Dogs and children just naturally are drawn to each other. Kids love dogs and dogs are good for kids. Because they do not compete, criticize, or tell secrets, dogs make wonderful best friends for kids.
Some studies have shown that children who grow up with pets tend to be more emotionally stable. Having a dog can teach acceptance, responsibility, empathy, patience, trust, and compassion. Having a dog can also promote increased attention span and motor coordination as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and hostility in children.
"Children who are involved with their pets seem to show more empathy and may tend to have higher IQ scores," says Robert H. Poresky, Ph.D., associate professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.
Medical evidence has shown that children who had a dog present during a medical exam had a lower heart rate, blood pressure, and behavioral stress than children who did not have a dog present. Moreover, children exposed to pets in the first year of life have a lower risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Choosing a Dog for the Family with Children
Many dogs make great family pets but some breeds tend to be better with children than others. When parents consider a dog, their main concern may be size, temperament, and potential for training. A very small dog may not strong enough for the rigorous play of kids. A large dog may prove to be too much for the kids by knocking them over in play. Of course any family dog should be trustworthy to tolerate a certain amount of boisterous play. Some breeds such as those listed below can make good family pets.
- American Eskimo
- Pug
- Mastiff
- Australian Shepherd
- Basset Hound
- Bearded Collie
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bloodhound
- Boston Terrier
- Standard Poodle
- Boxer
- Collie
- Newfoundland
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Labrador Retriever
- Portugese Water Dog
- St Bernard
Bulldog Breeds
Bulldogs bear mentioning because they were originally bred for their gentle temperament with humans. American Staffordshire Terriers like Petey on the tv show, Little Rascals, were even known as ‘nanny’ dogs. However, in the past few decades, these breeds have fallen victim to unscrupulous breeders. Bloodlines that do not conform to breed standards and improper early handling can cause these dogs to be unsafe. They can be rehabilitated by experts such as those at Best Friends who rescued and retrained the Vick dogs but these powerful animals are not for children or inexperienced owners.
Mixed Breeds
Many mixed breeds make great family pets. Shelters and breed rescues can provide a great selection of dogs where workers are usually happy to help match your family with the right one.
Keeping Children Safe with a Dog
Temperament will vary somewhat within breeds and any dog can become frustrated and react. For a happy dog-child relationship, children must be taught how to read dog body language and how to behave with the dog.
- Do not chase or scream at the dog
- Do not step on or lean over the dog
- Do not hug the dog around the neck
- Do not poke, pinch, push, or pull the dog
- Do not tease the dog
- Do not disturb the dog when he is eating, sleeping, or playing with a toy
It’s important that families provide obedience training and learn to read dog body language. Parents should never leave small children alone with the dog.
Parents who want to learn more about safety with dogs may want to read Dog Bite Prevention.
Related Reading:
Genetic Diseases of Purebred Dogs: Why Mutts May Be Healthier
Sources:
Registered Nurses Complementary Therapy Group
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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