Great dogs for kids?

Question

As I mentioned in an earlier question I just put my GSP down. I want some opinions on breeds for kids. I am with my dogs all day long. He even came to work with me everyday. We have a lake house so a dog who loves the water is ideal. Our GSP was a great dog but came from a rescue and didn't play, I mean not at all. I want a dog that loves to play but is great around young kids 3&5. Obviously, I know I just described a lab but was looking for other options. Thanks

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

A couple more dogs to consider would be a newfoundland (love water, kids and they are big dogs)or St Bernards (good with kids and they are huge). If breed is not a concern you could always go to your local pound or rescue and adopt one. There are also many pure bred rescues that you can look into. You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home.

Answer 2

Check out the website for the Westminster Kennel Club. They list all the pure breed dogs and their history. There is also links to the individual breeds websites.

This will help you to start with. What you did not note is how much room you have for the dog, how much time you will spend with them and how much room they have to run, diet and weather conditions in your area are a factor. You need to do a lot of research.

For example, the Beagle is a small dog that people thing is great for an apartment. BUT they get into trouble very easy and have separation issues from their owners, so they do best in big families where they can be watched.

Some small dogs view and treat small kids just like another dog and will play or attack them as such.

The English Sheepdog does not do well in Florida's humid summer nor in Hot Palm Springs, but it does do well in the northern parts of the United States.

Rescue dogs are great pets, but they do come with unknown baggage and the reason yours may not have played was because he did not know how (they learn this as a puppy or later by interacting with other dogs). Always check the Shelter out first for a dog, you never know what you may find.

Answer 3

I am a proud mother to a 1 year old and a BloodHound. We had the bloodhound for about three months before we brought the baby home. He is very loving towards him. He is also great with letting him tug on him (his ears especially) he crawls all over the dog and Dempsy just lets him have at it. As far as playing we play quite often at least twice a day hard. He loves fetch and Hide n' Seek. He also loves to wrestle chase me and to be chased.
My father-in-law has a gsp and again same problem. He is older and you are right after a certain point all they want to do is lounge. He also has a chocolate lab that plays greatwith the baby. We are a family full of hunting dogs. LOL. Best of luck with the new family member. I hope I was some help.

Answer 4

We got a lab/shepherd mix from a local shelter. She has been great! She is 4 now and still plays like a puppy. The key is to get a puppy or an older dog that the shelter has designated ok for a home with children. (except for pit bulls I have not heard of a puppy that grows up disliking the children) It really depends on how you raise the dog or the experiences an older dog had before you had them. Also, just a suggestion, I don't know if you prefer male or female dogs, but in my experience, female dogs are easier to house train and don't tend to try to be the "alpha" dog. Especially since your kids are still quite young it's good to have a puppy that grows up with them and learns from the beginning that it lives in your children's territory and not the other way around. I always recommend a rescued pet first. Also, below is a site to find rescued pets in your area. Have fun!

Answer 5

Most people will probably think I'm totally nuts for saying this, but try a Doberman Pinscher. I would get one from a breeder, not a shelter. We did tons of research into what kind of dogs make good family dogs, and we were impressed to learn that Dobies really make good family dogs. We have a 5-year-old nephew, a 4-year-old cousin, and an 18-month-old sister who have all spent time around our 3-year-old Dobie. He has a real sense that children need to be treated more gently than adults. He doesn't knock into them or act aggressive around them. But he's also very playful and loves to play with other dogs and run around with my husband and his brothers. They love attention and affection, and while they are fairly large dogs, they love to snuggle with their owners. The main thing is to socialize the dog and make sure the dog understands who is in charge, which is why puppy school/obedience lessons are a must. Our Dobie has totally enriched our lives and the decision to get one was one of the best decisions we made.

Answer 6

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned this, but BEAGLES are fantastic family pets. They are extremely easy going and will put up with a lot of the playing and tugging that children will do. They are extremely affectionate and intelligent and very low maintenance. They are obviously a smaller breed, which is great for the little ones, as you won’t have to worry about the dog jumping and knocking them over. The only drawback to a beagle is their sense of smell which is very strong! Just make sure you always keep your garbage can in a place they can’t tip it over and make sure they are secure in your backyard when they go out (either a fenced in yard or keep them on a solid tether) as they will follow any and every smell they pick up.

Answer 7

Well - my first option would be lab, a retriever would be good also. We just got my daughter a lab / border collie mix- she is great. My 14 yo is training her - she is very easily trained and loves to play, in the water, in the snow and in the sun. The best part is that as much as she likes to play- she does not get so caught up in it that she cannot be easily settled down and will ocntinue to be obedient and submissive.
I have seen some dogs that no matter how obedient they were , when things got too hyper in play they became uncontrollable. This dog goes from hyper to standing at attention in 2 seconds flat :) - to me that is pretty important.

Answer 8

All of the breeds everyone has mentioned would be good choices. Sometimes, the very best dogs are mutts. From personal experience I would say a border collie would be great, and also a poodle. Not the little teacup size, but a miniature. We have a miniature/toy poodle. He loves water, and poodles were originally bred to be sporting dogs. They are also very intelligent, and seem to stay active and playful even as they get older. Our poodle is at least eleven, but still very active, and he gets along well with our three year old.

Answer 9

My favorite was an English Springer Spaniel. She was slightly high strung, but most purebreds are. She was so loyal and protective to the kids it would make you cry. My step daughter had the flu when she was 4. Sysco never left her side for almost 2 days. She wouldnt even go out to pee! She was barking one day and I kept yelling for her to be quiet. I finally went outside because she wouldnt quit barking. The kids were sitting on the curb. As soon as I ushered them back in the yard she sat on the porch quietly. When I brought my first son home from the hospital she slept under his crib. She would come and wake me before he was fully awake and ready for a feeding. I wouldnt have heard a peep yet, but usually within 5 minutes or so sure enough the baby was awake. She was so in sync with those kids!! She loved to play fetch and swim. She was the best dog ever!! (she was put down just before xmas at just shy of 15 yrs old) If we get another dog I wouldnt hesitate in getting another Springer.
Good Luck!!

Answer 10

Hi
I'm so sorry you lost your baby! When your ready - look into getting a Labradoodle. I've had many dogs - these are something special! [Becareful - they are like potato chips. You
can't have just one.] If you want more info let me know. They don't have to cost alot of $. I'm part of a Labradoodle group, and I would be happy to help. Good luck - I know you can't replace the
one you lost - but loving a new babe can help.
I can't tell you how much I'm in love with this breed! I too am with my dogs all day - everyday! I enjoy every second with these playful, loving, and very smart creatures!
Here is a great site to check out. Great info, and happy to answer
questions.
www. Labradoodle-Dogs.Net