12 dog breeds you should avoid if you have young children
Some dogs are better choices than others (Image: Getty)
If you’re looking to add a new member to your family and get a dog, it’s crucial to do your research. There are so many breeds to choose from that it can seem impossible to make a choice. However, there are several breeds which should be avoided if you have children.
Not every dog is suited to be in a family with children – and it’s very important to ensure you have chosen the right fit for your family. Some breeds are simply too large to be safe with young kids, and others are more likely to take the occasional nip at little fingers. According to SprucePets, these are 12 of the breeds which should be avoided if you’re looking to get a dog.
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Weimaraner
These beautiful dogs are very high energy, and were bred to hunt big game. This doesn’t mean they will always be on the hunt for prey, but it does mean they can play rough which can be tricky with young kids. They need a lot of exercise and can be hard to maintain if you’re a busy parent.
Chihuahua
Because they are so tiny, a lot of people assume that these dogs make for a great family pet – this couldn’t be further from the truth. Chihuahuas rely on their bark, and their bite to protect themselves as they are so small, and they value their personal space. Young children are not very good at reading the social cues these little dogs put out, and chihuahuas can become aggressive.
Akita
These dogs have been bred for years as guard dogs, and this instinct can be hard to reverse. If you have young kids who enjoy bringing friends over to the house then Akitas can be an issue. They may perceive a threat from unknown people coming into the house, and their instinct to guard can kick in.
Not all dogs make the best choice for young children (Image: Getty)
Pekingese
Similar to chihuahuas, a pekingese is a small dog that relies on other methods of seeming big and scary when they are stressed. They have short tempers, so if small children prod, poke, or pull their tails, they might snap. They can also be very protective over their primary caregivers and do not like to share attention.
Siberian Huskies
These large dogs are known for being highly active, with a love of rough play. They are a powerful breed and could very possibly accidentally hurt a child whilst playing. They are also very independent and strong-willed, which can make them a bit of a nightmare to train.
Alaskan Malamute
These dogs look like huskies but are even larger. They share a lot of the same traits as huskies, too, in that they are very active, love rough play and can get even more rough if they aren’t getting the level of exercise they need. They are not great dogs on leash and are prone to pulling or jumping.
Shih Tzu
Another small breed, Shih Tzus, are known for getting underfoot. They love to be where their owners are, and can be a serious trip hazard. However, older Shih Tzus can be suitable family pets once they have relaxed and grown up.
Shih Tzu puppies can be a trip hazard (Image: Getty)
Australian Shepherd
These natural herding dogs love to try and herd children and have been known to nip at kids heels to keep them in line. They are highly intelligent and challenging to train as a result. And they need a lot of exercise and attention.
Bullmastiff
These giant dogs are gentle and sweet tempered as well as friendly – however they have no idea of their size, Despite their charming temperament, because they are so huge it’s easy for them to accidentally topple over toddlers. It’s better to wait for your children to grow up and be a bit steadier on their feet before getting one of these gentle giants.
Chow Chow
Despite looking like big teddy bears, Chow Chows are not as cuddly as they look. Bred as guard dogs, they can be triggered by squealing kids. They also need a lot of training and socialisation, making them a challenging pet for busy households.
Rottweiler
These dogs are known as guard animals and are always on the alert for danger. If kids are running away, shrieking or playing around Rottweilers they might not be able to distinguish between a threat and play.
Greyhound
Despite being the fastest dogs in the world. Greyhounds love nothing more than to lunge on the couch and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you have little kids dashing about, making noise then you can stress your greyhound out and lead to stress and anxiety. Greyhounds are also an old hunting breed with a very strong prey drive – not great for small children.
