What's the best dog to get for children?

Question

We live in the suburbs, in a private house, with an acre of land. We have a 6 year old girl and a 19 month old boy.

Also, WHERE should we get this dog?

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 lot of small breeds are not good for very young kids (and a lot of experts recommend that you wait until your youngest child is 4 to 5 to get a dog) but if you get a dog never leave dog and children alone unattended. A dog your is a responsiblity for the rest of its life and should not be bought on impulse.

Answer 2

The best dog I ever had growing up was a basset hound, they are very loving dogs, easy to care for and don't have all of the medical problems that many other larger dogs do, you don't want a dog that will be too over powering for the children, collies are also very loving family dogs.

Go to your local Dumb friends League and make it a family trip, you can see the dogs and the children can spend sometime with anyone yo might choose before you take it home, there are many dogs that are looking for good homes and would be a joy to have in the family, you don't need to look for a pure breed, a lot of mutts are much more loving.. go read this it might help you decide what would be best for you and your family... http://www.familydogonline.com/Articles%20of%20Interest/choosing_best_family_dog.htm..... Hope this helps..M

Answer 3

Before you decide what kind of dog, you also need to decide what kind of lifestyle you live, and what kind of maintanance (i.e. coat, exercise etc). Your next step would be to start researching breeds. If you have not previously owned a dog, than that too needs to be a consideration as some breeds are not good for the first time dog owner.

The only breed I can generically recommend to anyone, is the Border Terrier. It's a small 13-18 lb dog that is great with everyone/most animals (except rodents), and has a fantastic temperment. It's also not a popular dog so while harder to find, does not have the health issues you get when breeds become popular.

A few breeds I would recommend you check out: Clumber Spaniels, German Shepherds (but be extremely careful of the breeder...overbreeding is destroying temperments. Go to the working not show lines), Akita, Bernese Moutain Dog, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Havanese- this breed was actually developed in Cuba to be a child's playmate.

The next step would be to go the parent club of whatever breeds you are considering. If it were the border terrier, than you would go to the Border Terrier Club of America's website and find their breeder referral list. Then I would start calling people. Prepare to spend time with these breeders, and also consider that they will tell you whether or not their breed is good with children.

There are some breeds I would not recommend with little children for a variety of reasons and I'll explain as I go. First, no Dalmations; they have high prey instinct and are known to view little children as prey, they also are difficult to train. Any small/delicate dog as young children; and not because the breeds may not be good with children, but because their is the possibility that the dog could get hurt accidentally. Miniature Pinschers and Jack Russel terriers: both are not good with small children as they can be nippy. Border collies: great dogs, but extremely busy and high energy, and in constant need of a "job".

I hope this helps. best of luck with your search

Answer 4

I have a Rotti and a 5 yr old and a 9 month old we got her when I was preg. with our first. She is the best family dog and big enough that the kids don't hurt her if they fall or jump on her. Just remember what every you get you have to train them so nothing bothers them such as playing in their food when they eat, taking their bones away, pulling at their ears and feet. Anything a child might do so they are used to it.

Answer 5

You don't have to go to a breeder to get a purebred. 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds. And definitely don't buy a dog from a pet store - most of those come from puppy mills. You can find LOTS of suitable pets to adopt on www.petfinder.com . No matter what dog you decide on, make sure that you supervise your children with the dog quite a bit before EVER leaving the dog alone with your kids.

Answer 6

Get a Golden Retriever. They are the gentlest, most huggable, lovely, friendly dogs you can get. They wouldn't do anything to harm a child so they are very safe to have. They love affection so your kids can hug and play etc, whilst they are big and sturdy and don't risk getting hurt from rough child manhandling which is quite common with kids that don't know how to treat animals correctly. Seriously.. look this dog up. Then go to a pet store or look in the newspaper to buy one.

Answer 7

I adopted lab puppies, one for each of my boys, when they were young. Best dogs ever! My boys are now 22 and 20. Any dog in the lab family, retriever would be a good choice. They are gentle and very loving. We just adopted a flat coat retriever from the Humane Society and couldn't ask for a better dog. Check your local Pets Mart for adoption dates or check with your local animal shelter. You'd be surprised what wonderful animals they have. Good luck!!

Answer 8

I would say a shih tzu I have one ( as you can see in my picture ) and she is adorable I adore and she loves children whenever where walking her and theres someone with there child she insists on stopping and licking there child

She also loves other dogs and has never ever barked at a nother dog and I have had her for like a year now and she is so cute

Answer 9

You might want to wait until both the kids are old enough to respect and care for the dog. If not, don't get a chow, akita or working or fighting breed. They are generally dominant and least tolerant of fur-pulling and the kids trying to ride them like a horse.

Answer 10

i in my view dont think of its honest to anticipate a demanding canines to spend prolonged sessions of time around youthful little ones (who've a tendency to be noisy and tough by utilising nature, even whilst somewhat properly behaved). whilst my little ones have been that age, I made specific we had a huge, mellow canines, who could desire to easily tolerate the pinching, poking and hair pulling which could take place with young ones, albeit accidentally. to no longer say that i did no longer practice my little ones a thank you to act (comfortable is an substantial command for little ones to learn), yet young ones have not got the coordination, concentration and administration necssary to be secure around a demanding canines. Plus your newborn is headed into an age whilst little ones in many situations pass however a part of revolt against practise. i could save the two separate till the youngster is around 3 or so, and is able to extra administration and understanding. An occasional cope with from the toddler is one element, spending various time interior an analogous room jointly is yet another.