A dog is a wonderful addition to any family, especially if you have children. Dogs teach responsibility and offer unconditional love. However, dogs are not toys, and if children treat them like playthings, there can be consequences like injuries or dog bites. It’s easy to assume that if you bring a dog home as a puppy, they’ll adapt to your way of living and bond with everyone in the family. While this is true, some breeds are less tolerant to certain human behaviors than others. If you’re looking to bring a new puppy home, here are 12 dog breeds that are not best suited for families with kids.
Number 12: Chihuahua
Chihuahuas look harmless because of their small size. Many people assume that this breed is suitable for families with young children, however, it is quite the opposite. They tend to be very temperamental and attached to one person. Often, they aren’t interested in being nice to anyone else. These little dogs rely on their mouths to protect them where their stature can’t. They respond to stressful situations by yapping and sometimes biting when they feel the need to defend themselves. They are a major bite hazard for young children, especially if they feel like a child is intruding into their space. Generally, young children are not good at reading the signs that the dog is uncomfortable, leading to the Chihuahua becoming aggressive. Chihuahuas are very sensitive to rough handling because of their size. These dogs need a more relaxed environment and are better suited to adults or older children.
Number 11: Akita
Akitas are incredibly sweet and can be great family companions, but they are innately watchdogs. That means they have generations of instincts to serve as your family’s protector. An Akita will react to anything they perceive as a threat and don’t respond well to children outside the family. This can be problematic when your kids are on play dates with their friends. Akitas want to protect their families, which includes your children. They may perceive other kids coming over and roughhousing or squealing as a threat. If you are determined to get an Akita, keep in mind that it is better to have a puppy that is raised with children rather than expecting an adult dog to suddenly tolerate children’s behavior. Also, remember that some Akitas who grew up without children will not accept them easily. It might be better to avoid the risk and adopt a more child-friendly breed.
Number 10: Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are ideal dogs for people who love the outdoors, but they can be difficult to train and get along with. Without enough physical exercise or challenging activities, they become boisterous and bored. Even Alaskan Malamute puppies are big and strong and tend to play very rough, which is not ideal when you have small kids around the house. Alaskan Malamutes are extremely possessive about their food, leading to dangerous situations if your child comes near while the dog is eating. They are also known for pulling and even breaking their leashes, so if you want a dog your child can walk with, an Alaskan Malamute should not be your first choice.
Number 9: Australian Shepard
Australian Shepherds are natural herders, which is great if you have sheep but not so great if you have young kids. Their herding instincts may cause them to try and bite the back of your children’s heels or corner your kids while they’re running around. Most Australian Shepherds can be taught to stop this behavior, but they are known to be stubborn dogs who are difficult to manage and train. They need to be watched carefully when around children who are running and playing. Australian Shepherds are also full of energy and require a lot of exercise and attention, which is often difficult in a household with little ones. Older children who can respectfully play for hours on end with this breed would be a much better fit.
Number 8: Chow Chow
Resisting a Chow Chow puppy is almost impossible. These little furry bears will steal your heart with their narrowed eyes and wrinkles. However, as adorable as they are, a Chow is not suited to thrive in a large family with young children. Chows take their loyalty to a whole new level. They don’t get along well with kids, strangers, or other pets. Even if they grow up with children in the household, the dog can be very standoffish with them. Chows do not like playful behavior if they aren’t in the mood. If they are eating or taking a nap and a hyper child tries to play with them, screams, squeals, or runs past, Chows can show aggression.
Number 7: Greyhound
Greyhounds are slender, calm, and quiet dogs. They are the fastest breed in the world, but speed doesn’t always mean a lot of energy. These dogs are like huge lizards, and they prefer a quiet and peaceful nap over constant excitement and the hustle and bustle of a home with children.
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