20 Worst Dogs For Kids

20 Worst Dogs For Kids

Watching kids and dogs play together is like watching a live-action cartoon—full of fun, laughter, and adorable moments. But choosing the right dog for a family with kids isn’t always a walk in the park. Some dogs are great with kids, while others, well, not so much. If you want your little one to have a furry friend who will be good to them, then watch out for these breeds!

Basenjis

Originating from ancient Egypt, Basenjis are perfect for keeping up with older kids’ adventures. But be careful, your children might be knocked over by these lively dogs. Basenjis are super quiet, which means they are perfect for apartments—but beware, this silence means you might not know if they’re upset until it’s too late to stop any trouble!

Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds, born to be herders, might see your kids as their flock, especially during backyard playtime. While they mean no harm, their natural instinct to herd can lead to little accidents. These energetic Aussies might use their bodies to guide, sometimes causing trips or tumbles for running kids. And if they feel ignored, they might bite—it’s their way of saying, “Hey, follow my lead!”

Tosa Inus

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is so tough and strong that 14 countries, including the UK, won’t let you have one. They were originally trained to fight other dogs, and with their massive size of 200 pounds, they can be really hard to handle if they get mean. And it’s a good idea to keep them away from small kids—they’re not the best choice for families with babies.

Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers may be tiny, but they’re like little balls of energy with huge personalities! They love to play and have fun, but they might not be the best for families with little children. These lively dogs need lots of exercise and playtime. Without enough activity, they can start causing trouble at home. They also like to chase things, so homes with small pets might want to think twice. If you’re thinking of getting a Jack Russell, make sure you’re ready for some unexpected surprises!

Dachshunds

Don’t let the Dachshund’s hotdog shape fool you; these little dogs can pack a surprising punch of feistiness. Sometimes, they could be more aggressive than bigger, tougher-looking breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. It makes sense, though, since they were bred to hunt badgers. That takes a bit of a tough attitude, which isn’t always great when you have small kids around. So, while they might look cute and funny, they’re not always child-friendly.

Dalmatians

Hollywood might have made Dalmatians as famous as adorable, cuddly dogs in “101 Dalmatians,” but they’re very energetic in real life! These spotted pups need lots of exercise to stay happy. If they don’t get to run and play enough, they might end up being too rough with your kids, either playing too hard or even getting a bit aggressive. That said, while they look like movie stars, they need an active lifestyle to match.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

English Toy Spaniels are the ultimate chill-out dogs, happy as long as everything’s calm. They’re cool with kids, but they won’t just sit back and take it if they’re treated badly. And here’s the tricky part: these tiny dogs look just like cuddly toys, making it tough to teach kids to give them space. And once upset, they don’t easily forget!

Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers stand out with their unique look and personality that’s full of charm. Sure, they’re great pets, but they can’t be called kid-friendly. These dogs have strong opinions and like to be in charge. When it comes to playing with kids, they might get a bit bossy or even snappy if they’re not in the mood. They see children as equals, not as leaders, so they’re better buddies for teens and grown-ups who can match their strong-willed personalities.

Weimaraners

Weimaraners are always ready for action. While they love a good run, they’re not the most patient with little kids. These high-energy dogs can get too rough, making playtime a bit risky for small ones. Think of them as playful whirlwinds—great for adults but overwhelming for children. It’s best to keep these spirited dogs in a grown-up-only home, away from the hustle and tumble of tiny feet.

Alaskan Malamutes

Alaskan Malamutes are like the bigger, tougher cousins of Siberian Huskies, full of energy and strength. They’re known for their power and can sometimes be too much to handle, especially around small kids. They love to play, but their power can be too rough for your children, easily knocking them over. Malamutes need careful training to understand their size and strength. They’re wonderful family pets, but it’s best to wait until the kids are older to welcome one into your home.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers can be gentle, but their size and strength demand respect. These large dogs are capable of causing harm if not treated correctly, a concern for families with kids. They’re great with older children but might accidentally knock over smaller ones. Training is critical, especially during their long puppyhood when they’re learning to manage their size and strength. With the right training and care, a Rottweiler can be an excellent addition to the family—just be cautious with their interactions with your children.

Shar Peis

Shar Peis might look like cuddly teddy bears but are often more like grumpy guardians. Known for their moody personality, these dogs are not the best playmates for little kids. They’re really into their own space and can be pretty territorial. Training them can be tough, so they’re not easy for families with young children who might be tempted to hug these wrinkly pooches. They’re better suited for a calm, adult-only home where they can be the sole center of attention.

Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are often at the center of debate—some see them as gentle “nanny dogs” perfect for kids, while others worry about their strength and energy. These dogs can be great with children, but their high energy and lack of awareness of their size can lead to accidental knocks and accidents. They can also be territorial and might not welcome new faces easily, including other pets. If you have a busy household with lots of other animals, a Pit Bull might not be the best fit.

Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas might be tiny and look like perfect purse-sized pets, but be careful with them. These little dogs can be quite lively and aren’t afraid to show it. Also, chihuahuas can give a surprising nip if they’re not in the mood for play. They’re also delicate, so rough play isn’t a good idea. These small but mighty dogs might be better off in a calm home, maybe with older children who understand how to be gentle with them.

Akitas

Akitas are like your personal family bodyguards, always on high alert to keep everyone safe. They’re very loyal, but their serious personality means they’re not always up for child’s play. They’re great with family members but can be wary of strangers, including your kids’ friends. Akitas needs a household where everyone understands and respects their protective instincts and need for calm. They might be more suitable for families with older children who know how to interact safely with such a vigilant and dedicated breed.

Pekingese

Pekingese, small but tough, often act bigger than they are. These little dogs can get irritated if they feel scared or if someone messes with their stuff, like toys or food. They’re also quite possessive, so a kid getting too close might lead to a bite. Pekingese see themselves as equals to everyone, even kids, and like being in charge. They love a calm space to relax with their favorite humans, away from too much excitement or fuss.

Siberian Huskies

Huskies are energetic dogs and are always ready for action but not always sure how to play gently—especially with little kids. Their play can get a bit wild! Plus, these independent dogs aren’t the easiest to train, so guiding them to play nicely can be a challenge. However, for older kids who love a bit of rough-and-tumble fun, a Husky could be the perfect, playful friend they’ve been dreaming of.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows might steal your heart at first glance, but they’re more than just cute faces. These dogs take their loyalty seriously and might not warm up to strangers or even other pets. And when it comes to kids in the house, Chows need their space. They’re not fans of being disturbed, especially if they’re relaxing. If a lively child annoys them, they might not react kindly.

Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers, known as fearless guardians, are all about protecting their families. They’re especially watchful over kids, making them seem like a good choice for families. But they’re big dogs who grow fast but mature slowly. Dobermans often don’t realize their own size, which can be a problem around small kids who might get accidentally knocked over. These pups are energetic, racing around with no pause button, which can be risky if a little one crosses their path.

Malinois

Malinois are athletic, full of energy, intelligent, and they take their jobs as protectors very seriously. Having a Malinois is like adding another high-energy kid to your family. These dogs love to chew, so toys might not last long. So, it’s often better to wait until your kids are older before bringing a Malinois home. Their strong jaws mean even a playful nip could be more than just a small ouch!