Bringing a dog into your home is a big step—especially when you’re starting a family. While dogs can offer loyalty, joy, and unconditional love, not every breed is well-suited for households with small children.
Some breeds have natural tendencies toward aggression, anxiety, or high energy that can lead to unintentional harm, even with the best intentions. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a safe playmate.
Many first-time parents or new dog owners are drawn to certain breeds because of their appearance or reputation without understanding the breed’s true temperament.
Traits like territorial instincts, rough play, or a low tolerance for unpredictable behavior in kids can make some dogs difficult to manage around young family members. Choosing a pet without doing proper research can lead to stress, behavioral issues, or even injuries.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 15 dog breeds that may not be ideal for families just starting out. Understanding which breeds to avoid can help ensure a safe and happy environment for both your children and your future pet.
Dog Breeds to Avoid When Starting Your Family
1. Akita
The Akita, a powerful and dignified breed from Japan, was originally developed for hunting large game like wild boar and bears. Classified in the Working Group, this spitz-type dog stands 24 to 28 inches tall and can weigh between 70 and 130 pounds, depending on sex.
Its hallmark features include a broad head, erect triangle-shaped ears, a curled tail, and a dense double-layered coat that comes in various colors, including brindle, pinto, and white. With a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, the Akita exudes strength, confidence, and a natural protective instinct.
Despite its bear-like charm and deep loyalty to family, the Akita’s temperament is not ideal for homes with young children. PetMD says that families are often given a statue of an Akita dog when a new baby is born or when a family member is ill.
These dogs are known for being headstrong, independent, and sometimes intolerant of other animals. Their territorial nature and wariness toward strangers demand early, firm socialization and consistent leadership.
Akitas thrive in quiet, structured environments and may become overly dominant or aloof without proper guidance. Due to their thick coat, they’re also more comfortable in cooler climates.
Temperament: Protective, loyal, independent
Best for: Experienced owners, child-free homes
Fact: In Japan, Akitas are revered as symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.
2. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, a national treasure of Mexico, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, tracing its roots to ancient pre-Columbian civilizations. AKC says the Chihuahua is a well-balanced and graceful dog with a terrier-like personality, weighing no more than 6 pounds. Standing just 6 to 9 inches tall, this compact breed belongs to the Toy Group.
Chihuahuas are available in a wide range of coat types—either smooth or long—and their colors span from black and fawn to chocolate and cream. Their signature features include a rounded “apple” head, large luminous eyes, and upright ears. With proper care, they can live anywhere from 12 to 20 years.
Despite their tiny frames, Chihuahuas have big personalities and can be surprisingly bold and defensive. Their instinct to protect themselves with barking—or biting—makes them unpredictable around small children who may not read their social cues well. These dogs often attach to one primary person and may feel threatened by noisy, fast-moving environments.
Due to their small size and fragile structure, rough play can be dangerous for both the dog and the child. They also require close monitoring when around other animals due to their strong territorial nature.
Temperament: Loyal, alert, spirited
Care Needs: Daily dental hygiene, regular playtime
Fact: The Chihuahua’s lineage dates back to ancient pre-Columbian kingdoms in Mexico.
3. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a striking breed known for its sleek frame, short white coat adorned with black or liver-colored spots, and strong athletic build. Originating possibly from Dalmatia or England, this medium-sized dog stands 19 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 65 pounds.
With a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, it belongs to the Non-Sporting group and carries a long history as a coach and firehouse dog. WebMD says Dalmatians are a popular breed known for being affectionate. Its elegant gait, arched tail, and muscular physique reflect its active heritage.
Although friendly and affectionate with familiar people, the Dalmatian’s high energy levels and sensitivity make it a challenging match for families with young children.
Without consistent exercise, this breed is prone to developing behavior issues, often becoming hyperactive or anxious. They also require constant companionship and tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
This breed thrives in homes where routines are active and social. Their dignified nature may lead to aloofness around strangers, and their strong guarding instincts can be overwhelming for first-time families.
Temperament: Playful, energetic, intelligent, sensitive
Best for: Active homes with older children
Fact: Historically, Dalmatians ran beside horse-drawn carriages, serving as guardians and companions to noble travelers and firefighters.
4. Airedale Terrier
Nicknamed “The King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest of its kind, standing 23 to 24 inches tall and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. Originating in England, this breed was developed for versatility—excelling as a hunter, athlete, and even military dog.
It has a sturdy, square frame, a distinctive long head adorned with a beard and mustache, and a dense, wiry double coat in a mix of black and tan. Airedales typically live 11 to 13 years and belong to the Terrier Group.
Despite their intelligence and trainability, Airedales aren’t always an ideal match for families with young children. Their bold and determined temperament can lead to stubbornness during training, especially without firm guidance. These dogs learn quickly—good or bad—so consistent reinforcement is essential.
Airedales are active, curious, and brimming with personality. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they can become unruly or destructive. Their strength and spirited nature may overwhelm inexperienced owners or households with small kids.
Temperament: Confident, alert, energetic, intelligent
Grooming Needs: Moderate, due to their wiry coat
Fact: Airedales are known for their fearless personalities and were once used in World War I as messenger dogs.
5. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient breed known for its unique look and reserved temperament. Recognized for its deeply wrinkled skin, broad muzzle, blue-black tongue, and small sunken eyes, this medium-sized dog stands around 18 to 20 inches tall and weighs 45 to 60 pounds.
The breed name translates to “sand skin,” a nod to its rough, bristly coat. Falling under the Non-Sporting Group, the Shar-Pei typically lives 8 to 12 years and is admired for its independence and loyalty.
While Shar-Peis are devoted to their caregivers, they are naturally aloof with strangers and can be territorial. These traits make them less than ideal for young families. Without early training and consistent socialization, this breed may react defensively in new environments or around other animals and children.
Their quiet nature and low energy needs may seem appealing, but their willful disposition and anxiety around unfamiliar people can lead to behavior issues. Owners must be proactive in setting boundaries and creating a secure, structured environment.
Temperament: Loyal, reserved, intelligent
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
Fact: The Shar-Pei’s wrinkled appearance and “hippopotamus” muzzle make it one of the most physically distinctive breeds in the world.
6. Bullmastiff
Originating in 19th-century England, the Bullmastiff was developed by crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs to create a powerful guard dog capable of silently tackling poachers. Standing 24 to 27 inches tall and weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, this muscular giant belongs to the Working Group.
With a short, dense coat in shades of fawn, red, or brindle, the Bullmastiff carries a commanding presence and a broad, blocky head marked by dark, alert eyes and a deep muzzle. Their average lifespan is 8 to 10 years.
While known for their devotion and calm nature with familiar faces, Bullmastiffs can be slow to accept new people and situations. Their sheer size and strength make them risky for homes with toddlers or small children, especially without proper training. Even playful behavior can lead to accidental injuries if boundaries aren’t set early.
Training must begin while they’re young and manageable. Without early socialization, these dogs may develop behavior issues or become overly territorial. Though they require daily exercise, they lack long-distance stamina and aren’t ideal for highly active families.
Temperament: Loyal, calm, protective, affectionate
Training Needs: Early, consistent, and firm
Fact: Bullmastiffs were originally bred to quietly track and hold poachers on English estates.
7. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso (pronounced KAH-nay KOR-so) is a commanding breed with a history stretching back to ancient Rome, where it served as a powerful guardian and hunter of large game.
A member of the Working Group, this muscular Italian mastiff stands 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs between 80 and 120 pounds. Its short, coarse coat can appear in black, gray, fawn, red, or brindle, often with a striking black or gray facial mask.
While often calm and stable around adults, the Cane Corso’s protective instincts and sheer physical strength can be too much for families with small children. These dogs are assertive, willful, and require a firm, experienced hand from the very beginning. Without early socialization and consistent boundaries, they may develop dominance issues or become overly territorial.
Though loyal and trainable, the Cane Corso’s intimidating presence alone can pose challenges in homes unfamiliar with large, guardian breeds. Their need for mental stimulation, structure, and regular physical activity makes them a demanding companion not well-suited to novice owners or chaotic household settings.
Temperament: Reserved, confident, fiercely loyal
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Fact: The Cane Corso’s name translates from Latin to “bodyguard dog,” reflecting its ancient Roman heritage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right puppy when starting your family isn’t just about looks or popularity—it’s about temperament, training needs, and how well a breed will respond to the energy and unpredictability of small children.
Some dogs may be loving toward adults but need firm leadership and space, which can be difficult in a busy family environment. Even breeds with strong human bonds can become overprotective, making early socialization essential for everyone’s safety.
Before completing your adoption or purchase, take time to review each breed’s history, traits, and potential risks. Whether you’re considering a female guard dog or a playful companion, always verify if their temperament matches your family’s lifestyle, to make it work!
