any ideas on a good breed for us?

Question

we live in the country, so we have plenty of room for running and playing, although the dog will be sleeping in the house-2 girls, age 11 and 5, both have lived around dogs their entire lives-we need some ideas on a good breed-nothing really long-haired, or requiring all kinds of special grooming (poodles are DEFINITELY out) and we don't want some little thing the size of a housecat...our last dog was a rotti/lab mix of about 130-140 lbs. we have had dogs as small as a scottie, but we like having a larger dog, and i feel more secure when i'm away knowing that there is a big dog at home watching out for my girls-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.

Answer 2

Since you are in the country, I would check into some of the shorter haired livestock guardian breeds. It is in their genes to protect whatever they consider their charges, be it sheep, cattle, or children. Great Pyrenees are the most common but that's a LOT of hair to have indoors. Check into Akbash or Anatolian Shepherds, both excellent breeds and not so much hair. Be SURE to get one where both parents had their hips checked first, these are big breeds and hip displaysia should be tested for before any pups are created. I have a friend with a big Akbash/Pyr cross and she has been known to push herself between the two boys (6 and 8) when they fight and not let them hurt each other.

Someone said Collies. They're in the top 12 by the American Acadamy of Physicians as the most aggressive breeds. It's the small skull, sudden rage syndrome thing. Just an FYI.

Answer 3

There are probably lots of answers to your question and it depends on your preferences. I live in the country and own two golden retreivers and think they are sweet, people-oriented, extremely easy to train, don't bark excessively and absolutely bomb-proof with kids. They need room to play which you have, must sleep in the house and generally be with their people. I don't find their longer coats a grooming or cleaning problem any more than shorter haired dogs we've had - though our female with a straighter, silkier coat gets fewer burrs and tangles than our male with a fluffier coat - something you can sort of choose when you pick a puppy - and goldens from hunting lines have shorter, striaghter coats and fewer feathers. They are not protection dogs, but ours will bark when something is around. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Labs are a good country dog. They are very protective of children and very loving. Having them indoors though can be hazardous. They have very think strong tails and when wagged can take out lamps and any decorations at that level. I know from experience!! We had 3 labs at one time all house dogs and they took out several lights, but I wouldn't have cared if they had broken 1000 lamps because of they amount of joy they brought to our lives!

Answer 5

read up on the Brittneys. very beautiful sporting dogs but excellant pets and companions and the best with kids. very soft mouths.I have 2 one will be 16 in may the other will be 14 in july. they live in the house they weight about 35 to 45 pounds and are obediant.I did not hunt my dogs. strictly pets. you can look up the nature of any pet on line. these dogs have docked tales. a good brushing works well. very little grooming. we also had a golden retreiver another sporting dog. the sporting dogs are very nice

Answer 6

contact a local rescue to set up an appointment. This way, you can take your family and interact several times before choosing the dog. A puppy that grows up with you will generally be protective of you, I wouldn't worry so much about breed.
Anyways, save a life!

Answer 7

It sounds like you & your family would be perfect for a Boxer! They are a good size, on average 70lbs full grown. They are GREAT with kids, as they are really kids themselves fro quite some time. They have short hair, and would love having the room to play outside. They do need to live indoors primarily, as they do not do well in extreme temperatures. They are also great guard dogs. I would definitely research them a bit, it sounds like a perfect match for you! Good luck with your search!

Answer 8

Hello there... I'd recommend an Aussie Silky Terrier. It may be long haired, but you can get the short haired ones... They are excellent guard dogs and are great with kids. They are easy to maintain and can pretty much watch for themselves... They like little chunks of apple and/or carrots as well... Hope I helped!! Good Luck!!

Answer 9

shelties are definetly a good breed. they are like mini collies. they are in the top ten list for smartest dogs. also they are VERY friendly. but since you like bigger dogs i would also reccomend the collie which are fun-loving friendly and good watch dogs. if you havn't made up your mind then just think of Lassie the dog in the movies, remember how she'd look out for everyone. i hope you find what you're looking for! :)

Answer 10

The best dogs for this type of situation are beagles and miniature dachunds. Both are very, loyal, loving, playful dogs and they are easy to take care of and fun to be around. DO NOT GET pit bulls, German Shepards, ect. There are so many stories of them being so sweet and great and then attacking kids/owners. Just recenty-this week- a mother and her teenage to adult daughter got in a fight and were yelling and it upset their pit bull and he attacked them- trying to get them to stop. They are fine now and he didn't mean it but I think it's not worth it. It was either this dog or another instace where the cops had to shoot the pit bull 6 times to get him to stop attacking. You can splinter boards and break brick on their heads and they don't stop.