What dog should I get?

Question

I have a 10 year old,a 5 year old and a 3 year old. My oldest and my 5 year old(thought the five year old only wants one because my oldest does) want chihuahuas . I want a scottish terrier and my husband wants a mastiff(hes not sure which one). p.s. The dog I get doesn't have to be any of these. Oh yeah! And I would like as many suggestions as I can get.

Answer 1

I like dachshunds! You know, the little 'hot dog' dogs. I have one & she behaves very well, I've had her for 10 years now. :)
GO # 8!!!!!!!!
I think the short hair dachshunds are the cutest, (that's the kind I have).
here's some info on them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund

Answer 2

As a general rule small dogs, like chihuahuas, are very high-strung, yippy, and protective. And big dogs, though they are gentle and smart, are really just too...big to be around small children. I'd really say that a family of 5 doesn't really need a dog. But then I would be a hypocrite because I grew up in a family of 5 and we always had dogs. But if you really want one, go with a medium sized dog. Maybe 30-50 pounds. It also kind of depends on where you live and if you plan on keeping the dog indoors or out. Dogs that are bred for hunting, such as basset hounds, will be more proned to run away and chase things, which is bad if you live in the country or don't have a fenced in back yard. The dog I have right now is a pug-terrior mix (lots of people say he looks like a miniature mastiff). He's medium sized, doesn't shed and is very intelligent and well mannered. Best dog I've ever had by far.Maybe he's the kind of dog you need. Or you could go with a cocker-spaniel. They're good family dogs. Border Collie's are also good. They're very intelligent and good with kids. They need lots of exercise though so if you don't have a big yard you'll need to take it on walks at least every other day.

Really, it doesn't matter what breed. Just make sure to train your dog well. If you don't think you can do it yourself, take it to training school. The last thing you want is an ill-behaved dog terrorizing your house.

Hope this helped

Answer 3

Well, Chihuahuas can be pretty nippy, Scotties are a terrier bred to go into the ground after badgers, and Mastiffs are a very large guarding breed. Different breeds have different personalities depending on what they were bred to do. I would choose based on personality/upkeep and not looks.

IMO, none of these are breeds I would recommend to a family with kids. I am not saying you could not make it work, but you could have more problems than if you had gotten a herding or retriever type dog. They are generally pretty good with kids.

I also would not base your decisions based on other novices advice on a list. Go to a dog show and talk to some breeders (when they are done showing, of course)

Answer 4

Don't listen to the people who say that you shouldn't get a pit or a rotweiler. They are very loyal dogs. I had a Rot and he was very good with kids. I had a pit and he too was wonderful with kids. If you do plan on getting a larger dog (pit, rot, great dane, mastiff...) you should get it when it is a puppy. If you get them when they are older you dont know what the previous owner did to them. My best friend had a rot pit shepard and mastiff all at the same time...she also had a BABY in the house.
I have had a pit/shepard mix and he never attacked anyone...even when they hit him. Yes, they will warn people to leave you alone, and if they don't leave you or them alone they might bite. Not because of the breed! If someone kept hitting you, wouldn't you hit back?

Answer 5

Remember little dogs bark all the time at everything. Plus they are hyper and kind of testy. Bigger dogs are more quiet. Usually alot more friendly to children and put up with a lot more crap from children. But they also eat more and have bigger poop. Have had a Lab, Collie,Jack Russell, Keeshound, and now a Mini Pincher(my daughters) Give me the Lab any day of the week. You should visit people who have different breeds and see which you like the best. Our Lab was fun to play with and a good listener. not much hair and a good watch dog. Our Collie was beautiful and very docile. but the hair and the maintenance of the collie is big. The jack Russell we had to put down because he turned on my children and bit them, The Keeshound is nice but very mouthy and way too much hair. The mini Pincher is still a baby but he already is hyper. Good Luck remember the one you pick is the one the kids will fall in love with, you on the other hand have to deal with it's faults.

Answer 6

A lot of times it depends on the dogs personality - like you can get a german shepard that is really good with kids and is really smart but then you can get a german shepard that barks at everything and isnt friendly at all (like my neighbors dog). I have a Shih Tzu- he's really easy going, never bit anyone ever (and even if he did, he hardly has any teeth). The only thing that I would worry about for you is grooming it, cuz it has A LOT of hair and with three kids i dont know if you will have the time. A scottish terrier sounds good though, esp cuz they dont necc. have long hair.

Answer 7

I would recommend getting a Miniature Schnauzer. I have a female and she just turned 10 years old. She is as lovable now as the day I got her. I have done childcare in my home in the past, and she was always good around all the children. I don't have any children of my own, but she has always done very well around family, friends, etc. Miniature Schnauzers are very smart, loving, loyal, trusting and friendly dogs. Mine thinks she is a "little person" rather than a dog. They are wonderful indoor dogs. I believe you and your family would be very pleased with a Miniature Schnauzer. Also, we did not get her ears cropped. We thought that was cruel and also she is so cute with her big ears. Good luck!

Answer 8

It really does not matter which dog you get, but rather a dog that will fulfill all of your families needs. The important thing to do is to read, and do some research on the breed to better understand it, and how to care for it. Every breed has different needs, and care requirements. A breed that is good with children, gentle, but watchful, and non-viscous. Any dog will guard its territory, and family, and can be trained to protect. You can teach any dog to play with, and actually understand you.
Take care, and talk it over with the family about your breed choices, and you'll come up with something. Have fun. Steve.

Answer 9

Chihuahuas are cool but those buggers have very sharp teeth. Mastiffs can guard the house well but may be too big for little children. Scotties are very loving and cute so I'm going to agree with you and say the Scottie.

Answer 10

I have kids also, and this last Christmas I got a miniature dachshund! So loving and friendly,not a mean bone in his body. He is just like family, we take him everywhere, its easy because he isn't big, we want to get another one because he is such a pleasure, and plus he is always trying to play with all creatures, cats, dogs, birds,etc....his tail is wagging the whole time around all of these, just looking for a friend!! This is the kind I suggest to you, we have never had one till now, and now we are hooked!!

Answer 11

Stay away from pit bulls and rottweilers. They can make great pets but they're more likely to attack without warning, too. Children have died and been maimed because their parents weren't careful. Don't make that mistake.

Go with a more docile breed if you're going to keep the dog around your children. Labs and golden retrievers are good bets.