Dogsand Kids

Canada
April 25, 2007 3:20pm CST
When you have small kids, or at least plan to have kids in the future, what breed of dogs are the safest and which are to be avoided? Do any of you have personal anecdotes to share?
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3 responses
• United States
26 Apr 07
Well honestly when i was born two weeks later my dad bought me a doggy. Yay! It was a golder retreiver she passed away quite some time ago but when my parents had my little brother they got another one same kind there really sweet dogs. They are really caring and extreamly good listeners just don't mistreet them.
1 person likes this
• Canada
5 Jun 07
They were OK around newborns? How was it for you and your brother as newborns to adjust to a dog rather than a person? Any issues?
• Philippines
26 Apr 07
I think labradors are safe for kids. These dogs are friendly. The only problem is when they get so big they may hurt children by bumping into them. So, maybe you could try poodles and schi-tzus. These are the cute types of dogs and I think they are also safe for kids. I never liked to have a pitbull, especially with kids around. It's too dangerous.
• Canada
26 Apr 07
Yeah, certain breeds of dogs just aren't compatible with small animals and children. Where I live, there has been a recent ban on pitbulls. Although I do agree with others about the dogs upraising mattering more than breed, the genes of the dog I believe do play a role in what kind of risk is being taken. I know a pitbull CAN be friendlier than a poodle, but odds are what you said is correct more often than not.
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@Gemmygirl1 (2867)
• Australia
26 Apr 07
I don't believe there are safe breeds, it's all to do with how you raise & train them. ANY breed of dog can be well trained & wonderful for kids - you just need the patience & a loving hand to raise them with! I would recommend buying from a pup, make sure you can meet the owners & play with the parents of the pup a little to check out their temperaments! Take your child along & see how the parents are with your child, also, let your child pick the pup they like, maybe the one that comes to them & is friendly! I currently only have small dogs & 2 shih-tzu's & a maltese x shih-tzu - all are great! I would like a larger dog & thanfully there's a breeder out here that breeds all sorts - Staffy's, husky's & a couple other breeds as well i think! Or you could always pick the pup that's not the most adventurous but not the most quiet either - an in between is good. Good Luck!
• Canada
26 Apr 07
My concern is if I get a dog first, then get married and have kids. If I have kids first, I wouldn't get a pet until they are old enough to be safe. I'm worried about what could potentially happen when a dog that takes time to get used to new entities and when that entity is an infant who can't accommodate the dog.