When you are on the lookout for the next canine member of the family, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration. Do you have plenty of time for a dog? Will you have the resources to take care of one? Will family members pitch in with the work? These are just a few of the questions suggested by dog expert Helen Ledford that you will need to ask and consider before looking for the next member of your home.
If you have children in the home, especially young ones, you also have to make sure you get the right breed. Some dog owners will argue that any breed is fine with children, provided you bring them both upright.
However, there are some dog breeds that will still make the “worst” list for homes that have children in them. If you’re wondering which breeds to keep an eye out for, read on to learn about six of the worst dog breeds for kids.
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are quite infamous for their more aggressive behavior around people and other pets in the home. A Chow Chow is born with the tendency to try and dominate the territory they are living in, which includes becoming aggressive towards any children in the home. They have a natural instinct to attack, especially if you don’t address it from a young age. They have an independent and bossy nature that makes them a breed that doesn’t work well with children.
While you may be able to get the aggression out of them if you raise them from a puppy, Chow Chows are still a quiet and aloof dog. They won’t enjoy the roughhousing and play that many kids want to include their dogs in, and they can get aggressive if forced to participate. Chow Chows do better in homes with older kids and no other pets.
2. Akita
One attractive personality trait of the Akita can actually make them a breed you won’t want if you have children in your home- their loyalty. Akitas are very devoted to their owners, which means they can be nervous around those they aren’t familiar with. That will include any friends your children might bring back to the house. And since Akitas can be stubborn to train, you may never get that trait to go away if you bring this breed into your home as an older dog.
Their need to protect their owners can be detrimental due to their large and powerful bodies. Additionally, Akitas are often possessive of their toys and food and don’t enjoy being fussed over the way other dogs do. They will often turn away from play when young kids try to engage them and will struggle with the noise and energy kids bring into the home.
3. Dachshund
Dachshunds are another breed that isn’t always the best with children. They can display manipulative behavior, especially when it comes to food. They often won’t react to command until they get a treat, meaning they may snatch food from your child if they aren’t getting what they want right away. Dachshunds were developed to be hunting dogs in the past, particularly badgers. In fact, Dachshund means “badger dog” in German.
This means that their predatory instincts are still quite powerful, even in the home. Subtle moves from children may cause them to start chasing them out of instinct. Another reason the Dachshund isn’t the best choice for a family dog is their tendency to be aggressive and stubborn when their owners try to get them to listen.
4. Pit Bulls
Many Pit Bull owners will argue the pros of the breed for hours. However, the nature of a Pit Bull is to be aggressive, making them an unsafe dog to have in homes with young children. It’s extremely important to search for a Pit Bull that is even-tempered if you do want one for your home, a difficult task unless you raise one from a puppy. They can also be very exuberant and rowdy when they are puppies, a trait that won’t go hand-in-hand with an equally rambunctious child.
They love to chase and have the power to kill small and medium-sized animals. They are very strong-willed dogs that need a take-charge owner that can control them every day. Additionally, many landlords will not rent to families with this type of breed as a pet. Some homeowners’ insurance policies will even be revoked if you own a Pit Bull. While there is plenty of support from Pit Bull enthusiasts, it is still a breed that always makes the most aggressive list.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese may look like cute little lap dogs, but there is much more to them than that. With a background steeped in royalty, this dog breed still expects to be pampered. Their stubborn streak makes them a breed that won’t always do well when children are in the home. They can be territorial and aggressive, especially if they are not socialized with other people and animals. If you own a Pekingese, make sure you have plenty of time to be with both your dog and your children if you’re looking to avoid jealousy and conflict. They are another strong-willed dog that needs an owner that will take charge and train them right. Pekingese are also heavy shedders, an issue if you or your children deal with any allergies.
6. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is another breed of dog that may be better left to homes with no kids or at least ones that are older teens. These large dogs have a natural tendency to protect their owners, which is not necessarily a bad trait. However, that instinct can be dangerous if something happens when young children are around. They can easily do more damage with their size than they mean to.
Rottweilers also come in second to Pit Bulls for causing the most human fatalities. While they can be very sweet animals, their temperament can change quite quickly. They have a rebellious streak that you’ll have to deal with unless you are able to raise them from a small puppy. They are another dog that suffers from breed discrimination, so make sure you’re prepared for problems if you accept one into the family. Lastly, Rottweilers are another breed that sheds a lot, causing allergies to flare up for many.
