We want to get a dog for our son, and he wants one too. He doesn't want a huge dog that will chase him like crazy. I am really confused on what would be the best type to get for a family, for my son to have a play mate. We have a decent sized backyard and will probably keep the dog inside.
2006-12-26 10:25:16 · 18 answers · asked by msjkcjw 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I noticed that a lot of people are suggesting Golden Retrievers. Retrievers and Labs are VERY good family dogs, but you said you didn't want a big dog, and your son didn't want a dog that would chase him or, I'm assuming, jump up on him a lot. Well, that leaves Goldens and Labs out. People are labeling them medium sized dogs, and I supposed compared to Mastiffs, they are - but they are a large medium and they are very energetic. If you go with a smaller dog, stay away from the terrier group, as they tend to nip more so than other dogs and may not be the best for kids.
Go to the following webpage. They have a section on family appropriate dogs.
http://www.petplace.com/dog-breeds.aspx
2006-12-26 10:50:01 · answer #1 · answered by Camirra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends on heaps of thing not just on that you have a four year old son and a big back yard nd an inside dog it depends on what time do you have to socialize this pup to be a well adjusted family member. my puppies start socializing the day that they are born! 35% of a dogs temperament is genetic therefore you should find a reputable breeder that temperament is important as health. the other 65% is nurture meaning you and the breeder are responsible for this part. Make sure you get a breed the family is happy with. a dog isn't just a pet it is an adopted family member that just don't live as long as we do. Take the time to socialize him. Take him to puppy preschool and obedience class. You are make the dog what you want it to be.
2006-12-26 18:39:31 · answer #2 · answered by Tara 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stuffed
At 4 years old your son is to young to be unsupervised with any breed of dog. Dogs do not always take direction from small children well and kids do not always use good judgement around dogs. Kids get bit dog pay the price regardless of what really happened.
Until your child is older have a dog if you want one but it is not a pet for a 4 year old child.
2006-12-26 19:10:56 · answer #3 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the individual dog. I would recommend NOT getting a puppy because they tend to jump up and nip. A young dog around 1-2 years old is great. Check out the local pound and you may find a calm sweet dog there. We got our dog when my daughter was three. I went to the local shelter and told them I had a young child and they recommended a sweet mixed breed dog. They have been best buddies since - "max" our dog even sleeps at the foot of her bed. Very cute.
2006-12-26 18:43:08 · answer #4 · answered by LR 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would reccommend a jack russel. These small beagle dogs are so cute and they need an extreme amount of play and attention. Perfect for your 4 year old son, coz this dog likes to play alot. It is quite small when it is a puppy, and still is rather small when older. Never seems to stop playing and always hungry for snacks.
2006-12-26 18:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Miniature Schnauzers are a great dog for anyone! They are very intelligent, loving and patient..(gonna need that!) and most of all, they are house broken permanently. I had a dachshund that I couldn't house break at gun point! He had his issues, but he was fun and very loving. I wouldn't worry too much on what your son wants as I would what is it that you are willing to care for.Kids and animals just have a way of working a friendship out, so if small is what you want, there are cats too.
2006-12-26 18:37:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well Boston Terriers are really good for a four year old boy. They can take some ruffness and love to be outside. They don't grow to be that big so that's a good thing. I am getting a Boston Terrier and let me tell ya they are pretty darn cute when they are puppies. When we went to the breeders house she showed us the puppies and they were 3 weeks old and they were cute and when we picked out our puppy she just gave us this look , Boston Terriers give you this look when they are sad or frustrated or just want to play. If you need more info on them just keep asking questions to Browniegirl1978!!!!! Good luck
2006-12-26 18:53:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Big or small, any young dog will probably chase your son around and play.
Go to www.dogbreedinfo.com and read up on some breeds that are of interest to you. Take into account your lifestyle and the characteristics of each breed prior to buying.
2006-12-26 18:32:48 · answer #8 · answered by KJ 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would highly recommend a Golden Retriever. They are friendly and gentle and are medium sizes so they won't get too big. If you want a smaller dog, try a Basenji, they don't bark, so it probably won't scare the child nearly as much.
2006-12-26 18:28:52 · answer #9 · answered by Elizabeth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Collies are loyal, gentle, and very protective of small children. A friend of mine told me about being a very small child, falling asleep with his head resting against a relative's collie, and the dog never moved a muscle until he woke up. Awwww.
2006-12-26 18:45:27 · answer #10 · answered by cruztacean1964 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋