15 Dog Breeds You Should Never Leave Alone with Small Children

“Molly akita” by Peter Theakston is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Safety is a top priority when choosing a family dog, especially in households with small children. While many dog breeds are wonderful with kids, some breeds may not be the best choice due to their temperament, energy levels, or strong protective instincts. Here’s a look at 15 dog breeds that, despite their popularity, may not be the best fit around small children without close supervision.

Chow Chow

brown long coated dog showing tongue
Photo by Wai Siew on Unsplash

Chow Chows are known for their lion-like appearance and independent nature. While they can be loyal and protective of their families, they are often aloof and can be intolerant of rough handling. Their strong guarding instincts may lead them to snap or bite if they feel threatened, making them less suitable for homes with little children.

Dalmatian

black and white dalmatian dog
Photo by Karolína Maršálková on Unsplash

Dalmatians are energetic and strong-willed, traits that can make them a handful around small children. They were bred as carriage dogs and have a high prey drive, leading to unpredictable behavior if they are startled or feel threatened. Dalmatians can be nervous around energetic kids and may react defensively if they feel cornered.

Rottweiler

a black and brown dog sitting on a path
Photo by Eduard Constantin Zoita on Unsplash

Rottweilers are powerful and protective dogs, often used as guard dogs, as they are loyal and strong. However, their protective nature can sometimes translate into aggression, especially if they perceive a threat to their family. While they can be affectionate, they may not tolerate rough play or unpredictable behavior from young children, making close supervision a necessity.

Alaskan Malamute

a dog with its tongue out
Photo by Till Daling on Unsplash

Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong dogs bred for pulling sleds in harsh conditions. They have a high prey drive and can be very independent. While they can be friendly, their size and strength make them less suitable for homes with small children who might not understand how to interact safely with such a powerful dog.

Jack Russell Terrier

white and brown jack russell terrier puppy sitting on green grass field during daytime
Photo by Gemma Regalado on Unsplash

Jack Russell Terriers are small pups but mighty, with a lot of energy and a strong hunting instinct. Their feisty nature and quick temper can make them unpredictable around small children, especially if they are not well-trained or socialized. They may react aggressively if they feel threatened or are handled too roughly.

Doberman Pinscher

black and tan doberman pinscher on snow covered ground during daytime
Photo by Anna Kozakova on Unsplash

Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They are often used as guard dogs and can be very cautious of strangers. While they can be gentle with their families, their strong protective nature and potential for aggression mean they should always be supervised around small children, who might unknowingly provoke them.

Cocker Spaniel

a brown dog sitting on top of a grass covered field
Photo by Krzysztof Niewolny on Unsplash

Cocker Spaniels are generally friendly and affectionate but can also be sensitive and anxious. Some Cocker Spaniels can develop a condition known as “Cocker rage syndrome,” which can lead to sudden aggressive outbursts. Their sensitivity to rough handling and loud noises can make them unpredictable around young children.

Pekingese

a brown and white dog sitting on top of a grass covered field
Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash

Pekingese dogs are small, but they have a big attitude. Bred as pets for Chinese royalty, they are often aloof and can be quick to snap if they feel disrespected. Their small size makes them vulnerable to rough play, and they may react defensively if a child tries to pick them up or play too roughly.

Siberian Husky

a wolf laying on the ground in the leaves
Photo by Loo Cypher on Unsplash

Siberian Huskies are known for their energy and independence. They were bred to pull sleds in cold climates and have a high prey drive. While they can be friendly and playful, their strong-willed nature and high energy levels can make it difficult for them to manage around small children, especially if they feel provoked or overstimulated.

Shih Tzu

white and brown long coated small dog on dried leaves
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that were bred as companion animals. However, they can be possessive of their owners and may not tolerate rough handling or being disturbed while resting. Their small size and tendency to snap when annoyed make them a less-than-ideal choice for families with young, boisterous children.

Dachshund

black and brown short coated dog on green grass during daytime
Photo by Myriam Jessier on Unsplash

With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are known for their strong personalities and hunting instincts. Originally bred to hunt badgers, they can be very determined and sometimes aggressive. Their small size makes them vulnerable to rough play, and they may react if they feel threatened or cornered by a small child.

Chihuahua

Adult Black and Tan Smooth Chihuahua
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities. They are very loyal to their humans but can be wary of strangers and quick to snap if they feel threatened. Their small size makes them fragile, and they may not tolerate the rough-and-tumble play that small children often engage in, leading to defensive biting or snapping.

Akita

white and gray siberian husky lying on green grass field during daytime
Photo by Gregory Sheldunov on Unsplash

Akitas are large, powerful pups with strong guarding instincts. Bred in Japan as hunting dogs, they can be very protective of their families. However, their independent nature and potential for aggression make them a risky choice for families with small children. Akitas can be intolerant of rough handling and may react if they feel their territory or family is threatened.

Weimaraner

a dog sitting on a pink mat looking at the camera
Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs initially bred for hunting. They are known for their intelligence and need for mental and physical stimulation. However, their strong prey drive and tendency to be excitable can make them unpredictable around small children. Without proper training and supervision, they may react aggressively if they feel overstimulated or provoked.

Pomeranian

a small white dog standing on top of a lush green field
Photo by Sharon Yang on Unsplash

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs known for their cute looks. However, they can be possessive and may quickly become snappy if they feel uneasy or annoyed. Their small stature makes them prone to injury during rough play, and they might respond if they feel trapped or are handled too roughly by a small child.

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