First-time pet owners are usually anxious and full of questions regarding the relationship between their puppies and children. People often wonder whether the new family member will be safe to keep around kids, as we're used to hearing about pets going wild and attacking the little ones. However, we can reassure you that with the right amount of care, love, and affection, whatever dog you choose will be your life companion and pose no risk to your family.
While we can't guarantee that the dog you choose will connect instantly with your family, there are some things you can get ahead of to ensure you make the right match. The first thing to consider is the size of the dog you want to take home. For prominent, busy families, the clear-cut answer is obviously small dogs. The winner in this category is Chihuahua, as it is only about two pounds in weight. To feed them, you only need short rations of puppy food, as their teeny-tiny bodies get full quite fast. Chihuahuas also need about 20 minutes of daily activity to keep their bodies in good shape, so it's an excellent choice for all you lazy folk.
However, you shouldn't go with the premise that small pets are always suitable for small children. If you opt for a chihuahua (which is usually tiny), you'll suffer a greater likelihood of it being stepped on or hurt by children. Here, it doesn't matter how well-behaved your kids are, as we've had multiple counts of curious children that harmed their pets - either by accident or not. When it comes to size, you should also consider whether the dog will have enough room to be happy. If you live in an apartment, you must go for a small dog such as a chihuahua. If you want a larger dog, you should consider that frequent walks in the park are a necessity if you want the best for your pet.
For those who like more giant animals, the good news is that you can go for dogs as large as the three-hundred-pound English mastiff. Usually, these puppies are equipped with very playful personalities, as long as you know how to take care of them. While "nasty" dogs are generally that way because of inadequate training, there are breeds that are more likely to be "bad" for children. According to the CDC, out of the 279 deaths caused by dogs between 1979 and 1994, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds were the most reported dog breed involved. However, the main issue here is that these pets require a lot of activity, and when that isn't met, they tend to lash out. That is precisely why these dogs aren't ideal for kids, as they can easily get carried away without an adult's presence.
Many people who talked about their pets reported some things about a dog's personality that serve as guarantees for the "good with children" tag. Finding a dog that is quiet, loving, patient, and willing to be tugged at is the key to finding a long-lasting friend. As we know, children take a lot of their time, so having daily walks with your dog may not be as easy as it once was. Things tend to worsen in cold climates where it isn't easy to take them all out simultaneously. Dogs that require a lot of exercise (terriers, spaniels, and most dogs over 50 pounds) may not have all the attention to keep them healthy and active. Chihuahuas are perfect for this as they will fully adapt to your schedule and have all their activity while indoors.
After you're done with the walks, you must think about how easy it is to clean up after. You ought to think about whether the dog sheds a lot or needs constant grooming and how you can work your way around that. While they may seem small issues at first, continually having to vacuum or pull dog hairs off your clothes will eventually become aggravating.
The last thing to think about is the right timing for bringing a four-legged friend home. First, it is proven that dogs do much better when raised at the same time as children. If you're looking to adopt an adult or elder dog, you must be prepared about the fact that it is quite difficult for them to adjust. When a dog is familiar with children since infancy, it will bear the hair pulling, hitting, and tugging with more patience. If you're into beauty contests, the dog will also be more willing to dress up and win you a couple of awards.
Lastly, you need to remember that there are no guarantees for choosing a new dog for your family. A pet will be a member of your clan for years to come so that the right match will be the ideal choice for everyone involved.
