What you need to know about choosing a dog for children, Dr Katrina Warren explains

Choosing a dog as a family pet is a big decision that requires careful consideration. Dogs can bring immense joy and companionship to children, but they also require attention, training, grooming and care.

Getting a dog is much like having another child. Your new furry friend is not just a commitment for the kids, but for the whole family.

What happens after you've bought a dog for your daughter's 13th birthday and she leaves home five years later? Who's going to look after the dog?

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When choosing a breed, parents should consider what size dog they can accommodate in their home. You need to look at the space that you have and think realistically if you have the time to interact with a pet, on top of looking after children.

Talk to rescue shelters too; many of them have behaviourists who can help you find a dog with a perfect temperament for your family. There is nothing more rewarding that giving a dog a loving forever home. Many breed clubs have a rescue group, so if you have your heart set on a particular breed you may be able to find one that is looking for a home.

Here's what you need to know about some of the most popular dog breeds amongst families. 

Golden retriever

The classic family dog. They are known for their gentle and very, very tolerant nature which makes them great with kids! 

Keep in mind that they are big dogs and require space. They also shed a lot! You will also need to put in a lot time to train them before they become chilled out in the home.

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Beagle

You can't leave any food lying around with these dogs! Beagles are scent hounds and are food obsessed. This can make it hard to let them off the lead on walks as they will follow their nose wherever it takes them.

They are very sociable dogs and can make friends with anyone.

Poodle (small)

The standard poodle is probably too big for small kids while the toy poodle is too tiny and can be easily injured. This is why the miniature poodle is just the right size! Not to mention, they're smart and fun dogs to be around. 

There's no need to worry about them shedding hair around the home but they will need to be professionally groomed every six weeks or so.

Labrador

This happy and exuberant breed can make great family companions! But because they are so energetic, they need a lot of training otherwise they will jump all over you and can easily knock children over. 

Many people are surprised to learn that labradors shed a lot of hair as they have a thick double coat.

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Oodle-crosses

Keep in mind these dogs are not a recognised breed, they are a cross of two breeds. This means you can get a mix of the  appearance and temperament of either parent. 

Unfortunately, many are bred indiscriminately without breeding for temperament so I always recommend meeting the parents where possible. You want to choose a puppy that has been raised and socialised in a family environment.