What breed of dog is great with kids,and would protect them?

Question

Mr Spock, is it treating him like a dawg just because I don't want him showing his *** or flipside to others?

Answer 1

A Mastiff. Yes...they are big but they will bond with the kids and defend them like you've never seen. As big as my Mastiff is, she is very gentle with kids. When my Mastiff and my 7-year old niece are in the front yard, the dog will not let anyone she doesn't know near the kid. She doesn't bark or growl...she stares. It's amazing!

Answer 2

There are really alot of good, serious answers on here.

Dogs should be for companionship and not protection. If they do both, then that's more for your money.

And yes, sometimes mutts/mixed breeds make the best pets.

I read recently about this dog named "Killer" that attacked a small child...and the parents had no idea it would be prone to attack...get real!

Use common sense with animals and treat them kindly...and you will get a dog who is good with children and would protect them.

Keep the child away from the dog's face and tail. Do not let the child near the dog when it is eating or drinking. If the child makes sudden or quick movements, it may scare the dog. Do not let the child chase the dog or allow the dog to chase the child...even when playing. This may lead to aggressive behavior later.

Answer 3

this is a question that throws people off very quickly because very few dogs are actual protectors without protection training. True, many shepherds and dobermans and rottweilers will bark and stand their ground when an intruder is around, however, once the intruder makes a move towards the dog, 90% of UNTRAINED dogs will back off and run away. They will continue to bark and make noise to alert you, but usually back off. IF you want a dog that can learn protection, go for working breeds such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Bull terriers, Belgium Malinios, Giant Schnauzers, and Rottweilers. However, if your childern are young, stay away from Rottweilers because they do not like being poked and proded the way young childern tend to be. Again, don't expect a dog to protect you kids without training because more than likely, they will run away or back off. I suggest, if you want a seriously trained dog, contact breeders that sell trained dogs with Schutzhund titles. Schutzhund is a title that certifies a dog as a tracker, protection and obedience training. You will pay more than you would for an untrained dog, but in the end,.. I promise you it will be worth it. Please contact me if you need or want more info regarding the training or look up the word SCHUTZHUND online. Hope it helped.

Answer 4

There is no "set" breed, as each breed can have their good sides and bad sides on the pup itself.

How old are your kids? You want a dog that, when young, will not hurt them out of it's own immaturity. You also don't want a dog that's too big if your child is VERY young (infant).

The ideal rule of thumb is to never bring a dog home if you have a child under 5 years of age.

If your children are over 5, I would suggest:

German Shepherd
Schnauzer
Collie
Laboradors
Golden Retrievers

I would stay away, having kids, from:
Jack Russell Terriers (unless you get them from puppy hood)
Cocker Spaniels
Shih Tzu (sp?)
Pinchers
Dachsunds

Hope any of this helps.

Answer 5

Let me just add to something you already know and are repeatedly told... ABSOLUTE BEAUTY.

If you are looking for a good companion my suggestion would be boxers. Grab a book and find out how they are described as the best breed to have around children and why it is they nickname them clowns.

I have two children and two boxers. Although I am now divorced and the kids don't live with me the dogs are delighted with their presence whenever they see them. Its like watching four kids at play. I don't need to worry about the dog barkibng and scaring the boys, or bitting them or making them or the house dirty.

At the end of the day you need to find a dog that meets your life style. Try the web, there are pages that help you choose your compatible companion through a series of questions.

Have a try, if you have no luck I'll be your dog. I'll sit, role, play dead and have a handfull of tricks :)

Answer 6

There is no hard and fast breed - you have to evaluate the individual dog. Though some breeds tend to be better...the worst temerament I have seen on an individual dog was in a Golden.

You could try your local shelter - and ask if they temperament test. Dogs will usually be protective once bonded to the family, though some breeds are bred to be more protective.

Just be careful - kids and dogs make me nervous, and it can be hard to find a 'solid' dog...kids should always be supervised with them!!

Here is a link from HSUS about finding the right dog.

Answer 7

Talk to a vet (NOT A PETSTORE) and take into consideration how much time alone the dog will spend, what living conditions you have (inside,outside,yard, fence etc..) the age of the children, activity level of your family,grooming needs,social abilities other animals you may have and overall fit of the dog into those conditions.


My best suggestion would have to be a lab. Although labs can be hyper and chew alot as pups, they make great family pets.

Answer 8

I think you hsould get a boxer pup because if yo uhave a small child like 2 or 3 years old they will grow up together and bond at the same time.And so boxers will protect very well they are also very sweet andloving

Answer 9

Our German shepherd/labrador mix was the smartest, most loyal and protective dog we ever owned. He instinctively knew the difference between our friends and stangers; I think he could even tell from sounds of their cars whether he knew them or not. Our kids sat on him and pummelled him endlessly, and he never even bared his teeth at them. So I would say, a shepherd or a lab.

The down side is that they die pretty young, usually around 10 or so, and can develop a lot of medical problems.

Answer 10

An akita is very protective of small children and have excellent memories. Also, any kind of retriever(lab, golden) are gentle, easy to train dogs.