What breed of dog would be best?

Question

I live in a smaller home with a medium size backyard. I am home most of the time and have a toddler just turned two. I am looking for a medium to large size dog (no giant breeds right now) and something that will be fine to play ball in yard with child and also fine snuggling on the couch. We go to the country once a week so the dog can run freely then. I would like something good with kids and to be a good watchdog being home alone a lot. This will be an only dog. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

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 2

An English Cocker spaniel. I really believe that they are one of the best dogs to own. I Have a 1 year old English Cocker and she is such a sweetheart. They are a lot better than American Cockers too. American Cockers have a tendency to be aggressive. She is the kind of dog that will snuggle up on the couch with you and will also play along with the kids in the backyard too. They are medium sized dogs and they love attention. English cockers are good watch dogs not good Guard dogs because they are so friendly and love to be with people. the Only problem you would probably have is trying to find a good breeder around you. I payed 800 dollars for My English cocker and got lucky with a good breeder. if this is Not the dog for you I also recommend Going to a shelter and saving a dog or puppy.

I really Hope you find the right dog for you and good luck with it!

Answer 3

A female Boxer puppy for a large breed is the very best with kids. They grow to about 65#. No grooming except keep their nail cut and the dog washed every 10 days for indoor and they are very smart and trainable is great. very loyal to the family but a good watchdog. Medium breed a miniature poodle black in color and a female again but grooming is a must every 8 weeks but no hair in the home. I have raised both. Cathy

Answer 4

Definately a JACK RUSSELL TERRIER. They are so full of spunk, like a 2 yr. old child. They are sooooo smart and love to play ball and tug of war. The country would be great because they have so much energy to release! They are such people dogs and can snuggle on a couch for hours. They require a lot of attention and as long as you're willing to take the time to train, discipline and spend time with your JACK, this is the perfect dog to grow up with your 2 yr. old.
As far as a watch dog goes, they may not be big enough to be intimidating to a human, but they will bark and warn you if something doesn't seem right. They will protect your family with their life (esp because they believe they are BIG dogs!)

This is only my opinion and wonderful experience. My daughter got Cookie (Jack Russell) when she was 9 yrs. old and she is now 17 yrs. Our Jack IS a total part of our family and can't imagine life w/out her!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 5

I highly suggest an English Springer Spaniel or English Setter. The Springer is a medium dog that loves kids and is very intelligent and easy to train.
The Setter is a bit bigger, equally intelligent and very loving. They live to serve you, and with your backyard and trips to the country for runs, it sounds like a great match to me! These Spaniels are ideal family dogs, albeit they were bred to work in the fields.

Cocker spaniels are also wondeful family dogs, but a bit smaller, about 30 pounds.

I never suggest golden retrievers as family dogs because they are working dogs that thrive on lots of activity. With kidlets around, it can be difficult to give them that much activity, and they can end up getting fat and lazy because of it.

Have fun searching:)

Answer 6

What about a retriever? A golden or a flat coat is really nice. I grew up with a flat coated. They are really good with children, great playmates, likes to "snuggle" and are true and loyal to their owners. Their fur is also easy to manage. I know my childhood would have been as good without my dogs. One of them was born just two days after me, and was my best friend. The only thing, is that they are very enthusiastic with people, and smaller children can actually get knocked down.....But the good thing, is that retrievers have what is called a soft mouth, because they have to carry a game in a hunt and not damage it. I remember our flats use to "shake hands" with us, by using their mouth. You couldn't feel the teath at all, and they never pulled or anything. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat-Coated_Retriever

I would suggest you get a hound, a hunting dog or a "farm"-dog. These breedes are normally very aware, loyal and sweet.
Breeds I can suggest are:
-Berner Sennenhund (maybe to big)
- Norwegian Elkhounds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Elkhound#Temperament)
- some of the coonhounds(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treeing_Walker_Coonhound)
-Beagle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle#Temperament)

I don't know what apperance you want your dog to have, a elegant, more rugged, sweet and cuddly?But in the categories I suggested you will find all sorts of looks and sizes.

I also suggest you talk to kennel clubs, they know more about what breeds may suit your demands and needs.
Hpoe this helped.

Answer 7

i would say a beagle, a collie (or a shetland sheepdog , looks just like a collie only smaller)..or a labrador retriever. golden retrievers are very nice too. but i suggest u go to the akc website to research all the different breeds. there are a lot of options available. you might even want to go to a pound and get a medium-sized mutt :) i had a mutt and she was the best dog i ever had..

Good Luck with whatever you choose :)

Answer 8

I would say a labrador retriever or a mutt dog--every single mutt I've been around and played with has been soo sweet!! allow the child to be around the dog first and see how they act together but keep the dog an a leash just incase.

Answer 9

Brandy,
I have a German Shepard and I think that they are the best dog for your situation. They are great with children, and love to be with their owners. They are wonderful around people and will love to play ball in the back yard. Of course this is just my opinion, but I really think they are wonderful dogs. Good luck!

Answer 10

I have raised dogs all my life.a number of breeds.gone to many shows. known a lot of different types of dogs. am 52. a German Shepard is the best pure breed dog.a half pit bull. & german shepard mix, male ,nuetered.is the best dog in the world. smart and protective. wont bite unless it absolutly has to.if you can find one.goodluck. tell that pup its the best dog in the world and it will be. get a pup. never a grown dog.