Interested in a dog!?

Question

I want to know what kinds of dogs are out there that are good with small kids, (babies and toddlers), friendly, and Adult Golden Retriever- size.

Answer 1

I have three dogs of different breeds, I would highly recommend a soft coated wheaton terrier. They can be puppy-like playful for most of their life. As with most dogs, they will behave in the way they are trained to, and puppies are like another child in the amount of time and attention they need to become the pet you want.

However, having said that, my 20 pound havanese (maltese)/poodle mix, has been fantastic with kids (I used to run a daycare and she loved the kids--was super tolerant of the accidental ear/tail pulling).

I applaud your endeavor to take on a dog in your busy household, but wanted to remind you that dog training works best when everyone in the home can be consistent, which is hard for toddlers.

The bottom line... whatever breed you choose, I recommend a non-shedding (less mess, no risk of losing Fido to child allergies and they smell better), medium sized (able to take toddlers falling into them, not too big to for the car rides), genetically happy docile dog (no pet store mutt of unknown origin, for little kids you need to know your pups mom and dad to evaluate temperment).

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you have never owned a dog before a Retriever is a bad choice. They are great dogs but they get big and need to be mastered well. They are large, strong, energetic and stronged willed. If you don't know what you are doing you wind up with a spoiled and unruly dog...and everybody will be unhappy.

Don't be set on getting a puppy either. An adult dog that's got an established gentle nature and good demeanor is a sure bet.

Whatever you do, please rescue a dog from your area's public or private shelters. Don't contribute to those "puppy mill" breeders profits.

Answer 3

A Cocker Spaniel is a great kids dog but it is smaller than you want. A puppy is a dangerous thing around really small children because they accidentally hurt the puppy and it can make the animal aggressive. Why not look into pet adoption and a dog that is a little older who is great with children. There are a lot of people who have to give away a great pet due to circumstances.

Answer 4

Golden retriever, Labrador, Irish red setter, caviler king Charles spaniel, English sheepdog, collies, bloodhounds and German Shepard's.
Larger dogs usually do better with kids than really small dogs, even though any dog that is trained well from a puppy can mix well with children, I wouldn't get anything like a Chihuahua
if you have any kids under 5 yrs.

Answer 5

My aunt has a Collie and it's mean and hates kids. I have a lab/Shepard mix and she is the sweetest dog. I got her when my son was almost two and she was 7 weeks old. She loves my toddler and all other kids. She is now 1.5 years old and a big baby. Breed doesn't really make that much difference, it's how they are treated while being raised that determines their temperament.

Sadie : http://www.geocities.com/deannadmoses/pets.html

Answer 6

I wpuld never say any breed is better with kids. You have to let the god bee with the kids for a little bit. Some people will let you try a dog for a few days to see how it works out. Dog shelters do that all the time I've heard.

Answer 7

Any dog will be good with kids if you get it and raise it from a puppy.
I have had pitbulls and they were raised around children and never ever hurt any of them.
In fact they tend to watch over them and will let you know if they get hurt or if there is some other problem while they are outside playing.
Like I said its all in how you raise the animal.

Answer 8

I have always been a big fan of German Shepards. But recently my wife introduced me to a breed relatively new to the U.S.
It's called a Sarplaninac. Medium to Large dogs they are extremely loyal and especially close to children when raised from a puppy with them. They will literally herd children away from any perceived threat. I could go on and on but if you want look them up yourself and good luck.

Answer 9

Coli's are very nippy...
So are a lot of smaller dogs.

a Newfoundlander, or mabey a rottie would be good. But remember that when they are puppies all dogs are going to chew, jump up, want to play rough, and WILL bug older dogs...

Just so you know.

Answer 10

How about a Golden?