Which puppy breed?

Question

I'm looking for a good puppy to get my two girls, they are 9 and 11 years old. Would anybody like to recommend a particular breed?

Answer 1

It would really depend on several factors. Do you live in a house with a yard or do you live in a townhouse or apartment?

There are many dogs, large and small, that get along well with children. It is most important to find one that fits your lifestyle.

I have a Newfoundland. He is over 100 lbs. We have a nice yard and I have the space for him. He is perfect for us. For others, he is not a practical dog.

Answer 2

It really depends on you. First, it is never a good idea to get a dog as a gift, it needs to be a family decision. Second, what's your lifestyle like? Will you have enough time to spend with it, do you prefer a smaller or larger dog? How much room do you have for a dog? There is a lot to consider. Third, I am all for animal rescue, but if you're looking for a specific breed, do your research. There are a lot of puppy mills out there that are just trying to make a buck, and don't care what they breed. Go to a reputable breeder. I have been in dogs my whole life, and have seen many people and dogs get hurt when they bought the wrong dog from the wrong person. I bought a great dane from someone that I thought seemed okay, but I didn't look carefully enough, and ended up putting him down before he was 18 months old. Probably the best thing you could do is go to akc's website at www.akc.org and look around. It lists all akc recognized breeds and some that are not yet recognized. Go through the breeds and look at their characteristics, needs, sizes, etc... It will also provide you links to the breed clubs that will contain more information. A good breeder will give you the pros and cons of each breed. They want to make sure their dogs go to good homes and will be treated properly. There are some breeds I would not recommend, but some of that's personal opinion (I'm a basset person myself along with alaskan malamutes), and personal experience. Good luck, and do your homework!!!

Answer 3

As has been said earlier, being good with kids isn't a breed trait but something in each individual's personality. That said, do you really need a puppy? An adult dog will already have it's personality formed and will be much more stable with the kids. It's also harder for kids to harm an adult dog, whereas with puppies they can get a little too rough. Consider finding an adoption group that fosters dogs. It is very possible that a foster dog may currently be living with small children (I foster for an adoption group and have a 4yo). A dog that you KNOW has been exposed to young kids and done well is a much surer bet than a puppy who may not appreciate being poked and prodded and hugged and kissed. And even if you want a purebred dog there are many breed-specific rescues out there where you can find one. Check http://www.akc.org to learn more about the different breeds. They also have links to breed rescues on that site. Good luck :)

Answer 4

There are many breeds out there that are suitable for youngsters to have around them. The best thing that you can do is to remember that even though you may think you're getting a puppy for your girls, the respponibility will lie with you to take care of it. 2 oung girls have no resources for veterinary visits, and/or training classes if needed.
As for breeds, go to AKC.ORG and look through all the breeds together, and read the description of how much excersize, grooming, etc. each potential breed will need. Some animals do well with children, others have a tendency to be aggressive if trated the wrong way. Once you decide on a breed, be sure to speak to a number of different breeders about their puppy offerings, and ask for references that you can check yourself. A reputable breeder will be proud to give them to you, because he knows that he's places good animals.
Great household dogs are English Springer Spaniels. They are meduim sized, don't shed a lot, are highly intelligent, smart, love a family atmosphere, are good watch dogs, but do require more excersize than some others.

Answer 5

Labs, goldens, newfoundlands, collies for larger breeds. Shih-tsu'z for smaller breeds. Try to stay away from smaller breeds. They do not tolorate children very well. Most of the larger breeds including rotties, shepards are great for kids. They don't mind and actually enjoy rough play. Stay away from Bouviers, st bernards, akita's husky's and the like. They are known for biting children. Any spitz type dog is not a good idea either. Beagles are great for kids and low maintence on the brushing. Cocker spanials can be nippy and a ***** to keep groomed. You want something smooth coated and able to handle rough housing. A lab is great!! Goldens require grooming and a brushing every other day. And I'll tell you what....Mixed breeds are great. Just make sure there is no terrior in the mix. (ie, jack russel, pit, or staffishire) Gorden and Irish setters are wonderful for kids as well, and easy on the grooming expenses.

Answer 6

I've always heard that golden retrievers were the best dog to have because they are a very loyal breed. But you have to realize that a small golden retrieval puppy is going to get a lot larger in size. My sister has one and a 15 month old and well sometimes it's like she has 2 children. Get this type of dog into obedience school and make sure it passes because sometimes the dog does anything it wants to.

Answer 7

There is no one "good" breed of dog.There are good and bad in all breeds.Even within a litter there will be different personalities.It also depends on how well bred and socialized they are and how well trained they are. A dog of any breed/mix can be as good or bad as the owner makes it (and as the breeder breeds it).
Go to local shelters & rescues and check out the dogs there. If you go for a purebred from a breeder be very careful chosing a breeder, there are far more irresponsible breeders out there then there are responsible ones.

Answer 8

My children are 4 and 9 and I have a female Shih tzu and a Schnoodle(mix Schnauzer and poodle) and they are both great with children. As for the advice on the Golden Retriever...uh no! I know of 2 in my area that have been put down for biting children. Good Luck!

Answer 9

i have a little daschund (weiner dog). they're great. i was resistant to a hound because i heard they bark, i wanted a bulldog of some sort, but i settled on this guy and he's the best. i've read up on the little weiners and they're great with kids over 8 (they have back issues if small kids play too rough). they are very smart and obedient and quieter than their reputation. i have to say they are the friendliest dogs. he whines in the car because he wants so badly to say hi to the people in the other cars and walking on the street. they're a very relaxed breed. your girls could dress the little one up and he/she would just lay there. they're known for being very laid back and calm but eager to play and keep you company. yay weiners!

Answer 10

A golden retriever, They are good with any age. They are strong, reliable, very child friendly, and loads of engergy and fun. You'd probably find them for maybe $300