What is the best dog for young children?

Question

What is the best dog breed for a family with a 2 year old and a 4 year old with no fenced in backyard. 4 year old is hyper but loves animals.

I have had dogs in the past with no fenced in yard just want ideas on dogs that are better with small children. I do have a backyard for the dog to play in as well as family near by (2 minutes) where the dog can run once a day. Children have a chihuahua/shih-tzu but she is in "retirement home" due to age and requiring a more calm living arangement. We are more interested in a dog around age 1 as I am aware puppies are a lot of work. TIA

Answer 1

We prefer a medium size mix breed for younger kids. Especially if hyper kids. I would suggest you look for a rescue in the area that keeps dogs around a long time, preferably a no-kill shelter.

A no-kill rescue/shelter has longer to assess temperament of dog and expose to people/other dogs. May have a owner release that is already use to small children. Many breeds are not young children friendly and would not be patient. There are no exacts for any breeds. Many rescues have guidelines on adopting out with young children--to protect all concerned from injury.

You would want to take the whole family to see the dogs. Make sure they have a area for getting aquainted and playing. It is more important that the dog really shows a interest in your children and likes them than pick a dog just because you think it is the ONE. How cute or ugly is not the deciding factor. There has to be a "connection" between the dog and family. Keeping in mind how the dog will be exercised and play outside without fencing!

Are you going to take the time to make sure the kids are playing nice with dog. A hyper child can over-excite any dog. You must be hands on with training the dog and the children. I would encourage a adult dog that is somewhat settled and not too hyper itself. A good rescue will know which dogs would be better suited. They may allow several play visits before you decide. Some may have a return policy if doesnt work out.

Please rescue a dog instead of buying one because of breed.

Answer 2

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. If breed is not an issue you might want to look at your local pound or shelter, they have all sizes ages and breeds. The dog would be a lot cheaper, it will already have been spayed or neutered and vaccination would also be given. A lot of small breeds are not good for very young kids and once 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 3

Labs are a great family dog. They too have a lot of energy and are very smart and fast learners. Mutts are great also. It might be a good bet to go to a shelter and get a dog that isn't a puppy. They can usually place you with a dog that will fit in really good as they have usually gotten to know their temperment before putting them up for adoption. Plus if you get a dog that is a little older you might not have to take the time to potty train ect. Which takes time you probably don't have with a 2 year old and a 4 year old running around.

Answer 4

I have a male Newfoundland 1 year and a Female Great Pyrenees 6 months thay are huge but great dogs the kids cant hurt them and they would die for the kids there ages are 2, 4, 8. Both very calm puppies, but YOU HAVE TO HAVE A FENCE for any dog or they will not be very happy.

Answer 5

I would wait until the children are a bit older, say 6 & 8. Especially since you have no fenced back yard, you will need to be able to walk the dog several times a day.

Also, with 2 small children and a dog, you may find your home feeling very small. (Puppies are ALMOST as much care as human babies until they are several months old, too!).

Answer 6

it relies upon what rescue company you get the canines from and how previous that canines is.after we followed out 1st greyhound our childrens were virtually 4 and virtually 2 notwithstanding the canines were living round childrens and the rescue charity had no difficulty with him being homed with youthful childrens.We were given our second canines this 12 months and he replaced into from the same human beings and he replaced into initially stumbled on as a stray,he's fantanstic with the youngsters yet we've also taught the youngsters to grant the canines respect and by no skill to annoy all of them the time.we've made a rule interior the living house that the canines stay interior the kitchen in the course of the day with free get proper of entry to to the again backyard each and anytime they want so as that it receives peace from the youngsters,yet at the same time as the youngsters visit mattress at evening,the canines get to go back via into the living room.the suitable aspect you may do is contact the rescue centre you've were given in ideas and then they're going to inform you in the journey that they have got were given an age reduce.

Answer 7

Nothing small. I would go with a Bernese Mountain Dog. They are very patient and tolerant, plus when you get them (as a puppy) they will be big enough to not get seriously injured by they children. Also, they are protective but not aggressive. My Bernese absolutely loves my niece and nephew, and I have full confidence that he would protect them if anyone tried to hurt them. Any dog would have to be kept inside and only be allowed outside on a leash.

You can try looking on petfinder.com and see if there is an older one available near you.

Answer 8

Golden retriever and labs make great family dog
or if you want smaller try a smaller mixed breed.
With no fenced year though you will have to take the dog for training so it will not run off. Best thing would be to fence your yard first

Answer 9

We have had a mini schnauzer since she was a puppy and she is great with kids, our neighbors up the street got one to because they wanted a small dog that was good with kids. Our dog is almost seven years old now and is still good with all the kids that come over to our house, altho she is hyper active, as is normal with mini schnauzers, and tends to get really excited with people around.

Answer 10

any dog that is well trained and socialized. i reccomend you never leave any dog alone with your children. and let them interact under strict conditions until you know how your children will act and also the dog. go to your local humane society and let them find a dog for you. make sure you can afford proper vet care, spay or neuter, toys, leash collar, etc...a training class and the time to exercise a dog. meaning walking at least twice daily. if you do not have the money or time, please do not commit to this pet. they will be your responsobility for the next 12-17 years.


if your yard is not fenced either be prepared to put a fence up first, or an invisible one. or you can plan on taking the dog out on a leash to go potty. do not turn a dog loose in an unfenced yard that could run off and get hurt.