With so many different dog breeds to chose from, it can be really tough to find the best one to suit your needs. There’s the perfect dog out there for everyone, whether it’s a purebred from a wonderful breeder or an unlucky mixed breed pup that ended up in the shelter. But one of the benefits to getting a dog from a known history is knowing how its parents, grandparents and even aunts and uncles did around children. If you have your own children, are planning to have a baby soon, or even just spend a lot of time around kids, there are some great dog breeds that might not be the best choice for you.
#1 – Border Collie
The Border Collie is becoming increasingly popular due to its winning performance in a variety of dog sports. Most people have seen videos of various Border Collies performing complex tricks and winning championships and think they’re smart, eager to please dogs. Well, they’re right! But unfortunately, intelligence and biddability are only part of what makes a dog excel at sport – the other half is drive and energy. Border Collies are very high drive, active dogs that do not have the patience or desire to tolerate children.
#2 – Rottweiler
Rottweilers are fearless guardians of their families, but caution should be taken around children. Male Rottweilers in particular have a tendency to be fairly solitary animals that enjoy their own space. Many children will not understand how to properly ignore a dog and the constant attention can lead to an undesirable outcome.
#3 – Akita
The Akita is a very large, powerful breed that has a natural tendency to be aloof towards strangers. They are very independent dogs that require special care in relation to their temperament and children are not typically appreciated by an Akita. These are courageous dogs that have been bred to work alone and therefore do not necessarily admire the presence of many people or other animals.
#4 – Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a fast, intelligent and active herding breed that excels at many dog sports. Like the Border Collie, Australian Shepherds are very high drive dogs that have little patience for small children and have even been known to try and herd groups of kids.
#5 – Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very hardy, opinionated dog with a classic terrier personality. Because of this, they are not typically recommended for families with children. They are very active and drivey dogs that will easily attempt to put a child in their place with aggression.
#6 – Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is a reserved, independent breed that should typically be avoided by families with children. Originally used as guard dogs, they are naturally aloof towards strangers and have a tendency towards aggression if not well trained and socialized early.
#7 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a large, powerful guard dog bred to protect its people from danger. The breed is courageous and intelligent dogs that are less aggressive today than in the past, but still maintain their protective capabilities. Because of this, they are not typically recommended for families with small children.
#8 – Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier may appear to be more of a stuffed animal than a dog, but it maintains a terrier like personality. Although hardy in mind, their bodies are small and fragile and when treated like a toy, they will become aggressive. Yorkshire Terriers can be easily injured by children trying to pick them up and in general do not tolerate children well.
#9 – Chow Chow
The Chow Chow originated as a guard dog and is one of the most ancient breeds still in existence today. Because of this, they’ve maintained a very primitive and slightly aggressive temperament that makes them unsuitable for both novice handlers and children alike. It is not uncommon for the breed to become aggressive towards strangers, even if it is affectionate with its immediate family.
#10 – English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel enjoys spending its time as a lapdog and can do well with older, well-behaved children. That said, it does not tolerate rough handling and although very cute, will become aggressive if a child gives too much attention or tries to pick it up. Because of this, it’s important to keep small children away.
#11 – Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a large dog originally bred for hunting. It has a sweet, playful demeanor and is best suited for an extremely active family home. Although it tolerates children well, its large size and robust personality cause it to knock small children over quite often.
#12 – Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small dog well-suited for apartment life and less-active living. What the breed lacks in physical size is certainly makes up for in personality and it can be quite difficult to manage. Chihuahuas enjoy being lapdogs but do not tolerate inappropriate handling and will become aggressive towards rough children.
Toledo, United States.
