What breed available in canada is docile and stable enough for a home with a senior and child?

Answer 1

Golden is good....I'd go for an adult. A pup may be a handful unless there is an adult willing to undertake the training (basic manners and obedience, housetraining), but once you get past that, you have a good friend for life. Small dogs are good for seniors, but maybe not so for kids if they don't know how to treat them right. Larger dogs, while they have higher pain tolerance, also have that large size to consider. While they may not mean harm, they can't help it.

I'd go to the local pound or breed rescue and have the senior and child interact with the dog. Perhaps the Canadian Kennel Club has contact info for a Golden Retriever rescue. The breed rescue would be better at placing the right dog in the home. From my experience the pound (where dogs picked up by animal control officers go...they don't do extensive screening of potential home or dog), is a bit of a gamble if they aren't picky about which dog goes where. But if the two meet the dog in person, they should get a good idea of how it will go. Remember, a lot of those dogs are turned in for correctable behavior problems, so don't automatically shoot down a dog for not knowing its manners, unless the senior and child cannot undertake the training like I mentioned before.

Some other specific breeds to consider--basset hound, labrador retriever, pug...please note that if you are seeking out a specific breed, check out the breeder. make sure they're not out simply to make money or that they pay no mind to temperment, which is the most important aspect of a dog, i think. while a dog's purebred status makes his temperment more predictable than a mutt's, bad breeding can nullify all of this.


best of luck to you in finding the right dog!!!!

Answer 2

If the child is gentle, I'd suggest a small quiet dog - Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, Pekingese, or Italian Greyhound. All are sweet quiet dogs suitable for an apartment with a small yard. If you can't afford a pup, try getting a rescue dog - many breeds have associations to help with that. Contact a breeder thru the Canadian Kennel Club.
http://www.ckc.ca/en/

Many dogs that are good with kids (like Goldens) are far too strong and rambunctious for the elderly. A big dog can easily knock someone down - leading to a broken hip and months of physical therapy.

Answer 3

I would suggest a shi-tzu. They are lovely little dogs, and I have never met one that didn't love my kids! Small enough to manage, but seem more than happy to play with the kids. Poms I wouldn't recommned; too small and delicate for small childern, unless the child is exceptional with animals (my first child was, second and third, not so much!).

Also, a sheltie might be a good choice. Small enough to be managable, but big enough for the kids.

In both cases, you must find good breeders, breeders that show their dogs and guarentee their temperments. The reason I say 'breeders that show their dogs', is because you can't show a dog with bad temperment.

Answer 4

Absolutely a Golden Retriever.

Answer 5

I would get a Golden Retriever. They are very calm and loyal and very easily trainable. They are some of the best dogs to have with children and seniors.

Answer 6

Golden Retreivers are too big, no offense but if it gets out grandparent is gonna have a hard time makin it come back home, I would suggest a smaller dog like a miniture pincher, or shitzu.

Answer 7

Look at a Bernese Mountain Dog...they're just as sweet as labs and retrievers, and they're very well suited to cold weather because of their thick coat.

Answer 8

A labrador Retriever. Preferably black. You won't have any problems with this breed.