2006-09-22 01:39:40 · 51 answers · asked by Tina D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
that really depends on how pet-savvy the kids are and what their ages are as to what they can handle and how they would handle it. If the kids are young, avoid getting a smaller dog, as they are more likely to hurt it and may get nipped. A collie is always a good family dog, you can get a smooth, which has shorter hair and is easier to maintain, or a rough, which is the "lassie" looking one. Check out your local All-Breed club, they should have some breeders to recommend along with local rescues.
2006-09-22 01:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by Meggz21 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get a rescue Greyhound! I have 2 children - 4 and 2 yrs old and 2 cats as well. The greyhound is so placid and patient with my kids its not true! My wee girl even bit the dog on the bum once, really hard, and the dog didn't react - apart from a yelp! The dog just needs 2 - 3 very short walks a day, and she walks happily beside the pushchair. She is a big lazy lump and a real softy - the most gentle animal around!
I wouldn't recommend getting a puppy if you have young kids - they have unbelievably sharp teeth and they won't understand boundaries yet so your children could well end up getting bitten.
Greyhounds are about the most docile breed of dog when it comes to their relationship with people. Because they have been raised in racing kennels with lots of trainers and people around, they are used to all different kinds of people. They also hardly ever bark!
If you do have very young children, make sure the dog has its own space to go to to get some peace. A rescue greyhound is used to sleeping in a crate (at the trainers), so it can escape the madness by going to its private den.
2006-09-22 08:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your kids ages, many smaller breed dogs are nippy with small kids and larger breeds are... just too large. The Golden has always been rated very high as a family pet with children but this doesn't mean your kids can jump on the dog and treat it poorly so some training for the kids goes along with training the dog! Bostons are a great breed especially when purchased as a puppy. They can become quite shy though if mis-treated by the kids and a bit stand-offish. Labs are a handful and too high energy for small kids. Boxers are another good breed as well as bulldogs... ugly but great with kids, lol!
And unlike Mr Dalmatian Rescue who thinks the answer to every question regarding getting a dog is rescue, I would NOT go to a rescue if you're worried about your kids. It can be done with older kids but what you'll get is a dog that has it's own problems from a pre-existing home. Bad habits and behavior that you may not want to put up with. Not all rescue workers know what they're doing or what they're talking about. So their opinion on a particular dogs behavior may not be 100% and to me, that's not worth the risk. Start fresh and get the apple of your eye straight from the tree!
I suggest you come up with a list of breeds you like and research their behavior, personalities and requirements online at professional sites like AKC and others. This will give you an informative approach to selecting a breed. Then look online for breeders in your area. Leave the kids with a sitter and go visit the breeder BEFORE you purchase the pup. Look with your eyes and your nose when you walk into the house. Are they selling to make money or for the love of the breed? Take a look at their facilities and that should give you your answer!
Research is the key! Research the breed, the breeder and training tips for the breed!
2006-09-22 02:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If at all possible, try your local shelters. These dogs/puppies are already checked for health and social ability. Many of the dogs there are purebreds too (lots of Labs). It would be a nice way to let the kids help pick out the dog they like best. Have a chance to play with it and really find a great dog. If you would like a purebred that is not a rescue dog/puppy, make sure you go through a reputable and ethical breeder. Go to http://www.akc.org/ to help find the parent breed club of the breed you like. They will then refer you to the local breed clubs in your area. Never buy a dog/puppy from a puppy shop or an online 'buy a puppy here' website. These puppies are coming from unknown backgrounds and without you knowing the health concerns of their parents. Most of the time these puppies come straight from a puppy mill. If you would like to know more about what puppy mills are go to : http://www.stoppuppymills.org/
2006-09-22 02:12:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That really depends on you. Personally I like larger dogs, but if your children are scared of big dogs, then maybe they are not appropriate. A dog in the retriever family would be a good large dog to have. They are loyal, loving, trainable dogs. Be careful about the American vs. English Lab. these both have different temperaments. Honestly I would go to the humane society, or rescue... because maybe a medium sized breed would be good with two kids... And there are a lot of doggies in need of a loving home like yours...
2006-09-22 05:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by cheertee1126 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you go to a local rescue/shelter you can take your whole family and look at a variety of dogs. The people working there will know a bit about each dogs' personality and will know what will fit in with your family. Also, what's best is that you get to play with any dog you're interested in and see how it reacts to you and your children.
And what could possibly make you feel better than rescuing a great dog from being put to sleep? (c:
2006-09-22 03:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have dogs all my life and all different breeds. I now own a Labrador Retriever and will never be without one. He is the best dog and I actually got one because several of my friends has them and I was impressed with their friendly easy going personality. They are very versatile and I take mine swimming with my nephews all the time. He tolerates everything the kids do to him without flinching. But it really depends on you lifestyle. You can always go to your local animal shelter there are always dogs and puppies looking for a loving home. There are also several breed rescue groups if you want a specific breed. I would look into the breed standards first because there several breeds you should not have around children. Especially do that if you adopt, breeds like Labs are known for the friendly personalities but some need to be raised around kids. But without a doubt I would recommend a Lab, there so much kids can do with them and the dog actually loves it too.
2006-09-22 05:53:11 · answer #7 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Old English sheepdogs epecially bitches are very docile towards humans and kids. I have had two of this breed in the past and brought up three children with them; so personal experience of this. However, they are not too bright compared to Alsations,Jack Russells or Labs for instance so realise that if you get one as you are not likely to be able to teach it too many tricks and they don't seem interested in the stick/ball throwing bit either
They are really good house dogs though and will protect your property and you against strangers, so very loyal. Can be a bind in the winter/wet season as the coat is long and takes ages to dry out. However, they do not moult as the coat is hair (like humans) and not fur. So only dead hairs fall out. Also the males are quite aggressive to other dogs but the bitches aren't it sseems.Hope you find what you are looking for.
2006-09-22 01:59:18 · answer #8 · answered by Northantsman 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Black Labs seem to be fantastic with babies and kids...dont know what it is about the colour but ive never heard of one that isnt fantastic around them.
I have also had border Collies all my life and I DO NOT recommend you get one of those as their herding instinct is just too strong and they have tendencies to nip and get over excited when they are young.
Little dogs are yappy and unpredictable. the best thing you can do is read the best seller - 'Marley and Me' - Marley was a yellow lab but no matter! and then go out and get yourself the best present you will ever buy - A Lab and a big black one at that.pups are hard work so why dont you pop into your local rescue centre and rehome? Good luck whatever you decide.x
2006-09-22 02:00:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes i will tell you the best dog to buy they love children and are such good pets it is a bichon frise i have three but they also love a lot of love and they dont like being on there own for a long time so if you are out working all day not a good idea they love being around you they are so sweet and so good with kids and so easy to trained good luck these dog are not to big but full of love and kisses and love to be cuddled
2006-09-24 08:26:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋