never had a dog before my kids are 7 and 9 and i feel we are ready as a family to take on the resonsibilty off the life long comitment what would any1 recommend ?
2006-11-12 01:19:56 · 31 answers · asked by busy mum 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well, you have the choice of getting a pedigree puppy, a mongrel puppy, or a rescued dog.
If you are looking for a pedigree puppy then stick to the popular breeds. This sounds silly, but the popular breeds are popular for good reasons! The exact breed will depend on your living situation and lifestyle.
As ever, when choosing a puppy, please, please go to a good breeder. It is better not to take the kids on a first visit because they have enormous 'pester power' and you will end up with something unsuitable. Remember that a bad choice of puppy will mean 10 - 15 years of trouble. If you have any doubts about the puppy, the mother, or the breeder then you should walk away no matter how cute they appear. A bad choice of dog will break both your heart and your children's hearts, so the stakes are too high to be swayed by cutesy puppy eyes.
Good luck with your doggie, and I hope you have many happy years together.
2006-11-12 01:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by stienbabe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of questions that you need to answer first. What size house do you have, what size yard, what kind of activities to you like to do, do you want an inside dog, do you want to be involved in competitions with the dog, etc...
Pick up a book on dog breeds and see what characteristics of each breed match your family's personality.
I have owned three Great Danes and I love the breed- once you've been around their personality, a lot of other dogs seem hyper and simple in comparison. But on the other hand, a Dane is not likely to win an agility contest, almost certainly won't retrieve a duck, and they require quite a bit of room for their bed. I'm an outdoor person, and I love taking my Great Dane hiking and camping, and they are generally a great family dog. They are gentle, low maintainance, and good with kids. They can look a bit intimidating, but I think it's more noble than scary.
2006-11-12 01:33:54 · answer #2 · answered by sandsunsurf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you went to your local animal shelter. They will match you up with the right dog for your family.
Previous answers are interesting!
I certainly wouldn't recommend a spaniel, especially a springer - they can be really mad!
Labs and retrievers are usually a good bet - but they are working dogs and will be frustrated if they are not worked.
Someone else said 'not a Jack Russell' - but guess what we have now????? She is great with the kids - but she is from Wood Green. She is also very antisocial with other animals.
We had a Boarder Collie Cross previously and he was really good. When we had to have him put to sleep at the age of 18 we let the next dog find us - and that was the Jack Russell.
My advice would be to let the dog find you, not you find the dog.
2006-11-12 01:35:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Weimaraner and a Labrador and had a Boxer until recently when she died of old age. I would says Labs are a good choice but they do tend to be quite destructive when they are young, because they like to chew a lot, especially wood like skirting boards. They need a lot of exercise, although not too much when they are growing up as their bones are soft and if you over-exercise them in the early days it can lead to problems with joints later. But the more time you spend playing with your dog and giving it exercise, the less destructive it will be.
Boxers are extremely good with children too, but you need to be pretty firm with them (same as with any other dog) so that they don't think they're in charge.
Weimaraners can be a bit of a handful and I wouldn't recommend one unless you have lots and lots of time and space for exercise as they can be a bit wild when they are young.
2006-11-12 01:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by Sophie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want a great inside dog get a SHIH TZU!!! They are VERY good natured, they get most of their exercise inside so you don't have to take them on walks if you don't have time in your day. They are good for those you have alleregies. I had a pug growing up (another good natured doy, by the way) but he was terrieble on my alleregies! Best of all, Shih tzu's don't shed...no seriously...they don't shed! I've never seen anything like it. My husband has a hair phobia and he was very apprehensive to get an inside dog because of the hair....now he want's to get another dog!!! You can do a lot of good research online for a dog that will be just right for your family online. That's how we finally decided on a shih tzu and have been pleased with our choice!!!!
2006-11-12 02:24:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cocker spaniel, they are so good and they dont grow that big. I've had 3 different spaniels when I was younger and I haven't had one bit of trouble from them.
But I always think that any dog could be a good family dog if they are brought up right.
2006-11-12 02:49:09 · answer #6 · answered by xx angel 3m xx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Staffy is probably the best dog to get as a family pet, Labs and Spaniels aren't as great as their made out to be, Spaniels are too independent and Labs wag their tails too much. A Staffy is one of the best breeds to have around children.
2006-11-12 02:18:22 · answer #7 · answered by David B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Springer Spaniel
2006-11-12 01:27:40 · answer #8 · answered by Darth Emiras 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends what size dog you are looking for,if a largish dog then lab or golden retrievers are good family dogs but they are normally boisterous when young.if your looking for something more manageable for a first time dog owner then i would recommend a cavalier king Charles spaniel they have super little personality's are great with kids and oldies and are easy to train.good luck.
2006-11-12 04:05:53 · answer #9 · answered by Heavenly20 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a charity and they will find the right rescue dog for you, theres loads of abandoned dogs who need a home, and you'll know more about the dog than if you just bought one, the fosterer will be able to tell you about their nature etc
2006-11-12 02:46:42 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Tallulah♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋