best breed of dog for a family?

Question

we have several children aged between 5 and 16 any suggestions as to which breeds are better with children?

Answer 1

labrador or german shepherd...
german shepherd looks quite ferocious but it is very soft at heart...
also think about the hair... german shepherd has long hair , so it may be a bit messy at home ..
all the best..

Answer 2

I would say a Lab, Golden Retriever or a mix of those...Do not get a toy breed! These are not a good choice in with children..no matter how careful the child is the dog ends up getting hurt-or becoming scared and snapping. You need a big, lovable dog that doesn't mind being crawled on and playing rough with the kids..I grew up with a Lab/hound mix, he was the best dog! He was $3 from a shelter, now he's 14 yrs old and still my buddy. Definitely consider getting a mix from the shelter-they are healthier by far than a purebred dog and usually more easygoing..Also I would not go for a protective type of dog, such as an Akita or shepherd..these are nice dogs but if you don't have a little experience with training them, they can turn into a problem with kids.. Keep in mind though, no matter what you choose you're gonna be responsible for him/her for many years-puppies are ALOT of work and time..especially Lab puppies. They do turn into the best dogs but have an endless amount of energy when young..Bottom line-please take the time to research any breed you're interested in!

Answer 3

Labradors or lab crosses are good for a family as they are affectionate, intelligent and full of fun, and will give the kids plenty of exercise running about!

Staffies are also supposed to be very good with children. I know several families who have a staffie.

I'd go to a rescue centre and get a cross breed - there are plenty of Lab or Staffie X's out there who have all the good bits of the breed and need a loving home. Don't pay £100's to a breeder when there are dogs in rescue centres needing good homes.

We have a 10 month old collie/labrador cross who's a complete psycho - daft as a bog brush and full of love and affection. We're expecting a baby in December and the only worry I have is that he can be boisterous and I'd have to watch him around the baby - he wouldn't do anything to hurt the baby, he's just a bit daft and over affectionate. But he's going to be a fantastic family dog when the baby is a bit older!

But if your kids are a bit older then a Lab X or Staffie X would be a good choice. It would get them plenty of exercise!!!

Answer 4

ive had various breeds of dogs in my time with the most recent being a staffordshire bull terrier who is about 10 months old and we also have a yorkshire terrier who is 7 years old , they are both brilliant with my 3 kids and the other children in our street . I think the dog owner has a lot of responsability to train their puppy correctly and if they are brought up around children i dont think u would have a problem with any particular breed.
The staffie has a great reputation with children and is nicknamed 'the nanny dog' but it is important that ur children show the dog the dog respect and that u dont allow the kids to abuse the dog in any way i.e: pulling of his tail or ears for example , cause im sure u would snap if someone pulled on ur ears !
good look

Answer 5

you cant really say that all dogs in a particular breed will be good with children. we had a border collie as a child and he was great but my current collie would not make a good family pet. staffordshire bull terriers are often known as the nanny dog because they are so great with kids but will need firm handling and constant socialisation with other dogs to keep them sweet. labradors are usually friendly but more than capable of knocking small kids over. generally pick a dog you like the look of read up about it go see some and spend time with that breed most dogs can make good family pets if the owner and children are educated well enough. good luck and have fun.

Answer 6

By far a Boston Terrier. They have tons of energy and with several kids you can keep him well exercised. I have one that is currently twelve years old.They are the most intelligent dogs you will ever see. I live on a busy road and since the time this dog was a year old I could let him run loose in the yard to play and he refused to go within ten feet of the road.Ball goes into road he stops and waits.These dogs have boundless energy, they are clean dogs, dont shed much, very very friendly dogs.They are lovely dogs for kids. My two year old niece will dress this dog up and put him in her doll carriage and he loves it. They are just the most lovable dogs you will ever own. They do snore though, lol, so be prepared. They have such a personality though they definately make up for the snoring.

Answer 7

Curley Coated Retriever. Very loyal very gentle, non allergenic, and to the surprise of many owners incredible good watch dogs. They guard best when the boss is away. When the boss is at home its not their job!
However needs lots of exercise. They are more intelligent than other retrievers but combined with that they also have an immence tendancy to stubborness, so are best suited to those who a familiar with dogs. The reason for this is they decide they are high in the families hierachy they may prove a handfull if they think they know better than you.

Answer 8

I don't think there is any best breed, if you avoid small terriers and those that have been bred for agression.
I'm in favour of bordercollies myself. But the best idea would be to get your dog privately from people who know the parents both to be friendly and good with children. Mongrels can be the best family dogs.
But the most important thing is to give your children a good idea of treating a dog properly!

Answer 9

I think Japanese Akitas are great, I have one myself. Yeah I know they are big dogs and many people might disagree when they read this but Akitas are great family dogs, they really are. Mine's like a big fluffy teddy bear. Brought up right they are lovely dogs, they're loyal, fun, very loving and they are brilliant guard dogs. Although I would suggest getting one from a puppy. I got mine when he was 11 weeks old and my son was 4, well my Akita is 3 now and my son is 7 and guess what... they are best buddies, they run around the house and garden like maniacs together!! I have been told by many people who own Akitas that they are great dogs and that they will stay loyal and protect your family forever, all they want in return is love! Good luck with finding a dog which is right for you and your family!

Answer 10

If you're going to get a puppy get advice from the kennel club on what sort of puppy to get and how to select a breeder. You might already have heard of the trouble inherent with so-called "backyard breeders" and "puppy farms", if so, you'll know to avoid them like the plague! (the puppy might be cheaper to start with, but you'd be risking all sorts of potential medical and/or behavioural problems that had not been properly screened for)

Properly socialised, most dogs would be good with children. If you're going to get a puppy, get it along to puppy classes.

I'll probably not be the only one to suggest this, but why not try a rescue centre? It's true that some dogs in there will not be suitable to be re-homed with children, but many will. A responsible rescue will have assessed each dog's temperament, and know what type of home would be suitable for that dog. If you're in the UK, Dogs Trust have a fantastic rehoming policy, especially for first-time owners. The dog will be vet-checked, neutered and microchipped, de-wormed, de-flead, vaccinated. They'll give free advice and support for the remainder of the dog's life. They have dogs of all ages, some mongrel, some pure-bred (I got a greyhound from there, and he's great with my 7 yr old).

Responsible dog-ownership can be hard work, the food and vet bills can be expensive and you can't afford to be too houseproud - but for me, it's definitely worth it.

Good luck.

Answer 11

For a small dog I love the Schipperke, In a big dog I like the playful but very possessive Akita.
AKC description
The Schipperke is curious, interested in everything around him, and is an excellent and faithful little watchdog. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his family and property if necessary. He displays a confident and independent personality, reflecting the breed's original purpose as watchdog and hunter of vermin.
The Akita is alert and responsive, dignified and courageous. Aggressive toward other dogs.