IT’S no secret that different dogs are better suited to certain homes and owners.
This is a vital choice for anyone looking to welcome a furry friend into their home, but especially those with young children as some breeds are suited to different lifestyles.
Some pets are known for their feisty nature, which may not bode well with young kids[/caption]
Even gentle giant might not suit busy family life[/caption]
This means some breeds aren’t suited to life with boisterous young kids, no matter how cute they might be.
According to experts Ashley Bates and certified veterinarian Dr. Maja Platisa at Dogster magazine, there are 11 breeds you might want to think twice before adding to the family.
Of course, every dog is different and can have varying temperaments and social skills depending on training.
Chihuahua
You might think this small breed would be good with kids, but Chihuahuas can be pretty feisty.
Although they can bond well with their owner they can have little patience for other members of the household, meaning small children could not get along well with them
Not only that, but their small size means they’re not suited for rough play, the pros told Express.co.uk.
Akita
Although adorable, this breed is known for being stern, which doesn’t always mix well with children.
Akitas can also be territorial, meaning they could pose a risk to house guests and other children.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows might look like adorable teddy bears, but often don’t like the company of strangers and loud kids.
That said, they are loyal to their immediate family, according to the pros.
Greyhound
Although this breed is known for its gentle demeanour, Greyhounds often don’t deal well with loud noises and the chaos that naturally comes with having young kids.
The sweet pooches are generally better suited for more relaxed households and older kids.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are known for loving children, but because of their large size they might not be suited to homes with babies or toddlers.
Their mammoth weight and strength could be dangerous for little ones.
Pekingese
This cute breed can be pretty stubborn and may not love the high energy of a home with young children.
Their small size also means children could also accidentally hurt them when playing.
Rottweiler
Because of their large size and protective personalities, this breed tend not to be best suited to homes with young kids.
Although loving, their large size could put little ones at risk, the pros noted.
Belgian Malinois
Although this breed is considered to be highly intelligent, their energetic nature might be too much for young children.
As a particularly high maintenance breed, they might be better suited to owners who can dedicate more time to their needs.
Shar Pei
This protective breed is also known to be particularly grumpy, which may not be best suited for families with young children.
Their loyal bond might sound enticing but they can also be wary of strangers and less adaptable to the chaotic nature of family life.
American Pit Bull
Known for their immense strength, this breed could accidentally hurt smaller children due to their size.
Moreover, American Pit Bulls generally have territorial instincts which may create conflict with other pets.
Alaskan Malamute
This energetic breed can be less adaptable to the changes that comes with family life.
And although they’re very cute, the breed can have a strong prey drive, which could potentially pose as a danger for young children or other animals.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.