What is a well mannered, medium sized dog that I can get for my 2 young sons? I want a dog that isn't hyper or barks too much. One that is very good with kids. What breed should I look for?
2007-01-02 14:11:24 · 13 answers · asked by Crystal 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I would recomend a mutt. We have three and they are all wonderful with children and two out of the three don't bark unless something is wrong. Those two are German Shephard mixes. Someone mentioned Brittany Spaniels and I have to say that I strongly disagree they are extremely hyper and love to run. I grew up only having Brittany's for pets and they just ran and ran and ran until they literally passed out.
2007-01-02 14:23:31 · answer #1 · answered by momof3 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to ask yourself some other questions first: what is your lifestyle? How much time do you have? What amount of grooming are you willing to do? Do you want a very smart dog (this is different from highly trainable...i'm assuming you want a breed that is easy to train)? What activity level are you looking for (this ties into lifestyle)?
The only breed I can generically recommend with no hesitation is a border terrier. They are not a popular breed, but fantastic dogs.
Also keep in mind that "well-mannered" is a matter of the training and socialization you provide the dog. Any dog can be well-mannered if they are trained correctly.
As for going to a shelter, make sure that it is a place that temperment tests the dogs. Even a seemingly well-mannered dog in the shelter can turn out to have a personality that does not mesh well with kids. Dogs in the shelter are in a different mode, so the temperment there is not always their real temperment. And because you have children this is even more important.
2007-01-02 22:23:05 · answer #2 · answered by Lauren P 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no matter what the breed, you need to remember that to have a well-mannered, non hyper, quiet dog, you need to train it to be that way. if you put in the time many breeds fit your description. its all about training people. a well behaved dog is a member of the family while an untrained dog is locked in the backyard forever.
do not get a cocker spaniel. while i love the guys (the very well bred ones, anyway) they are the top biters in the country. brittanys are incredibly hyper, as are most of the sporting breeds. i'd recommend a sheltie. some lines are prone to shyness, but most are very good little dogs. my boss (who has been showing/grooming dogs for 40 years) always recommends shelties to people like you.
remember, no matter what breed you get, you MUST get the dog from a good breeder. that extra bit of money at the beginning is more than worth it down the road.
2007-01-03 02:16:48 · answer #3 · answered by sgdrkfae 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a dog that's part chow and part black lab. She's amazing and so friendly. I keep my little cousin who is 3 and my dog is awesome with him. I also have a golden retriever, black lab, and a few mutts and they are all great too. I agree with the others you should really check with the shelters, there lots of animals needing good homes. plus any dog you take up time with and train will be great.
2007-01-02 22:23:10 · answer #4 · answered by dixiegirl1008 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i asked myself the same question a few months ago and came to the conclusion that I wanted something small and low maintenance, also something loving and not too playful. I definetly wanted a pet that would be terrific with kids and with people and I found the ideal pet that doesnt knock down my kids and doesnt bark too much. It is a shih tzu she is the sweetest. I highly recommend them. I had a poodle who was great too but was very high maintenance.
2007-01-02 22:56:40 · answer #5 · answered by Clara1212 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally like spaniels. I've had Cockers, but I hear they CAN be prone to getting annoyed at kids, especially ones they didn't grow up with. I think Brittany and Springers have great personalities. Just be warned, if you get a puppy...ALL puppies need patience and love in order to become well mannered dogs. On that note, also please go to a reputable breeder, or you most likely will get a puppy mill dog. rescue shelters are great too.
2007-01-02 22:15:34 · answer #6 · answered by Shannon G 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
labs..i had my lab forever (mybaby) she was awsome i had her befor i had kids and she ended up being GREAT she literally would sleep under my childrens cribs and when they would wake up crying she would come running out to tell me i also know some one with a golden retriever who also is great the the 3 kids she has those kids are 2 4 and 5 now. although these 2 kinds may be bigger than u want they are the best i know
2007-01-02 22:23:22 · answer #7 · answered by Tiffany M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a mutt from the shelter...ask the employees.. they are usually pretty good with telling you the nature of the dog...goldens and labs and border collies are all great with kids(they are not really medium but great with kids!!)...even if they are mixed with either of those they should be great dogs... good luck... rescue rescue rescue smile
2007-01-02 22:16:21 · answer #8 · answered by marnibrown1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A MINI SHNOUZER!!! They are very calm and very well mannered and they love to be pet and love to be around kids. I know this because I have one and he is so sweet and he loves to be cuddled with.
P.S. When I say Mini he is really medium sized and they are so cute you will love them.
2007-01-02 23:29:28 · answer #9 · answered by Kryssie<3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
golden retriever may be bigger than what you want but I would also suggest going to the shelter and finding one. Mutts are usually the best breeds.
2007-01-02 22:15:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋