Dogs with Small Children

When checking out some Web sites with top family dog lists, I came across this one. These are the top ten on the list:

1. Newfoundland





2. Pug


3. American staffordshire terrier (mislabled on the Site as a Staffordshire bull terrier)
   
4. Labrador retriever


5. Keeshond


6. Golden retriever


7. Collie
   
8. Standard poodle


9. Bernese mountain dog


10. English bulldog (they don't specify English or American, but the picture shown is an English)

I have some big issues with this list. Let's start with the pug. Pugs absolutely do NOT belong in homes with small children. While they are not agressive, their prominent eyes are very vulnerable to injury from the prodding of toddlers' fingers. I am glad to see that the staffordshire popped up on most of the family breed lists I came across. They are not the same breed as pit bull terriers (which are not all bad anyways), and definately deserve consideration. I have no experience personally with keeshonds, but have heard good things. Collies are not all Lassie. Their coat requires a great deal of maintenance which busy families may not be able to provide. These dogs also have a tendancy to be yappy, which can be frustrating with babies/children napping during the day. Bernese mountain dogs have fantastic dispositions, but with a thick double coat, they are unsuitable for warm climates, and shed profusely. As strong willed working dogs, they require a good deal more training than most families have the time to do.

My own top 5 would look something like this:

1. Standard Poodle- I was shocked to see the poodle fall so low on many top 10 lists. They are hypoallergenic- a BIG plus in a lot of families, but do require regular professional grooming as the coat does not stop growing. A lamb or puppy cut is a great way to keep your poodle's coat if they are not to be shown. They have great dispositions with lots of patience, but are also playful and lively to entertain older children. They were originally a sporting dog, but since this heritage is so far removed, they lack the persistant need for stimulation that many family dogs (such as labs) retain. A poodle will be happy curled up on the couch watching soap operas, or chasing the kids around outside. A wonderfully versatile breed, the standard poodle is my top pic.



2. Golden/Labrador Retriever- This one is a toss-up between the two. My personal preference as the proud mama to a yellow lab is obviously the labrador. The golden, however, seems to be a bit quieter than the lab, as well as less needy. If you own a labrador, it will be in your lap a large portion of the time or dropping a tennis balls at your feet constantly. A golden will doubtless want to play, but may be less persistant, and happily lie down if you ignore him. Both dogs shed quite a bit, but the hair of the golden is much more visable on your floors, and a golden will need more regular grooming as well as occasional trimming.




3. English Bulldog- Quick! Somebody on drool patrol! English bulldogs are a jolly and good natured breed, and although it won't bother the kids, the drooling can bother some adults. These dogs don't have the activity level to suit many active families, but for those who don't want a labrador retreiver roaring through the house knocking over everything in sight, an English bulldog is a great, couch potato dog.



4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi- The corgi is a great fit for families who want a smaller dog. Many small dogs are fragile and can be nippy with rough children. The corgi, however, is a great fit for families with children of all ages and is hardy enough to put up with rough playtime (though children should always be supervised with any dog).



5. Mixed breed- This one might really belong at the top of the list. Mixes are often very good family dogs. Usually mutts inherit the best personality traits of both parents. I had 2 mixed breed dogs growing up, and own a mixed breed now who is fantastic with my 9 month old, and has been since day 1. They tend to have very high pain tolerences and lot of patience. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, be sure to perform some basic behavioral tests to ensure that the dog is suitable. Many dogs who have suffered abuse or neglect have issues that make them dangerous around small children.

Remember that all dogs have their limits. No young child should ever be left unsupervised with a dog of any size. Socialization and basic training, even with little dogs, is crucial to ensuring that your dog is able to be the best family member which he/she can be.