Some dogs are downright dangerous. While they may be cute and cuddly, certain breeds are best left far away from children. These dogs don’t mix well with the chaos of a busy home and can easily become unpredictable.
It’s not about being “mean”—it’s about temperament, instincts, and how they react to stress. Some dogs may snap, get aggressive, or simply not tolerate the noise and energy kids bring.
For families, having a dog that can’t handle the hectic lifestyle is a ticking time bomb. Some breeds may have the looks of a gentle giant, but trust us—they’re not all friendly.
Let’s break down the 21 dog breeds you should think twice about before bringing them into a home with children. You’ll want to know which pups should be kept at arm’s length!
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their lion-like mane and unique blue-black tongue. Their independent nature can often be mistaken for aloofness. Chow Chows have a strong protective instinct, which, while good for guarding, might not be ideal for households with children. They can be wary of strangers, including visiting young friends. Supervision is crucial when Chow Chows are around kids, as their stubbornness can lead to unpredictable behavior. Their grooming needs are high due to their thick coat, which requires regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain its iconic appearance.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are energetic and intelligent dogs, originally bred as carriage dogs. Their high energy levels mean they require plenty of exercise, which can be a challenge for families with children. Dalmatians are known to be stubborn, and without proper training, they can become unmanageable. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners, sometimes displaying protective behaviors that may not align with the playful nature of kids. It’s essential to ensure they get both mental and physical stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors often seen in this breed.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful and loyal dogs known for their protective instincts. While they are often gentle with their family, their size and strength can be overwhelming for young children. Proper training and socialization from a young age are crucial to ensure they understand boundaries. Rottweilers can be territorial, making them prone to guarding behavior that might be unsuitable around kids. They require an experienced owner who can provide firm guidance. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy and happy, as a bored Rottweiler can become destructive.
Akita
Akitas are large, dignified dogs known for their loyalty and courage. They can be aloof and are often intolerant of other animals, which can be problematic in a family setting with young children. Akitas require a confident owner who can establish themselves as the pack leader. Their strong-willed nature means they benefit from early training and socialization. They are not overly active but do enjoy regular walks and playtime. Akitas’ protective instincts are strong, and they may not appreciate the unpredictable behavior typical of children, so supervision is advised.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes, known for their strength and endurance, were originally bred as sled dogs. Their size and energy levels can be overwhelming for families with small children. Malamutes need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, which can be challenging to provide consistently. They can be stubborn and independent, requiring firm training to ensure they listen to commands. Malamutes have a high prey drive, which might not mix well with other pets or children who move unpredictably. Their thick coat requires regular grooming to manage shedding and keep them comfortable.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and incredible endurance. These dogs have a high energy level, making them suitable for active families but challenging around small children. Huskies are escape artists, often finding ways to break free from confined spaces. Their independent nature can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness, requiring consistent training. They are not typically aggressive but do have a high prey drive. Huskies thrive in environments where they can run and explore, making them less ideal for families that can’t provide ample exercise opportunities.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants renowned for their patience and affection. Despite their calm nature, their sheer size can inadvertently cause accidents around young children. Originally bred for rescue work, they are strong and require space to move freely. Saint Bernards thrive on companionship and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. Their drooling and shedding are considerations for potential owners. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and need moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Training from a young age helps manage their size and strength effectively.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are intelligent and loyal dogs, often used in protective roles due to their alert nature. While they can be affectionate with family members, their protective instincts might be overwhelming for children. They require an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. Dobermans need regular mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom. Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance, but they thrive in environments where they are included in family activities. Socialization from a young age is key to ensuring they are well-mannered around kids and other animals.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are powerful and protective dogs with a natural guarding instinct. While generally good-natured, their size and strength can be daunting for children. They are known for their calm demeanor, but can react strongly to perceived threats. Bullmastiffs benefit from early training and socialization to ensure they understand appropriate behavior. They are not overly active but require regular walks to stay healthy. Their short coat is easy to care for, making them a relatively low-maintenance breed. Bullmastiffs are best suited for families with older children who understand how to interact with large dogs.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny but have big personalities, often exhibiting a feisty demeanor. Their small size makes them fragile, and they can be easily injured by rough play from children. Chihuahuas tend to form strong bonds with a specific person, sometimes becoming possessive. Their bark is much bigger than their bite, often alerting to any perceived threats. While they can be playful, they are best suited for families with older children who understand how to handle them gently. Regular socialization can help prevent them from becoming overly timid or snappy around kids.
Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are large, protective dogs known for their imposing presence. They require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and socialization. Cane Corsos can be wary of strangers, making early socialization crucial. Their size and strength may be intimidating for children, and their protective nature might lead to guarding behaviors. They thrive in environments where they have a job to do, whether it’s guarding or participating in family activities. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and balanced. Their short coat is easy to maintain.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis are known for their unique wrinkled appearance and calm demeanor. Originally bred as guard dogs, they can be reserved around strangers. Shar Peis are independent and may not be the most playful companions for children. Their loyalty to family is unwavering, but they require early training to manage their strong-willed nature. Regular socialization helps them adjust to new situations and people. Their skin folds need special attention to prevent infections. Shar Peis are best suited for families with older children who can respect their space and understand their temperament.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentinos are known for their strength and determination, originally bred for big game hunting. They require an experienced owner who can provide strong leadership and training. This breed can be protective and territorial, making early socialization crucial. Their energy levels are high, necessitating ample exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. While loyal to their families, their size and strength might not be suitable for households with small children. Dogo Argentinos have a short coat that is easy to maintain, but they need regular exercise and mental challenges to stay happy.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are high-energy dogs known for their striking appearance and intelligence. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them suited for active families. However, their exuberant nature can be overwhelming for small children. Weimaraners form close bonds with their family, which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Training and socialization from a young age are essential to manage their energy and ensure they are well-mannered. Their short coat is easy to care for, but their need for activity should not be underestimated.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs often used in working roles. Their protective nature makes them loyal family companions but can be overwhelming for households with children. Training and socialization are vital to ensure they are well-behaved. German Shepherds require regular mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and destructive habits. Their double coat needs regular grooming to manage shedding. While they can be gentle with family, their size and strength require supervision when interacting with kids. They thrive in structured environments where they have tasks or roles to perform.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are active and intelligent dogs, known for their herding instincts. They require significant exercise and mental stimulation, which can be a challenge for families with young children. Their herding behavior may lead them to nip at running kids, mistaking them for sheep. Early training and socialization are essential to manage their instincts. Aussies need regular grooming to maintain their coat. While they are loyal and loving, their energy levels mean they thrive best in active households where they can participate in family activities and have a job to do.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their lively personality. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, which can be demanding for families with young children. Jack Russells are known for their strong prey drive and can become bored easily if not engaged. Their independent nature requires consistent training to ensure they are well-mannered. While they can be affectionate, their energy levels are best suited to active families with older children who can match their enthusiasm. Regular socialization helps prevent them from becoming overly timid or aggressive.
Basenji
Basenjis are unique dogs known as the “barkless dog” due to their unusual vocalizations. They are independent and curious, often compared to cats in their demeanor. Basenjis have a strong prey drive, making them unsuitable for homes with small pets. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. While they are affectionate with family, their independent nature can make them aloof. Early socialization and training are crucial to manage their curiosity. Basenjis have a short coat that is easy to maintain, but they thrive in active households.
Borzoi
Borzoi are elegant and independent dogs known for their gentle nature. Originally bred for hunting, they have a strong prey drive. Their size and strength can be overwhelming for young children, and they require a lot of space to run. Borzoi are generally quiet and reserved, preferring to observe rather than engage in rough play. Early training and socialization can help them adapt to family life. Their long coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Borzoi are best suited for families with older children who can respect their space and calm demeanor.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and independent dogs known for their hunting heritage. They require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and leadership. Ridgebacks have a strong prey drive, making them unsuitable for homes with small pets. Their size and strength can be intimidating for children, and their protective nature can lead to guarding behaviors. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them balanced. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants known for their affectionate nature. Despite their calm demeanor, their sheer size can pose challenges in households with small children. They require space to move comfortably and can accidentally knock over kids during play. Great Danes thrive on companionship and can become anxious if left alone for long periods. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but they need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Training from a young age helps manage their size and ensures they are well-behaved. They are best suited for families with ample space.