I have 3 young kids and we did have a golden retriever but sold it as he grew way too big for our family and house. Nearly as big as clifford. What would be a good family dog that isn't too big, but not a toy dog?
2006-07-15 05:01:23 · 15 answers · asked by Mr MOJO123 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A boston terrier, They are really great dogs. They are not too small or too big. They weigh in at 15-25 lbs We have one and she is so gentle with our 1 1/2 year old son and he climbs all over her and pulls her ears and she just lays there and takes it. Plus she is very protective of him.
2006-07-15 08:03:21 · answer #1 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on what you consider 'too big'. The best thing for you to do, to avoid having happen what happned the last time, is first to make sure you do all the research and in the right way. First, check out www.akc.org, and familiarize yourself with breed standards. Next, narrow down, based on the breed standards several breeds of dog you think would suit your family and lifestyle. Then you can identify on the AKC's website, breed clubs of the breeds you are interested in in your area. You can contact the breed clubs to find the contact information for breeders in your area. Then visit with the breeders and ask to meet their dogs, this is the best way to guage the size and temperament of puppy you will potentially bring into your family. This way you will have a better idea of what a puppy of that breed from that breeder will be like. Also, visit more than one breeder of the same breed...different breed lines may have different characteristics
Whatever you do, please don't try to buy a dog from the pet store or over the internet. And if you do find a dog in the newspaper, be sure to meet the parents of the prospective puppy, if someone won't let you come to their house and meet their dogs, you shouldn't be buying a puppy from them in the first place.
Off the top of my head, reccomendations for a not so large, but not so small dog that is great with families would be: corgi, brittany spaniel, cavalier king charles spaniel, flat coated retriever, airedale, pointer, standard poodle.
Again, though, even the breeds i've recommended range considerably in size. Also, what I consider a good family dog may not fit with your family and lifestyle, this is why it is essential to meet breeders and their dogs before getting a puppy--don't just take the word of others.
While a dog is a family pet, it's also an investment, both up front and in the long term, so be sure you're financially ready. Two other great and less expensive options to buying a dog from a breeder are, if you are set on a specific breed, find breed-specific rescue groups in your area. Breed clubs can help you with this. Or...go to the shelter, and pick out a dog deserving a great home. THe people at shelters should be able to match a dog's personality with your family.
Good luck.
2006-07-15 05:17:39 · answer #2 · answered by k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to visit some dog shows to get an idea of what you want and what the breed can be like. You have already failed with one dog. Everyone knows how big Goldens get. That should have been taken into account before getting the dog!!!!
Don't make the same mistake with another dog!!!! There are many more things to consider than the size!!! You may get a Jack Russel and find it is WAY too hyper for your house!!!!!!!!
A dog is a LIFETIME commitment!!! Please thing LONG and HARD before getting another dog!!!!!!!!!
2006-07-15 05:11:13 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try going to the humane society or contacting someone who rescues dogs in your area and describe the type of dog your looking for. You also need to know how much time your willing to put into your dog, some breeds need more exercise then others and you probably want to take it to an obedience class. By looking for a dog older then a year you will be able to see how big it is when its full grown.
2006-07-15 05:57:48 · answer #4 · answered by Krista 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a golden retriever, but get the RUNT of the litter, I have a runt and she is a medium-small dog compared to her giant siblings and other goldens, but she is loveable and caring, the only thing about runts is they need a little more love. =)
2006-07-15 05:53:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dachsund, i think, would be the best dog. they are fun and very protective. if they are short haired, they dont shed! and also, they are NOT big, but still not small enough. they also usually cant climb up stairs, so, u have to carry them up, which is good. so if u have a book or something u dont want tobe ruined, u can keep it inside.
2006-07-15 05:12:25 · answer #6 · answered by Faith H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if u dont want a big big dog but not like a toy get a lab or a shar-pei or maybey a corgie or a bull dog dont get a pittbull
2006-07-15 05:06:22 · answer #7 · answered by lacrosse chick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider getting a puggle which is a mix between a pug and a beagle they are cool looking dogs.
2006-07-15 05:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by nathan c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beagles are great with kids and the entire family.....they stay medium sized....needs lots of love do yer research!
2006-07-15 05:07:46 · answer #9 · answered by bill6866 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beagles are fun, but depending on the age of the children, I'd be careful; dachunds are also nice; jack russel terrier...
2006-07-15 05:07:05 · answer #10 · answered by sweet ivy lyn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋