New babies should, when suitable , be encouraged to try to be calm and gentle around your dog, particularly if they are puppies. Teach dogs and puppies to be quiet and restrained around new babies, no jumping or barking, get the dog familiar with all the new smells and noises associated with a new baby. Owners need to be watchful and try not to create situations where jealousy could be a factor. Often a precaution might be to muzzle your dog during early meetings, avoiding any reaction from the babies sudden movements or noisy reactions.

Dogs living in an environment with children need strict training and handling, and some breeds are considered to be more child-friendly or suitable than others.
Our list of "baby friendly" dogs is intended to help you make an informed choice if you are choosing a new dog.
It is in alphabetical order not order of preference as all family's situations are different.

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and are just happy in big houses or small flats Good with children and other pets they make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Boston Terrier -
Small impressive looking dogs who often prefer the company of their owners to other dogs. Not demanding with a gentle demeanour. They are gentle and friendly dogs who are easily housetrained. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Cairn Terrier
The cairn is typical terrier; plucky, spirited, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn and scrappy. It is responsive to its owner's wishes with a desire to please. It enjoys playing with children and is tough enough to withstand some rough friendly play. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -
A generally playful dog that likes human company, but are sometimes reserved with strangers. Affectionate and devoted to owners and children, good with other pets and friendly towards unfamiliar dogs, thrives on human contact and will love being part of your family. They are happy in big houses or small flats and are intelligent and easy to train.

Cocker Spaniel -
Medium sized dog that is friendly, energetic and keen to please. Good with children and other dogs the Cocker Spaniel makes an ideal family pet. Has lots of energy and can be trained with patience

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
It is a loyal companion suitable for people of all ages, but it does need daily exercise to keep it from becoming frustrated. It is intelligent and very independent. It tends to be reserved with strangers and can be aggressive toward strange dogs.

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.

Pug
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which mighy require regular grooming.

Shetland Sheepdog
The "Sheltie" is in most ways a smaller version of the rough collie. A gentle reserved dog with a magnificent, profuse coat. Highly intelligent, easy to train they make ideal companions and family pets.

Shih Tzu
Active, friendly, alert little dogs with an independent nature.Affectionate and devoted to their owners, good with children and other animals They live for human companionship; and have a have a sweet, gentle disposition Their long coats can require high-maintenance grooming, or they can be trimmed in a "puppy cut" which requires less