Generally the larger dogs are better with small children, small children really don't know the difference between a sof toy and a living small breed dog, and small breeds don't tolerate the roughness of young children, remember small breeds are incrediable fragile and can easily be dropped on the patio and killed or seriously injured.However toy/small breeds are quite suitable to older considerate children.
Top children dogs
Labrador
Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted. The Labrador Retriever is reliable, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship and attention. They are absolutely wonderful with children and get along exceedingly well with other dogs. They may be reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs. If this breed is left alone for extended periods of time without attention or stimulation they will become lonely, bored, and destructive.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily exercise-ideally twice a day, with a good run in a fenced in yard.
Golden Retriver
Temperament: Golden Retrievers are loveable, polite, and highly intelligent. They exude charm and confidence. They are sweet, eager to please, and devoted family companions. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or they will become mischievous and destructive. They have a tendency to be overly exuberant and distractible. They are always gentle and patient with children. They are friendly with other pets. In fact, they are friendly with everyone. They tend to bark as a form of greeting. The Golden Retriever is not well suited for a two career family as they require an inordinate amount of human interaction and companionship.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily exercise-ideally twice a day, with a good run in a fenced in yard.
Collie
Temperament: The Collie has a very even and well-mannered temperament. This dog is regularly seen in homes with other animals and children, as they are very gentle and passive. Originally bred for herding, this dog has the tendency to nip at ankles as a pup, however most grow out of this stage. Willing to learn and very loyal, this dog will surely provide you with a lot of love.REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily exercise-ideally twice a day, with a good run in a fenced in yard.
Newfoundland
Temperament: The Newfoundland is generous with love and affection. They are very sociable and friendly to visitors they know. They have a keen sense of responsibility and are excellent with children. They become so attached to their families that they cannot ever adapt to a new home or environment. They are generally good with other pets. This breed thrives on human companionship. They are gentle, heroic, and docile. Newfoundlands are extremely protective and will place themselves between their family and any danger that appears to be of a threatening nature.Yes they can and Will adapt to new homes-otherwise why would there be Newfie in shelters/pounds and rescues?REQUIRE a minimum of 30mintues daily exercise-ideally twice a day, with a good run in a fenced in yard.
Other dogs that are good with children
American Pitbull Terrier
Temperament: This breed is extremely loyal, deeply devoted, affectionate, intelligent, and good-natured. The American Pit Bull Terrier does best in a home with older considerate children. They will get along with other dogs they have been raised with but may exhibit aggression toward strange dogs and other small household pets. They are exceedingly protective of their family, home, and territory. American Pit Bull Terriers are not generally used for guarding due to their friendly nature. Aggressive behavior toward humans is an uncharacteristic trait in this breed. They are not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.REQUIRE 4KM DAILY WALKS
American Staffordshire Terrier
Temperament: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very even and stable temperament, which makes him a very reliable companion. This breed does do well around small children, but should not be left unsupervised around them, as this is a very powerful and rambunctious breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier can get along exceptionally well with other dogs, however the fighting strain of dogs should never be placed in a home with another dog as they still retain that aggressiveness. Proper research is necessary to be sure of the temperament of the dog.REQUIRE 4km daily
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Temperament: Despite this breed's beginnings, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is renowned today for their reliability as a companion and family pet. They thrive on human contact and are extremely loving, devoted, and loyal. This breed is dependable gentle and reliable with children, and for this reason were nicknamed the Nanny Dog. They are exceedingly protective of their family and make excellent guardians and watchdogs. They are not suited for homes with other dogs or household pets they have not been raised with. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not recommended for the novice dog owner.REQUIRE 4km daily walks
Boxer
Temperament: The Boxer is patient, dignified, and self-assured. They exhibit curiosity, but are wary of strangers. This breed is fearless and courageous if threatened. They are keenly alert and have a heightened sense of hearing, which make them excellent guard dogs. The Boxer adores children and other pets they have been raised with. They have an inordinate need for human companionship and do not like to be alone for extended periods of time. They are not well suited for a two career family. Insufficient attention may lead them into "bad" behavior in an attempt to be noticed.
St. Bernard
Temperament: The Saint Bernard has a somewhat sorrowful expression, but is actually very good-natured. They are excellent with children and other animals. They have a protective instinct for their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are sensible and loving and make a great family pet. They may display stubbornness, so owners must be very patient. They thrive on high amounts of love and attention. The Saint Bernard is prone to anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time and may destroy their owner's home and belongings.
Dogs that can be good with considerate older children
Pugs-Remember a child tend to poke and prode-and this can cause this breed to loose it eyesight-is a blind dog good with children?
Small children and pugs are not a good combination. While pugs are not generally aggressive dogs, young children tend to be fascinated with their curly tails and bulging eyes. Pugs eyes are very sensitive and easily injured, and having their tails pulled can make even the most easy-going pug snap at the person who is doing the pulling.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Bichon Frise puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Bichon Frise adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you have small children, I do not recommend Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, no matter how well-meaning the child. Small children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Cavalier puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Cavalier adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result.
English Toy Spaniel
If you have small children, I do not recommend English Toy Spaniel puppies, no matter how well-meaning the child. Small children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to an English Toy Spaniel puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even ETS adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result.
Dachshund
If you have small children, I do not recommend a Dachshund. First, children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Dachshund puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. The Dachshund's long back is especially fragile and prone to damage when he is picked up incorrectly or dropped. Second, even Dachshund adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. Finally, some Dachshunds simply do not tolerate any nonsense from children and will bite if pushed too far.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested puppies are NOT suited to children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Chinese Crested puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Chinese Crested adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result.
French Bulldog
Temperament: This hilarious little dog makes a wonderful playmate and is very affectionate. Alert and clingy, this breed does require lots of human attention to thrive. This is not a kennel breed and should always be kept in a family environment. Given proper socialization the French Bulldog can do well with other dogs, but should not be around small children, as they do not tolerate rough play.