Our Pekinese died last year and my kids 8.6,and 1 are still crushed (not the 1 yr old). I'd like to get them a new dog. Does anyone know if bulldogs are good with kids? I've seen one as the local pet store pet and he seems docile.
2006-08-09 00:17:05 · 16 answers · asked by wudbiser 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
well they can be hyper but yes they are if u treat them right
2006-08-09 00:21:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't clearly state what kind of bulldog that you have in mind for your children. There are American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Alapaha Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and the infamous Pit Bulldogs.
Regardless of the type of Bulldog, they are all big (except for the Frenchie) and are excitable and are likely to jump on your children and probably knock the smaller kids to the ground.
In any breed of dog, you can't generalize what their personality and disposition might be. All animals are a sum of their breeding, their life experiences and their environment.
Breeding, is in particular, extremely important when it comes to a dogs personality traits. When you take into consideration that you are looking for a gentle and child safe breed, the color and looks of a dog are even less important than the disposition.
The fact that you mentioned that you saw this puppy in a pet store is the most disturbing aspect of your question. This puppy is likely the product of a puppy mill and was bred purely for money with no thought of disposition in the mind of the breeder. You said this puppy seems to be docile, but even gentle puppies can grow into very dominant dogs.
In my opinion, if you are considering purchasing a new dog for your children, the dog's disposition should be the first trait to take in consideration and that means that you should see and meet the puppies parents. You can observe for yourself how the puppy reacts to children. You can see the puppy's environment and how it was raised. You can discuss the fact that you want a docile dog because it is going to be raised with your children and I suppose even the your children's friends will be exposed to the dog you choose.
Another aspect to consider is the health of a puppy. You want to make sure that any puppy you purchase is healthy and free of parasites. (many parasites and protozoa can be zoonotic to your children)
Also you want to make sure that the puppy has received it's first vaccinations and has been checked for various congental defects. (improperly bred English Bulldogs can suffer from a plethora of congental problems) You don't want to bring a puppy into the house and have your children become attached to it and then discover that it has a congental health problem.
I am sorry your children experienced such a sad loss at an early age and I hope you find the prefect puppy to fill the hole that your peke left in their hearts.
May I suggest a Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder? They are great dogs for children. They are clean and housebreak easily. They don't require a lot of grooming and they are extremely sturdy if you get the middle weight or heavy weight size, plus they look very "bulldog" like.
A Boston Terrier was the first dog that I purchased for my own child when she was three years old. She lived to be thirteen years old and although I've had many dogs in my life, I would say she was the best dog that I ever had.
2006-08-09 08:18:53 · answer #2 · answered by Free Bird 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bulldogs are very good with children. Keep in mind every dog has it's own temperment, learn how your dogs reacts and tolerates others. Evaluate the puppy you choose for aggression and fight drive. As with any dog, make sure children know proper behavior around dogs and how to treat them. Supervision is a must when having a dog around children of any age. Remember most dogs are protective, be careful when introducing them to strangers.
Own Discovery:
Bulldogs are trainable but can be aggresive when disrespected. If your children are hoping to have one here is the latest news for you. "Owner killed by aggresive bulldog" was seen on our newspaper. Even if the dog is docile, its attitude can rapidly change. Love is NOT a bulldog's perspective. But if you feed it and let it rest properly, it may change.
I hope you had enough information. I have a puppy, too. The experiences that you will encounter might be like mine... SO BE CAREFUL.
2006-08-09 07:33:49 · answer #3 · answered by Fonqui 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All dogs are different and have different temperments. There is no reason a bulldog can't be brought into a family situation and become a loving pet, but without knowing the full history of a dog, you can never be sure of how suited they are for any purpose, let alone children. However, if you are buying a young puppy, then the fact he will be familiarized with your children from a very young age is a good reason to suspect that the dog will become a much-loved and well-suited member of your family. It may not be a good idea to buy an older dog tho.
2006-08-09 07:24:15 · answer #4 · answered by < Roger That > 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some are, some aren't. The main reason not to get a bulldog is the initial expense and ongoing health costs - a quality pup should cost $1200 - $1800. DON'T get one from a pet store!!! And they can be powerful dogs with aggression problems toward other animals. And they drool and fart - no kidding!
2006-08-09 12:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bulldogs are wonderful dogs. When raised properly, as with any breed, they are social and non agressive. But when dealing with small children any dog can be provoked to snap. A bulldog has a poweful jaw, and can unintentionally hurt a small child, even when playing. Consider a breed that instinctively does not break skin when they snap such as a labrador or golden retriever. It is in their breeding not to close their jaw when they bite.
2006-08-09 07:28:07 · answer #6 · answered by krissy4543 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you get a pit while its a pup, it can be a good pet. never get a bulldog over the age of 12 weeks due to they are very territorial animals. these pups need to grow up with the child not before the child. i have two pits and my kids and the dogs are awesome together. it's how use raise a dog and bulldogs do take alot of time and energy. good luck
2006-08-09 07:25:53 · answer #7 · answered by edward t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well trained bulldogs might be safe, but bulldogs can do a lot of damge when they decide to bite, and a small child might annoy it just enough with ear tugging and such.
I would advise against it, bulldogs can be one of the most aggressive breeds.
2006-08-09 07:22:29 · answer #8 · answered by chicgirl639 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, when we were children me and my 2 best Friends like to play with dogs and one day my Friend got bitten by a bulldog, he bit a piece of her scalp it take her almost 6 years to grow hair and to be able to be normal, but she still scared of dogs she does not come to my house because I have 2 Chihuahuas.
2006-08-09 07:27:06 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ amal_dxb ♥ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. They are extremely aggressive. My neighbor had one and it would attack my German Sheppard in my yard every time it got loose. I told the neighbor I was going to put it down if it happened again but they moved. Thank God. Bad Dogs!
2006-08-09 07:28:48 · answer #10 · answered by bill a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
docile?? doesn't that mean harsh?
anyway yes, theyre only mean if and only if you train them to be....like if you train them to be watchdogs....and just to be sure, get bulldogs when the are still babies so that theyd be familiar with you guys and to let him know that he is family
2006-08-09 07:25:39 · answer #11 · answered by akasha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋