Thinking of getting a dog - which breeds are best for kids?

Question

I have 2 girls - 5 & 8. We're interested in getting a larger breed of dog which needs moderate exercise, & is good with kids. Ideally would like to find an older one (not puppy) from a shelter, not interested in going through a breeder.

Answer 1

I'd recommend one of the Sporting breeds for a child. My all-time favorite mid-sized dog for kids is the English (or Welsh) Springer Spaniel. They require some grooming, but don't shed too much, are generally great with kids and easy to train. Females are a little bit easier than males, but either should make a terrific pet. They will need a good thirty minute walk every day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pekingese are great too and need less exercise. They are small, sweet and quiet.

Vizslas, Setters, Labs and Goldens are usually great with kids but they're bigger and are very boisterous until they are about two. Labs shed a LOT.

Find a breed rescue organization by going to www.akc.org - you can get an older dog for less money. Be VERY careful about getting a shelter dog with children that young. You are often adopting someone else's problem dog. And people often lie about the dog's temperament, hoping he'll get a new home that can deal with him.

I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Whatever breed of dog you decide on, DON'T go to a pet shop, flea market or buy one off the internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. The breeding animals are kept in deplorable conditions. They probably haven't been vaccinated against contagious diseases or tested for any health or temperament problems or genetic diseases - that costs money and cuts into their profits. A female is often bred every time she comes into heat. When her poor little body can't take it any more, she is often clubbed in the head and tossed into a dumpster or an open ditch. Most puppy mills ship their pups to pet stores at wholesale prices and many pups die before they even get there. These "breeders" have figured out that they can use the internet to ship a dog directly to the customer and thus make more money by cutting out the middleman. If you buy a dog from out of state, good luck getting your money back if there's something wrong with the pup. These people count on you becoming instantly attached to the poor little guy and being willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at the vet to treat whatever is wrong with him.

Answer 2

Haha everyone is talking about what breed their dog is because they love them. To be honest there is no "magic breed" to pick. Most dogs are very good. And you should adopt a dog anyways so u don't have much choice. I had a Tibetan terrier and I can say he was so good he never ever did anything wrong never bit anyone or anything. But don't go spending 1000 dollars on a certain breed. Adopt a dog from a shelter and do lots of research when you find a dog u like.

Answer 3

Temprement is the most important thing. Cross breeds or mongrels are best in my opinion. If going to a shelter then ask the staff about specific dogs you are interested in. Always let a dog pick you rather than you pick them. Look into their eyes - do they look trustworthy? Ask if you and the kids can spend a little time with the dog you choose before making a final decision. Dont get a dog that is older - try to get one about 18mths + up to about 2-3 yrs old so it can fit into your family routine and is generally out of the 'puppy' stage. Dogs make great companions for all the family and teaches kids responsibilities and kindness and respect for life. Enjoy many happy years with your new addition to your family

Answer 4

I have a Shetland Sheep dog, better known as a Sheltie. They are extremely smart and very good with children. They look like a small Collie and mine weighs about 45 pounds but they are all different sizes and colors. There are Sheltie Rescue Shelters all over the country and, of course, shelters for many other breeds as well. I agree with you about not going through a breeder and especially do not buy from a pet shop. In my experience they are very hard to house train and sometimes have anxiety problems when you bring your new pet home from either one.

Answer 5

Labs/Goldens, and almost anything mixed with them.

Just remember that any dog can have a negative side if they aren't taught properly and/or have bad experiences and/or are not bred properly. Labs/Goldens are definately more stable.

Head to your area shelters and take a look at what they have. Try to keep in mind that when you go, the dog is probably going to be overly excited since they don't get out of the kennels much.
Don't rush your choice.

I found my wonderful, wonderful baby (lab/shep mix) only after going through 2 years of torment with a purebred problem dog (Italian Greyhound... hard to believe), and she was sitting right there at the pound.

Good luck to you and I hope you find the right pooch!

Answer 6

BEAGLES,THEY ARE GENTLE LOVABLE FAMILY ORIENTED DOGS,I HAD ONE AND SHE USE TO BE VERY GOOD AROUND MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN FACT WE GOT HER FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY,SHE WAS 3 YRS OLD WHEN WE GOT HER,SO CONSIDER A BEAGLE THEY R BETTER THAN A LAB (NOT KNOCKING LABS THEY ARE FANTASTIC) BUT BEAGLES COME IN 3 DIFFERENT SIZES IF YOU CAN FIND A 15 INCH BREED OR A 13 INCH BREED THE OTHER SIZE IS A FOXHOUND AND ARE QUITE LARGE BUT JUST AS GOOD AS THE SMALLER BREED BUT A SMALLER BREED IS BETTER FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES TO WALK AND PLAY WITH. IF YOU GO TO THE POUND JUST MAKE SURE YOU TAKE TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOUR CHOICE,WE TOOK ABOUT A WEEK OR MORE JUST VISITING HER AND GETTING TO KNOW HER BE FOR WE DECIDED TO ADOPT HER.

Answer 7

Labs our great dont get a small dog though they tend to be snappy and boxer dont shed but they die at a young age my boxer died of cancer it was so bad you couldnt hear his heart beat the vet said this is a common thing in boxers and they usually only live to be 6 it is very heart breaking definitly for young children!

Answer 8

Great Danes are excellent with children. All they need is lots of love and to be with their family. You might also look at a Dane rescue in your area. Foster parents can tell which dogs really like children and would be good for your family.

Answer 9

Golden Retreviers are the BEST dog to have around kids of that age.
they are a medium largish dog but require daily brushing.
they have a temperment that makes them Great with children of all ages and are protective, but not aggressive.

Answer 10

I agree with a few others. I would highly recommend a golden retriver. I have owned and bred these types of dogs. They are great with kids, loyal, and great watch dogs.