The 5 Safest Dog Breeds for Families

There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love bestowed upon a child by the family dog. A well-chosen breed goes a long way to turning dreams of a successful pet experience into reality.

Qualities to look for in a safe, child-friendly breed include:

• Patience around children
• Playfulness with children
• Protectiveness of children

Dog Qualities That You May Want to Avoid

Just like there are qualities to look for in a child-friendly dog breed, there are also traits that are best avoided. For instance, you may want to avoid dogs who often exhibit aggressive behavior toward people or other animals. Any dog may growl at someone if they provoke or attempt to hurt them. This behavior is a natural response and quite different from a dog who is consistently aggressive.

Behaviors that may indicate an aggressive animal include snarling, growling, lunging or snapping at people or other animals, even without provocation. Dogs that exhibit these behaviors are more likely to injure your child and others who come into contact with your dog.

5 Safest Dog Breeds

Here are five breeds that frequently appear on lists of “best family dogs” compiled by organizations like the American Kennel Club, Good Housekeeping, Petpedia, and Pet MD.

1. Labrador Retriever

Loveable labs bring joy to children everywhere. If you are looking for a safe breed that is both protective and playful, consider a black, chocolate or yellow Labrador Retriever. They’ll keep pace with the most energetic, active children. Another bonus – they are great swimmers!

In short, a lab is a wonderful choice for many families. It’s also one of the most popular breeds around. There’s even a movement afoot to make the Labrador Retriever Ohio’s State Dog.

2. Golden Retriever

The unparalleled playfulness of the Golden Retriever is a big plus. The breed is also known for its intelligence and loyalty. The tremendous patience of a Golden Retriever is a major advantage around children. While they’ll play outside for long periods, they enjoy their time indoors as well.

3. Irish Setter

Irish Setters thrive on companionship rather than solitude. If you’re looking for a safe and trainable breed for your active family, an Irish Setter is an excellent choice. It loves to exercise in the backyard, out on the trail or at the dog park. Get an Irish Setter, and you’ve found yourself a workout partner. Wherever you go, the Irish Setter’s elegant red coat will garner admiring glances.

4. Beagle

A cute and cuddly Beagle is the perfect family dog for many reasons. A Beagle thrives on interaction with family members. Children appreciate a Beagle’s playful side, but the calm and loving demeanor of the breed also makes it a safe choice. Since it is a smaller breed, it is an ideal addition to families with small children.

5. Border Collie

A Border Collie is an excellent option for a family that has never had a dog. They easily bond with family members, and vice versa. This sensitive and intelligent breed exhibits qualities that inspire trust and confidence. They adore kids and are protective of them.

Other kid-friendly breeds you might consider include the Pug, Poodle, Vizsla and Newfoundland. If you have questions about any breed not listed above, give us a call!

Choosing a Non-Aggressive Dog for Your Family Pet

Aggressive dogs are more difficult to take care of, and they can also pose a serious threat to you, your other pets and most importantly, your children.

That is why it is a good idea to be cautious when selecting a dog. For example, many families may want to adopt a dog from a shelter. While a dog from a shelter can make a great pet, it is important to educate yourself on the dog’s background. Learn why the dog is in the shelter and whether it has a history of aggressiveness. Has the dog been abused in the past? Abused dogs are more likely to be aggressive toward others.

You should also observe how the dog interacts with others, including children, before bringing it home. If a dog growls when it is with other dogs or strangers, it may be a sign of aggressiveness.

Another step that can help you find a non-aggressive dog for your family is to research and get familiar with different dog breeds. This can help you to narrow down the types of dogs you and your family feel safe considering. While any dog can become aggressive after suffering abuse or mistreatment, some dog breeds have more aggressive tendencies.

What if My Child Gets Injured By Someone Else’s Dog?

Dog can make excellent companions and family members, but unfortunately, not all breeds are family-friendly. It is also true that no matter what the breed, the nature of any dog’s behavior is largely dependent upon its formal training, surroundings, and natural instinct.

If interaction with someone else’s dog causes serious harm to you or your child, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Even a small bite can become infected. It may also benefit you to talk to an experienced dog bite lawyer. Medical treatment can be costly, especially if the injuries are severe. Our Cleveland dog bite lawyers have extensive experience helping dog bite victims and may be able to help you recover compensation for your damages. An initial consultation is free, and our services come with no upfront fees.