
Almost all kids love dogs. The thought of having a furry best friend to play with is exciting for many children. However, not every dog is cut out for life with young kids. Some dogs bring unexpected challenges, and others may have more energy than a family can handle. If you’re planning to welcome a dog into your home, take a look at which breeds may present more hurdles.
Chihuahua

This tiny dynamo might look like a pocket-sized buddy, but believe it, they think they run the show. Fiercely loyal, they can get a bit snappy if they feel overwhelmed. Kids might not appreciate their tendency to nip when pushed too far. Their attitude is way bigger than their body, and rough play doesn’t sit well.
Jack Russell Terrier

A ball of energy that never runs out, this breed is always on the move, which might seem fun until they start nipping at anything that moves. Kids often can’t compete with their urge for frequent sprinting, and when these little fireballs get excited, things can get chaotic quickly. It’s like having a tornado with paws around the house.
Rottweiler

Don’t be fooled by their loyalty; this breed needs more than just affection. Their protective instincts make them excellent guards, but confusion between playful excitement and actual threats can lead to unintended consequences. This powerhouse demands respect and structure, and an experienced hand is required to keep things under control.
Chow Chow

They might have a lion’s mane, but they certainly don’t have the patience of one. These fluff balls aren’t fans of unpredictability, which is pretty much the definition of children. Their territorial side often comes out when least expected. Not the snuggly, fun-loving dogs that little ones usually hope for—rather, they are better suited for calm, consistent environments.
Alaskan Malamute

Want a dog that’s part athlete, part snow beast? This breed is a powerhouse, always ready for action. The problem? They need a ton of exercise, and small kids rarely have that level of stamina. Without regular activity, they become destructive, and it will feel like you have a wrecking ball disguised as a dog. It’s not ideal unless you’ve got room to run.
Shih Tzu

Cute and cuddly, but they often zip around and can cause tripping accidents, which many parents struggle to prevent. Their grooming usually takes a good amount of time, turning them into a high-maintenance breed. What might seem like a fun playmate can actually lead to unexpected tumbles, especially in a busy household with kids already running around.
Dalmatian

Hollywood might have painted them as the ideal family dog, but real-life Dalmatians come packed with energy that’s tough to manage. Their desire for attention and activity is relentless, and without proper outlets, their playful antics can quickly turn chaotic. That charming spotted coat loses appeal when the day feels more like chasing after a tornado of mischief.
Saint Bernard

Big, drooly, and loveable—until they unintentionally bowl over your toddler. Saint Bernards are gentle giants but don’t always realize their own strength. Their size can be overwhelming, and a simple tail wag can knock a child off their feet. They mean well, but that doesn’t always cut it when there’s a 150-pound dog involved.
Siberian Husky

This breed is like a free spirit with an attitude. Indeed, they look like fluffy wolves, but their stubborn nature can be hard to manage. Their high energy and curiosity often lead to mischief, especially in homes where it’s hard to keep up with their active nature. If not properly engaged, you might find yourself chasing after missing shoes or cleaning up after unexpected messes.
Afghan Hound

Cherished as the beauty queen of the dog world, don’t expect much affection from this breed. They are as independent as they come, preferring a solo stroll over playtime with the owner. And, oh boy, that luxurious coat isn’t going to brush itself. If your family isn’t into daily beauty routines, this might not be the best fit.
French Bulldog

They’re cute, no doubt, but their health problems are anything but. This breed’s breathing issues make it tough for them to keep up with your little ones. And if left alone, they can tear through a room in search of something to chew. They might charm you at first, but long-term care can be quite the handful.
Australian Cattle Dog

Herding dogs have a job to do, and in a household set-up, they see kids as part of that job. They’ll nip at heels to keep everyone in line, which may not really come across as playful. If you’re not ready to handle their bossy nature, this breed can take over, turning your family into their personal flock.
Greyhound

These racers are calm and composed until something quick catches their eye. Kids running around can trigger their prey drive, leading to unintentional collisions. While they’re known for lounging, when they’re up, they’re fast. That speed doesn’t mix well with a house full of tiny, unpredictable humans.
Boxer

Boxers are playful to the point of chaos. They love roughhousing, but that can easily lead to knocked-over kids. Their bouncing, energetic nature is contagious, but it’s not always easy for toddlers to keep up. They’re sweethearts, but their unintentional clumsiness can leave a trail of accidents in their wake.
Dachshund

Their long, sausage-like bodies might seem harmless, but these pups have a bit of an attitude. Originally bred to hunt, they can be feisty and aren’t afraid to snap if provoked. Younger members can easily cross their boundaries, and once that line is crossed, their reaction might not be as gentle as you’d hope.