What is the best type of dog around children?

Question

Our family is thinking of getting a dog. Which one has the best to have around young children? Only small dog suggestions please as we are not looking for a big dog!

Answer 1

There's a book called "The Right Dog for You" it gives you the descriptions of most dog breeds in areas of character, activity level, and much more. It really helped my parents pick out a great dog that fit their lifestyle. It was a medium dog, English Setter, very calm indoors, good with kids, gentle but fun outdoors. Amazon.com has the book available and you can preview some of the pages to see if you like it. Good luck!

P.S. Always try to go directly to a breeder. Petstore puppies can be from what's called puppy mills, which is when people are breeding dogs just for the money and don't care about quality animals, therefore inner breeding and many other unethical/ unhealthy practices occur resulting in animals with many health and behavioral problems.

Answer 2

I always try to persuade people to rescue a dog from a pet rescue. This way, your children can meet the dog, see the dogs reaction and find out a little history of the dog. An adult dog is such a good choice because you won't go through the puppy stage which can be quite trying. Labs and Goldens are usually very good with children. Also German Shepard's and Rottweilers (contrary to what you may have heard.) Check out the website www.petfinder.com. Lots of pets awaiting someone to come and give them a permanent home.

Answer 3

okay i really don't wanna sound like im preaching to the choir but adopting a pet from the pound is a really good idea because the dog will most liely be full grown and already be housetrained. not to mention that you will be able to see how the children react with the dog and how the dog reacts with the children. If you really do not want to adopt than i would NOT suggest a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, i know from personal experience that if trained right that they can be tha sweetest dogs in the world but they are more commonly know as the Pit Bull. I personally have a black labrador retriever that weighs about 65lbs and is absolutely the sweetest, gentlest dog on the planet. And had we introduced her to more children and other people more when she was younger she would be the PERFECT dog. Cocker Spaniels are also extremely sweet and lovable, when i was younger i had one and he would lick my face when i was crying until i stopped and would almost always wanna play or goof around with me and my sister. Another great dog would be the King Charles Spaniel as stated in previous posts. they are very closely related to the Cocker Spaniel. Finally, I would suggest against getting a poodle(yappy and nippy), chihuahua(nappy, yippy and very protective of "mother" or attactment issues), Pitbull or rottweiler(both are fierce and can be dangerous if not trained right, can both also be too energetic for most families) until you know that you can get proper training and have enough room for them.

Answer 4

Choose one of the hunting breads such as a retriever or lab. These dogs have soft mouths, and are great with kids. Do not get a dog if you have a child under 3 or a child that requires extra watching. You can't watch over a puppy and an active toddler at the same time. That would be like having twins.

Answer 5

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

(http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm)

This dog is known as the "Nanny Dog" in it's native country because it's so good around children. And it's a beautiful dog too!

Answer 6

A medium sized dog that's absolutely excellent around children is a golden retriever.We have one,and she's great-whenever there are little kids around,if you step on her,pull her tail,touch her face,tug her ears-she doesn't even bat an eyelash.Pugs are great too,though sometimes a little overzealous.Beagles are nice,and pembroke welsh corgis...Check out www.akc.org for breed descriptions etc,figure out what breed you like best!

Answer 7

I would definitely recommend a bichon frise they play whenever they get the chance they are a non-shedding breed so if you have kids with allergies this dog would be perfect they don't need a lot of exercise so your family wont have the fight of "whose turn is it to walk the dog?" i have a 5 month old bichon and she is a complete joy calm quiet and playful and their little black noses and eyes are just so cute and innocent and they only grow to be 12 inches tall

Answer 8

I know you said small dog... But I think a labrador retriever would be best. They are protective when they need to be, love to have fun with the kids and they have a "soft mouth" which sounds weird but if you've ever been bitten by a dog you'll know what I mean.

Answer 9

we have a staffordshire bull terrier he is 12 months old now we had him from a pup.he is definately a breed of dog that is great with people and children of all ages he is loyal loving and very playfull with children(not other dogs though)staffys have a very bad reputation but 99 % of what you here about them is untrue check out some staffy websites and you will find out all you need to know.you will never find a more loyal and loving friend in a dog and behind their big muscles and thier sharp teeth they really are big softies

Answer 10

I raise rat terriers and they are great with kids. There are alot of dogs that are good for kids as long as you start with a puppy. The younger the better so they can grow up with the kids and be used to that kind of attention that kids give to dogs. Kids have more energy than older kids and adults and older dogs dont always like that if they are not accustomed to it.