Some medium to low energy dogs that are good with kids.?

Question

I have a toddler and am doing research on breeds. We have a yard and I am a stay at home mom so the dog wont be left alone too often. I would like one who is calm in doors, but that will still go into the backyard and run around us. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hi Brandy,

Almost all dogs can be taught to be gentle around children, but I commend you for understanding and considering the different energy levels that would fit your family's needs the best.

Please note that anything I state in the following blurbs is part of a generalized statement. It in no way means that each dog of those specific breeds will match the description I'm listing, as each dog is an individual and has his or her own quirks and personality.

While golden retrievers are fantastic dogs and great for families, they can be pretty energetic and can even be considered hyper from time to time. They are known for being "people dogs" and won't hesitate to jump for joy when you get home and leap up to lick your face.

Labs are in the same category--fantastic dogs, great with families and children, but with a whoooole lot of energy. As a breed that's still bred for hunting (goldens have been phased into a household dog more often than not), a lab's energy is built to last.

Beagles also make fantastic family dogs and usually are on the top of dog magazine lists for "best dogs for homes with children." While they do have a good amount of energy, they don't have the same hyper status as most retrievers. Beagles tend to be barkers, however, so be prepared for that.

I personally love hounds. Bassets, as someone stated earlier, make fantastic family dogs and are very laid back. Bloodhounds (like my dog), also make excellent family dogs and interact well with children. Both of these breeds are laid back indoors, enjoy snoozing by the fire (or on the couch), but still love to go outdoors and play. A downside to the hound family, however, is that they are ruled by their noses, especially bassets and bloodhounds. Be prepared for a few arguments over whether or not Rover can really spent the next twenty minutes sniffing out a scent or staring at a rabbit hole. Bassets and bloodhounds can both be stubborn.

You may also want to consider going to your local animal shelter and seeing what types of dogs they have there. While many may be mutts, you can ask about the different dogs and their various backgrounds to see which are compatible which children, which seem more laid back, etc. Many adopted pups are already potty trained when you bring them home as well, another added bonus. Be open to discussing various ages and breeds when you visit, and don't be surprised to find a couple of purebreds as well.

Regardless of whichever dog you end up bringing home, you will hopefully invest some time and money in obedience classes. It's a good idea for families to learn how to handle their dogs and understand them, and most instructors will even invite the children to attend.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search!

Answer 2

Medium Energy Dogs

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Some medium to low energy dogs that are good with kids.?
I have a toddler and am doing research on breeds. We have a yard and I am a stay at home mom so the dog wont be left alone too often. I would like one who is calm in doors, but that will still go into the backyard and run around us. Any ideas?

Answer 4

Low Energy Small Dogs

Answer 5

Greyhound and Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound) are large breeds but absolute couch potatoes in the house. They will run away if you don't have a six foot fence. May be aggressive toward cats and small animals.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - terrific little dog, but very expensive.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel/index.cfm

Clumber Spaniel - very sedate and sweet dogs, but a rare breed.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/clumber_spaniel/index.cfm

Bassett Hound - sedate and sweet, but can smell bad, be stubborn, and bark constantly when left alone.

Pekingese - small and calm, but sometimes nippy with kids.

Find a good breeder referral by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. All breeds (and MUTTS!) can have problems - you should get the best one you can.
http://www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm

You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog that is often sick and may have falsified registration papers. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills

Answer 6

ah the old favourite - which dog is the perfect dog, it does what I want when I want and never makes a mess! sadly all dogs shed, even low shedders shed more than you think they will! and many dogs will be great with kids - but ALL dogs need to be supervised around kids and ALL dogs need good training from day one and then forever - and all dogs need to have plenty of exercise. That said, and with no idea of your home situation (more info is always good) my vote would be a dog from the utility group, a bulldog (English) - although they do shed a fair bit, or a Shitzu as they are fun dogs that can be trimmed for ease of maintenance and get on well with children. Nothing from the herding or terrier groups though - too much like hard work! If you want a very active dog a gun dog may suit - especially spaniels, the Clumber spaniel is less bouncy than many.

Answer 7

I would just like to suggest that you learn as much as you can about dog psychology BEFORE you get any dog so that you can learn how to think like a dog. Almost all of the problem questions people put on these pages are simply the result of not bothering to learn anything about dog psychology or training before buying a dog. I mean, you wouldn't buy a gun or a computer without learning how to use it first, would you?

Like everyone says, labradors and retrievers are very good with kids. Never leave small kids and dogs alone together as any dog at any time can revert to a predator, especially around small children as their high-pitched noises and unco-ordinated movements are the signals by which dogs in the wild identify their prey. Yes, even labradors.

A dog is much like a gun - dangerous in the hands of an idiot. Good luck and happy dog learning.

Answer 8

Consider adopting a retired racing greyhound. Nicknamed the "45mph couch potato" they are a very laid back, relaxed breed. When they are inside they like nothing better than to snuggle on the couch and take a nap. Outside they can run and play with the best of them. One thing you didn't mention is how a dog will be contained in your yard. Greyhounds need a physical fence as they can run through an invisible one faster than the shock collar works. It is a rare grey that isn't good with kids. Greyhounds are handled by humans everyday of their lives - from farm to training center to kennel - and they have *excellent* manners, even with small children. Some greyhound adoption groups foster dogs prior to adopting them out and many foster families have children in the homes (I foster and have a four year old) so many of the dogs have already been exposed to children.

If you are interested in more information on the breed or for a list of adoption groups in your area check out http://www.greyhoundpets.org or feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 9

I have found that the larger dogs are more docile around hair pulling toddlers. Smaller breeds tend to snap to keep the larger toddlers from getting a hold of them. To raise a dog with children I would strongly recommend Collies or Golden Retrievers. Collies are quick to learn as well as gentle. Golden Retrievers are an extremely gentle breed. Keep in mind you will need to invest as much time with the dog as you do your toddler. Having a dog is like having another child. One of the previously answers mentioned a Lab. Labs are a breed that needs a bit more exercise and they may have the habit of knocking things over (such as small kids). I currently have a 5yr Golden Lab and he is perfect for older kids and teens.

Answer 10

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU0fp

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.