What breeds of dogs are both protective and tolerant for toddlers age 18 months?

Question

I am wanting to get a dog for my family. I have 18 month old twins. I am looking for a dog that is protective, yet tolerant for the twins. Does anyone have any suggestions or information on breeds suitable for my home?

Answer 1

Hi
I've always found Labradors to be highly protective and very tolerant.They are also extremely clever,obedient dogs.So there is no problems with toilet training etc.

Answer 2

I would watch out for any dog that is a herding dog. He
rding dogs tend to be biters. Not because they are mean but because they are trying to herd your child by biting them into the right direction.

An older dog would be better than a puppy. A puppy is a lot of work and with having a child in the home it can be a lot to handle.

People will all have different opinions on different breeds. You can never go solely on breed alone because all dogs are different.

Most families end up with Labs. A friend of mine has two Golden Retrievers which are great dogs. Another friend of mine had a great dane who he felt in his opinion was the best breed.

Answer 3

I agree with the responses so far on german shepherds. We have one and she is wonderful. But, as the one person said, they are herding dogs, and they tend to herd by nipping. Not biting, just little nips, but if the dog is still a puppy with its baby teeth, they are needle sharp and it can hurt. My daughter was 3 when we got ours and when she would run down the hall our puppy was right there and sometimes would nip at her elbow. Once her baby teeth were gone, this pretty much stopped though and has never been an issue since. She is FANTASTIC with the kids ( 5 & 8 yrs now). Our son was afraid of dogs before we got her, now he respects them, and he loves her. She sleeps on the floor on my side of the bed and when our youngest pads into our room in the middle of the night, if she accidently steps on the dog, there is no complaint, no reflexive biting, nothing. She just moves out of the way. My husband even tripped over/on her one night (she was in an unexpected location on the floor) and she yelped a bit in pain when he fell on her, but was totally passive. Just don't let a stranger come poking around the house outside!! Anybody approaching gets her instant attention and she alerts us right away. We have moved twice (3 houses total) and each time it takes her only a matter of a couple of days to understand what is "ours" and what is not... and she doesn't let anybody not family into "our" space without acknowledgement. She will lay out in the yard half way in between when the kids are on opposite sides of the yard watching them both for trouble (or maybe she's just worried she'll miss out on something fun!!).. If you can tolerate a few weeks of "herding" you'll never regret it. My daughter used to climb in her crate with her and pretend the dog was her mommy.... How's that for a recommendation!

Answer 4

I would get a German Shepherd I personally wouldn't own any other breed they are great with kids and make a a great all around family pet. My kids grew up with them since they have grown and moved out I now have a 4 yr old female and she loves having company especially young kids. Your first step should be to do your research on the breeds your interested in then make sure you find a responsible breeder in your area they will be the ones that are breeding for temperament and and gentic traits. There are lots of good web sites out there. Good Luck!

Answer 5

labs and golden retrievers are usually among the top of the list. However, I have a Great Pyrenese. They are herding dogs. She adores children. One time her dad, Kochese, was walking along the perimeter of their farm and noticed a toddler walking by herself, she was 2 years old. The young couple, who were building a house next to Kochese's property, didn't see their toddler wander away. The little girl headed to the busy highway, Kochese went up to her and continued to circle the child, until she held on to his fur. Then, he slowly walked her back to her family. Kochese, had never seen these people before, but guarded her as a lost sheep. Dory, his daughter, my dog, has the same instinct. My grandma has dementia, and can't see hardly at all. She loses her balance quite often. When this happens, Dory goes to her, and stands there, while grandma leans on her, until she catches her balance. Then she walks with her slowly until grandma gets to where she wants to go. Grandma, simply pets her head, and thanks her. Dory just looks at her, like "it's ok", then goes and lays down. She's a loving dog, and is so awesome with our whole family. My advice would be, to let a dog choose your children, instead of children choosing a dog. And, if u go to a shelter to save a dog, take the children, let them get used to them. Because once a dog knows who "saved " them, they will be loyal to them forever. Good luck.

Answer 6

You can't get any more protective or loyal or loving than a German Shepherd in my book. Get one that's 2-3 years old and no older, they are most adaptable to any household and new masters/mistresses at this age. Not only are they my best pick, but you want a big dog that will be able to actually have the strength to pull your toddler back from the driveway, pool, etc.... and they're the most intelligent breed too, more easily trained than most breeds. Shepherds got their name from 'Shepherding' the flocks of sheep and animals, they're a natural at it, perfect for what you're looking for.

Answer 7

German Shepherd's are great "protectors" and wonderful, loving , very loyal dogs. Get one that is rather young - so that it will grow with your children. They adapt to new homes and masters at a younger age also. These dogs have an instinct to protect and serve ( used alot in search and rescue, police training, etc...) Most German Shepherd's I have seen will attach themselves ( in a motherly or protective way) to the "weaker link" ( small child ) in the family. If you get a puppy or dog that hasn't been around children, begin training immediately to establish the roles in the house with the dog, so the dog knows who is master and who is in control - they are pack animals and sometimes will try to show dominance over children - espc. those of the same gender as the dog - ( my Shepherd tried this in subtle ways such as standing over our youngest or nudging her out of the way)

Answer 8

German Sheperd dogs are pretty good dogs..one of my favorite breeds. they are pretty good w/children and very protective of their homes and families. i have never got the chance to own one of these yet.
i recomend a st. bernanrd or great pyrenese..these dogs are very big...but absolutly great w/children. there are lots of great pyrenese rescues and st bernard rescues out there. and most these dogs are already house trained, obedience trained ect. if you do decide to get a puppy then do not get one from a pet store. pet store pups come from puppy mills and these are horrible places.
also another good breed is a greyhound..ours is wonderful. a very laid back dog..they only need a good run about once a week. and are very good w/children.unfortunantly greyhounds are not that protective.
newfoundlands are also very good dogs around kids..i dont know how protective though.
whatever breed you do decide to get do your research first...that way you know what you are getting into. also remember too that the dog also needs its space. no matter how gentle the dog..they can get annoyed by children at times. we have 5 children..2 of them are twins..and our dogs need their space too. always supervise children and dogs..at all times!

Answer 9

A dog most patient with young children is the beagle.
But tolerance and protectiveness varies in each individual animal regardless of the breed.

With very young, you want to stay away from terriers.

Answer 10

i got a Rottweiler before my kids where born. he was about 4 when my first was born. he was very good with my kids. they loved him dearly, and miss him every day. how ever you should also know the down falls of them too! they are very protective. you have to watch how they react when you discipline them, and last but not least-they chew until the age of 3. if you decide to get one, make sure to socialize it at a early age! if you do this and train them properly, they make a very wonderful family pet!!! p.s my jake came from a shelter. these animals seem to be the best. they just want to be loved!!

Answer 11

I have grown up with boxers and have continued to own them in my adult life.. I have a 9 yr old, 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and a 4 month old. They have all tormented my boxers. Sitting on them, playing with their lips, getting in their faces and they have never even growled. They are also very protective of the house and kids and highly trainable.