I had a cocker spaniel who just passed, and I'm looking to buy a new dog. I've always liked bulldogs, but now that we're expecting and have a 3yo....I'm not sure if that's wise. Are they good with kids? How do I find a breeder? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
2006-09-18 03:40:11 · 13 answers · asked by politicalsruh 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My sister had a bulldog and then had a baby and the dog was jealous and actually nicked her daughter in the face over food when the child was three. Her dog was not good with any of the children in the family.
I would advise getting a young shelter dog that has perhaps already been house broken and been around children. Alot of really good dogs are given away simply because the owner moves and can't take the dog with them. With small children you need an easy going dog that is not too rambunctious.
As far as myself, I have a border collie and he loves everybody, but he also loves to run and if you are in his way he'll run you over. :)
2006-09-18 04:00:07 · answer #1 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello-
As an avid dog advocate and small-scale breeder, I love ALL dog breeds pretty much...but only raise one..the bloodhound. Of course this is a big dog in nature, but you say you are considering a bulldog. I have been around many other breeds and some of the suggestions you have gotten are great, the retriever, the herding breeds (border collies are great!). I have 2 females and one male bloodhound which are pretty rare in our region and could not ask for a breed that is more loyal and loving. I have some puppies that go to search and rescue owners, but the majority go to families with children and the bonding and relationships are amazing. My son also has autism and the patience shown from our dogs is quite remarkable.
They are a part of our family and we would have it no other way.And yes, getting ANY puppy requires alot of work, but I believe getting the puppy at a young age and while the kids are little is very important for the bonding to take place. Seeing them grow up together is an awesome thing. With any breed obedience training or discipline is needed to set ground rules and without this, no matter what breed you decide on, you are in for trouble. You need to beware of pet stores, large-scale breeders with multiple breeds, puppy mills, and some shelters. You need to find a puppy that has been well-socialized from the beginning and find someone that is willling to answer ALL your questions, concerns and continue that for the life of the puppy. Ask for references, to talk to families of the puppies they have sold and if they hesitate, look for another. A good breeder will also offer a health gurantee usually. As an example:::I make it a point when palcing my puppies that my new families sign a treatment contract with expectations from the buyer and seller as well as the health of the puppy. This ensures well-treatment and shows how much we love our little ones. I ask that all families keep in contact with me and I recieve pics and emails all the time. I try to email them periodically and they are always calling or emailing with questions about anything. I also try to email them tips, helpful weblinks or anything I think may be useful. I have made some WONDERFUL friends and I can not begin to explain in words the joy we get seeing the happiness our puppies bring into the lives of others. We have wrinkly babies all over the country and one even in Canada. I love what we do, all though I cry everytime I send one still!
If I were you...I would narrow it down to a few breeds, do your research and contact a few breeders and see where this leads you. I would be happy to point you in the right direction no matter what breed you decide on if you would like to contact me. A website to look into to is: www.puppyfind.com
You can look at any breed here. Be picky!!! You also want to make sure you are not getting a puppy with a line of health problems, defects or from a place with unsanitary conditions. Good luck!!
2006-09-18 13:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by Tracy J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 kids ages 4-10 and I always say go with something smaller but sturdy. IF it decided to bite would it be a life or death situation or a couple stitches or nothing at all. We have a pug- small but sturdy and absolutely great with kids and also a Welsh Corgi- short but long- heavy bones and loves kids. Great fetchers both of them- good size for sleeping on the beds with the kids too. Don't forget a new baby means being eye level to whatever dog you get when the baby starts crawling. A big dog has big teeth and no matter how careful you are someone will step on a tail or pull an ear. You don't want to have to worry that IF your dogs snaps at the kids if it will do severe damage. Hope this helps. Good Luck
2006-09-18 12:01:39 · answer #3 · answered by therealprinsess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the herding breeds with kids (I have shelties and like the herding breeds in general).
The best thing to do is get in touch with your local bulldog club. Talk to some of the members and even go to a couple of the meetings. This will also help you find some good puppies if you decide to go with one.
Go to AKC.org. you will find a link to clubs. go to the national breed club for bulldogs. on there, you should find a link or listing of local clubs. find the one for your area. there should be contact information.
Good luck!!
2006-09-18 11:51:37 · answer #4 · answered by K G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a woman I know personally and would highly recommend as a bulldog breeder or someone who can give you a referral. Extremely ethical and reputable.
http://www.dogomania.com/gallery/breeders/1021480124.html
2006-09-18 10:54:22 · answer #5 · answered by novel_kennels 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for kids that young I wouldnt suggest getting a puppy... puppies teethe, jump, destroy AND require ALOT of time.. (esp for housetraining)
with 2 young kids will you be able to be consistant with housetraining and obedience training for a young pup??? failure to do either one well is the number 1 reason most dogs are abandoned or become unwanted...
housetraining - you have to be able to go out EVERYTIME with the pup to give it the reward...
ok since pups teethe they will be very mouthy to your kids and will destroy a good number of kids toys - I would honestly suggest and adult dog
go to your local shelter and ask for a dog who is good with kids...(often soft mouthed breeds are known to be more patient and gentle) or if you are stuck on BUlldogs - contact a Bulldog rescue.
finding a breeder - look on the internet, ask your vet, ask the local dog club, attend a dog show.
Bulldogs are ok with kids IF socialized correctly (eg. taken to obedience classes) AND you have the time for them
2006-09-18 10:46:22 · answer #6 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local shelter. They will have a great dog just for you . They are already spayed or neutered with all their shots. These animals need good loving homes and are waiting to be loved by you and your family.
2006-09-18 10:48:57 · answer #7 · answered by jen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The absolute best breed of dog for kids is the NEWFOUNDLAND.
There have been cases where Newfies have pulled drowning kids out of swimming pools... they are very loving and protective of small chiuldren and are VERY patient...
2006-09-18 10:58:34 · answer #8 · answered by ♥♥♥ Mommy to Two ♥♥♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the best dog for kids is a golden retriever, I have never seen a mean one
2006-09-18 10:47:45 · answer #9 · answered by dwm5_62 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in my opinion and from experience, boxers are great with children. i have a nine month old baby and my boxer is three years old and loves her to death. i thought i would have problems when my daughter was born but he treats her like his own.
check out www.boxerworld.com they have a forum about children and pets. great website!
2006-09-18 12:53:09 · answer #10 · answered by vernie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋