Dog Trainer Lists 4 Breeds Known to Be 'Exceptional' with Children
If you're in the market for a new furry friend but are worried about your dog getting along with your child, you're not alone. This is a common concern among pet parents from all walks of life, but most of the time, it turns out just fine in the end!
Even so, I can understand the importance of researching which dog breeds are best with children. Any dog can get along with a child who knows how to respect a dog's boundaries, but certain breeds are definitely known for their child-friendly reputation. Can you recall what they are?
You might be familiar with the old concepts of 'nanny dogs,' and you may know which dog breeds are the most popular--but I have a feeling the top dog on this list will surprise you. UK dog trainer Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training lists the top 4 breeds known to be 'exceptional with children.
Were you surprised? I felt like the Retriever dogs were a shoo-in for this list, so that didn't shock me at all. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have been two of the most popular dog breeds for decades because of their friendly natures!
Related: Top 8 Dog Breeds in America for 2023 Revealed
While I wasn't shocked to see the Retriever breeds, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear the Staffordshire Bull Terrier getting some positive attention. This is not the first time I've heard about the Staffie's friendliness toward little ones, and I have a feeling it won't be the last, either!
In case you missed it, these are the top 4 dog breeds that are wonderful with kids:
4. Newfoundland
3. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Newfoundland dog is practically the inspiration for the term 'gentle giant,' and you'll understand why when you watch them play with (or simply tolerate) children. They were once known as 'nanny dogs'--though some sources say that Staffies were too-- and will not be bothered by any hair-pulling, tail-stepping shenanigans. If anything, they will simply walk away!
How to Introduce Dogs and Children
Simply putting a child and a dog in the same room isn't enough to help them learn how to get along. Even if you have a dog that's known to be great with kids, any pup has the potential to act out in stressful situations. This is why kids should be calm and patient, especially when first meeting a new canine friend.
It's up to parents and guardians to teach kids how to act around dogs and what kinds of interactions the animals won't like. Learning canine body language can be a huge help, and letting the dog take the lead in interactions is always a smart idea.
Before you get to this step, though, you'll need to find the dog that's right for you. @Southenddogtraining1 listed four exceptional family dog breeds, so this would be a great place to start your research!
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