What would be a good medium sized dog for my 12 month old son?

Question

I want to get a dog, but I need to consider my boy. Want something with a mild tempermant, But can withstand a toddler! Not really looking for any "girly" toy breeds ....thanks.

Answer 1

What ever breed you pick I suggest going to a rescue for that breed and trying to get one that has been around kids before. You can also go and visit dogs from several different rescues or you local animal shelter and find one that seems to work well with a real young'n.

No sure what you mean by medium but there are many good breeds out there personally I have 2 Golden's and they are great with kids.

I would suggest avoiding - pit bulls, chows and cockers.

Good breeds - any of the retrievers or hounds. Muts that have retriever or hound in them and none of the above dogs.

To find a rescue in your area put - dog type rescue state in yahoo search.

Below is the link to the golden retriever rescue in my area where we got our two goldens.

Answer 2

You might want to wait a year or two. Until your son understand when you tell him no, we don't pull the doggies tail because it hurts him, etc... At age one, they don't really understand. But, that being said, any dog will be a good pet as long as it is trained and there is always supervision with the dog and child. Never ever leave them alone together. Try http://www.petfinder.com to find a good dog that needs a home in your area. Also an adult dog would probably be a better bet for your family because they will already know exactly what temperament it has. Try to find one that has been in foster care with a rescue for a few months with kids. It is a myth that a dog will do better raised as a puppy with the kids. You never know what they will grow up to be like. There should be no jealousy issues because the dog should always know that it is the bottom of the pack below the children. Also pit bulls and rotts do make good pets with kids. We have a pit mix with 4 kids and my sons grandpa has a rott that is an amazing dog. My son would sleep on the dog when he was younger. It is a myth about their jaws locking so they can't get them open. http://www.pitbullsoforegon.com/faqs.html People need to get better educated about these so called vicious dogs before they start spouting untruths.

Answer 3

There are lots of dogs that are good with kids. But it depends on what you want the dog for. If you Just want the dog for companionship for you and your boy, I would suggest a Cocka-poo, or a Bichon/Shitzu. They come in standard, toy, miniature, and teacup. They have a real good temperament, and if raised with your boy, will protect him. They are also hypoallergetic. They are exceptionally good with kids. If however you want a watchdog that will be good for protecting the house but also play nice with your boy, I suggest a Husky, or a German Sheppard. As these dogs are extremely protective of their owners and their territory, But again very good with the kids. I grew up with sheppards and huskies. But breed cockapoos and bichon/shitzus. If you find that your boy is allergic to dogs after having the dog in your house for a couple of weeks, Then you will be limited to the breeds that you can have around your boy. I suggest that you start by making appointments with different breeders in your area to get an idea of the different dogs that don't make your son itch, sneeze, or have trouble breathing before you purchase any dog. As it will be very disappointing for both you and the dog if you have to return it because of allergies. Also a good rule of thumb when purchasing a dog is let the dog pick you. Instead of you picking the dog. The one that won't leave you alone is usually the one that will be the best addition to your family. This dog will be easier to train, will be more protective of you, and will try at all costs to please you, rather than make you mad, or upset you. Also you will find that a breeder is alot cheaper than a pet store for purchasing your new dog. And they will be able to answer any questions that you may have. There is also the Humane Society, if you don't mind your dog being older and already neutered (this is your best /& cheapest way to purchase your dog). P.S. Dogs and kid combinations are best when they are raised together. A pup raised with a baby is the perfect time to get a dog. Otherwise there could be jealousy from both the dog and the child. Just remember that a dog is like a child. you have to consider his feelings too. Also PITBULLS are ILLEGAL in most cities, And provinces for that matter. If you live in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatewan, or Alberta, check with your municiple office before even considering a pittbull. Southern Ontario does not allow pittbulls and will give you a fine if you are found with one. A rottweiller is another one that most provinces consider illegal. ask before you buy either of these dogs. Though a rottweiler is a good dog for an older person, if your child hits the dog, pulls on his ears or anything that we don't normally consider to be harmful to the dog, the dog will eventually do one of two things. It will either end up being afraid of everyone and everything, or it will become vicious. A pittbull is the same way. They are meant for people who can't have kids, don't want kids, their kids are grown, or they are seniors who want companionship and protection. My step-brother had three rottweillers. One turned scared, and the other two vicious. Pittbulls and Rottweillers have a problem with their jaws locking when they bite If they bite you they CANNOT let go even if they want to. This is why they are illegal breeds. Until your son is in his teens I would stay away from both these dogs.

Answer 4

Hi there, I have a 10 month old daughter and just got a new puppy so go with your own judgement if it is right for you to get a new dog for the family.

<---Cashew is a mix between a Pug/Shar Pei and she is incredibly gentle with my daughter even though she's a pup. They can be any where between 15-35lbs fully grown.

Pugs are said to also be excellent with children.

My parents have 2 Golden Retrievers and they are very gentle with my daughter as well but they are full grown. I don't know if I could have handled them as puppies around the little one. They would have knocked her over.

Word of warning: We had a Chocolate Lab that was incredibly hyper once the baby came along and although was very loving, was not gentle with the baby. He now lives with my mother in law that has a big property for him to have the run of. Also a cousin has a Pit bull that has growl at my daughter even though the owner said he's loving (which is scary because the owner just had a baby) so my little one will not be around that Pit again.

Hope this helps

Answer 5

You shouldn't get any dog untill your son is older. They are too much responsibilty. Untill your son is more independant, you're not doing him any favors by bringing a dog into the household. Try to imagine the time it will take to train the dog not to knock the baby over, not to bite when it's poked in the eyes, ect. Not to mention training the baby not to eat the dog food or drinking it's water. It's easier to imagine the fun they would have than the actual process.
Enjoy your boy!

Answer 6

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Answer 7

Golden Retreiver. Some of the dogs people are recommending are not good with little children only because they act like hyper little kids. And if you get a puppy just remember that they have sharp teeth and claws and like to chew. They can scratch a childs skin very easily.

Answer 8

Check your petsmart rescue. Most rescues foster the dogs in their homes and know more about them. We have tons of kids in our program so we are alway able to tell someone that this dog or that dog is good with kids. Most of the time we get dogs that are better with kids than they are adults. Im fostering a puppy now that is going to have to have kids. He can't go to a home without them or he wouldn't be happy.

We had a golden mix one time that drove everyone crazy because she had to be next to the kids. She was the goofiest looking because her original owners were the kids in the family and they had cut her hair with scissors. She apparently let them do it.

A rescue will be able to tell you the patience of a dog and they are going to be more honest with you than anyone else. They rescued the pet they want a good match they want the pet to have a perfect forever home. They don't want to lie to you and you return the pet.

Answer 9

you may consider the American Eskimo a "girly" type of dog but in my personal opinion and believe me i have had many many breeds of dogs you can't go wrong with an Eskie,my 25pound American Eskimo is going on 13 years old she has literally grown up with my children,has been their constant companion on all their adventures,babysitter,feirce protector,pillow while watching tv,and teddy bear at night to sleep and chase away bad dreams,she is THE smartest and most loyal dog i have ever seen,she has more heart and desire to protect her family than any Pitbull i have ever met,yet is so gentle she will "nurse" and comfort any baby animal in need,she has raised and mothered more orphaned kittens/puppies than i can count,she is always there to help clean off the newborn animals,whether mother likes it or not,and is just beside herself when friends come over with their small children.....please consider this breed,i have talked to so many Eskie owners and their opinions of their American Eskimos are the same as mine...Eskie is the way to go!

Answer 10

Border Collies are amazing dogs.
Medium size, extremely intelligent and easy to train.
Consider visiting a local rescue and look for a Border Collie mix. We have a Border Collie/Golden Retreiver - perfect combination!!