what is the calmest dog for kids(4-7).My kids want a dog.Looking for a calm one.?

Question

My children have been begging for a dog. I never grew up with dogs, and really I am a little scared of them. We just bought a house, and I am willing to give it a try. Only thing, the dog must be calm (not hyper)and easy to train would be nice.

Answer 1

Ok.. take my word for it.. GET AN OLDER DOG. If you get a puppy you will regret it, especially since you don't have experience with them. Puppies are so frustrating. I work at a shelter and sometimes i wonder how people can deal with them! They bite you, pull at your clothes, they are nippy and just so annoying. Get a lab from a shelter that's around 1-2 years old. You will pass by all the puppy stages but the dog is still considered really young. It won't take long to housetraine the dog either. I have a lab/border collie mix that we got when he was FIVE. he still plays just as much as a puppy and keeps us occupied.
Trust me, you can't go wrong with an older shelter dog. Especially the mutts. your kids may want a puppy but i'm telling you- don't let them get it. Especially since they are soo young. within a week they'll get frustrated at it because it's playing too rough and going to the bathroom inside all the time and i just don't think it's fair to the dog if eventually you have to return him! please go to a local shelter!! Go to www.petfinder.com and look around- you will find what you're looking for! If you have questions email me!! good luck!!!

Answer 2

Basset Hound. My sister just got one and she has 2 kids, ages 4 and 9. It just lays around all day, and it is a puppy, calmest puppy I have ever encountered. I have a 6 year old, our small dogs are a Yorkie (pretty calm now, but was a little hyper as a pup), and a Boston Terrier (loves to play and get into EVERYTHING)!
Good Luck.
Try the shelter, they have lots of dogs that want loving families!

Answer 3

I just want to add that I would not recomend a Border Collie even a mixed 1 as the persons above did. Border collies are known to be very smart, but this does not always mean good! Take it from me I own one! They are not good with younger children as they are WORKING dogs and were bred to herd sheep and other herd farm animals. They will think of your kids as something to herd and you will often find your children trapped in a corner somewhere! The dog is not being bad, they are just doing their job! LOL! They will also nip at the heels of your children. Again this is not being bad, it is their job. They are doing it to herd them where they want them to go! Also Border Collies are very high energy dogs, if they don't have a job or task to do they will behave badly, like chewing your furniture or best shoes! They need constant stimulation unless they are asleep! Take it from me, I am a Member of the Midwest Border Collie Rescue . We have 100's of Border Collies full breed and mixed that people dump off at shelters or on the roadside for all of the reasons above. I second the idea of getting an older dog from a shelter, at least over 2 yrs of age since you are not familar with dogs. Labs are pretty docile once they reach that age and very good with kids. Check 1st to see if the dog is housebroken or has been abused ( especially). Introduce the dog to your children 1st at the shelter and see what it's reaction is. And remember it's not just a dog it's a living being with feelings just like you! Make sure you are ready to give it all the love and care you would give your own children, it will be a part of your family just like them. Otherwise start with a Gerbil! Good Luck !

Answer 4

i wouldn't reccomend a calm dog for your kids.
your kids are about the age where they're energetic, and always on the move
you need a dog to keep up with them, but small enough so they won't get hurt
i would reccomend a dachshund
although they are yappy, and have high amounts of energy, they are great companions and will be able to grow up with your children. you'll probably start a fetish with that breed, and/or other small dog breeds.
but if you really do want a calm dog, then i would reccommend a labordor, or a golden retriever.
but if you don't mind the size, just any dog that's past the puppy age.
animal shelters tend to house animals that would suit your needs

Answer 5

I would recommend going to the shelter, and watching the dogs. the kennel master will know which dogs are quiet and best for kids. If you haven't had dogs, you will be happy to find one that is already trained. Puppy hood wears off pretty quick, so getting a young adult, or older pup is really better for novices, and the children will love it as it is, instead of expecting it to remain the tiny puppy.

You can also try http://www.petfinder.com/ to get a dog that is already spayed/neutered, all vet checks, vaccines, and house trained. they have SO many wonderful little dogs, and most of them are in foster care until they are adopted, so the foster mom knows just all about behavior.
these usually run from $60 -$200, but are such a bargain, as all medical work is done.

When you go to the site, just put in your zip code, and 'dog' and 'young', and 'small' and all the dogs in your area will come up. Then click on the dog's picture, and you will get more info about it, and the contact info.

Answer 6

Corgi's have the temperament you are looking for, plus they are built low to the ground (right down there with the kids,) and they are fairly rugged. Most of the small breeds are a bit too high strung and not tough enough to stand up to kids sometimes rough play.

The Corgi's come in two appearance packages (lol) Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi. If you Google those names you can see pictures (in case you are not familiar with these wonderful dogs.)

Please only deal with a responsible professional breeder. You will pay a little more but you will get a sounder healthier dog that will live longer and happier as a result. If the breeder doesn't investigate you and grill you with questions about your home, lifestyle, etc. then they are probably not the breeder you are looking for. Good breeders are not in business just to make a buck. They are in it for the sake of the breed and will genuinely care about where their pups are going and how they will be raised and treated.

Answer 7

Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the more placid the disposition. I'm very fond of Rottweilers, myself, and they are very good with children. But any large dog (except the very lean ones, like greyhounds) will accept a good bit of horsing around (including riding on its back) from kids. The big thing is in the training -- the kids as well as the dog! They have to learn how not to raise his instincts for self-preservation. Don't poke him in the eyes or ears; don't mess with him when he's eating, and never try to take a bone away from him.

Answer 8

I have a 5yr old, 12 yr old , and 15 yr old, and just added a PUG as the family pet.'

He loves too cuddle and snuggle and steal the covers, makes for a great foot wamer.

However, all puppies take time and commitment, house breaking can take as long as a year. Also keep in mind that puppies are like toddlers, they like to play and explore.

If you chose an older dog, you have no idea of what their temperment is.

I once adopted a Akita/Greyhound from a shelter, a year later he turned on me. So chose wisely

And pugs don't bark ( or rarely)

Answer 9

A Labrador Retriever...now..the down side..while most labs are absolutley calm you can't bank on it. Some breeders are really irresponsibile and in it for the money only..So CHECK IT OUT..The other part is that Labs need to be groomed..they DO shed..so you'll want to consider that too. But..I'll tell you what..if you're careful...once again check out the breeders..you'll have yourself one absolutely wonderful dog. Soft mouth..minimal barking...and he/she will love you for life. That's the other thing. Larger breeds don't live as long as smaller breeds do..so you'll want to think about that too. I had a Golden Retreiver..His name was Bear...he was the sweetest friend I've ever had. You've got some thinking to do. Good luck...

Answer 10

In my opinion, the best dog for children would be a Collie. They are very smart animals, which makes it that much easier to train. And they are naturally a calm breed of dog. Unfortunately they are a larger breed. Think of "Lassie" collies are really like that, they are really loyal and protective. Good Luck!