Dogs for xmas ......?

Question

I've decided o buy my 2 boyz a dog for xmas (and for life) they are well behaved and i believe will not neglect it after a few weeks. Just wondering what the best dog is to have around 2 young boyz (5 & 2). was lookin at alsations, dobermans , huskies and staffs. Anyone got any info help or advice for me? I can gaurantee the dog will be well treated as i grew up with dogs and love them myself. would love a huskie but know nothing about them. als and dobs are easy - staffs; not sure if safe around kids - any help would be much appreciated people,
Me

Answer 1

I hope you are not relying on the kids to take care of the dog. You saying they will"not neglect it after a few weeks", makes me feel that you are. That should NOT be the case. Kids just cannot take that responsibility.
I would not get a Staff, or a Husky. Dobermans are great. All these dogs need a lot of time and training.

Answer 2

Do heavy research on every breed you are considering. Take into account not only temperament but health issues for the long run as well. From experience I can say that Labs and Goldens are the best dogs for kids. They are very gentle and can take the rough play boys love to dish out. (not meaness but playing, I'm sure you know what I mean lol) My Mom has a Golden and I have a Lab, I have 3 boys - 11, 9, and 3 - these dogs are marvelous with them!!! A friend of mine has a Doberman and it has bitten her 4 year old twice, she (the dog) is 2. I just don't trust them, knew a few and all bit at one point or another. Could be the upbringing but my friend caters to her Doberman big time so I can't see it in her situation. Just my experinece and opinion. =)

Answer 3

I agree with a majority of the people that say you have chosen some pretty dominant dogs here. German Shepherds (Alsations) and Dobies are great dogs, but not in inexperienced hands. Huskies I personally have no use for... the breed was developed to do one thing and one thing only and that is run... they don't think, they kill cats and other small creatures (my neighbors husky killed 50 of my chickens in 1 morning!!!) and when they do run away (and all of them will) they never come home on their own. Staffies... I just don't have a lot of experience with them, but since everyone will look and say "eek, a pit bull" you might want to avoid them!

I also agree with many who have said Lab or Golden (please stay away from small dogs especially Cocker Spaniels when you are looking for a kid safe and friendly dog) but I unfortunately HAVE seen aggressive members of these 2 breeds. Some of the worst bite cases that came through my vet's doors were from a Lab of all things. Just do your homework on the breeder, ask lots of questions, meet both parents (if possible) and trust your gut... don't think you HAVE to get a puppy today... get the right puppy even if it takes 6 months of searching, you won't be sorry.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I wouldn't have a doberman or a staff around small children. I've had huskies and one was great around the kids the other one wanted to dominate. Had to keep her away from very small children. It sounds like you prefer the larger breeds. Consider a border collie or standard collie. They are very good with kids. One of the very best family dogs ever is the golden retriever. I've never seen an aggressive one, ever. Unfortunately this breed has been so over bred that it may be harder to find a quality dog. Check with breed rescues they usually know a few good breeders. There is always the mutt. The best dogs I've ever had were mixed breeds.

Answer 5

Staffs are like labs, very energetic and pushy even with the little ones. dobermans are great but you will need to pay extra attention to the biting habits. Alsations, aka German Sheppard, haven't heard that for a while. Alsations are good dogs around kids. Train them well, and a Alsation will take your child in as their own. A true Husky is less then 60 pounds. These dogs are great, very intelligent and like children. They are not as big as Alsations, a Malamute is more around the size of a Alsations.

Answer 6

I would say a Golden Retriever. They are just loyal, kinder dogs. I myself prefer Great Danes...but they do grown rather quickly and might be too big for children. I think a Husky would be a little too dominating and would require more training to be used to being around small children. However, if you get a puppy of any kind of dog, than they would grow up along with the children and you would have a better chance of less mishaps.

Good Luck...I am sure they would love whatever you get them!

Answer 7

Getting a dog as a present in not a very good idea. Talk to your kids before; it's important to know if they are interested and willing to get involved in taking care of the new family member. If they are old and responsible enough, then go for it. Good and friendly dogs come from all breeds, you just to have to really chose him/her well. Dogs from shelters and Humane society are very affectionate and have a lot to give. It doesn't need to be a pure breed; mixed breed usually have less health problems. Retrievers (Labs, Goldens), most types of terriers, some spaniels (avoid Cockers!!!), Bernese mountain dogs are great breeds of dogs, but just take your time to look for the one that will fit with your family needs and wants. Good luck!

Answer 8

My 2 boys were brought up around German Shepherds and various cross bred dogs (mongrels/mutts) I have kept GSD's for over 30 years and haven't had one that was aggressive, but they do require VERY firm handling/training, you mustn't let them be dominant EVER!
Please wait until after Christmas though as it will be too stressful for a puppy, and a lot for you to cope with when you have 2 young children as well, also both rescues and breeders don't let dogs go this close to Christmas.

Answer 9

Staffs are really really good with children but as with any breed you might want to temperment test them. I have a Pit from a litter and she is so sweet but a litter mate of hers was aggressive even as a little puppy. With training, the aggressive one became very well mannered but wasn't raised with kids.
My pit is great around kids, very patient and sweet.
Since kids can sometimes be mean to animals, if your boys are well trained the only concern about any of the larger breeds or breeds with bigger bites is that they can do more damage with their type of bite if provoked and some kids can provoke the heck out of dogs.
"Petey" from "The Little Rascals" was a Staff. He was the dog that hung out with the gang. People used to refer to the breed as "Nanny Dogs" and considered them guardians of children.
Also, the "Crocodile Hunter's" dog, Suey is a Staff.

Answer 10

May I suggest that instead of getting the dog at Christmas, you put a picture of a dog in a box, wrap it up, and put both boys' names on it. They can open it on Christmas Day and see that after the holiday, after the first of the new year, they will have a dog. Christmas is a TERRIBLE time to bring a new animal into the house. There is so much activity and confusion at that time, it doesn't take much for an animal to be forgotten. Once the holiday is over, normal routines are resumed and the atmosphere is much less stressful. Everyone (dog included) can settle down and enjoy each other.