Tips on Choosing a Puppy For Families With Children

When you have decided to get a puppy for your family there are a lot of decisions to be made, especially if you have small children. As you realise there really is no perfect breed of puppy for small children. There are just some that have a better temperament than others and get along well with kids. It comes down to the individual puppy as to whether they will be suited for children not the actual breed they are. This is a broad statement though and common sense should prevail as a Pitbull Terrier and Dobermann Pincher are not great choices for families with young ones. Likewise a Northern Inuit puppy may not be your first choice as although one of the most beautiful dogs on earth, they grow very quickly and after just 6 months would be far bigger than your average family dog. Size should also be considered when selecting a puppy.

No matter which breed of dog you decide to bring into your home. Make sure that the puppy and your child are well supervised during the getting to know each other stage. If your child has not been around dogs or puppies before make sure to take the time to show them how to treat and handle their new pet. On the other hand, puppies tend to be very clumsy and excitable, so it is wise to pay close attention when the pup is interacting with a small child. The puppy could unintentionally hurt your child when it is jumping and trying to show your child how happy he is to be in his new home. Puppies love to play games and sometimes they nip while playing, if you are around early on these situations can easily be managed and stopped from occurring by you setting the behavioral ground rules early on.

Since families tend to be noisy and busy, make sure that the puppy you bring home was raised around people and is used to the commotion of a happy hectic household. You should be able to tell by the reaction of the puppies when they notice a person is there to see them. Otherwise you might bring home a pup that is not used to noise and will become agitated and nervous around your family. Try to match your children's temperament with the puppy's. If your child is very energetic you would want to choose a breed of dog who likes a lot of activity. On the other hand if your child is quiet and shy you would want to select a breed that has a temperament that is mellower. Below is a selection of dog breeds that are known to have child-friendly reputations. You might want to look into some of these as choices for your child's pet.

Beagle - They are very sociable and happy. They can be a little hard to train but they make an ideal family dog.

Cocker Spaniel - They are affectionate and an intelligent breed. They do require grooming and some exercise.

Labrador Retrievers - They are very good natured and enjoy playing and fetching. Labs are medium to large in size and need plenty of room and exercise.

Shih-Tzu - They are small affectionate, intelligent, little dogs and are great with all ages of children.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - They have a very loving nature and easily adapt to any type of household. They do need grooming for their long coat and regular exercise.

Border Terrier - They are great for families with active children. They are good watchdogs and enjoy lots of exercise.

Golden Retriever - They are very popular family dogs in both the UK and the USA. They have a gentle nature and are great with other animals and children. They are a medium to large sized dog and need grooming for their longer coats.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - They are a compact, muscular dog who is affectionate with children and loyal to their owners.

Pug - They are an affectionate and friendly small sized dog. They are considered a low maintenance dog due to the fact that they need very little grooming and minimal exercise.

After you have settled into a routine with your puppy and know you have found the right family dog. You might want to consider getting dog insurance on the newest four-legged member of your family. When you buy pet insurance it can help ease the cost of unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. This will give you peace of mind knowing you will be able to get any medical treatments he may need in his lifetime. This is just a guide to let you know of some of the most common breeds of puppies that have been shown to grow up to be good family dogs. There are many other breeds out there that are good with children. Puppies that are mixed breeds or "mutts" as they are sometimes called make good family dogs too. Every puppy has its own personality and traits and there is no one dog that is better than another. It is definitely a personal choice of which breed or type a dog you choose for your family.

So please visit us to see how we can help protect your pet - you can buy online easily too at Pet Insurance by Animal Friends or simply call our friendly staff if you prefer on 0844 55 70 300; the policies won't cost you more and you won't be disappointed!