Many parents worry about getting their kids their first dog, but research suggests that having a dog around could be beneficial to your children’s wellbeing. Tolly G. Epstein and her research team from the University of Cincinnati for one, found that children who have been exposed to dogs early in life had a significantly lower risk of developing eczema, a chronic skin condition that often correlates with a greater risk of developing asthma and food allergies.
Apart from physical health, dog ownership may come with benefits to psychological and emotional health as well. Psychologist Dr. Sue Doescher of the Oregon State University was involved in a study linking dog ownership and kids’ social skills. Teaching a child to care for a puppy “makes them more cooperative and sharing,” she says.
Having a dog could also help children become more nurturing and have a sense of responsibility. But as a concerned parent, it’s natural to want to pick out breeds with traits that make them more suitable for children than others.
We’ve listed 12 of these breeds in the slide show below.
Want to read more articles about getting your kids a pet? Try these:
- Mommy, Can I Keep Him? 12 Things to Remember When Giving Your Kids Their First Pet
- Canine Companions: 5 Reasons to Get Your Kids a Dog
- "Mom, I Want a Pet": A Guide to Getting Your Kids Their First Pet
For more on caring for your family dog, here are some articles to refer to:
- How to Toilet-Train Your Puppy: A Guide for First-Time Dog Owners
- What Every Pet Owner Should Know about Vaccines: 5 FAQs and Their Answers
- 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Picking a Vet
- 16 Basic Items Every New Pet Owner Must Have
- Doggy-Dangerous Munchies: 20 Food Items Not to Feed Your Pooch
- Canine Cribs: 6 Tips for Creating a Dog-Friendly Home
- Wipe It! 5 Ways to Deal with Your Pet's Messes
- Food for Your Fur Baby: 5 Things You Should Consider When Picking Dog Chow
(Photo by Jose Assenco via sxc.hu)
