BEST BREEDS WITH KIDS

Do other lists of best breeds for children explain WHY some breeds are better suited for kids? 

Do they advise according to the child's AGE group, activity level, and other important factors?  Some breeds are better hunters, retrievers, or guard dogs; some are born knowing how to herd, and some breeds are just naturally wonderful with children.

The really cool thing about purebred dogs is that every breed was developed over generations to serve a certain purpose, like to be a ladies lap dog or guard the Emperor's palace.

When a pure breed gets crossed up with another pure breed, we call it cross-bred.  Cross breeding is almost always done for a specific reason but a long time ago, it could have been a mistake that turned out to have a good purpose.  When a pure bred dog gets accidently mated to a mutt, well, we call it a mongrel because the carefully developed traits of purebred dog are diminished by the jumbled up genetic traits.

One thing all dogs have in common is an uncanny love for humans.  Puppies love everyone but as they get older and their genes "come alive" and begin to distinguish their breed characteristics, some dogs become devoted to only one person.  Some become very territorial and will protect your stuff.  Others are what dog men call "varminty" meaning they will reliably catch pesky critters like rats.  Other breeds like the terriers, are fiery and quick to react. 

None of the foregoing breed types are suitable for young children.  One-owner dogs will resent your kid's playmates.  The territorial, protective breeds may not always accept youngsters running in and out.  Varminty breeds tend to grab toys and even ankles.  High strung breeds like terriers are great with older, athletic kids but not for kids under six years old. 

But thankfully, some breeds are just made for kids.  They are patient, slow to anger, have a high pain threshold, don't mind being dressed in doll clothes or ridden in a wagon or used for a pillow in front of the TV.  They seem to be especially made for young children whereas other breeds that have all those characteristics but are bigger are great for older, active kids. 

Safest and Best Dog Breeds For Kids

ARF! Clumber Spaniel. Clumbers are big enough, gentle and patient enough to resist rough handling, making them a good choice for families with toddlers. With older children, the Clumber loves to snooze quietly when homework is the priority.

ARF! Cocker Spaniel. Cockers are loving and tolerant of having coat or ears pulled by rambunctious and mischieveous youngsters who are a tad more active than the toddling set.

ARF! Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are fun-loving, intelligent and gallop-till-you-drop playmates for children of every age, from the bookish seven year old who runs from tree to tree in a game of hide and seek with his best friend to the 15 year old who expects his dog to make like an end receiver in a rough and tumble game of football!

ARF! Labrador Retriever. Labradors are physically tough, sensible, thoughtful - what we call a "good buddy dog" for all kids regardless of their age. Their size and sturdy nature combined with energy level to match that of any kid makes them among the most popular family dogs.

ARF! Boxer. Kind, loving and loyal, the boxer is a great dog for children of all ages, but especially teenage boys  who like to rough-house and roll around in the dirt with their best friend. Fine for younger kids, too, but only when obedience trained as the dog's eagerness to run and play could overwhelm the little ones if the "boxie" is allowed to run wild.

ARF! Boston Terrier. Bostons are so tuned in, alert and quick on their feet that even a falling tot isn't likely to land on one, eliminating the need for so much as a warning growl, bark or snap, much less a nip or bite. Loving, loyal and energetic enough to keep going and going and going - like the Energizer Bunny!

ARF! Bulldogs. These powerful dogs have a very high pain threshold and therefore react to the poking and prodding of toddlers with a big wet kiss or the kind of "ho-hum tolerance" that keeps Mom breathing easy when she turns her back on child and dog while warming the baby's bottle! 

ARF! Shetland Sheepdog. Shetland sheepdogs are bred to stick to their charges like a magnet and to gently protect babies, whether lambs or humans. Enough said!

ARF! Beagles. Like most hound breeds, these hunting dogs are affectionate and sturdy, not big enough to intimidate a child but large enough to keep a kid from trying to pick them up and squeeze too hard - a prime cause of biting and injury to human and canine.

ARF! Bloodhounds and Basset Hound have lots of loose skin to intrigue children, long silky ears everyone loves to stroke, and as much calm patience as they have drool.  And that's a lot!