What do we mean when we say that a dog is “good with kids” or “family-friendly?” In an interview with The Daily Paws, Meghan Connolly, DVM, owner of Atlantic Veterinary Behavior in Gaithersburg, Md., stated that the ideal dog for a home with kids is one that’s relatively easygoing and on the calmer side. These traits will serve them well in the presence of young children who aren’t old enough to respect personal space and whose behavior can be erratic and boisterous. Thus, it follows that anxious dogs who are easily startled and those who show any signs of guarding behaviors are not ideal for homes with kids, she explains.
Interestingly, kid-friendly isn’t synonymous with kid-sized, as some of the most gentle, laid-back dogs are also some of the biggest. And yet, size does matter (think of a 60-pound pup trying to play tug of war with a toddler). Medium- and large-breed dogs aren’t inherently bad choices for homes with children, but they will require extra precautions and constant supervision to mitigate unintentional harm caused by the size disparity. On the other hand, very small dogs can also be less than ideal because it’s easy for them to get hurt (even accidentally) if a child steps on them.
Connolly notes that certain breeds can have generalized characteristics that make them more likely to do well in a home with kids but that each individual dog ultimately has their own personality. With this in mind, she typically encourages people with children to adopt older dogs who’ve already lived in a foster environment and have been exposed to kids. This will give you a much better idea of what to expect, and you (ideally) have the added bonus of skipping the potty-training stage. Older pups are also more likely to possess a laid-back temperament.
But if your heart is set on a puppy, Connolly advises observing both parents and their previous litters, if possible, for a more accurate picture of what’s to come. “If going with a breeder, let them know you’re looking for a family pet,” she explains. “There are ‘working lines’ of breeds who can make wonderful family pets, but these dogs tend to be high-energy. They need to be kept very busy and can be a bit too hyper for those with young families.”
Unfortunately, raising a dog from puppyhood doesn’t automatically guarantee kid-friendliness, and Connolly says she sees a lot of puppies and adolescent dogs in her behavior practice who can display aggressive behavior and guarding issues. As with all breeds, early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and adequate mental and physical exercise are crucial for helping puppies become safe, healthy companions.
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