whats the best breed of dog to have with small children?

Question

just wondered what everyone thinks as im thinkin of getting a doggy but have two small kids to think of

Answer 1

a lab definately .. there so understanding and loyal its asif they know to be gentle with kids... heres some tips for you and way..................



ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
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In your fact finding missions, know what questions to ask the breeders and owners of the breeds you're interested in. As mentioned before, all breeds have their pros and cons. You must be aware of them in order to make the right decision.
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1. What is the temperament like?
2. What is the mature size and weight?
3. Are they good with children?
4. What are their indigenous health problems?
5. How long do they live?
6. How much do they shed?
7. How much do they eat?
8. How trainable are they?
9. How house breakable are they?
10. Do they require a lot of grooming?
11. How noisy are they?
12. How protective are they?
13. Do they require any special care or management?
14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?


hope this helps in finding your perfect dog

I READ WHAT SOMEONE SAID ABOUT A LAB ATTACKING SOMEONE ..... ITLL BE FINE IF IT IS A PUP A BROUGHT UP WITH THE CHILDREN !!!

Answer 2

Got to be a golden retriever. I'vr had labs also, great dogs but very powerful tails which can sweep away anything in their paths - including small children!! Our retriever has taken horrendous amounts of abuse from our two kids since they were both babies (not deliberate abuse obviously) and the one time in his 8 years that he has snarled was at the vet when he jabbed him. My son was fascinated with the "wet bit" in our retrievers eyes for a long while and the dog didn't even flinch. Would recommend them every time. You have to remember - and this is no slight on those folks with pit bulls and the like - but some dogs have been bred for aggression over many generations, and we all have heard stories about certain breeds who can go for years living with kids without so much as a whimper and then one day will turn around and rip a face off a young child. I've found that both labs and retrievers have not an ounce of aggression in them - that's a good thing. Retriever just about pips it though. They're very cuddly too. One last thing, I'd stay away from small dogs, always found them to be much more nippy (in both senses of the word). Good luck and happy dog hunting!!

Answer 3

Hi

I think it depends on the dog's pedigree and how it is brought up.

I have had a jack russell since my children were 3 an 5 and she is great with them and all kids. Whenever I leave her outside the school gates I always come back to children hanging around her neck! A lot of jack russells get bad press but it is just important that they know the children are above them in the 'pack order'.

Dogs are pack animals and they have to know their place in the home. Don't let the dog on the furniture or upstairs (easier said than done!) because the extra height makes them feel more dominant.

Make sure you meet the mother dog. Get a good book on bringing up puppies, take it along to 'puppy parties' at the vets and make sure it mixes with lots of people and other animals while it is still small.

Vets normally have a 'nurse' who can give free advice on any problems you are having.

good luck and enjoy your new puppy!

Answer 4

The best choice for a good temperament and a child-friendly dog is a mongrel.

ANY purebreed at all has it's own problems because it has been bred with a restricted gene pool. Over generations this causes things like, problems with teeth, snappy temperaments, skin that sags too much over the eyes, hearing problems etc...

A mongrel has been bred 'accidentally' therefore is selected for a very wide gene pool and is less like to have 'inbred' faults.

Make sure you ask the people who are selling the puppy whether the mother and/or father were good with children, and then you can condition the puppy to get used to kids.

Have fun!

Answer 5

I dont think the breed matters so much as the temperment of the dog.
the puppy or dog you buy should be brought up with children and other dogs/animals if possible.
you should take into consideration the dogs needs, obviosly if you live in a flat with no garden then getting a huge dog who needs a garden to run in would be a bad idea. some dogs have naturally calmer temperments and are more tolerant than others but how you train and bring your dog up is what makes the difference.

Labs, golden retrivers, cockers, etc most gun dog types are very calm and can be great with kids, but then so can other dogs that some people would consider to be more tempermental like rotweilers or dobermans,

buy from a reputable breeders and insist the children are allowed to play with the puppy/ dog before you buy.

if you end up with a dog, take it to a training class and they can help with training and socialising with your children.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I would recommend a labrador. (Any color, although chocolate labs have the most skin problems.) I noticed that several people suggested a lab as well. I have had many dogs in my life but the lab was the most faithful and loving. I have experience with cockers and find them to be a little bit too nervous to be around children. They are adorable dogs but are very protective and also do tend to bite.

A true story. My lab was eating his food one day and my daughter walked up behind him and bit him on the butt. He just turned around and licked her. Truth, so help me.
Dachshunds are another breed of dog that based on my experience are great pets. They are very smart and usually very gentle.

Unfortunately, the owner can have a lot to do with whether a dog is gentle or not. One can train almost any dog to be mean. Dogs respond to love, not hate and neglect. I also have a neighbor with a miniature yorkie who is absolutely adorable and doesn't ever meet a stranger. So, use your intuition and you will find the right dog.

Answer 7

a labrador every time for me. A small dog may not like the treatment that small children hand out, they may become snappy as a result. A larger dog is usually more tolerent and forgiving but in all cases be very careful when mixing dogs and kids any dog could ' turn'.

Answer 8

I have 3 small children (ages are 7,4 and 20 mths), We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy (he is 6 mths). He is a very good dog with the kids. I would recommend the breed to any one with kids.

Answer 9

Certainly not a lab, they have become much too inbred/overbred and we know of many children(a close relative's child who was nearly killed) who have been attacked by these dogs out of the blue. Cocker spaniels, English Springer spaniels, and labs are at the top of the list of dogs most likely to bite.

I would recommend American Pit Bull Terriers(WONDERFUL family dogs, I work with them ALL the time. Never give into the media's lies, these dogs are third from the bottom on the list of dogs most likely to bite and ADORE children), Standard Poodles, or smooth/rough Collies as likely candidates. These dogs have proven themselves to be worthy family dogs but be sure to research research research before making a final decision on any breed.

Remember to check out purebred rescues!

Answer 10

If you are not going to breed the dog get a mixed breed. There are a lot of good ones at the SPCA or dog kennel that need a good home and would be great with children. The staff can help you out.