We don’t deserve dogs. But that doesn’t mean every pup is appropriate for every person. Be careful when choosing a dog for its appearance, or size, or because of the breed’s energetic or playful qualities — there are more important traits to consider. Many active dog breeds can be quite dangerous. And if you have kids, here are 10 to avoid.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas make the list because they’re actually one of the most aggressive dog breeds. They’re the second most common biting breed. They’re also high among unreported attacks. Besides temperament, Chihuahuas are also bad for kids because of their small size making them fragile and easy to injure.
9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
While most breeds of retrievers are family-friendly dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever can have a much different temperament. They do not do well with small animals, such as cats, or unfamiliar dogs. They can be aggressive towards strangers and may snap without being provoked. The simple act of a kid taking away this dog’s toy could lead to a dangerous encounter.
8. Rottweiler
While Rotties are loving and loyal to family, they are highly protective. Although not necessarily the most aggressive breed, Rottweilers are reported to bite humans more than any other breed of dog. And they do so without any warning. Strangers, small animals, and small children should not be left unsupervised around this breed. If you have small kids, think about some alternatives.
7. Dalmation
These iconic dogs that are always associated with the fire department have many noble qualities. However, they have high prey drive, which makes them a danger to small animals, including small dogs, and in most cases, small children. When provoked, they tend to bite. They are prone to inherited deafness, which could also cause them to bite by mistake. Don’t let the Disney films lead you astray, this might not be a good fit.
6. Siberian Husky
While Siberian Huskies can be very loving with family, they are only okay with small children if they are raised with them from the time they are a puppy. This breed is skeptical of new things, so a rescue or older dog introduced to kids can be unpredictable. These large dogs can bite unprovoked and cause considerable damage.
5. Chow Chow
Chows are large dogs that aren’t good with other small animals, other dogs, or young children. They are highly protective, antisocial, and unwelcoming to strangers. These powerful dogs have incredible jaw strength. They were bred to take down predators. They are unpredictable and their bite could be deadly to kids.
4. Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes are large dogs known for their strength — they are bred for sled-pulling and hunting. These brave dogs have little fear and will challenge top predators such as polar bears. However, inexperienced or first-time dog owners could have trouble with these dogs. One wrong move could provoke a bite that could prove deadly to small children.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
At first glance Australian Cattle Dogs, or Blue Heelers, might seem like fun, playful dogs for kids. But that’s not the case. They were bred for herding and are likely to view kids as something to herd and dominate. They have an innate tendency to nip heels, especially of running kids. They’re also likely to destroy kids’ toys and furniture.
2. Akita
These huge dogs can weigh up to 130 pounds. They aren’t good at all with other dogs, small animals, or young children. Because they were raised as hunting and fighting dogs, with incredible jaw strength, Akitas can be a deadly danger for kids. Due to their protective, quick-reacting nature and powerful bite, even a nip might do irreversible damage.
1. Border Collie
These intelligent dogs have boundless energy. You might think this playful breed would be great for kids. However, Border Collies were raised to herd, and they’ll see running kids as something to control, biting at their heels. Taking this dog’s toy can result in getting bit. These dogs must be trained and acclimated to kids and supervised around them.
Read More: 10 Best Dog Breeds for Children
