Top 10 Best Large Breeds For Kids

If you’re looking for a dog to grow up with your kids, nothing beats a larger breed for patience and durability. Remember that you should always teach your kids how to treat dogs and you should never leave a dog unsupervised with small children. With that in mind, here are the 10 best large breeds for kids.

1. Labrador Retriever

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

The most popular breed in the United States since 1991 and one of the most popular dogs in the world, the Lab is the ideal family companion. They have plenty of energy, they are highly trainable, and they love to please their people. There’s a reason Labs are also the most popular breed for use as service dogs!

2. Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Looking more like a bear than a dog, the Newfie may seem a surprising choice for a family dog if you aren’t familiar with the breed. These giant dogs are smart, calm, and loyal. They typically weigh 120-175 pounds, and they shed a lot, but they are often referred to as the “nanny dog.” Nana in “Peter Pan” is a Newfie.

3. Boxer

Boxer

The clowns of the the dog world, Boxers love kids. They might be too boisterous for small children, but they make great playmates for kids big enough not to be easily knocked over by the Boxer’s enthusiasm.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

This friendly breed is easy to train as long as they get enough exercise. They’re another breed that’s popular as a service animal due to their loving personalities. Do expect some shedding.

5. English Bulldog

English Bulldog

These friendly, goofy dogs are known for their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They have lower exercise requirements than some of the other breeds on this list, making them perfect for families who are somewhat less active.

6. English Mastiff

English Mastiff

These enormous dogs are very gentle, loving, and loyal. Generally regarded as the heaviest dog breed in the world (the heaviest dog on record was a Mastiff who weighed 343 pounds), they tend to be protective of their families.

7. Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are instantly recognizable for their egg-shaped head. They can be stubborn but are very fun-loving and generally love children. They need lots of exercise but minimal grooming.

8. American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

One of the breeds often referred to as Pit Bulls, Amstaffs are people-friendly and loyal. They do best when they have a job to do. As with any breed, training is crucial to having a well-adjusted dog.

9. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

These giant dogs rescued people in the Alps for centuries. Saint Bernards are sweet, gentle, calm, loyal and affectionate. Their greatest threat to children is usually only knocking them down accidentally.

10. Basset Hound

Basset Hound

Although short, the Basset’s heavyset bone structure and weight classify them as large dogs. They’re friendly, playful, outgoing, and tolerant of children. They are prone to serious injuries as a result of their long body and short legs combined with a heavy bone structure.

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Top 3 Health Concerns For Your English Bulldog

Many a veterinarian has sadly joked that their English Bulldog patients paid for their vacation home. The breed has become so plagued with health issues due to ill-breeding, inbreeding, and genetic issues arising from the standard “look,” that last year scientists said cross-breeding was the only way the breed was going to be able to survive. If you are looking to add an English Bulldog to your family, take your time and choose very wisely from a top-notch breeder. If you are rescuing, knowing these problems can help you set aside money for future vet bills (vet insurance for the English Bulldog owner is almost a must) and know what to watch for in your new best friend. The following are the top three health concerns for your English Bulldog. Sadly, there are many more.

 Top 3 Health Concerns For Your English Bulldog

1. Breathing Problems

Many owners don’t realize that the “normal” raspy breathing of a Bulldog is anything but that. The flat face of the English Bulldog causes all kinds of issues when it comes to normal breathing. It restricts air intake and all those noises they make is them trying to get enough air in. It causes them to be susceptible to overexertion after minimal exercise and heat exhaustion. In addition, their elongated soft-palate can cause sleep apnea or even suffocation and death if left untreated (usually treatment involves surgery).

2. Dysplasia

Genetics and other factors cause many English Bulldogs to end up with elbow or hip dysplasia. Since this is genetic, definitely make sure the breeder you’re thinking of has done tests and kept track if any of her breeding dogs has had offspring with these issues.

3. Skin Fold Dermatitis

The cute wrinkles of the English Bulldog also lead to trouble. Moisture and foreign objects get trapped in the folds, causing inflammation and infection. Thankfully, daily cleaning of the wrinkles can keep this health issue at bay without too much cost to the owner.

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How To Keep Your Pit Bull And Children Safe When Playing Together

Pit Bulls can be safe with kids under the correct conditions. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when having your dog around children.

1. Always supervise interaction pit bulls and kids

NEVER leave a child alone with a dog. This goes for any dog. Even if it's a puppy. This is for both the child's and the dogs safety.

If you read through articles of pit bull attacks online where children were hurt, maimed or worse, killed by a Pit Bull you will notice that in 99% of the cases they were left alone with the dog or dogs involved.

This should be a rule rather than a tip. Use common sense and care. Small children especially should never be unsupervised around dogs.

2. Watch the child's behaviour

Watch the children's behaviour. This tip is more for the dogs safety than the child's. Children can be brutal and even in the face of such harsh treatment, well bred, responsibly owned Pit Bulls are not prone to biting or "attacking" in defense.

Make sure every child that plays with your dog understands how to behave around them. They should know to respect your dog and it's space and other things like toys, food, water, or their special bed.

3. Make sure all your dogs prized items are put away

Ah, nothing like a kid running around with a dried bully stick in their hands. lol. Not only is this nasty, your dog will want their bully stick back and attempt to get it. And in the process they could nip a finger or two.

Put all your dogs favorite toys and treats away and where children can't get a hold of them to be on the safe side.

To clarify, it wouldn't' be out of malice or viciousness the dog would get a finger or two. It would be by accident, an accident that can easily be avoided by putting such things away.

4. Start taking Obedience classes

If you're not already training your dog in basic obedience. Start as soon as possible.

Having an obedient Pit Bull will help when kids are around. Not to mention adults as well.

Teaching your dog to sit so they can be pet, laying down when things get a bit to rowdy, or to do a silly trick to lighten the tension of an over cautious parent is always a great idea.

5. Never Force your dog into a situation that makes them uncomfortable

Some dogs simply get weird around certain people. Don't force the issue and make your dog say "hello" or play with someone they are showing signs of apprehension around.

However, I have seen very few Pit Bulls get weird around people. Almost none now that I think about it. Since they are extremely people oriented it is quite rare to see them become skittish.

However it does happen, so be aware of how your dog is reacting to people and if they do get weird, take them somewhere quiet they can hang out or continue on with your walk.

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Top 3 Things Corgi Loves To Do

Those ears. Those stubby legs. That sassy ‘tude! There is a lot about a Corgi to love and let’s face it, we love them to the moon and back. Anything we can do to make them happier about life in general, we will do. While Corgis are pretty happy about anything that comes along, they definitely have some favorites. Here are three things your Corgi love more than anything.

1. Chasing

They are a herding breed after all! For some, this may be actually herding cattle or sheep. Others may like to chase your cat or kids. Or maybe a ball is enough for them. What they are chasing is not as important to them as the act of the chase.

2. Food

Corgis love food. For a small dog with a tiny stomach, they act as if they are always hungry. This does make training easier – if you want to give your Corgi something he loves, just give him his dinner or a tasty snack.

3. Unexpected Bursts of Excitement

Some Corgi owners call this “frapping” or “zoomies” – but basically it’s when your Corgi just can’t seem to hold himself together any longer and goes flying through your house as if being chased by the Fairy Folk! They often slide across floors, run into walls and under or over anything in their path. These bursts don’t last long, stopping as mysteriously as they began. (Maybe it is the Fairy Folk taking a ride on your Corgi after all!)

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3 Great Ways To Strengthen Your Bond With Your Corgi

As herding dogs, Corgis can sometimes be more interested in everything else around them rather than you. Maybe they would rather bark at everything they see than sit calmly on the couch. Or maybe they try to chase everything that moves while on walks, instead of peacefully walking next you with their attention on you. Strengthening your bond with your Corgi can really help them want to listen to you more, which will make it easier to solve these behavior problems. Not sure how to do that? The following are three ways to strengthen your bond with your Corgi.

1. Learn Your Corgi’s Language

What better way to improve your relationship and deepen your bond than to understand your Corgi better? In order to do that, you need to learn how they communicate through body language. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a host of free body language posters that can help you learn to speak “dog,” which your Corgi will greatly appreciate.

2, Training

Not only does it make them a better housemate, training will strengthen your bond with your Corgi. When you and your dog train together, you are learning to communicate with each other and that goes a long way to great a lasting bond. As long as you keep training fun and engaging, it will help you strengthen your bond.

3. Play

Play is an easy and fun way to bond with your Corgi. Any game she enjoys is fine, just as long as you’re doing it together! Agility trainers encourage play with their students because they have found it creates dogs that listen better and work harder for their owners.

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