Picking a perfect dog breed to be around the kids is a critical decision with a long-lasting impact on your entire family. The canine friend can be a great source of unconditional love for your kids. Dogs can build responsibility and cooperation in your kids, especially at a young age. However, raising and caring for a dog requires a lot of work, and not all breeds are suited for families and young children.
It would be best if you settled on a dog breed that will fit right in with your family. The dog should be well suited to your family to ensure smooth integration and peace of mind for everyone involved. There are a few critical things to consider before you make a choice:
Living Environment
The dog breed you pick dramatically depends on your family's type of living situation and the environment in which you live. Large dog breeds are more suitable for homeowners or families with a lot of space to exercise and move around. Larger dogs are ideal for pet-friendly areas with lots of parks. People in urban areas or apartments may find smaller dog breeds more suitable as they are better suited for smaller spaces and the indoor lifestyle. You can also treat your furry family member to a dog friendly cottage when you have to travel for work or go on a vacation.
Lifestyle
You may find it necessary to pick a dog that will sync with your family lifestyle and energy level. If you are an outdoor-oriented and active family, a high-energy dog breed may fit right in. However, if you live a more sedentary and laid-back lifestyle, you can consider a dog that does not require daily exercises and walks. Playful and intelligent dogs such as the golden retriever breed of Labrador are suitable for families with children but require many exercises. You need to be sure that your family type of lifestyle can provide the amount of activity necessary for your dog. So, choose a breed that the kids can keep up with and cater to the needs effortlessly.
Temperamental Match
The dog breed you select should have a similar personality to your family to ensure the best match. Introverted children may better match a dog that does not require constant entertainment and attention. Extroverted children are better suited for dogs that seek constant attention. Before you get the dog, the whole family should meet the dog and make sure they are compatible before deciding to keep the dog. Prioritize the children's considerations as they will most likely spend the most time with them. It would be best to make sure the children also understand the responsibility and commitment to having a dog.
Allergies
Some children may have allergies, and dogs may act as a trigger. Although all dogs can trigger allergic reactions, some breeds are easier to manage for people with allergies. Dog breeds that shed less tend to be more favorable for allergic children. You can alternatively spend some time with the breeds you intend to check whether they will trigger any reactions. The experience will help you know what to expect and how to deal with the situations if you decide to stick to that breed. You should also consult a qualified physician before deciding on any dog breed to ensure you do not put your children at any risk.
Grooming and Care Needs
Apart from the daily walks and feeding, dogs also require grooming. Although all dogs require proper grooming and care regularly, some dog breeds require more intensive care than other breeds. Dog breeds that have long coats may require grooming several times a week, which can be a lot of work for children.
It is better to stick to dog breeds with shorter coats as they generally require low maintenance and are easy for children to handle. You should make sure the children understand the importance of grooming the dog and how to do it properly and regularly. Older dogs and younger puppies may require extra attention, which may be difficult for the children to provide.
Settling on a dog breed that will be perfect for your kids can be a difficult task. It would help if you considered the children's feedback to find some middle ground that suits all parties. Consider every situation is different, and you may need to find one that suits your family. The children should also be aware of their responsibilities and the commitment required from them. With the above few pointers, you can go about the business of picking the perfect dog breed for your children.
