As a dog lover and a parent, it is a dream come true to see your child and your dog growing up together and coexisting in a harmonious way. Not every dog is suited for the unpredictable nature of infants.
Fortunately, there are certain dog breeds whose tolerant and patient demeanor allows them to safely interact with children.
Compared to other dogs, these dog breeds can endure endless pulling, tugging, and even being crawled over by toddlers without getting annoyed or reactive. Such dogs do not mind the tiny hands of your child tugging and exploring their way around them.
By bringing such a breed to your home, you give your child a playmate, protector, and lifelong friend, all combined together in the form of one dog.
Disclaimer: Even the gentlest dogs have limits. Always supervise babies around pets and avoid letting infants crawl over dogs to ensure safety for both.
Dog Breeds That Allow Babies To Crawl Over Them
1. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their lush, long coat and their lion-like mane. According to the Shih Tzu Club, these dogs have royal roots due to being a favorite of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi.
Low Grooming Needs
Shih Tzus are ranked among low-maintenance dog breeds. They have a low-shedding coat, but they still need regular brushing to keep it clean. Under your supervision, your kids can help out with grooming and cleaning these dogs, which can also be a means of bonding between the dog and your children.
Adaptable to Small Spaces
Due to their small size, Shih Tzus can easily adjust to small spaces such as apartments or houses without yards. They do not mind being indoors with their family all day.
The reason behind this is that Shih Tzus are clingy by nature, and getting to stay by their owner’s side is nothing less than a treat for them.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are affectionate and loyal to their human families. According to PetMD, these gentle giants are quintessential family dogs and are often called ‘Goldens’ due to their golden fur.
Emotionally Sensitive
Golden Retrievers are both highly intelligent and emotionally sensitive. These canines have the ability to read the emotions of their humans and understand the change in tone and affection. As a result, they don’t just make good family dogs but also good emotional support and therapy dogs.
All of these qualities, combined with their ability to please, make Golden Retrievers incredibly easy to train.
Calm Demeanor
A Golden Retriever is a great dog for small children because it has the ability to stay calm even under pressure. This is a huge advantage for households with small children, where there is always a chance of chaos and noise. They are also trustworthy, predictable, and dependable.
3. Papillon
Papillons have been named because of their ears, which look similar to butterfly wings. According to Britannica Kids, ‘Papillon’ is the French word for butterfly. Papillons make great family dogs due to the unlimited love, joy, and loyalty that they have to offer.
Highly Intelligent
Papillons are known for being highly intelligent. Due to their high level of intelligence, they are not easily distracted and thus are easy to train. They respond well to routine and require constant mental stimulation to avoid boredom.
These dogs are perfect for those who want their pet to have both beauty and brains.
High Tolerance Level
Papillons are surprisingly tolerant of a toy breed. They can handle children’s unpredictable energy and do not spook easily if they are well-socialized.
Moreover, Papillons are known for being alert and watchful without being extremely snappy. They do not feel the need to bark excessively when they feel threatened. Thus, their owners do not have to worry about compromising the peace and quiet of their home.
4. Bichon Frise
Owing to its fluffy white fur, the Bichon Frise is included in the category of teddy bear dog breeds. These small dogs can prove to be good family dogs with the help of their happy-go-lucky nature and calm demeanor.
Born to be Around Humans
These furry canines are prone to separation anxiety, which makes them want to spend all their time with their favorite human at all times.
This becomes an advantage for both your child and the dog in case your child wishes to stay and play with it all the time. This makes the Bichon Frise an ideal companion for small children.
Hypoallergenic
Bichon Frise dogs have a low-shedding rate and so they do not leave fur trails behind baby toys. They have minimal dander as compared to other breeds. This makes them an ideal choice of pet for families concerned about allergies.
As a result, not only do they make great companions for your children, but they also do not jeopardize the environment of your home by triggering any potential allergies.
5. Pomeranian
Originally bred for the purpose of hunting and herding in cold northern climates, Pomeranians are small-sized dogs with high energy levels.
Affectionate Nature
Poms form a very strong bond with their owners, and this includes babies and younger kids. They love to cuddle with and show affection to humans.
However, their affection is not limited to humans. These friendly dogs are also affectionate towards other animals, especially cats.
Due to their affectionate and playful nature, these dogs make great playmates and are also a good option for households with multiple pets.
Playful Yet Protective
Pomeranians are known for being extremely lively and energetic with kids. They are naturally watchful and aware of children’s presence. Thus, these furry divas double as fuzzy little watchdogs, which makes these dogs a great choice of pet for active families.
6. Beagle
Characterized by their domed skull, squarish muzzle, and floppy ears, Beagles are often included in the category of Velcro dogs due to their extremely clingy nature. This canine companion is one of the most popular dog breeds.
A Beagle brought into your home is not just a loyal companion; it is a best friend in the making for your child. Fortunately, this best friend will never get tired of your child because a Beagle loves to stick by its owner at all times.
Social Butterflies
Beagles are friendly, outgoing, and easy to be around children. This makes them one of the best dog breeds for children.
They are rarely aggressive, and they love group and family settings. Moreover, they can tolerate loud noises and excessive movement as well. This makes Beagles a good family dog for a joint family or for a socially active family.
Patient and Easygoing
Beagles are able to thrive in active households because they do not mind being touched or climbed on. This makes them a good pet for toddlers who are usually full of boundless energy.
7. Pug
Known for their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and big eyes, Pugs are yet another dog breed that can make an ideal family dog.
Class Clowns in Dog Form
Pugs are known for their unique sense of humor, with which they entertain everyone. Think of a pug like your class clown who entertains everyone with his jokes. Pugs love to be the center of attention and constantly seek affection.
Patient and Calm Temperament
Due to their patient and calm temperament, Pugs are considered among the calmest small dog breeds. This makes them ideal for families with children, especially those who are learning to crawl.
They are also one of the laziest dog breeds, which makes them an even better candidate for becoming a pet for such families.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog breed for your child is more than just choosing a pet. It’s about finding a companion who knows how to be gentle, patient, and loving towards your child. The dog breeds mentioned above are the perfect blend of playmate, watchdo,g and best friend all packed into one single dog.
Some other dog breeds that allow babies to crawl over them but have not been included in the above list are Collies, Poodles, Boxers, Labrador Retriever,s and Bull Terriers.
