What breeds of dogs are good with kids?

Question

I have a 6 month old and would like to get him a puppy for Christmas, one that can grow with him.

Answer 1

I suggest a lab or a golden retriever. Although i have a bull mastiff and she is great with kids. I think it all depends on how the owner raises them. Have fun and good luck with whatever you choose!

Answer 2

I was in this situation last summer with my one year old. Think of the following-how much time do you have to train the dog, how much exercise do you like to get, what size can your home "fit". Those are good starts.

You will be training the pup from day one-if you don't then you will end up with a dog who won't listen, isn't housebroken, and is a terror. Do you jog daily or are you a couch tater? If you don't like to break a sweat then a Border Collie isn't going to be a good match. Do you have a tiny apt? You may be better matched to a small dog than a Dane. I found that getting a dog for my son was more like having a second baby. Katie has eaten toys that are my son's, she peed the floor for 2 weeks before being potty trained, she gets puppy crazies and will run through the house at top speed and knock my son over. It was a nightmare for about 4 months.

Then finally the training clicked and she now listens much better; she will potty on command (nice in cold weather), she is careful with my toddler and doesn't knock him over, she has forced me to walk 1/2 a mile a day and my son and I take her to the park every chance we get (so that is a stroller, toddler, dog and me in the car for a trip). We have a electronic fence now and that helps. Katie is a Brittany and a wonderful breed-happy, active, about 3-0-40 pounds full grown. She lets PJ take her toys, dip his hand in her food, and he hugs her-that is not by chance it is by hard work and lots of my time on training.

I am not trying to dicourage you, just give you some info I wish I had. If you are doing this because it will make a Christmas memory to have a dog under the tree-then be sure you are ready for all that a dog will mean (extra housekeeping from muddy feet, puppy teething, cost like vet food flea control heart worm prevention). If you are sure you want a dog, then check the AKC website for breed characteristics to see what would fit your lifestyle. Think about contacting a breed rescue group or adopting an older dog.

A Brittany was the right dog for me and my son (my husband wanted a beagle-a dog that is harder to train and housebreak). Just about any dog will be good with kids if given proper socialization and training. But again, you need to try to match the breed characteristics with your life style. I hope you find the right dog for your family! Good Luck!

Answer 3

Every one here is going to tell the breed of dog they have is the best dog for kids, well a lot of them are wrong. You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifesyle. AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog. AKC.org You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Chosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.

If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet. With that said, some dogs are seen as more “kid-friendly” than others and, as a result, have become extremely popular among families. According to the AKC, the five most popular breeds in the United States are:

Labrador Retrievers are by far America’s most popular dog—more than 140,000 Lab puppies were registered last year with the AKC—and have a reputation for being playful, hardworking and affectionate toward children. The Lab is easily trained and is highly respected for his prowess at many jobs: as a guide dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog, and for narcotics detection.

Golden Retrievers are sporty, easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to people of all ages, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, too.

German Shepherd are noble in appearence and character. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to families for generations. Active and outdoorsy, German Shepherds are very fond of children and make wonderful companions.

Beagles love being around people and other animals. They are gentle, happy companions who thrive on affection and attention. They are also clever, quick, and, most of all curious. They need plenty of active exercise.

Dachshund has a lively, upbeat personality—spunky, curious and friendly. Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshund’s love to dig, romp and run. They are affectionate, especially with children, and enjoy going for walks and other forms of exercise

You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home. A dog your is a responsiblity for the rest of its life and should not be bought on impulse.

Answer 4

What size dog are you looking for?

My recommendations would be a golden retreiver, labrador retreiver, collie, or a corgi.

All these dogs are well tempered animals. I'd also recommend some basic training just because dogs can get really excited and start jumping on people (including children) and could cause an accident.

I think it's great you want to give your kid the gift of an animal! I grew up with dogs my whole life and I absolutly love them and think they are great...only issue now is I can't live without having a dog around. (I currently am in an apartment and that does not allow dogs but I sneak mine in and out anyways...) :)

Good luck!

Answer 5

Boxer. One of the top breeds recommended for kids ( http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-families/page1.aspx ), they are very playful & will play fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-n-seek games till the kids wear out 1st! They have a great temperment & put up with kid's antics, never getting 'snarky', have a silly sense of humour, love hugs & snuggling, and are great guardians of 'their' kids.

Read & research any breeds you like to make sure they are a good fit, and buy from a reputable breeder that tests their breeding dogs for genetic defects to help ensure a healthy companion for years. The best way to find good breders is go to www.akc.org & look up members of your closest local breed's club.

No matter what dog you decide on, I suggest you give the kids a leash & collar in a nice box with a 'certificate' for a dog for actual Christmas, and go pick the pup up some later day when the holiday madness has settled down. Christmas festivities are too stressful for any young pup.

Answer 6

Most dogs are good with children especially when raised with them. The question is do you want a dog that can be a good family pet and guard dog or just a family companioin?

My Akita is great with my two year old. Could not ask for more.
Staffordshire dogs are very loyall to the family and especially to children.
Bulldogs are also typically good with children. I have also been told that Rottweillers are very good with children. I think the best dog to own is a family pet and protector of the home. Reason for the above list. I hope this helps.

Answer 7

I think that Golden retrievers, Labs, Boxers, Border Collies, English pointers, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards are great if you're looking for a big dog. If you want a small dog I suggest you get a Boston terrier, Dachshund, Beagle, Tibetan Terrier, Pug, or Poodle. All of these dogs are very nice and are great with kids. I hope your son likes whatever dog you chose.

Answer 8

I have two 1 year old Goldens that are perfect and they are around little kids everyday at my place of business... If you get a puppy... remember they are only as well behaved as you train them to be....

Anyone on here who says that one breed or another is the BEST... doesn't know what situation you are in... Check the AKC website for ideas on family dogs and then check with your local vet!! They are there to help... Also always remember to go to your local rescue center or local kennel to adopt.... Most times a mutt makes the best pet! They usually have purebreds there also... they aren't there that long!

Answer 9

If you would like to adopt a dog go the site below. The site tells you if the dog is good with children, good with other pets, or if it has any problems. Usually a small dog would be best with a small kid. A huge dog might make your son develope a phobia of dogs.
Good Luck And Merry Christmas!!!
=)

Answer 10

First of all yuo don't want a large dog/horse. Small breeds are good with children. We have had 3 differnt dogs 2 Lhasa Apsha's & Pom. They were all good with kids. The Lhasa Apsha's were the best by far. Poodles are also good. The more doscile the better especially with a 6 month old. Females are also better than males.