Adding a new four-legged friend to the family can be great while raising children, as many breeds are perfect for play and family protection. However, there are certain breeds that can be problematic for social households, so you’ll want to avoid these 17 dogs if you have kids.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their very independent nature, which can be great for a solo dog owner but not so great for a family that wants to play! Not only that, but Chow Chows also require firm training from a young age to avoid aggression, which isn’t what you want with kids around.
Dalmatian
Despite what the Disney films might tell you, Dalmatians can actually be a very temperamental breed that might not be suitable for a growing family! They have tons of energy, which can be difficult for small children, especially because they’re on the larger side.
Akita
The American Kennel Club reveals that Japanese Akitas were originally bred as hunting and fighting dogs, making their active and even aggressive nature can make them unruly around children if they’re not properly trained. They’re also very protective and wary of strangers, so an Akita might not take kindly to an active household.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a reputation for being a strong and powerful breed, which is why they need very firm handling. While they can be excellent family guard dogs, they’re not the best option for young kids, taking up much of your time, as they need constant training and high amounts of exercise.
Chihuahua
If you’ve been thinking only the largest dog breeds are unsuitable for children, think again! The chihuahua might not be a great fit either, thanks to its fragile nature. Active children may risk injury, and they also have a strong bonding nature to one owner, which means your children might not be tolerated!
Siberian Husky
Huskies are among the most energetic, demanding breeds when it comes to the amount of exercise you need, so unless you have toddlers who want to go on walks for hours at a time, they won’t be a great fit. Huskies also have a strong prey drive, which isn’t ideal for small children.
Alaskan Malamute
Another dog breed that isn’t advised if you have kids is the Alaskan Malamute. This breed can reach incredible sizes and strength that might be too much for young children. They need a high amount of stimulation and are incredibly stubborn, which can make family life challenging.
Australian Cattle Dog
An Australian Cattle Dog’s natural instinct is to herd, which is what they might do when they see a small child running around! They have an excessive amount of energy that requires constant supervision, and while they’re excellent at being family protectors, this can sometimes be too much for kids.
Jack Russell Terrier
Despite their small and manageable size, Jack Russell Terriers can also be an unsuitable fit for families with children, as they are ridiculously energetic and will need just as much constant attention as your kids do! They’re also known for their loud bark, says PDSA, which could disturb your child’s sleep… that’s not ideal.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is another breed you should avoid if you have children, as you don’t want to be forced on long walks after a day of demanding children. Worse, this breed can become anxious and destructive when separated, which means a day out with the kids without the dog can become a no-go.
Great Dane
Even if it doesn’t mean to, the Great Dane will be at risk of injuring young children thanks to its huge size. It requires a ton of space and exercise, which isn’t easy to come by in busy family homes, and there are also financial implications because of its vulnerability to health issues.
Belgian Malinois
The next breed that might not be a perfect match for kids is the Belgian Malinois, known for its very energetic, working nature. This breed needs to be kept occupied at all times, which can be very intense for a busy family. It also needs specialized training, which isn’t ideal when raising young children!
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular small breeds, but that doesn’t mean they’re ideal for kids. Much like with Chihuahuas, their delicate build makes them prone to injury from overenthusiastic children. They also need a lot of grooming, especially on their “heavily-haired tail,” says Britannica, which can get demanding.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are wonderful breeds, but they’re not known to be affectionate with children. They can be aloof, which means energetic children might not get the cuddles they crave! They also need regular grooming, thanks to their extremely long coats, which is a nightmare when you’re already tidying up after the kids!
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are a large and powerful breed that requires incredibly firm handling as a family pet. This can make them very difficult around small children. Due to their protective nature, they can also show aggressive behavior that might not be suitable for kids. It’s best to wait until your kids are older.
Shar Pei
Kids will undoubtedly love the adorable wrinkles Shar Peis are known for, but due to their strong-willed nature, they might not be the best family pet. Originally bred for hunting and fighting, they are very independent and might prefer to be left alone rather than entertained by children, reminds The Kennel Club.
Greyhound
Last on our list of dog breeds you shouldn’t get if you have kids is the Greyhound. Despite their gentle nature, Greyhounds can be problematic for younger family members due to their high prey drive. They also need a ton of exercise and are very sensitive to a noisy household, so ask yourself: can you handle all that!?
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