While many families hope to have a four-legged addition, there are some dog breeds that are not the best for those with children. Dog expert Will Atherton, of Will Atherton Canine Training, has named three breeds that families may want to “steer well clear of”.
He says: “First up is the Belgian Malinois; yes, they’re capable of crazy feats of obedience and training, but that does not mean that they’re suitable for families. They bite children, they herd children, [and] they have no off switch.”
The next dog breed Mr Atherton regards as highly unsuitable for families is the Caucasian Shepherd.
He explained: “Yes, they can be protective of the family, but they’re much better suited to live outside on a farm.
“And if you try and bring them in the home, they may not have the patience or the ability to get away from children that they find frustrating, and it often does lead to bites on children.”
He added that this is often true for any of the giant livestock guardian breeds, many of which are not the best option for families with young children.
The final breed Mr Atherton strongly advises against having in a family home is the Dogo Argentino.
“I love Mastiff breeds,” Mr Atherton clarified. “But of all the Mastiff breeds, this is the one that I hear going wrong with children the most.”
For families, Mr Atherton recommends three breeds that are most suited to family life, which are the Labrador, the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.