2006-06-21 06:14:08 · 24 answers · asked by Amy 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
In my experience Labrador Retrievers are the most patient and nurturing of all breeds. I've seen them with newborns and they will almost automatically post themselves as guards.
2006-06-21 06:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by Kim B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A general rule is larger dogs do better with babies. Little ones and little dogs for some reason don't seem to mix real well. But, another thing to consider is the actual DOG not a BREED of dog. And, just make things more confusing, an adult dog that has been exposed to babies, is better than a puppy that will see the baby as a sibling and a chew toy. Once you figure out what kind of a dog you would like to introduce to your family, see about contacting a rescue group where their animals are fostered. This means they are living with a family, who can tell you all about the dog, and they will know whether the dog would do well around young ones. You can also ask for the dog to be introduced to your baby and see how it reacts. It's much better than taking an animal home to realize you have made a horrible mistake that you regret later.
2006-06-21 14:08:11 · answer #2 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All dogs can be jealous of a newborn, so best to wait and get a dog when the baby is a bit older! Too much work caring for a newborn and a puppy
2006-06-21 13:19:24 · answer #3 · answered by angel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which is coming first, the baby or the dog?
I definitely don't recommend getting puppies the same time you have a newborn, just think about trying to house-train and change diapers at the same time.
If you've already got the dog, try bringing a blanket or something that the baby was wearing home from the hospital before you bring the baby home so that you can introduce the dog to the baby's scent before actually introducing the baby.
Our boxer has been perfectly sweet around our newborn, and I have friends with boxers that are real good around both my girls. I've got other friends who got boxer puppies a couple months before their son was born and never had a problem. They are a very gentle, but protective breed, especially the females. Our boxer often acts like our girls are her puppies and stands over them when she hears noises that make her uncomfortable like she's trying to protect them. An added bonus is she looks like a scary dog, pretty big and similar to a pit-bull, so people who don't like dogs or are wary around dogs are likely to steer clear.
2006-06-21 13:25:54 · answer #4 · answered by momofmalia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs in general are not the best around newborns.
With proper training most can live with one.
WIth the rescue I work with we do not place dogs in homes with children under 5.
It is not really the best combination. Many people make it work and have great luck with it but if you do not have a dog now and have a new baby let things go as they are for now and when you have more time to train and work with a dog then get one.
2006-06-21 13:26:03 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also agree that it depends on the individual dog, not the breed itself. It is up to your own judgement. Smaller, but not tiny, dogs are probably the best bet, and ones that have been around babies before. Not too big, to rule out injury by simple clumsiness... and not too tiny, to avoid the dog feeling overly threatened and nervous around the baby.
My Boston Terriers used to argue over who got to lay next to my babies, and they were so gentle and careful with them that I never worried. *But*, a Boston who has never been around babies, or who has a particularly jealous streak, would NOT be good with a baby. There are a lot of breeds that are famous for being great kid-dogs, and I would start searching there... Thin them out from there, and find a breeder who concentrates on temperament.
This is one instance where I can't rightly suggest a shelter dog, though I usually do, because then you really don't know at all. At least with a breeder on this one, you could research the temperaments of the parents...
Whatever you decide to do, good luck to you!
2006-06-21 13:27:55 · answer #6 · answered by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a BEST dog around newborns it just depends on how you train them
2006-06-21 13:19:21 · answer #7 · answered by Kati S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best would probably be not to get one with a newborn.
2006-06-21 13:20:16 · answer #8 · answered by nikkimarie30ok 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no dog and if you have a dog then get the dog ready to have the baby in the house by having small children around and make sure the dog understands easy and quiet
2006-06-27 19:43:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to me the best dog around newborns is a cocker spaniel or a labrador retriever.
2006-06-21 13:19:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋