It seems that the goal of many families is to adopt a dog for their kids to grow up with. For years, many have been trying to speculate what the most gentle breed is, and the only way to really determine that is comparing temperament to reported attacks.

A survey was taken from 2013 to 2016, to see the most popular dog breeds and their amount of attacks. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Labrador Retriever are two of the top most popular breeds.

“My aunt’s pit is a sweetheart and doesn’t bite anyone,” Junior Lauren Farley said. “She’s a great dog and is really good with kids.”

To the surprise of many, the Labrador Retriever had 318 reported bites, compared to the Pit Bull’s 208. All of the attacks listed are also from this survey.

“My black lab is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet because she is very well trained and doesn’t lick or bite other people,” Junior Lauren Kerr said.

The Bullmastiffs are docile, alert, calm, yet powerful, and reserved, yet loving. A bite force of over 500 psi (Pounds per square inch) but these friendly dogs had only 14 reports. These dogs are easy going and love their families.

“They have a bit of a bad rep but every Mastiff I’ve met has been really kind and affectionate,” senior Emily Klee said. “They all for the most part seem like really good dogs.” 

Great Dane’s are confident and reserved with a bite force of 328 psi, but have 66 reported attacks compared to the common family dog, the German Shepard’s, 674 reports. Both breeds are very loving towards their families and very protective.

“Great Dane’s are so cute and just big lap dogs,” senior Sophia Gjonaj said.  “I hope I can get one someday.” 

Popular small dog breeds in families with small kids are the Maltese, Chihuahua, and Pomeranian. Of these, the Chihuahua is the most dangerous and the number of attacks has been steadily increasing.

“My friend has a Chihuahua and he is really temperamental,” junior Nur Akwal said. “And very bad with biting and even attacked a child while wearing a muzzle once.” 

The breeds that are friendliest and with also the least amount of bites are Beagles, Boston Terriers, Collies, and Basset Hounds.

“When I was younger I was at my relative’s house and their Beagle decided to grab me by my hair and drag me around the entire yard,” sophomore Brooke Budd said.  “I love the breed though, they are great dogs.”

All of these breeds have the capability of being trained and regardless of the power of their jaw, can fit well into households with children if the training and environment is right.