what is the best dog to get when you have young kids.?

Question

i dont want a poofy dog or a hard looking dog. just a trust worthy dog that wont go for my kids.

i have 5 kids aged 3,5,10 ,11,13 they would love taking the dog out with me on long walks.

Answer 1

Honestly speaking I have to tell you a Labrador Retriever. I have owned several breeds and not that they were bad but they were not as well rounded and as impressive as the Labs. They are the most loving, loyal, affectionate, intelligent, highly versatile dogs you will ever find. They have the greatest temperments and love kids and other dogs. They are easy to train and my nephews have the greatest time with my Lab. The go swimming with him in the summer, play with him in the snow, go hiking with him, there is nothing they can not do with him. Their coats are not hard to take care of but are great in all weather. If you really want a great dog for the kids there would be no better choice then the Labs.

Answer 2

There's so much more you need to ask yourself to really answer this question properly.

How active is your family? If you're the type that gets out and does lots of walks, hiking and camping, then a more active breed will be appropriate for you.

How old are your children? If your children are old enuf to participate in proper training classes (which I strongly suggest, regardless of what breed cuz it just makes a dog so much better mannered) then you will have no problem with them asserting their dominance over the new pup (ours are 5 and 3 and far too young for that).

What kind of space can you offer your pet? Is there a big back yard, where a medium or large breed dog can have a good romp and play with the kids? Or are you in an apartment where a smaller breed would be best suited?

There's lots of breeds that can be great with kids, but training them in an obedience class, where they will be properly socialized and it gets you lots of insight on handling your puppy is a really good thing. We have a 4 month old Border Collie we are doing this with and I wouldn't trade this trainer for anything, she has been incredible (but you have to do your research and maybe contact a few dog groups for suggestions in trainers, cuz not all are good ones).

Golden Retrievers are great with kids and very mild mannered. Labs are also great. Our Border Collie fits well with our young children, cuz they all have high energy levels. BC's are herders and so they tend to nip the heels in an attempt to herd the children, but this is in no way aggressive and our trainer has given us good methods to properly discourage this behavior. Greyhounds are gentle giants, even tho they're known for racing, they can be quite the couch potatoes.

Sometimes you can even find a good young adult mutt breed at the shelter that will be good for your family and usually the shelter can suggest a particular one that they feel will be a good fit for you.

Answer 3

Go for a breed of gun dog that is known for its reliability with children and will enjoy your lively household! Just remember that as well as long walks you will need to train and groom the dog and if it is young, you'll need to teach it to be gentle with the children.
When thinking about which breed, consider the size and the grooming requirements. I strongly recommend choosing your dog from a breeder so that you can see the relations if choosing a puppy and then you'll know how your dog will turn out. You'll also be able to see the adult dogs with your children and you can check whether you feel happy with the dog's size and characteristics.
All young dogs are naturally boisterous and start off rough with mouthing and pawing and jumping. They learn to be calm and gentle with children. (Properly supervised children are often the best to teach them this!)
Children and dogs should always be supervised of course and make wonderful playmates. Your kids will be so happy to get a dog! Have loads of fun.

Answer 4

since you still have some small kids it wouldnt be wise to get a big dog like a lab because even though they start off small they still grow quicker than children and could knock your little ones flying! You should get a small dog for now but which breed is up to you as it depends on alot of factors like how much do you want to spend buying the dog, how much are you willing to spend a week, would you need the dog groomed? there are alot of breeds to choose from but i find the best small dog that is best for children is cairn terrier

Answer 5

How old are the kids?
Are they respectful?

If you email me some more specifics about the ages, behavior of the kids and activity level of the household (do ya'll go walking, hiking, outdoors stuff) I can help guide you to some breeds that will match your lifestyle.

I also have experience with small kids and dogs, so I can help advise you in that area to help keep your kids and dog safe!

[e-mail]
http://www.geocities.com/libertydogtraining

Answer 6

Hi!

I have Cavalier King Charles dogs.

They are a medium sized dog which means that they can still sit on your lap without breaking your knees, and not too small that you're likely to sit on them and squash them!!

They really are the best natured of all dogs. Very easy to train and extremely good house dogs.

They love all people and their tails are constantly wagging.

They are very sociable and loyal.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Golden Retriever or a Lab.

My brother has two labs with a 2 year old baby... they let him ride them, pull on their tails, play on them, etc and LOVE it. One is an older dog, about 8 the other is only 4 and really rambunctious but he's good with the baby.

Answer 8

i got a 3-year old and if we did get a dog i would get a staffie. i've met a few now and although they can be boisterous and possibly prone to obesity (i know of one fat one that gets 3 hours on the beach everyday and still he is fat!).
They got lovely temperaments and are small dogs that don't lose too much hair.
But we live in a flat so there will be no dog in the foreseeable future.

Answer 9

It depends on the particular dog, but my first choice would definately be a Lab, preferably a puppy. Then it could grow up around your kids and be used to them.

Answer 10

Hi Gray
I would pick a Westie,,, they are great with kids and mine will let the kids pull her paws and her tail, She will growl but never would bite. Plus she was a rescued one and shes just amazing considering what shes been through.... really trust wothy as well