Best Family Dog Breed?

Question

Next spring my family is going to look into getting a new family dog....what is a good small dog breed for families with very energetic children? What small breeds are most tolerant?

Answer 1

type in "dog breed selector" Several questionnaires will come up. They will ask you about your lifestyle and preferences. This should give you a good idea about the breed good for you. Whatever you do, dont go to a pet shop or a backyard breeder. Happy Hunting!!!!

Answer 2

I don't know your family so I cannot honestly and accurately answer your question. Here is what I suggest. Get the entire family together and go to your nearest animal shelter. Those folks would have a better idea of what may suit your family best. Many shelters also want to see the right dog go to the right family. The workers there get down in the dumps when they get a dog back. They want things to go right on the first go round. Avoid the designer dog breeds. People will breed them in the hopes that only the best qualities of the two breeds will be present in the pups. What can and does happen is a disaster. I could go into a really long rant here about designer dogs, and puppy mills, and bad breeders. If you don't want a shelter dog and decide to purchase a dog avoid the pet stores. you may think you are getting a perfect dog at a store but it's highly likely you'll get a puppy mill dog. Getting a dog from a GOOD breeder is far better than a pet store dog. A GOOD breeder is in it for the love of the breed and the love of dogs. Money is secondary to them. Yes there are good breeders but you will have to hunt for them. I'll end it here by suggesting a shelter dog. Many of the dog actors you see in the movies were shelter rescues. Good dogs are put to sleep every day at animal shelters. I'd stick with the more well known shelters. Even with shelters there are good ones and bad ones.

Answer 3

I have an 88 lb shar pei he's amazing with kids, we've had him since he was 4 1/2 weeks old and have done to him things kids would do (pull tail, lay on him, be in his face when he's eatting) he's never snapped at anyone. My parents have a rat dog (little dog) and it snaps at my nephews 1 & 2 years old all the time for no reason. So don't think because it's a small dog it's the best option for a family. How u raise them makes a major effect on how they are with people.

Answer 4

I grew up with beagles. They are energetic and give lots of love. They can live either indoors or outdoors. They are great with children, I plan on getting some for my kids when they come along. They are good tempermented and I don't ever remember my dogs(there were 5 at a time) ever fighting each other and they never bit me and I would play rough with them. They are really hardy dogs. Good luck on your choice, I am sure you will do what you think is best for your babies.

Answer 5

A Jack Russell is best for an energetic family. playful, protecting,
inside dog that can spend time outside. loyal to owner, but will play with all family members. daughter has a puppy and very happy, sister in law has one, older. She is very happy to have a Jack Russell, too

Answer 6

Mini Australian shepherd!
A MINI Australian shepherd! my boyfriend has one and she is so great with his young neices. The dog is a herding dog and keeps the kids together. she does shed but she is taken to the groomer once a month to be trimmed and shaved and that makes her barley shed. you will need to train your dog and this breed is very smart! also introduce your puppy to many people and take her everywhere you can to socialize her. make sure you buy from a reputable breeder.( a good breeder will take your dog back if you could no longer care for it at any age!) you should never buy a dog from a pet store or from a newspaper. do your research on any dog you do choose and buy books about the breed so you know what to expect. Good luck. oh yea and NEVER buy from a breeder that sells puppys year round

Answer 7

We own a North American Cocker Spaniel...she is AMAZING.... we have had no issues with her..she is totally a part of our family and we love her so much. She has lots of energy when needed but can be left alone in the home when she cant come along. We have 3 children, and got Casey inbetween our two boys...when my middle child had just turned one. I also ran a home daycare for 7 years...and Casey was amazing with all the kids. We are sure she doesnt know that she is a dog! She sleeps on my daughters bed, hardly sheds, hasnt cost us hardly anything at the vets. She is blonde and turned 7 in the summer....were hoping she will live until she's at least 15. We will be devistated when she leaves us one day for doggie heaven. Good luck with your choice.

Answer 8

We chose a Border Collie for their energy level as my children have a high energy level. But this breed isn't small in all bloodlines as out will be around 45 lbs full grown. If you have the time and room for one, I think they make a great dog with children of high energy levels, but that doesn't come without it's challenges. BC's get bored really easy and tend to become destructive if they are bored. A daily walk is not enuf stimulation for a BC either. They are very smart and need excercise, but with more of a mental challenge to it. We decided to persue agility training for our puppy. It's something I've always thought would be fun to do and it's going to be a great "job" for our BC to keep her a happy pup.

If you're children are higher energy level, you might consider going with a medium sized breed if you have the space. If small it has to be, then I know many a Shitzu's that have been great with children when raised with them and have a ton of play energy to boot.

Answer 9

golden retievers are great but not small dogs. i am not sure for small dogs maybe pugs? but remember children will hold small dogs wrong and can hurt them. jack russels have lots of energy like to play a lot. terriers are very energetic

Answer 10

I suggest buying a Pug. They are very sweet dogs. My husband and I got one last year. Her name is Sandy. She loves kids and almost everyone she meets. I guess any small dog would do, it's mostly how you treat and raise your dog. Most any small dogs love children and other people.