Which Dogs Make the Best Pets for Kids?

Children love dogs and dogs make great pets. But which dog is right for your children? There are so many different breeds of dogs, it can get confusing when trying to decide. Some things you need to think about when choosing a dog is the age of your children, the size of the dog when it will be full grown, and the temperament the breed has. Let’s look at each of these issues so you can make a wise choice.

First, think about how old your children are and their activity levels. If you have toddlers in the house, a big, energetic puppy can hurt them in their eagerness to play without meaning to. If you have pre-school or elementary school age children, a trip and fall could crush a small puppy. If your children are very young, it might be better to get an older dog with a calm temperament who can withstand the rigors of young children.

Next you need to think about what size the dog will be when it is full grown. All puppies are cute, but we all know how quickly they grow. Size wise, they might be a perfect match when they are puppies and grow to be alarmingly big so fast that they dwarf your children and they become scared of the family dog. Make sure your home and your children are a good fit for the size of dog you choose.

The temperament of the dog is one of the most important issues you need to consider when choosing a dog for a pet. With children around, you need to pick an intelligent breed that is known for its loving personality with a moderate energy level. Some breeds that fit this criteria are Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Bichon Frise, Beagles, German Shepherds and of course, the good old mutt.

Take a trip to the library and check out books on different dog breeds. Spend time with your children looking at the books and talking about the pros and cons of each one. If possible, visit people who have one of the breeds you are thinking about getting. Ask friends and family which dogs they have had the best experience with. By doing all of these things, you are sure to choose the right dog that will be a perfect fit for your children and the whole family.

Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/324/Jason-Ladock

Jason Ladock

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