I have 3 kids and work part time for 6 hours at a time so the dog would have to be left at home sometimes. I want a friendly intelligent male but not something too big as i don't have tons of space. The kids are determined that it should be a puppy too. Any ideas welcome.
2006-09-02 15:34:48 · 28 answers · asked by honeybunchkaminski 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
All breeds have pros and cons. Border collies are friendly, loyal, extremely intelligent, and a medium size. However, they tend to instinctively herd children like sheep, sometimes nipping them. They also need frequent exercise.
I have three kids and two Siberian Huskies. One weighs 35 pounds, one weighs 80, so you can find smaller ones. They are very intelligent and playful, and both of ours are great with the kids, even when the kids were younger. On the down side they love to run and need a fence to be safe. They also shed like crazy.
My kids wanted puppies, too, but I didn't want to go through the puppy stage. We got both our dogs at the humane society as adults. They were already house-trained, knew basic commands, were leash trained, and were neutered. You may want to reconsider adopting an adult dog.
2006-09-02 16:00:41 · answer #1 · answered by Doe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retriever
2006-09-02 23:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by band_nerd1898 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
staffordshires.... (staffies) very family orientated. loves the grand kids. and kids in general. just love people full stop, ours has a lot of character, she was a pound puppy and we have had 12 years enjoyment out of her, she is still enjoying life to the full, although slowing down as she is about 14-15 yrs old.
The only thing I find with them is they don't seem to like other dogs. maybe still a little big for what you are looking for.
2006-09-02 23:07:40 · answer #3 · answered by Susan B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm crazy about the German Shepherd Dog. They are big but they are so loyal, smart and wonderful with children. I have one and he takes such good care of me and my sons. He loves people as long as he knows they are friends, but I think he'd go for the throat if anyone tried to harm me or my sons. GSD's are easily trained and takes very little to potty train them! Mine has had only one accident in the house, and when I got home he led me straight to it as if to say, he was sorry. It was my fault because I was detained longer than normal at work and couldn't get a hold of my older son to come by and walk him. The make super watch pups as well! And of course, he is my BEST FRIEND! I will never have any other breed. It will always be a German Shepherd for me! Good Luck to you and your family and God Bless.
2006-09-02 23:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by gsd_k9_always 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have seen every breed, especially mixed breeds, do well as family dogs. It all depends on the individual dog's temperament (they don't all conform to breed standard, you know - I've met my fair share of unfriendly labs and have the scars to prove it) and then how a dog will fit into your lifestyle. For size, I would choose something medium.
Keep in mind while researching - type of fur (long, medium, short, vigorous shedder, hypoallergenic, etc.), energy level, drool factor, etc. These little factors are big issues. I can't tell you how many people have turned dogs into our shelter because they can't stand all that white fur on their black furniture!
And please keep the mutts in mind. They are truly the best sorts of dogs.
2006-09-02 23:12:00 · answer #5 · answered by cpenrod19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and she seems to get along with everyone, although only once in the week that I have owned her, she has only barked at one stranger and that came earlier today and I have introduced her to a lot of strangers in the last week and I cant tell if this lady was suspicious or not. Otherwise they are good with my nieces who are about 3 or 4 years old. And they are very quite and friendly.
2006-09-02 22:45:29 · answer #6 · answered by Chad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ideally a lab/retriever mix would be the best. Labs, retrievers, and german shephards all make great family dogs. My father has bred dogs for 45 years. Mutts are (usually) not as high strung as pure breeds. When you do get your pup, crate training is the easiest for house breaking.
2006-09-02 23:22:37 · answer #7 · answered by Sandy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, My humble opinion is a rottweiler, for protection and loyalty and a fun loving dog, you can't beat one..we just put down our 13 year old lady rot and she was a joy and loving companion...hope this helps..and by all means get a puppy. you can find one sometimes at spca's..any dog you get will need to have a place to run and get exercise. rott's do really well as house dogs..shedding can be a problem, but mostly all dogs shed....
2006-09-02 22:48:11 · answer #8 · answered by papabear102845 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your kids have a lot of energy, I would get a min pin(miniature pinscher) or a Jack Russell. Great dogs for a family with kids.
2006-09-02 22:47:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have time to potty train a puppy and teach obedience go for an older dog.Maybe 2 or so already trained for a home.Go to your humain shelter and save a pet.Youll feel great and have a great animal also.
2006-09-02 22:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by ladypet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋