Cute dogs...

Cute Dogs Grow Up: Going From "Ahhh" to "Oh No"

A puppy is something every little girl and boy wants. But, as parents, don't fall for those cute little puppy faces without first taking into consideration what those dogs grow up to be. Most dogs start out with cute faces and you are sure to fall instantly in love with them. Some dogs do keep their cute puppy features but most dogs will change considerably from their infant features, just like babies do as they get older.

No matter if you are looking for a cute puppy or a great looking dog, you should keep in mind what the dog grows into to ensure the dog is the right choice for your family.

How To Choose The Best Puppy

Some of the cutest puppies may be the Lhasa apso and the Poodle, but what do these dogs have to offer your family? If you are not so sure, it may be important to consider some of those cute dog breeds a bit closer. Here are a few of the dogs people love to coo over and a look at what happens when they grow up.

The Pug: The pug is a great little guy when you see him at the location. The Pug does have a cute, smashed in face, and often can be quite happy to greet you. This temperament will likely keep going. Most do well with children too.

The Maltese: Sometimes an uppity type of dog, they do require your attention. They do not require a lot of exercise and they do keep their charming little looks. The Maltese dog is a great one for training and having around for company. But, keep them in check. If they take over the house and receive spoiling, they are highly anxious and can become loud and obsessive about barking.

Tibetan Terrier: They have adorable faces when they are puppies, that combined with their fantastic coat of fur is sure to please any puppy lover. When they grow up, they can weigh up to 30pounds. They do require a lot of exercise and they will need to have a chance to run and play. The key with this dog breed is to make sure you, and the rest of the family, is considered the "pack leader." While they do well with children, they can believe themselves to be the Alpha if they do not have proper training.

The Golden Retriever: You have seen them in movies and have seen all the cute commercials where these soft little guys just melt your heart when they gently cock their head to the side. But, these dogs are much larger when they grow up. They can weigh up to 80 pounds and can be two feet tall. The good news is that they are fantastic dogs to have with children. They love to please their family and they are easy to train. They are loving pets and when they receive proper training and exercise make some of the best pets to have with children.

Havanese: Perhaps you have seen these puppies and are hoping to make one of them your next family dog. These dogs are definitely cute. They can weigh up to 13 pounds as adults, so they do stay relatively small. They are good dogs to have in the family, so long as you remain the pack leader. In other words, if they are spoiled or allowed to do as they please, they will become very anxious and may bark obsessively. They are confident and they do well with other pets. It is important to ensure they are played with. They do well with even smaller children.

These are just a handful of some of the most well known pups that are adorable as puppies. As you consider any dog for adoption, be sure you have considered what they will grow up into.

Dogs That Don't Do Well With Children

There are some dogs that do not do as well with children as you may like. Most dogs do well, especially when trained properly. But there are some dogs that should not be with children. They may be too aggressive or demanding. Look at some dogs that should not be around children, even though they are great, cute looking puppies.

Rottweilers: These dogs are very protective of their homes and their masters. They are aggressive when angered and can be dangerous.

Lhasa Apso: These dogs can be moody. They may be some of the cutest puppies but they do not like to be around children and should not have to be.

Chihuahuas: These are dogs people think are so great to have and they are cute. The problem is they don't like children. They would rather be with one or two adults and really do not have the patience to deal with being carried around by children.

Giant Schnauzers: These dogs are larger and they can be loyal. The problem is they will challenge even adults. They should not be in homes with young children.

German Shepherds: While they can be great pets and good family dogs, especially in homes with older children, be aware. If they do not have proper training, children can overwhelm them.

Jack Russell Terriers: They are not necessarily large but they have a short temper when it comes to children. To overcome this, you will need excellent training and consistent behavior enforcement.

Cute dogs or not, know what the dog is and what they grow into prior to picking them up. Most dogs do very well as pets, but those who become overwhelmed, or do not like children, can become aggressive.

See also: Good with kids dogs