"That sounds nice, but is the Dog Good With Kids?" Every worker of a dog shelter or pet store constantly faces some form of that question from a family choosing a new dog. Often the parents are looking for a simple answer, but the reality is a combination of the dog's breed, age and background.
Good Dog Breeds For Kids
Before you decide on a particular
breed of dog, you should do some homework about the breed's temperament level. The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. conducted a test on dog breeds in order to see which ones were prone to be more aggressive. Strange as it may seem, there are many dogs that are infamous for
biting, like the Doberman Pincher, that actually scored a low aggression level and are great with children. Many experts also recommend the Beagle or Labrador Retriever as good family pets.
Parents of small children may think a big dog is too much and will often make the mistake of buying a small dog. Their belief is that the small dog won't harm the children, but some of the smaller dogs tend to be more territorial and might nip at the kids. Also, kids can play rough, and may unintentionally harm a smaller animal. Tests have shown that bigger dogs are no more aggressive than smaller ones. However, bigger dogs tend to move about recklessly, and can unintentionally harm children.
Background as a Factor
Many dogs available for adoption through shelters have already been trained. Therefore, there is no need to train them out of
puppy behavior. If you are considering a dog to adopt, it is recommended that your kids meet with the dog. Watch the dog for any signs of aggression or withdrawal. 
Most adult dogs know how to deal with kids, and even if they do not wag their tail, they shouldn't growl or hide at the presence of a child.
Consider an Older Dog
Even though most children might want a puppy, young dogs can be quite a handful in a busy household. Teaching a child to take care of a puppy can teach him or her responsibility, but many children often do not rise to the occasion. An adult dog might lessen the burden of responsibility and be better with the kids.
