What is the best indoor dog that is good with children?

Answer 1

There is a lot more to consider than just that you have children. What is your financial situation? What are your work hours like? What is your housing situation? What is your lifestyle like? How old are the kids? How active are they? How animal smart are they?

Generally, toy puppies are not great to have with small children. They are far too fragile. Large or giant breed dogs can also be problematic. A 200lb Mastiff can accidentally injure a small child simply by sitting down or playing too rough.

Dogs like Beagles, Shelties, Aussies, Boxers, Labs, Goldies, etc can be great family dogs. But again, it all depends on how active of a dog you want, how big, and how much care you want to give. Beagles and Shelties can be barkers (or bayers, depending on how ticky-tacky you want to be). Shelties and Boxers can be protective. Labs, Goldies, and Boxers shed A TON. Shelties, Aussies, and Boxers need a LOT of exercise (2 hours a day is not unheard of).

I recommend visiting a rescue group or shelter and seeing if they have anything that would fit your needs. A slightly older dog should have it's personality somewhat set, so you can tell how they will be around kids and if they fit your lifestyle. http://www.petfinder.com

If that doesn't work, start watching the dog shows on TV. Make some lists of dogs that interest you and start researching. http://www.akc.org lists all AKC breed and has links to breed flyers that have great info, national breed clubs that will have additional breed info and breeder lists, and to purebred rescue groups. Be sure to take the time to learn about the breed - there's nothing worse than getting a Border Collie for a Greyhound lifestyle or vice versa.

Help to find reputable breeders:

http://www.geocities.com/bluegracepwd/wheretobuy.html

http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/index.html

AKC pages:

http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm

http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

Good luck in your search.

Answer 2

You will have to be more specific-
what size?
energy?
temperment?
For a small good family dog try looking into the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/cavalierkingcharlesspaniels.html

Here is the AKC tips on considering getting a dog.
http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm

Here is a good site that you can discover the goods and bads about certain breeds
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/index.html

Also, try http://www.petfinder.com
Shelter dogs are good. If you get an adult you will not worry about any suprise temperments. You know what you will get and you can test the dog out and find a great match. Mutts are the best mixes.

Try some breed selectors
here is one
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do

Answer 3

There is no "best" indoor dog, only breeds that best fit your lifestyle. I have my personal opinion on which dog breeds I prefer to share my home with, but those breeds are not for everyone else, necessarily. The best choice (and only choice you should make, in my opinion) is to research carefully and thoughtfully those breeds that appeal to you. So many times people buy a certain breed of dog because of it's looks, only to find out that it is not a good fit for their home. Westies (West Highland White Terrier) are a good example of this. I am fostering a westie for a rescue organization right now, because he bit a child in his home. Within 10 minutes of internet searching, I learned that Westies are not dogs to have with small children in the home. (Of course, experienced Westie owners may be just fine, but that should go without saying, as someone who knows the breed well should be equipped to handle it.)

I'm afraid the only one who can truly answer your question, is you. Do a web search on dog breed selectors, and you should be able to come across a site which will help narrow the search for the breeds with qualities you prefer. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few breeds, then check out the pure-breed rescue sites for more information regarding the breed. Pure-breed rescues have nothing to gain by hiding the problems with the breed, and can give great insight as to the most common reasons people give these dogs up to rescue.

If you have children in your home, and you bring a dog into that home, you are ultimately responsible for the results of that decision. Therefore, the most important thing you can do is to thoroughly research the one you choose to live as part of your "pack". (I researched breeds for several years before making that decision years ago. I don't regret it one bit.)

Answer 4

First, don't get a small dog. Most small breeds (except papillons) don't have the right temperament for little kids, plus they ae harder to train. Above all, a small breed is very likely to get injured by a child, so for the sake of the dog get something medium-large. English Cockers are usually very nice, but the American kind has lots of extra hair to brush and if you get one make sure it is multi-coloured because the solid red and gold ones are slightly likely to have episodes of 'spaniel rage.' Choosing a dog from a good breeder should cut the risk of this problem.
Goldens are your best bet if you don't mind a bit of hair. They are very eager to learn (and usually pretty smart too) and they will love your kids. Labs have less hair, but have higher energy so you will have to run them more. Greyhounds are very tolerant and don't need as much exercise, but they can become overwhelmed by excited children so make sure they have a quiet place to go. Other great choices would be american eskimo dogs (standard) or Keeshond, or flat-coated (and most other types) retriever, and field spaniels.

Make sure to either adopt or get your dog from a reputable breeder

Answer 5

Big dogs tend to be kind of rough only because they are big. If your children are older then it should not be a problem. Their are some dogs that are notoriously agressive like terriers, komondors chow chows and Catahoula Leporard Dogs but honestly it is how you raise them. Any dog can be mean if you treat it poorly but if your teach it good and let them know you and your children are boss almost any breed will work. I do suggest a smaller dog because they are easier to take care of and you should get it when its a puppy that way it can grow with you and it has no mysterious history.
Do your reasearch before you get a dog...learn about training and the different breeds. That way you can know whats best for your family. A good place to start is the Purina dog finder (purina.com) or pick up a copy of Dog's Annual magazine with all the registered breeders and breeds

Answer 6

Daschsunds from my experience are very good with children. And it also depends on the dog just as much as the breed.

Answer 7

Well all dogs can be indoor dogs..its the temperament of a dog you need to look for. i suggest a boxer i grew up with them but the require allot of exercise. Make sure not to get any kind of very small dogs they can be very vitious.

Answer 8

shih-tzu's!!!!!
awesome temperd very nice, small, cute, cuddly, don't shed, good with kids !!!!! i have 12 cause my mum is a dog breeder! they are GREAT with kids! though u have to remember that every animal has its own personality, so make sure the dog has been socialized!!!! very important!!! hope u love em!!! KENNEL TRAIN if its gonna be an indoor animal, lay down paper train them etc...

Answer 9

I have a labrador retriever that is an indoor dog and wouldn't hurt a fly.I would strongly recommend that breed.

Answer 10

Golden Retreivers are verry good family dogs.