what is the best dog to have around multi age children?

Question

i am not a big fan of dogs but my kids keep asking for one and my parents seem to think its a good idea , everyone except me. i would like feedback from families that have pets and who really ends up taking care of them,children are 5 and older

Answer 1

I have three kids 11 9 and 3. We have two boxers. They are very good with kids. The kids and the dogs wear each other out. Very loving dog. Kids can bounce all over them and they will not snip at them, growl, or anything.

Answer 2

Cocker spaniels are good: small, don't bite, very friendly. We also have a St. Bernard. My parents had a St. Bernard and an English Sheepdog when my little sister and I were little and they were actually really good around us, even though they were so big and we were so little.

My sister and I are 17 and 20 now (respectively) and we kind of share the responsibility now, but when we were little, mom or dad always did it because we couldn't lift the dog food bag or reach the sink and stuff.

Definately set up a chores type list of responsibilities so no one ends up feeding or walking it ALL the time, the task is shared between everyone (including you and dad).

Good luck! A dog will make a great addition to the family, you'll see! No matter what breed you choose, get it as a puppy so it can grow up loving the family. Try to stick more to slightly bigger dogs. Even though you'll be more nervous about a big dog near the little kids, they're actually much more protective and loving. A little dog like a chihuahua or cockapoo will get really jealous and yippy when you pay more attention to the kids. And definately look into your local SPCA so you can try to help an animal in need. They're also much much cheaper (maybe $70 versus $200 in a pet store).

Answer 3

golden retrievers, they are loving and so well behaved. They are not the smartest dogs, but that good because they don't have mind of their own, they will obey you no matter what. The children can pull hair/tails and the dogs just don't care because they love those kids SO much. They may take food out of the baby's hands but they don't get mad when your 4 year old opens their mouth and sticks their hand down the dogs throat. They are also extremely protective of their families and loved ones. But they are high energy and need atleast 3 walks a week. The love to swim and run and fetch. They do shed, we shave ours in the summer, so they stay cooler and less hair everywhere. And as far as purebreeds go they are pretty cheap.

Answer 4

Check the links below. Choose a breed known to be good with children and then be picky about the puppy. Get one from a reputable place. You have to be careful with newspaper ads because you can never be sure about the lineage of mixed breed dogs - you might be fine, and you might not. Take a look at both parents if possible.

Mommy and Daddy are usually the ones who wind up taking care of the dog. Kids 5 and up can handle taking care of animals and it could be a good way to teach responsibility. Just be sure it is taken care of properly - it is a living being with feelings and should not be neglected just to make a point.

Answer 5

We have lots of pets in our house. My suggestion is to DO YOUR RESEARCH! People so often buy dogs because of the way they look, but don't take into consideration the dogs natural traits or genetic problems. If you are looking for an all around great medium sized dog I suggest a Boston Terrier. They are the best companion dogs ever. They barely shed and they have great personalities. Of all the pets I ever had my boston was my absolute favorite. I miss him so much! Good luck and remember to check out your local shelter. If you can give just one lonely dog a good home then you saved a life.
Pugs are cute ( I have a 14 year old) but they shed and their hair is hard topick up) and wehave a Chihuahua. they are small and cute, but can be bossy and not good and romping around with kids.

Answer 6

If you don't want a dog, don't get one at all. The kids are going to lose intrest in it real fast and you will be the one stuck taking care of the poor thing.

Take your kids to visit the animal shelter once a week and have them volunteer to walk the dogs. Or they could advertise to walk and care for neighbor's dogs while they are away and then they can learn what it's like to take care of a pet.

When your kids have tried walking dogs, and maybe even dogsitting for one, and they are are old enough to really be responsible (for the most part) for the dog, then you can reconsider.

Answer 7

I think the Lab is the best dog. They get along with children. They are also very protective. Pit bull are defintly not a good choice. Also if you get a dog make sure it has been around kids. A friend of mine just got a Saint banard and it was aboused and was not around kids......Her son fell on the dog and it got all upset and almost bit him.

Answer 8

we have a 6 pound black pomeranian.She is 2 years old and when we got her our kids were 6,3, and 1. She has always been great with the kids.
Her poop is tiny. She can be bathed in the sink. She is not much more work than a cat.
The only down side is they are fragile and you have to make sure your kids understand they can not rough house her. She only weighed 12 oz when we got her.
Also you need to brush them out ever 3 days or so to prevent problems. Ours has never been to a groomer but I cut her nails and keep her hair in good shape ... If you dont they can cost a fortune every month at the groomer.

Answer 9

i heard labs and sheperards are the best large dogs for children as for any other dog all i know is i have a parson russle and although he thinks he is a child and cant stand to be left out of the childrens fray they will wear somone out that really doesnt want a dog.... suggestion though since your not sure about the whole getting a dog thing go to the pound and adopt if you find out you cant handle it atleast you did your part to support spay and nutering by not getting a purchase puppy

Answer 10

German Shepards are great. That is what I always had as a kid. And now mine is 7, kids are 4 and 2. She sleeps next to the 4 year olds bed at night, to "scare away monsters". I think they are a great breed, they are SMART, easy to house train, and are very obiedient. They like to make you happy. I have never had a German Shepard that liked to run away, they like to stay with their family. I did take her to Puppy school so that she was properly socialized with people as well as other dogs. Good luck!

ps- when walking with one of my sons recently, she (my dog) was attacked by a Saint Bernard!