Actually, the size of the dog isn’t nearly as important as the breed of the dog and the temperament of the dog of that breed. Throw in the age of the child and the temperament of the child. Then tack on the ability and knowledge of the adult’s responsibility in teaching that child the proper way of handling, training, grooming of that new friend and any dog no matter the size, shape or breed will make an excellent pet for your child.
Most people will just automatically start naming different breeds. But in every breed, I’m sorry to say, there are good ones, and there are bad ones. Do not ever make the mistake of just assuming, that you have read “Labrador Retrievers” make excellent kid dogs without first selecting the right Labrador Retriever that coincides with the personality of that child.
Do all of the research you can on the breed of dog you feel as an adult, you yourself can handle. For you as the adult, will be the one who teaches that child/dog relationship. Dogs learn from the alpha of any pack, and let’s face it, in the eyes of that new addition, that is exactly what you are to him or her. It’s new pack. For someone who wants a great dog but isn’t around dogs all that much and for those who may work a lot of hours away from the home and don’t have a lot of time, I would steer clear of the high maintenance grooming type breeds; (cocker spaniels, poodles, schnauzers.) For someday it will be your child that takes on the role of grooming and not much worse than a matted coat that you have to shave off on a dog that just doesn’t quite look right with no hair!
Take in major consideration the age and activity level of your child; and make sure that child goes with you in the selection process! Watch how your child interacts with the puppies but don’t be fooled if he or she shows a strong like for one. Watch that puppies interaction with your child too! If you child leans more on the “lazy” side and spends much more of his or her time in front of the TV rather than outside running and jumping and playing; you sure do NOT want to pick out the highest energy puppy! Those require a lot of exercise to spend that energy, and unless you are willing to be the one to “entertain” this new addition, you might want to persuade your child for a less active, calmer puppy.
Certain breeds are just naturally “more protective” then other breeds. I would NEVER suggest one of these breeds for any child who is that of a “loner”. For when you introduce this type of breed to a child that is not known to have a lot of other people for that dog to come in contact with, the dog will become TOTALLY protective of that child. (German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Dobermans), and that child’s territory.
Also, you may just love the little toy breeds. But more for the safety of the dog, rather than your child, please, please PLEASE, take in consideration the “gentleness” factor of your child. Dachshunds are sweet and cute, but they also have a very weak back, and if your child is klutzy or just plain a rough houser, PLEASE stay away from this child/dog relationship.
I am a firm believer that there is a kid for every dog as well as there’s a dog for every kid. I am also a firm believer that it is the parents responsibility to be able to teach children the RIGHT way to handle and love a dog, and then nature just takes over from the dog’s point of view of how to handle and love your child no matter how big or how small it is!
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September 18, 2011 
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