Dogs have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years, in the pre-historic era when the early men used to live in caves. They used dogs during hunting and protect them during the night from other wild animals. Dogs were important animals for every civilization, especially in Egypt where you can see many ancient paintings with the face of a dog and the body of a man. Today dogs are kept mostly as a companion and in some cases, as watchdogs especially in the countryside. If you are thinking of owning a dog but you have kids at home, here is a list of seven dog breeds that are friendly with kids and an ideal choice to keep as a family dog.
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Shikoku
Shikoku is a Japanese dog breed and it’s one of the six native Japanese dog breeds. It is a medium-sized dog that by nature is alert, energetic, and enthusiastic. Shikokus were hunting dogs in earlier times which were treasured by the Matagi (Japanese hunters) as a tracker during hunting, predominantly wild boar and today they make for a very good family dogs. They are very loyal to their owners and their family. It originated in the mountain ranges of Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan. It has got pricked ears and a curly or sickle tail. Its body structure is strong, well-boned, and compact. Its outer coat is tough and straight and the undercoat is soft and dense. The coats come in colours like red, black, and tan, or sesame, which is a well-mixed color of black, red, and white hairs.
The Chipin is a cross between the Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher dog breeds and it falls under the category of ‘designer dogs’ means dogs which means small-sized dogs who are a good companion for their owners and looks quite attractive. By nature, this breed of dog is compact, joyful, and it’s easy to train them. They acquired the best traits from both of their parents. Chipins are also known as Pinhuahua and Minchi. This cute-looking dog makes a great apartment dog for active urban people because of its size. It is a friendly dog and is quite good with kids. If you are looking for an energetic “spirited” dog and loyal, then Chipin is an option you can go for.
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Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a crossbreed dog between the German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. The breeder of this dog wanted to develop a dog that is like the German Shepherd, but larger in size and easygoing, and more gentle by nature. It is an intelligent dog and easy to train. Its gentle nature makes it an excellent service dog or therapy dog. Shiloh Shepherd can do an assortment of jobs like flock guarding, child companion, police dog, search and rescue work, guide dog, etc. They are friendly toward other animals and if properly trained, they are sociable dogs.
Affen Spaniel is a small-sized designer dog and is a crossbreed dog between Affenpinscher and Cocker Spaniel, which are great family dogs and Affen Spaniel inherited the best qualities of its parents. Affen Spaniels can adjust to an array of home environments but they are prone to noise and it’s advisable not to adapt it if you live in an apartment. The Affen Spaniel is famous for its awesome abilities and it is a family-friendly companion. Affen Spaniels are loyal, and love spending time with children, and can also make excellent watchdogs. If you are looking for a small-sized and adorable dog, then it can be a good option to choose from.
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Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a multi-purpose working dog that is well-built in structure and powerful, along with having a sense of liveliness and durability. While working, it’s very serious and at home, it is very playful. It’s a medium-large sized and short-coated dog, famous for its variety of coat and eye colors and patterns. Catahoulas are the only breed of dog to have historically originated in the state of Louisiana, USA. This breed of dog needs proper guidance and training. After growing up, it becomes independent, territorial, and protective. By nature, these dogs are very affectionate, loyal, and gentle. Also known as Catahoula Hog Dog, they are used as stock dogs, bay dogs, tree dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, and loyal companions.
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Puli
Puli is a compact but powerful dog that is covered from head to tail with abundant, naturally occurring fur. It works closely with humans, it’s a very agile and faithful dog and it’s a quick learner also. First, there are those dreadlocks, the promptly identifiable feature of the Puli. The coats of these dogs are wooly, dense, and weatherproof. Because of its coat, you need to take proper grooming of this dog. Its height stands 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Pulik are very agile and light on their feet, which earned them a reputation as the ‘acrobat of the dog world.
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Boxmatian
The Boxmatian is a mixed breed dog and it’s a cross between the Boxer and Dalmatian dog breeds. By nature, these dogs are playful, goofy, and protective, and they inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. These dogs have larger-than-life personalities and love to play and goof around. They are easy to be trained, and it is affectionate and loyal to their owner. It’s very important to train them from an early age to prevent aggressive tendencies and destructive behavior when it’s grown up. Because of this, it may not be the best dog to bring into a family with small children. Boxmatians need a good amount of exercise and space and it’s not an apartment dog.
