeatable companions to play with, and many breeds turn out to be tireless, even if they do some mischief to them, such as pulling their ears or riding them like little horses and even dressing them up as superheroes or in any other way.
Many children request that you buy a puppy for them, and if the necessary conditions are met, it is a good option for children to commit themselves and acquire responsibilities, either by assigning them the tasks related to the practices of the walks, cleaning what get dirty in the patio of the house or on the street, and giving them the function of placing food and water for the dog.
Although we must be aware that all this is in theory, because in practice it is finally the adults who end up taking care of the dogs. That is why it is important that the child gets involved in the task of searching for the perfect animal for him, that he falls in love at first sight with the puppy, and that we find ourselves in a constant process of teaching with the child, showing him that the puppy is not a toy, which is a living being with emotions and needs.
race is not everything
There are around more than 700 breeds of dogs on the planet. It is a very broad spectrum, some of them can be more docile or faithful, being perfect for coexistence in the family nucleus, becoming one more member of the house, or also, adopting the child as one of his litter. But we warn you that the breed does not pre-establish a specific or outstanding behavior. With what this result is achieved is with the education and affection that we can give to these little animals.
Dogs can be found in shelters and kennels that are mestizo and turn out to be perfect little animals, even better than those that are purebred, to be children's companions. Like all pets, if they are well educated from puppies, they will be very faithful and intelligent, and will show a great deal of affection to their owners and their children.
That is why we recommend that, before going to buy a dog for children, you take a walk through places of welcome, because it may happen that the ideal dog you are looking for is found there, even if it is not of a certain breed. Talk to the caregivers. They interact with animals every day and can give you great advice on the perfect animal you are looking for. But always keep in mind that education and treatment are essential.
Of course, there are general characteristics related to purebred dogs that you should know about, such as the fact that there are some that need constant physical activity, such as the Golden Retriever or the Labrador, which must be walked at least four to six times. up to date.
On the other hand, there are breeds that do not want to do any type of physical exercise, such as the Mastiffs or the Great Dane, which hardly move and are very sedentary. And don't forget the Chihuahuas, who won't want to stick their noses out in the street if it's raining.
A dog is not a toy
We want to emphasize this idea. It is absolutely normal for a child to want to have a puppy, they dream of that idea and will be able to promise anything for you to buy it for them. But you also have to consider that a child is just that, just a child. As such, he is not capable of taking responsibility on his own for the care and attention that a dog requires, although he can help with these tasks.
We also insist that if you make the decision to adopt or buy a dog as a gift for your child, it is better that you think again, because although it is true that it is a gift for your child, it is no less true that it will only be yours. the responsibility to take proper care of the animal. Take into account that a dog has a life expectancy of between twelve and fifteen years, although with good care, there have been cases in which they even reach twenty years.
Again we ask you to reconsider your decision to acquire a puppy. Animal protection organizations and kennels are currently full of dogs that have been abandoned shortly after being bought or adopted.
If you do not have much patience, it is likely that you do not want to acquire a dog, because you may consider it a nuisance and the child does not have the capacity to take care of the little animal completely, and you will have to make the decision to give it away or abandon it, and the little animal doesn't deserve that either, because, after all, it's an animal and it doesn't understand. Please think long and hard before purchasing a dog, either for your family or if you are going to give it to another family.
Benefits of having a dog for children
We have indicated to you on several occasions that, even if the puppy is for a child, it is you who will be truly responsible for the care that the animal needs, even if our son collaborates in these tasks. That is precisely where a great learning process begins for the child. He will begin by knowing what responsibility is, as well as values related to respect for the life of animals and their care.
Dogs for children, without harsh, also have something to teach children. They are unbeatable playmates, excellent watchmen and the word friendship has no meaning for it, everything fits in that word. With such characteristics, they will bring out a child's affection and feelings, as well as psychomotor skills thanks to games.
It is not for nothing that dogs are used in many therapies for children with problems in their physical or intellectual development. What we must do is inform ourselves well and select a breed of dog that suits the needs of the child.
What are the best dog breeds to live with children?
Although it is true that we tend to avoid certain races, when it comes to living with children, it is no less true that the vast majority of them can live with children without having any problems, as long as they are educated, both kids like dogs, the right way. You just have to take into account some elements that can help us make the decision:
- Size
- Age
- Housing
Size does matter
If our child is a baby, we will most likely opt for a small-sized puppy, to prevent it from accidentally causing harm to our child. We must bear in mind that some breeds of dogs weigh more than forty kilos and while they are puppies they are very cute, but the period in which they become adults is one year and in that time our dog will remain small and our dog it will have become a little pony.
Now, if your child is old enough to be a little independent, then the size of the dog probably isn't a limitation. Unless the animal is of such an entity that the child does not have enough strength to walk it alone. If that is not the case, then in this case the limitation will be housing.
Puppy or adult dog?
There are thousands of opinions in this field. An adult dog that has been well trained will behave perfectly and will not give trouble. But, on the other hand, if we have a puppy, it can be taught at the same time that it grows with the child, so the conclusion is that one is not better or worse than another. Everything depends on him being taught correctly.
What must be taken into consideration is that a puppy requires very special and different care than that of an adult dog. They need more attention and dedication. You have to have a lot of patience, teach him to relieve himself outside the house, an issue that an adult dog probably already knows how to do and that some "accidents" will occur in the process.
What can we offer the dog?
This is another element that we must take into consideration. There are breeds that are energetic and others that are very nervous, others that require a lot of space, as is the case with sheepdogs, who need a large garden to be able to play and take long walks every day to exercise.
We must weigh very well the amount of time that we can really invest in the dog and the size of our house, so that the dog can have its own space. You will not find the same atmosphere in an apartment as in a house with a large garden, and a dog needs to have the space of it.
Once we have weighed these factors, we will be able to consider if a small, medium or large breed dog is best for us. Also if we prefer it to be a puppy or an adult dog, as well as the kind of dog character that suits us, whether it is a calm dog or a more energetic one.
Small dog breeds for children
Before explaining to you about the dog breeds for children that we think may be suitable due to their characteristics, you should keep in mind that in any animal shelter or kennel you can get many small breed puppies or small adult dogs.
Whether they are purebred or mestizo, all of them are looking for a home and they do not cost money, except for mandatory vaccinations and if it is also mandatory to put a chip on them, but you also have to pay for that when you go to buy a dog.
Now, getting into the matter, among the known breeds we can find some that are more adaptable to living with children, given their characteristics and character, so we offer you the following list:
Bichon Frize
This little guy does not manage to exceed a foot tall when he reaches his adult phase and his weight does not usually exceed four kilos. In terms of characteristics, the Bichon Frisé is a very active and energetic dog, although due to its size we could not say that, therefore, it requires long daily walks to expend energy.
He is affectionate with children and an excellent playmate, he certainly looks like a cuddly toy, but he dislikes having his hair or ears pulled, which is the case with most dogs. This breed is a very good choice to live with children.
goldendoodles
This is another small breed that can fill a child's heart with joy. It is a mestizo, a mix between a golden and a poodle, which can have various sizes and measurements, although in general terms they are small or medium-sized dogs. When they reach their adult phase, they can measure up to seventy centimeters, although in general they are smaller. Their weight varies according to their size, but in general it will be between 4 to 10 kilos.
The variety of average sizes that exists in this crossbreed must be taken into consideration. If you want a small size, you have to point it out when you go to buy it, because there are small and medium Goldendoodles.
This mix is loving and affectionate with children. They are perfect companions for games and have a calm character. They have also been shown to be highly intelligent, sociable, and cheerful. Another feature in their favor is that they hardly lose hair. There is no doubt that it is an excellent option to consider if its size suits our requirements.
Pug or Pug
This small breed does not exceed a foot tall when it reaches its adult stage and its weight is regularly a maximum of eight kilos. It is a perfect dog for people who do not have time to take long walks, because it is a bit lazy to walk, it is cheerful and it is a very house dog.
It is a smiling, affectionate, charming and respectful breed with children, and it becomes an example of a dog for the little ones in the house. Although sometimes they are stubborn, so you have to be very repetitive and insistent in their education. It is a dog with a sociable and calm character, although all this depends on the kind of education that we give it.
Yorkshire Terrier
It is a perfect breed for those who live in small apartments or those who like to take their pet on the motorcycle and even on a bicycle, the small size of the Yorkshire makes it a quintessential lap dog.
But they are nervous and have to be well educated since they are puppies so that when they become adults they do not make much noise. They are very funny and sociable dogs, and they play very well with children.
French bulldog
It is a breed that is fashionable, and it has been shown that they have a fidelity with their masters subject to any test. When they meet their masters, they make strange noises that amuse the whole family. This is an intelligent breed and they can easily tell if any member is in distress.
It is not an animal suitable for long walks, because it prefers to lie down, although it is a small animal, and it will be satisfied with a short walk in the park.
Beagle
It is by far one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world, because “Snoopy” is a Beagle. He has a very cute appearance, he looks like a bloodhound detective. We can say that the Beagle is the perfect dog for children. His character is very cheerful and curious, as well as being very sociable, calm and intelligent.
Rarely its size exceeds forty centimeters at the withers and its weight is around fourteen kilos. He is a dog that adapts very well to living in apartments and likes to play and walk a lot. It is a breed that in distant times was used as hunting dogs, so it will not disdain spending a day in the field at all.
Shih Tzu
It is a small breed of dog that has an arrogant appearance, but they really have a very cheerful and playful character, they are affectionate and affectionate with all members of the family. He is an excellent playmate, he likes children very much, as long as they do not go overboard with him. Let us remember that after all dogs are animals and we must have respect for them.
Its size is very small, with about twenty-five centimeters in height and about seven kilos in weight. It adapts very well to living in apartments and is a very social breed, although, as with any dog, it must be properly trained.
Cocker spaniel
This breed is one of the best dog options for children. Its small size, its proven affection for family life and its sociable character testify to this. They are dogs that are very fond of children and adapt perfectly to family environments.
When they are in their adult stage, they do not exceed 30 kilos in weight, the Cocker Spaniel adapts wonderfully to coexistence both in apartments and in houses with gardens or country houses. They are boisterous and cheerful and their characteristics make them an ideal option. In addition, their intelligence, along with the kindness they exhibit, will win the hearts of all family members.
Medium and large dog breeds for children
Medium and large dog breeds also adapt very well to living with children, so they are an excellent option, as long as we have the requirements they need to give them a good quality of life, which it's what they deserve. Larger dogs generally need larger spaces to live in, long walks with a long distance, and plenty of exercise.
There are many animal shelters, shelters and kennels where you can get dogs of any size and age, purebred or mongrel, that are waiting for a family to adopt them. If you choose this option, you will not have to spend money on the purchase of a dog, since in those places you will only have to cancel, as we have already said, the mandatory vaccinations and the chip to be able to adopt them. The breeds that best suit children are:
Boxer
This is the breed of dog that is probably the one that likes to play the most on the planet, for that reason they are nicknamed the eternal puppy. No matter how old he is, he always wants to play and have a great time. His character, therefore, is affectionate, cheerful and very prone to play. It is one of the best companions for children and adults. They also adapt very well to family life and are good guardians.
This is a breed that has a huge amount of energy, therefore daily walks and exercise are mandatory for them. They often play with other dogs and are very social. When they reach their adult stage, they can measure about fifty or sixty centimeters from the withers and weigh around twenty-five or thirty-five kilos.
Golden Retriever
In this description we also want to include the Labrador Retriever, because it has the same characteristics and both are ideal as dogs for children. It is certainly a large breed of dog, but they are particularly careful with children, very affectionate, playful and sensitive.
Retriever breeds are known to adapt very well to the family environment and enjoy the company of children with whom they often play. His character is cheerful, affectionate and calm. Without a doubt, it is a good choice to be part of the family, if you have the right conditions.
They reach about sixty centimeters in height and have about thirty-five kilos in weight, although as a general rule they are a little smaller in size. They love to walk and exercise, get along with other dogs and are very social.
Dalmatian
You most likely know them from the many movies that have been made with them. They are playful and affectionate, they become an excellent choice as playmates for children and they get along very well with the family. It is a breed that is very faithful and adept at its owners, they are not impatient dogs and they are calm.
Dalmatians can live perfectly in an apartment, but they like to go for walks and run. This dog requires exercise and spaces where he can feel free. Their size is large and they can reach up to sixty centimeters tall and weigh about thirty kilos when they become adults. It is a very happy and social dog and perfectly adaptable to any environment. They are particularly appreciated by firefighters.
St. Bernard
This breed is very large and bulky, it is also very popular in the cinema, for the Beethoven film series and as a rescue dog on the high snowy peaks. It exhibits a very noble and imposing appearance. He really has a bigger heart than him. It is one of the most affectionate breeds that exist, it is usually respectful and playful. He is perfect as a playmate for children, although his size makes an impression at first.
The Saint Bernard is a breed of dog that requires a lot of space to live, it is not recommended that it live with a family in an apartment. When it reaches its adult stage, it can measure about seventy centimeters and have a dog of up to ninety kilos. It is a very large animal that also requires a lot of maintenance.
It is ideal for cold climates, in which it will feel at home, it loves to walk and play, but at its own pace, avoiding getting hot, because it has a great coat. If you have the required conditions, it is a great choice to add to the family.
bobtail
Although it looks like a giant stuffed animal, it really is a dog, and it is a dog for children, because it is just as it looks, a dog love. He is affectionate, cheerful and playful. He is one of the great options for a family with children. His fame as a family dog is well deserved, so much so that in the United States they have given him the nickname of nanny dog.
He really likes the outdoors, exercising, walking and sharing in the company of other dogs. It is a sociable animal and adapts very well, although it must be brushed regularly so that it continues to look like a large cuddly toy, due to the large amount of hair it has. This breed of dog became famous on television because of Sprocket, who was the dog of the Fraggle Rocks.
Labrador
It is included in the dog breeds with the best character according to its genetics, that is, it is found in its genetic code to have a good character and be suitable for family environments, without it being necessary for them to have received a strict education. The Labrador is a very affectionate, loyal, friendly, playful and kind dog. He likes to go for walks and play with children and other dogs.
It adapts very well to coexistence in an apartment or in a house, and in any kind of climate. It hardly requires care, because it is a very strong and resistant breed, although it has a tendency to gain weight if we do not pay attention and care to its diet.
German shepherd
It is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so much so that it is used by police and rescue forces. They are alert, they become invaluable guardians and caretakers of a farm, but with their owners they are extremely affectionate and maintain absolute fidelity.
For this reason, they are especially protective with children, about dangers and any threat they perceive in the environment. They like to exercise, but they adapt easily to quiet walks at a leisurely pace.
How to choose a mongrel dog to live with children?
What we must keep in mind are the needs we have and the space we have so that it becomes the dog's habitat. Certainly, a purebred dog can give us some information about the character it will have, but we know first-hand that the real difference lies in upbringing and education, and a mestizo dog can also offer us this.
We will only have to decide the type of dog we are looking for, the size we want and talk to the caregivers. They will surely show us the best options they have. We also have to decide if we want a puppy or an adult dog. But remember that if you want a puppy, you must pay special attention to its care and education.
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