Family Dogs: Kid-friendly Dog Breeds for Families

The choice of the ideal family dog is as individual as each family itself. What makes the perfect family dog? Are there dog breeds that are particularly suitable as family dogs? Our guide provides information and tips that can help with the selection.

What Makes a Family Dog?

A typical family dog ​​should ideally be resilient, well-balanced, playful, fond of children, peaceful, and cuddly. Aggressive behavior is a no-go. All family members, especially young children, should feel safe and comfortable with the dog. In addition, a family dog ​​should not have an above-average urge to move, because there is very little time for daily walks lasting several hours apart from work, children, and the household. Factors such as the texture of the fur and the length of the hair are also important. Depending on the breed of the dog, these characteristics can have a major impact on the cleanliness of the living space and the time it takes to care for it.

Every family has individual requirements for the perfect family dog. It is therefore important to find out which dog breed best suits your individual lifestyle and daily routine.

No matter which breed of dog you choose – with dog health insurance you are always on the safe side.

What is the Best Family Dog?

There is no one best family dog, because every family is individual, has different daily routines and needs. So the answer depends on various factors. The family dog should fit the circumstances. Size, activity, fur, grooming, and the difficulty of training all play a role. Popular family dogs include the Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador, and Golden Retriever breeds.

Which Dog is Right for My Family?

When choosing the right family dog, the lifestyle of your family plays a decisive role. The following questions can help you choose the right dog.

• How active is your family? Do you go on a lot of excursions into nature, regardless of the season, or do you prefer to stay at home? If you’re not overly active, a very active dog that loves to run might not suit you.
• How do you live? In an apartment or in a house with a garden? For some dogs, an apartment is absolutely sufficient. Others need a lot of space to let off steam.
• How old are your children? Some breeds are fonder of children than others.
• How much time do you have? Can you take multiple walks a day? Dogs need attention, exercise, and grooming. Depending on the length of the fur, the latter can also take up a large part of your time.
• Who takes responsibility? Are the children old enough to already bear some of the responsibility? The family dog ​​needs fresh air in all weathers. The distribution of tasks should be clarified before the purchase.
• Are there allergy sufferers in the family? Before getting a dog, test urgently whether you, your partner, or the children have an animal hair allergy.

Dogs and Babies

When it comes to the question of whether a dog and a small child can live under the same roof, opinions quickly differ. Most dog owners would say that their four-legged friend is fond of children and harmless. Nevertheless, there are always dangerous incidents between dogs and small children. To avoid this, parents with a dog and baby should heed the following advice:

• You should prepare your dog for the offspring by paying less attention to it before birth and by making the walks less time-consuming.
• If the offspring is there, the family dog should be allowed to examine the baby by sniffing it. It is important that the dog goes to the baby on its own.
• Don’t forget that your dog still needs enough rest and a place in the house that belongs to him alone.
• Set up taboo zones for four-legged friends. The baby bed and the changing table should definitely be included.
• Never leave baby and dog alone.

Dogs and Other Pets

Whether a dog is suitable for living with other pets depends on the breed and character. So that no one is harmed, animals of different species must be accustomed to one another.

Dogs and cats

Due to the different body language, both animal species can quickly misinterpret the signals of the other. For example, while a dog’s tail wagging means joy, a cat’s tail whipping around indicates a conflict situation and possibly an attack. If dogs and cats grow up together, they usually learn very quickly to correctly interpret each other’s signals. If the two four-legged friends meet in adulthood, they first have to learn this. In addition, the dog’s strong hunting instinct, especially in the case of hunting dogs and terriers, often stands in the way of harmonious coexistence. However, the size of the dog does not play a role, because many cats get along better with large dogs than with small, hectic dogs.

If a dog comes to an adult cat, the cat will in most cases first run away or confront the intruder with hissing and extended claws. This can quickly lead to a bloody attack on the dog. To avoid this, encounters in the first few days should only take place in a controlled manner in the presence of the pet owner.

If the dog is friendly towards the cat, it should receive praise and the cat should also receive a food reward in the presence of the dog, so that even the unimpressive cats are left with a positive impression. The process of getting to know each other varies from case to case and depends on the temperament of those involved. Two balanced, peaceful four-legged friends can get used to each other very quickly and without stress, while dominant or anxious animals go through a longer process. The owner can contribute to the successful reconciliation by giving both equal attention and remaining calm in tense situations.

If a cat joins the dog resident, socialization is often easier than in the opposite case. In order to avoid bad experiences, the owner must be careful not to chase the cat or hurt it while playing. In addition, she should be able to escape to a safe place at any time.

As a rule, the parties involved tolerate the presence of the other within a few weeks, and it is not uncommon for close friendships to develop between dog and cat. If they cannot get along after weeks or if one of the animals is suffering from the situation, professional help should be sought. However, there are both dogs and cats who, due to their character or bad experiences, are not compatible with representatives of the other species. Then it is better to give one of the animals to a good place than to subject both of them to permanent stress.

In any case, the feeding places of dogs and cats should be separated to avoid food envy. In addition, both animal species require different food, so eating the food of the other can lead to health problems. If the dog shows interest in the litter box or its contents, it must be kept away from it.

Dogs and small animals

Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, or even rats are part of the dog’s prey pattern and trigger its hunting instinct with their natural flight reaction. Living together can still work if the dog does not have a strong hunting instinct and is well trained.

A reunion is usually unproblematic if small animals already live in the household and a puppy is added. At first contact, the dog should be on a leash and the small animals in a safe cage or enclosure. The dog is allowed to observe and sniff them through the fence. The owner must immediately stop any stormy approach or barking. If the dog is friendly and calm, it deserves praise and rewards. As soon as the four-legged friend takes his roommates for granted, he should be allowed to get to know them outside the enclosure under the supervision and on a leash.

In adult dogs, one should pay close attention to signs of hunting instinct. If it becomes apparent that the dog might regard the small animal roommate as a meal to be hunted, it may only be in the same room under supervision. Caution is also required with peaceful dogs because a squeaking guinea pig can quickly trigger the urge to play and a playful paw swipe often has tragic consequences for a small animal.

Dogs and small animals can certainly develop the most amazing friendships, although the following always applies: safety before trust!

Male or Female?

Males are not automatically more difficult or dominant than females, just as females are not automatically softer and more docile. Gender alone does not determine individual character.

During puberty, however, male dogs seem to test out more or forget commands that have already been learned due to the hormone intoxication. In many breeds, they often differ from one another in appearance – male dogs tend to be larger and heavier built, and long-haired breeds often have more fur.

A bitch comes into heat twice a year (some breeds only once a year). Then free running for several weeks is hardly possible, males may besiege the property and some females are willing to break out to get to the male conspecifics. Bitches are often particularly bitchy towards other bitches or puppies during the heat. Some are more sensitive and clingy than usual and less enthusiastic about activities. Participation in dog school, tournaments, or exhibitions is not advisable during this time and is sometimes forbidden.

It is not uncommon for dog owners to find bloodstains in their homes when they are in heat. A panty can help. The first heat usually occurs between the ages of 7 and 14 months. Usually earlier in smaller dog breeds than in larger ones.

About 9 weeks after a heat (the time when the puppies would actually be born if they had been fertilized beforehand) some bitches experience a false pregnancy (false pregnancy). The bitch behaves as if she is pregnant or has puppies, although she has not been mated, i. H. For example, she hoards toys, is reluctant to go for walks, is irritable or clingy, and sometimes even produces milk. In extreme cases of false pregnancy, castration may be advisable.

Males are always interested in bitches and react when bitches are in heat by refusing food, howling, or disobedience. They also mark much more often. Accordingly, it is important, especially with male dogs, to make it clear within the training where marking is allowed and where not.

Spaying the male dog can contribute to less pugnacity with peers, less interest in bitches in heat, and less marking. However, neutering is not a panacea that will magically transform the male dog into a docile, obedient, calm four-legged friend. However, the hormonal change often changes the feed conversion, so the portions have to be adjusted accordingly so that the dog does not gain weight.

Males are often dominant towards strange males. Bitches appear less dominant in encounters with foreign conspecifics. However, if bitches do not like each other, the argument is often harder than among males.

Behavioral differences are also apparent towards puppies. While males are generally friendlier and more tolerant when dealing with puppies, females often do not tolerate strange puppies in their environment, as these represent competition for their own potential offspring. Puppy protection outside of one’s own pack does not exist.

Puppy or Older Dog?

For families about to get a dog, puppies are often the more popular choice because, in addition to their cute appearance, they tend to fit into the new family very quickly. However, there can be just as much joy in adopting an older dog. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Caring for a baby and a puppy at the same time is rather difficult unless you have a very supportive family in which the members can do a lot.

With a baby, the nights are usually shorter or made into day anyway if the baby cries a lot. At the same time, the puppy is not yet housebroken, does its business in the apartment, and nibbles on things that are not intended for it. This can quickly degenerate into a lot of stress and excessive demands, which is neither good for the parents, the child nor the dog. It is therefore advisable to buy a puppy when the child is a little older.

Older dogs can also fit in very well with family life with children. However, the children should get to know the dog before buying it to ensure that it is peaceful towards the little ones. Older dogs usually require less time and patience than puppies. Four-legged friends that were treated badly by the previous owner usually need more time to get used to them.

Mixed Breed or Pedigree Dog?

With the large selection of dog breeds and mixed breeds (two or more breed dogs), the decision is often not easy. Mixed breeds can have different pedigree dogs as parents or both parents can also be mixed breeds. Both the positive and the negative characteristics of both purebred parents can be combined in the mixed breed.

Mixed breeds are generally considered more robust and often live longer than pedigree dogs. Some owners also find it easier to raise crossbreeds. Purebred dogs are considered more predictable compared to mixed breeds due to the traits and characteristics chosen for breeding.

With mixed breeds, it is more difficult to assess what traits and talents they will develop and whether they will fit into the family. If you know the parents of your mixed breed, you can only guess at the ultimate size. A mongrel is usually a little cheaper to buy than a pedigree dog. Maintenance costs, monthly costs for the veterinarian, dog food, dog liability insurance, and dog health insurance are the same for both types.

A Dog From the Shelter?

If you want to get a family dog, it does not necessarily have to be an animal from a breeder or pet shop, because many animals that are no longer wanted are waiting for a second chance in the animal shelter.

It is important for the new family member to slowly get to know each other, as many animals have already had bad experiences with other owners. Not every animal fits into a turbulent family with smaller children. Parents should explain to their children in advance that shelter animals have usually been abandoned before. Many of them, therefore, need time and patience before they confide in new people. Accordingly, children have to show a lot of consideration and proceed cautiously so as not to harass or overwhelm the dog.

As a rule, employees of the animal protection associations can provide detailed information about the individual animals and possibly assess whether they are suitable for the family. Interested parties should try to talk to the employees and take the recommendations seriously.

Some animals come from families and were handed over e.g. for allergy reasons, because of relocation or death. These dogs are already used to everyday family life, behave accordingly in a child-friendly manner, and usually fit into a new environment without any problems.

Pet Care

Many people underestimate the amount of care that a family dog entails. If the willingness for complex care is rather low, minimally shedding dog breeds or dogs for allergy sufferers are recommended. Before deciding on a breed, you should be aware of the grooming required and the amount of time that will be involved.

• Coat care: Dogs should be brushed regularly with utensils from specialist shops. Depending on the length of the fur, this should be done at regular intervals to prevent fur from becoming tangled. Short-haired breeds rarely need to be brushed. Long-haired dogs should be brushed daily, especially when they are shedding (spring and autumn), to get rid of the “old” hair. Extremely long-haired dog breeds should be clipped or trimmed for the summer. After the cut, it is advisable to bathe the dog so that loose hair is removed. There is no general answer to the question of how often a dog should be washed. He should generally only be bathed when he smells bad or is very dirty. Use a mild dog shampoo and make sure that no water gets into the animal’s eyes and ears. If drying of the fur is necessary, turn the hairdryer to the lowest temperature. However, professional devices from the dog grooming salon are better suited for this.
• Paw Care: For most dogs, abrasion from daily exercise naturally keeps claws short. If this is not the case, dog owners can seek professional help. It is difficult for laypersons to assess how short claws can be cut and in the worst case, the dog will be injured. Dog owners should also regularly check that nothing is stuck between the pads of their paws. If this is the case, the paws should be cleaned with water or the glued fur carefully trimmed with scissors. In winter, gritty paths can put a strain on the paws of the four-legged friend. In the cold season, clean the paws with water after each walk. Milking grease, Vaseline, or paw protection creams are suitable for protecting the pads from cracking and drying out. Even in the hot season, the bales dry out quickly and should be cared for accordingly.
• Ear care: Dog ears should be checked about once a week for cleanliness and mite infestation. If they are not visibly dirty, no care is required. Breeds with lop ears, however, require more care, since the ears are not ventilated and bacteria and fungi can settle so quickly. If necessary, the ears can be cleaned with a soft cloth or pad. Cotton swabs are not recommended. If there is excessive hair growth in the ears, many dog ​​owners swear by hair plucking to counteract rapid regrowth.
• Teeth and tooth care: Daily dental care is not necessary for dogs. Dry food promotes the abrasion of dental plaque and thus contributes to the dog’s dental health. Nevertheless, check the dog’s teeth weekly. Foul-smelling breath and yellow-brown deposits can indicate tartar. When dogs suffer from a loss of appetite, serious dental problems can be a cause. In this case, contact the veterinarian immediately.

Responsibility

Although a family dog ​​entails responsibility for the whole family, parents should be aware that as adults you are always responsible for the well-being and training of the dog and not the children. Both parents and children of the family must be aware that getting a dog can be a decision for the next 8 – 18 years and that your entire life and previous habits will change with it.

Especially in the beginning, young dogs need a lot of attention and sometimes have to go out at night, which means that you have to get up at night like a small child. In the beginning, the four-legged friends cannot stay alone for that long, while you should never leave small children alone with a dog. So you need a lot of time. In addition, the four-legged friends want to be trained so that they fit properly into the family and make living together pleasant. If the dog is older, it has to go outside at least three times a day and at least once a day in the form of a long, long walk where it can let off steam.

Even if older children can bear some of the responsibility, the main part ultimately rests with the parents. They should be sure that you can reconcile dogs, children, everyday life, and work. Children are secret co-educators, but cannot yet guarantee a consistent upbringing. Dogs, who love children, see the little ones as playmates and not as pack leaders. Education should be left exclusively in the hands of adults.

Dog despite allergy sufferers in the family?

If a family member is diagnosed with a dog hair allergy, the purchase of a four-legged friend does not seem to be a good decision at first. However, there are so-called anti-allergic dog breeds. These trigger less strong reactions, but can never be 100% free of allergens. Dog hair itself does not actually trigger an allergy. It’s the dander and the saliva that sticks to it. If the dog then loses hair, it spreads everywhere along with the allergic substances.

Therefore, dog breeds that shed little and at the same time drool little are suitable for people with allergies. They include:

• Poodle
• Basenji
• Yorkshire terriers
• Shih Tzu
• Schnauzer
• Bichon Frise
• Afghan Hound
• Portuguese water dog

However, there is no guarantee. Allergic reactions can also occur in these dog breeds.

What is the Best Family Dog?

There is no one best family dog, because every family is individual, has different daily routines and needs. So the answer depends on various factors. The family dog should fit the circumstances. Size, activity, fur, grooming, and the difficulty of training all play a role.

Which breed of dog is right for your family depends on many factors. Small or large family dog, short-haired or shedding dog, active or calm? First of all, it is important to identify individual requirements in order to meet both the needs of the dog and those of the family.

These dog breeds are good, for example, as family dogs:

• Beagle
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Chihuahua
• Dalmatian
• French bulldog
• Labrador
• Golden retriever
• Goldendoodle
• Labradoodle
• Maltese
• German Mastiff
• border terrier
• Bolonka Zwetna
• Bedlington Terriers
• Labrador Retrievers
• English bulldog
• Bearded Collie
• German shepherd dog
• Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

FAQs

Which dog likes children?

Dog breeds for children should ideally be easy to train, full of energy but at the same time not have an extreme urge to move. Breeds in which the hunting instinct is not very pronounced are also recommended. Smaller breeds are naturally easier for children to handle than larger ones, but this should not be an exclusion criterion for larger dogs. The most important thing when a child and dog live together is that the two show mutual consideration for one another. Children should be prepared and guided accordingly. The dog breeds Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Collie, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador, Magyar Vizsla, French Bulldog, Poodle, and Rhodesian Ridgeback are particularly child-friendly.

Which dogs are good for beginners?

Suitable dogs for beginners are gentle, balanced, cheerful, and friendly in character. In addition, it is particularly important for beginners that the four-legged friend is calm, patient, and not particularly difficult to train. After all, as a new dog owner, you first have to grow into the role of the pack leader. Dogs with a very stubborn character can quickly overwhelm inexperienced beginners. For working people, the four-legged friend should also be easy to care for and not need too much exercise. Examples of suitable dogs for beginners are Golden Retrievers, Havanese, Maltese, Papillon, and Bichon Frise.

Which dog for a family with children?

Family dogs are characterized above all by the fact that they get along well with children. Since children are generally not very cautious and prudent, they are usually unable to correctly assess the possible dangers posed by a dog. For this reason, family dogs should have child-friendly qualities. The child-friendly four-legged friend should therefore be cuddly, playful, strong nerves, obedient and unenvious. The dog breeds Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Collie, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador, Magyar Vizsla, French Bulldog, Poodle, and Rhodesian Ridgeback are particularly suitable for families with children.

All statements are without guarantee.