Choosing the right dog for a family with children requires careful consideration of the breed’s temperament and behavior, as certain breeds are not suitable for young children. Check out the dog breeds that families with kids should think twice about due to their size, energy levels, or protective instincts.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows possess a fiercely independent spirit and a dominant attitude, which can be challenging for young children to understand. They require firm, experienced handling to manage their stubborn nature and ensure respectful behaviors. These dogs, originally bred in China as temple guardians, often bond with one person and might not tolerate children.
Akita
Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a strong guarding instinct, which can be problematic in households with small children. Their protective nature sometimes leads to aggression if they perceive a threat to their family. Additionally, Akitas are not very tolerant of energetic children.
Alaskan Malamute
While generally friendly, the Alaskan Malamute’s size and strength make it a risky choice for families with young children. This breed can inadvertently knock over a child during play due to its size and energetic disposition. Originally bred to haul heavy freight as a sled dog, the Malamute requires extensive exercise and firm training.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are incredibly energetic and thrive on being active, often too much for small children to handle safely. They can become boisterous and overexcited, leading to unintentional injuries during play. This breed’s strong hunting instincts can also trigger chasing behaviors.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers need careful socialization and consistent, firm training from an early age. Without this, their natural suspicion can turn into aggressiveness. While loyal to their families, they may not always tolerate the often clumsy and erratic behaviors of children.
Dalmatian
Originally bred to run under or alongside horse-drawn carriages, Dalmatians have a vast reservoir of stamina and energy. This can make them impatient and too intense for young children, potentially leading to nipping or defensive behaviors.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis were bred for guarding and fighting, which makes them naturally wary of strangers and less tolerant of interference from children. Their unique loose, wrinkled skin requires specific care to prevent infections. These dogs can be very reserved and prefer a calm environment.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are powerful dogs with an intense loyalty to their families, but their protective instincts can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors. They require thorough training and socialization to manage their strong personality traits.
Siberian Husky
Huskies are known for their friendly nature but are notoriously challenging to train due to their independent and sometimes stubborn character. Their high energy levels and need for regular, vigorous exercise can be too demanding for households with young children.
Greyhound
Despite their gentle demeanor, Greyhounds have a very high prey drive due to their breeding as racing dogs. Quick movements from children can trigger this instinct, leading to unsafe chases. Moreover, Greyhounds are not fond of roughhousing and prefer a more peaceful environment.
Saint Bernard
While famously friendly and patient, the sheer size of Saint Bernards can be a liability around small children. Accidental injuries can occur simply due to their bulk and strength. Originally bred for mountain rescue, they can mistakenly use their strength in play with children.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are dependable guard dogs, yet their massive size and strength can make them unsuitable for families with young children. They are intensely loyal to their families but can be overprotective, leading to aggression if they misinterpret a child’s actions.
Cane Corso
This Italian breed is known for its immense loyalty and protectiveness, which requires an experienced owner to manage. The Cane Corso’s dominating nature and size are not ideal for homes with small children, as their attempt to protect might be too assertive.
Belgian Malinois
Highly intelligent and energetic, Belgian Malinois are often used in police and military roles due to their trainable nature and resilience. However, their intense energy and drive for work can be overwhelming for children, leading to inadvertent rough play.
Wolf Hybrid
Breeds that are mixed with wolves are not recommended for families with children due to their unpredictable nature and strong prey drive. Their interactions with children must be constantly supervised, as their wild instincts can take precedence without warning.
Scottish Deerhound
Like the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound has a high prey drive and is bred for chasing game over long distances. Their large size and intense running instinct can lead to accidents, particularly with small children who may be seen as play targets. While generally docile and gentle, their specific needs and instincts can be a challenge in a family environment.
American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are powerful animals that require assertive training and socialization from a young age. Their strength and high prey drive can lead to aggressive tendencies if not properly managed. This breed’s protective nature can sometimes manifest as dominance, making it unsuitable for families with small, active children.
Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiros are often wary of strangers and can exhibit aggressive behaviors if they feel their family is threatened. Their large size and controlling nature require an owner who can provide firm, consistent training and socialization. The Fila Brasileiro’s guarding instincts make it a challenging pet in a household with frequent young visitors.
Tosa Inu
This rare Japanese breed is known for its courage and is often used in dog fighting in its native country, leading to a strong and aggressive temperament. Tosas require a dominant owner who can establish clear leadership and boundaries. Their intense personality and immense size are not recommended for families with children, as they can be overly protective and difficult to control.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive, powerful dogs bred for guarding. Their protective instinct is strong, and without proper socialization, it can lead to aggressive tendencies. Due to their size and strength, even playful interactions can inadvertently lead to injuries in young children.
