What is the best type of dog?

Question

I am planning to purchase a dog. I have a 2 yr old daughter, and we are alone most of the time, and would like to have a dog inside the house with us for a feeling of security. What types of dog (I would like medium size or smaller) are good with small children? And which breed are good guard dogs, to have inside the house?

Answer 1

This is a difficult question - Here are some thoughts for you - why are you considering purchasing a dog as opposed to adopting a young adult, already house trained dog from your local animal shelter? I don't think purchasing a puppy while raising a 2 yr old is the best solution if you are looking for a playmate and a house guard dog.

An adult but yet still a young dog, say of average build, maybe 50 or 60 pounds who already has house training and some basic obedience knowledge and one who may already know how to walk on a leash - doesn't this sound like a better solution to your problem?

Did you know that the US still kills over 4 million unwanted dogs every year? This number is a dramatic improvement considering at one time the US has killed upwards of 11 million dogs in one year, so progress is being made, one dog at a time - Will you help put and join this effort and at least agree to go and look at the available dogs at your local shelter and or online at
www.petfinder.com Most shelters advertise on petfinder - You can also research specific breed rescue clubs - pedigree rescue clubs for dogs that are good with children and yet will also protect your home - here are some possible breeds -

Labradore retriever - Make sure the dog is at least 3 yrs old - they can be very high strung before they fully mature

Golden Retriever - excellent selection - great personality - try to find one that has been well socialized and has no fears of strange places or people

Standard Poodles - nice even tempered dogs - require regular professional grooming

Pit Bull Mixes - if well socialized make excellent pets and great guardians too - pits are know for being dog aggressive not people aggressive and a shelter usually can have a canine behaviorist do a personality profile on the dogs

German Shepard Mixes or a full Shepard makes an excellent companion/guard dog

There are so many dog breeds that can fill your request. I strongly suggest that you visit your local animal shelter and go and visit different dogs and listen to the staff at the shelter. They usually know the dogs at the shelters and can explain to you about the different breeds.

Good Luck and thank you for opening up your home to provide a home for a dog

Answer 2

I would recommend a mini-shnauzer. I'm on my 3rd & this breed has always been great with kids! The first 2 I had I'd gotten from a breeder at 6 wks old but this last one I decided to do the mini-schnauzer rescue group here in Oregon & they let me go to an animal shelter which was about a 2 hour drive from here but they had gotten a heads up from the animal control in that town that they were closing down a mini-schnauzer puppy mill that weren't taking care of their animals. Well, that little guy was 3 years old & he nipped at 2 kids during the first few months but a couple of reprimands (which crushed him cuz he only lived to make me happy!) & it was over. I still use caution but we've been together for 5 years now & he's never nipped anyone since those 1st few months when he was learning acceptable behavior for family life. He was a puppy mill dog so was never taught social skills. He is a great protector of the house though. No one comes to the door without him alerting us & he stays very close to them until he gets an o.k. from us that this person can stay. Of course he's small (25#) but his bark is pretty ferocious!

Answer 3

I would not recommend any of the very small breeds with a 2 year old because many of them are nervous of toddlers and can get nippy. Other than that, there are too many breeds to choose from. A dog that is perfect for one person may not be what you want in a dog. You need to get an all breed book or attend a dog show where you can see all the breeds, find one you like the looks of, then research that breed to find out temperament, health problems, grooming needs, energy level and fine the one that suits your needs. If you go to a dog show you can talk to people who own that breed, meet the dogs and make a much more informed choice for the right dog for you. Good luck finding your ideal companion!

Answer 4

I am very anti AKC they have got most of the time destroyed any breed they have got touched and intent a colossal difference in working and affirmation. Above all inside the border collie and australian shepherd breeds. What they've completed to the GSD is a crime. Give me a working bred dog over a affirmation canine any day of the week. This is for temperment, and capacity to perform the job they had been at first created to do.

Answer 5

I am very anti AKC they have got usually destroyed any breed they have got touched and intent a gigantic change in running and affirmation. Specially inside the border collie and australian shepherd breeds. What they have got performed to the GSD is against the law. Give me a running bred puppy over a affirmation puppy any day of the week. This is for temperment, and potential to participate in the task they have been firstly created to do.

Answer 6

i have 2 german shepherd male dogs. I also have a young child and they are GREAT with her. They let her do whatever she wants to them. They are great guard dogs as well. My husband is a correctional officer in a prison and works nights, i am never scared because ofthe dogs. They will not let anyone in the house and i know when somene is inthe lane even before thy get to the driveway!
but just remember and dog could be goood, TRAINING is the key

Answer 7

Female german shephard. A male can be too rough with kids. Miniature sheltie females are also good. Our Blue Mural, Mitzy, used to round all the kids up like a herd.

Answer 8

A well bred Boxer is a good guard dog and fantastic with small children. Not exactly a medium sized dog....a pug dog is also great with kids, but would be a terrible guard dog. :)

Answer 9

A schnauzer. They are known for being great with kids, they don't shed and they will bark when strangers come to the door. Don't forget that they also come in three sizes. Miniature, standard and Giant.

Answer 10

I have a Jack Russel Terrier mix with a blue-tick hound and she is very protective.