There are many dog breeds in the world today, and like humans, they are all different. Thus, when choosing a dog for your kid, it is essential to look beyond superficial attraction to make the right choice. Choosing the right dog breed for kids can be tricky as you may be swayed by the wrong things. Most people get carried away with a dog’s appearance, without understanding the training or temperament requirements.
We all know that a dog is man’s best friend. As a matter of fact, there are lots of households on the planet at present that own a canine as a part of their own family. Everybody, particularly the kids, has a high affinity for these pets irrespective of whether it is a large breed or a small one.
It might be the fact that your own toddler wants to have a dog as his companion, and in that case, you need to consider several aspects before choosing one. Although small children and dogs do go along with each other just like peanut butter and jelly, it is not always right. While small dogs might be a bad option given that kids often take them as toys and might get injured in the process, the big ones can be harder to control without proper training beforehand.
In this article, we have thrown some light on the top 10 best dog breeds and selection tips for the kids.
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Selection Tips
Before making your selection, consider researching the potentially suitable breed and where possible, consider spending time with the dog you are considering buying. Explore the characteristics of the breed and talk to your friends who own dogs. Here are some valuable tips on how to choose the best dog breed for kids.
Tip 1: Size Matters
If you have smaller, it is recommendable you go for a larger dog breed as it’s more durable. If your child steps on the foot or pulls on an ear of a large dog, that is more likely to tolerate it. Similarly, if your child steps on foot a small dog, like a Chihuahua or Miniature pincher, the dog may be injured and react by biting the child. Thus, it is advisable you get a large, sturdy dog for your kid.
Tip 2: Go For a Hypoallergenic Breed
Does your child have allergies? If yes, go for a hypoallergenic dog breed. These dogs shed less dander. Thus allergic kids can tolerate them better. Examples of hypoallergenic breeds include Poodles, the Maltese, the Kerry blue terrier, the Portuguese water dog and the Bichon. Consider spending time with the specific dog you are planning to bring home. Even with hypoallergenic dogs, you may be more sensitive to a given breed than the other. Additionally, you can be sensitive to their saliva, and thus let the kiss your face or lick your hand just to be sure they do not cause a reaction.
Tip 3: Choose a Pet that Matches Your Family’s Energy Level
Before making your selection, consider what the dog was bred to do. If you are looking for a high energy dog, go for herding breeds, sporting breeds, and a lot of working breeds. If you are looking for a mellow, quiet dog, avoid dogs that were bred for hunting. These are dogs that were bred to work outside all day long, meaning they have a lot of energy.
Note dogs that are bred to work out require regular mental and physical exercise or they are going to be unhappy. Unhappy dogs tend to be very destructive. The best way to choose a dog that matches your family energy level is to talk to find out what the breed needs, what it is like and then determine if you can meet its obligations.
It is imperative, to be honest with yourself. Determine the amount of time you want your kind to spend with the dog. There are many dog breeds that do not need a lot of exercises and there are many others that do.
Tip 4: Take into Account the Grooming and Care Needed
All dog breeds need proper grooming and care, but some dogs require more than others. Dogs with a long, curly coat require grooming several times a week, which is indeed not the level of care most kids can provide. Thus, it is recommendable you get a dog that has a shorter coat and needs little maintenance if your child will be the one taking care of the dog. Younger puppies and older dogs need extra care and attention, making them inappropriate for kids.
Tip 5: Consider the Temperament of the Dog
Pure breed dogs usually have the similar characteristics as the dogs in their breed. Similarly, a mixed breed has typical traits identical to those of their parent breeds. Get a dog that has a similar temperament to your family.
Kids that are more reserved will do well with dogs of a similar cautious mindset, while gregarious and outgoing kids do better with dogs that are more approachable and friendly. Before making the final decision, have your family members meet the dog to see if it is compatible.
More importantly, consider sitting down with your child and discuss what types of the breed will be ideal for them. Let them know the level of care and commitment that you’ll expect from them. Think about your kid’s lifestyle, and get a breed they can be able to manage along with their schooling and extracurricular activities.
Tip 6: Keep in Mind Your Set Budget
The cost of keeping a dog is a lot more than the price you’ll pay for buying the dog. You need to decide the amount of money you are willing to use on your dog monthly. Large dogs are usually more costly as they eat lots of food, and their health care costs are higher. Also, some apartments do not accept large breeds, making them more difficult to accommodate.
Smaller dog breeds, on the other hand, require certain expenses. However, they are not expensive as large breeds. Pure breed dogs tend to cost more money upfront, but they are susceptible to certain genetic predispositions. Mixed breed dogs cost less, and not sensitive to genetic predispositions as pure breeds.
Either way, make sure you calculate the cost of dog’s food, healthcare and grooming to get a rough idea of what you’ll spend on the dog.
Tip 7: Consider Your Living Situation
The type of breed you choose for your kid largely depends on your living situation. Large breeds, such as St. Bernards, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers are a perfect option for people with homes that have a significant amount of space for them to exercise and play. Ideally, large dogs should live in pet-friendly communities with lots of open areas and parks.
If you live in the apartment or an urban area, consider going for smaller dog breeds, such as the beagle or Welsh corgi as they are more tolerant of staying indoors. Another aspect to take into account is the type of climate you live in. Some dogs tend to do better in cold weather than warm weathers. Dogs, such as bulldogs and pugs tend to develop respiratory issues when it comes to warm weather.
With a good understanding of the above 7 tips, you will undoubtedly have an easy time choosing the best dog breed for your kid. Consider consulting your family doctor before selecting a dog if your child has allergies.
Golden Retriever
Probably, the Golden Retriever is the most coveted dog breeds for kids. Being an extremely loyal canine, these dogs can be a companion for life as well. They love being a part of the family and are also quite friendly along with a patient nature which is appropriate for the younger children in particular. The Golden Retriever happens to be excellent at tracking as well as sniffing and also enjoys different types of workouts as well. Moreover, one will not face any hard time to train these dogs given that they’re obedient as well as playful.
Labrador Retriever
Similar to the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever is also one of the most well-liked pooches amongst the kids. Being extremely friendly, patient as well as well-behaved, these dogs are a popular choice for lots of households nowadays. Moreover, it is quite easy to train Labrador Retrievers who are also extremely hard-working plus intelligent. In a nutshell, every young playful child is going to adore a Labrador Retriever as his favorite pet.
Beagle
These dogs are built sturdily and consequently, they were used for hunting purposes in the past. However, at present, they have earned a reputation of being one of the friendliest pet dogs out there thanks to their playful nature. Being extremely friendly as well as cheerful, a beagle is particularly preferred by the kids. However, they are known to shed and require brushing as well as bathing on a regular basis.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel is well-known for its cheerful nature as well as desire to please. Nevertheless, in spite of being cheerful in their disposition, they are not known to react well to teasing. He implies that your kids must be trained as well apart from the pooch itself.
Pug
A pug is a type of dog featuring a wrinkly face as well as a curled tail. Children, in particular, like these dogs mainly because of their compact body, curly tails, strong muscles as well as a deep chest. Pugs are extremely strong-willed in nature and will not act aggressively unless provoked. They are usually quiet in their behavior and can also act funny according to the mood of the owner.
Boxer
There is no doubt about the fact that boxers are extremely energetic in nature, and they are likewise affectionate, playful, as well as pack-oriented. On top of this, they have a special affinity for the kids as well. However, it is imperative to provide them with plenty of workouts given that they are prone to digging and barking once they have too much energy.
Collie
Collie is known to be gentle in nature, and they rarely bite human beings as well. Moreover, it will not be difficult to train them thanks to their mild mannerisms as well as playful character. Nevertheless, their long hair demands frequent grooming to keep it in proper shape. A collie is known to get along very well with the children in particular. Their longevity is approximately 14 to 16 years which is quite high for a larger breed like them.
Bichon Frise
These little white puffballs can be lots of fun for the kids as well as adults. A Bichon Frise is known to enjoy the company of human beings while having lots of energy to keep up with the children too. Although they do not shed, they need grooming on a regular basis. They are reputed for their ability to entertain humans and are ideal companions for many families these days. However, try not to keep them aloof since they often tend to get into trouble when left alone.
Poodle
Even though poodles are often provided with some unusual haircuts by their owners. They are nevertheless quite smart as well as gentle in their disposition. Furthermore. They can be an excellent companion for the children suffering from allergies given that poodles do not shed much at all. However, they require grooming quite often. Poodles are proud as well as elegant pooches that are both caring and obedient. On top of this, they tend to vary in size, and you can always choose one according to the preference of your little one.
French Bulldog
These wrinkled-faced canines are well-known for their small face, muscular body as well as bat ears. They can prove to be ideal for families who have sufficient time for cuddling them and taking them off for exercises to get rid of that extra energy. Although French Bulldogs are alert, they are not much boisterous which makes them excellent companions for the young ones in particular.
Conclusion
After going through the facts mentioned above. It should not be difficult for you to come across a proper dog breed for your young one. Having a pet in our house is a fantastic way to enrich your kid’s development. Also, create some great memories that can be treasured for a considerable period of time. However, bear in mind that your job is not done yet! In fact, training your dog correctly is of paramount importance given that he is going to become a longtime companion for your kid.
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