Top 7 Dog Breeds For Your Child

Choosing a pet for your family can be difficult. Choosing a dog can even be harder, there are so many different breeds, large and small.
Many questions should be asked before considering a dog. "Can we afford a dog?" "Do we have time for a dog, can we play and exercise him when he needs it?"  and the main question that must be asked is "will he be good with children?"

Personally, I never trust any dog around children, so never leave your child unsupervised. No dog is 100% safe.
I think it is good to be weary of all breeds because for no apparent reason your best buddy has just attacked your child in the backyard. This is on the news a lot, "family dog attacks child."

Dogs have personalities just like humans, getting the right one to fit in with the family is tough.

Take a look at these 7 breeds-:

Whippet- medium size weighing up to 14kg. Considered an indoor animal because of short hair cannot handle too much cold. Very loyal to their owners but also friendly towards visitors. Very affectionate, loving and easy-going dog. Suggested to be good for the family. My daughter has a whippet, would have to be the most friendliest dog I have ever seen. Very loyal and affectionate, playful and a real character, very energetic, has times of absolute speed and chaos then exhaustion. Always has to be touching you, either with a paw or it's nose. Needs a good run every day so needs plenty of space. Highly recommend a whippet for the family. Very inquisitive. Healthy.(Burke's Backyard)
View my daughters Whippet with my little fox terrier Bailey.

Golden Retriever-   Medium size breed with long, waterproof coat. Golden Retrievers were used for retrieving water fowls. They are considered not to be good as watch dogs as they are very friendly towards strangers and anyone familiar to them. Breeds should not show agression of any kind, this is considered not acceptable within the bred.

Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, friendly and show a willingness to please their owners. Being very trainable, they are used as guide dogs, because of their easy going and friendliness manner towards other animals and people. This is why they are recommended for families with children. Love to work and rest, so will need some daily exercise and plenty of room to explore.
Health:   Hip Dysplasia and cancer are common, so ask your vet for more information regarding the breed.

Irish Wolfhound- Not the best looking dog but a true friend for life. Large breed, tallest, with loving nature, needs grooming and a large backyard. Friendly, good with kids, playful. Calm and very tolerant.

I once had a wolfhound, the most friendliest dog I have ever owned, cuddly, needing to be near you or touching you. It would jump on your lap when you pulled up in the car. Lay on you, it had to be close to you all the time. He probably was not the brightest dog, but then he wasn't a pure bred either. Cody, that was his name, would chase flying birds and wouldn't watch where he was going. Ran straight into a tree, picked himself up and went again.

Health- may have heart problems and other conditions but generally good, check out first.

Collies-

Light framed dog, medium size. Longish hair and have a long nose. Two types-working breed and show, pet breed. You should be looking at the show breed because you don't want to have to spend hours after work exercising your pet. Although the show breed will still need a little exercise.

Considered very trainable, remember lassie. Collies are very intelligent, friendly, loyal and gentle, that is why they are deemed to be good with children. Because Collies are natural herders they sometimes will roundup the children, get this out of them early, don't encourage it. Needs grooming regularly.

Health: genetic disorders, seek vetinary assistance when choosing this breed.

Poodles-  Considered to be a very intelligent dog. Breed comes in three sizes, toy, miniature and standard size.

Bred as a retriever dog or water dog, originating from Germany. Come in an array of colours with hair that will need regular combing to keep it maintained.
The standard size is reguarded to be best for family with children. Poodles, if spoilt can become demanding. They tend to go to one person more than another, so need to be firm with demands and intructions.
Exercise is essential as they can get bored easily, taking them on regular walks and jogs in the local park should become a daily routine for your family.
Health: Can have eye problems, Hip Dysplasia but are considered a very healthy breed. (Burkes Backyard)
Check with breeder and consult your vet.



Pugs-  
Low maintenance, small breed. Kind of cuteness about it, with a pushed in snout and curled up tail.
Considered to be great with children and the elderly, affectionate and loyal to their owners. Tend to shed coat twice a year so regular grooming is best but not necessary. (Burkes Backyard)
Do like the company of other dogs, so having two might be good. Colours are fawn, apricot/fawn, black or silver.
Can be a good watchdog but also can get a bit yappy. The breed can be quiet and docile but are known to be quite active. Regular exercise is needed to help keep weight at bay.
Health: Breathing difficulties, prone to obesity,  NME an inflammation of the brain. (Wikipedia)
Please talk to your vet before considering.


King Charles Cavalier Spaniel- A small dog, around 33 cm. All round cuteness.

The eyes will draw you in first, floppy ears and beautiful colours, highly recommend by vets for families with children. Temperament is loving, affectionate, friendly. Likes attention. (Burkes Backyard)

Long hair, so maintaining coat with regular baths and brushing.

Health-can be some issues, so check first before considering.

These are just a few breeds that I did some research on. Some I have owned and others I have been around. Please check with your vet when considering a breed.
As I said at the beginning, dogs all have their own personalities just like us humans and as we know, with humans, some can be unpleasant.

Happy Hunting.........

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