At some point or another, most kids will beg their parents for a dog. Those who have had a dog before or have always wanted one may be considering giving in to their child's plea. However, before parents make any decisions, they should think about which breeds are best suited for their family.
Why is Choosing the Right Breed Important?
Like children, dogs are a lot of work. They require care, attention and exercise. If they do not get these things, they could wind up being sick or unhappy.
Because dogs rely on their owner to provide them with a good life, families should not take on dogs that they cannot handle. Choosing the wrong breed could mean that the dog and/or the family do not get their needs met.
How to Find Information on Dog Breeds
The simplest way to get information on dog breeds is to look on the AKC website. This website lists every dog breed and talks about issues such as:
- Exercise requirements. High energy dogs such as Jack Russell terriers should not be adopted unless the family has time to walk them every day.
- Grooming requirements. Some breeds require more grooming than other dogs. For instance, Maltese terriers need to have their fur trimmed regularly. If this is not done, their hair may mat.
- Temperament. While all dogs can sweet with the proper training, some of them have a milder temperament than others. Labradors are known for being good with children while terriers have a reputation for being "nippy" and loud.
- Trainability. When a dog is easily trained, life becomes much easier for the dog owner. Untrained dogs tend to misbehave more often.
Are Some Breeds Better for Children Than Others?
Highly trainable breeds are great with children as they are eager to please. Some examples of these breeds are Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies are also highly trainable.
Although, some parents would rather not get specific breeds, all breeds are good with children if they are trained and socialized properly. The size of the animal should also be considered.
Many people (especially men) have never imagined themselves owning a small dog. While this is fine, dogs that are too large may not be suitable for certain conditions. Large dogs require a lot of space and this could be a problem if they are living indoors. They also eat a lot more food.
Small dogs such as the Chihuahua are nervous around small children. This is because smaller children tend to play more roughly than adults. A pull on a tail could lead to the dog feeling threatened and reacting aggressively.
Finally, health problems need to be assessed. If a breed is known for having certain health problems, parents may not want to adopt the dog. Illnesses and medical problems can result in high vet bills. If anyone is allergic to dogs, a dog that does not shed much should be chosen.
Taking a little bit of time to choose the right dog is important and can make for a happy household.
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