What kind of dog is good with kids? I want something medium size, clean & not yippie, but fun.?

Question

Wow - great feedback. My children are 2 & 4, I want something that isn't too big, no bigger than a Lab, I'd say. Also, my husband doesn't want a "girlie dog" - whatever that means. I have heard of dogs "turning" in thier old age, and want one least likely to do so. I really want a mellow dog, who can take the "loving" 2 active little girls are bound to give, we will teach them to be nice to the dog, but you know how excited little kids get. I have never owned a dog before and am really nervous, so I appreciate all the great advice.

Answer 1

Shelter dogs are always wonderful pets, especially the mixed breeds. Mixed breeds have less health problems and tend to have a better temperament than purebreds. The shelter can help you find a dog that would be perfect for your family. For purebred dogs stay away from Dalmatians, Akitas, Chow Chows, and Shar-Peis. These breeds can be very aggressive towards children and other people. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. Good luck!

Answer 2

I really like Australian shepherds. These dogs are medium sized, very intelligent, and have lots of energy. They can get along with just about anyone if you socialize them well. But they also need a lot of stimulation and attention because they're so smart and active. They're lots of fun if they get lots of exercise, but make sure you have the time for lots of training and mental stimulation as well.

I also recommend doing research on the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. These are mid-sized dogs who can do great with kids and other animals when socialized with them. They have lots of energy, are quick to learn, and can be loads of fun. But again, they need that exercise regularly or they can become hyperactive and destructive.

A brittany spaniel, sometimes just called a brittany, is another suggestion. These are mid-sized dogs that are active, smart, and fun, but they can tend to be a little more sensitive to loud noises and such. If your kids are well-behaved in that regard, a brittany could do well, but if they're the loud, rowdy type, a brittany might not go as well.

And my top suggestion is going to your local animal shelter and looking at the adult dogs there (about 2 or 3 years old). Explain your situation to the shelter staff, and be sure to mention that the dog must be good with kids. Some shelter dogs come housetrained and already know some manners. There are tons of great mutts out there that I would much rather take over a purebred dog.

Answer 3

most dogs if well bred are good family pets. Its up to you to check the breeds specifics as to if they fit your lifestyle and family structure. Dont rely on someone telling you what they think. Do alot of reading on diffrent breeds. What do you consider Medium size? 30 pounds? How old are the kids? If they are super young you need to teach the KIDS how best to handle a dog. They way the children handle a dog will be the key to having a happy, healthy and safe dog. As for breeds, go for mixes... Poodle mixes with like Cockers, Beagles, Spaniels, are nice family dogs They seem to be even keeled and not too yappy but that is dependant on the individual dog. Basset Hounds, Spaniel mixes are nice too for size and sturdiness.Hounds can be a harder dog to train to stay in the yard, there bred tendencies are to put there nose to the ground and hunt, you need to train and watch them very closely. Terriers are not a good idea (im sure some people will disagree) for a first time pet dog unless your willing to do some work with them and spend alot of time. Terriers are very active they have certian breed traits and can be a little more stubborn than you like. Not ALL terriers are like this but the majority can be a bit tenacious. Its what they were bred for. Most are a bit barky because thats what they were bred to do. Go visit a shelter a couple times, dont set your heart on anything, sit with a couple med size dogs, you first then bring in the kids under a watchful eye. Dont buy cause they are cute or the puppy licked your kids once. You dont have to BUY from the shelter but if you visit them then you have the ability to get around diffrent dogs to see what is best that suits you. Then you have an idea what breed or mix your intrested in. Dont be to hasty!!!

Answer 4

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RE:
What kind of dog is good with kids? I want something medium size, clean & not yippie, but fun.?

Answer 5

Pugs are what we have, They are wonderful with kids, fun and very loving and not yippie....well....only yippie when they are excited to see you! I wouldn't trade them in for anything!!!! We also have a Chesapeke Bay Retriever, wonderful family dog when he was young, but now he is having a few health problems...eyes and ears. He's a bit more on the reserved side now especially with the kids. He is very loved even though he tends to be a bit grumpy!! I really think you should consider how a dog will be when they are seniors!! And I suppose I should add...it's not really how the dog is with kids, but how the kids are with dogs. Kids must be trained properly how to care for, love and treat animals.

Answer 6

if you go to a shelter, you can pretty much get a "made to order" dog. the staff are usually more than happy to help you pick a dog that will fit into your family and lifestyle. bring your kids with you. and i suggest an older pup or young dog. between 6 months and a year. it'll be too young to have been mistreated for too long (if it has been at all), and old enough to have the start of housebreaking and other training. many times, people with kids decide to get a pup without realizing the time it's going to take. if you get a 10 week old pup that needs full training, either your kids will unintentionally get pushed aside, or you'll try to rush the training and could ruin the dog.

Answer 7

I have a boston terrier, he is great with my two younger children. Everyone is going to say their breed. Any dog brought up with a child and given their proper training and socialization will be great with any child. For a medium sized dog I would say: Boston Terrier (of course), Beagle, Bulldog, Pug, English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Brittany, Welsh Corgi, Samoyed, stafforshire bull terrier, nova scotia duck tolling retriever, Vizsla, Boxer, try looking up and doing a dog breed selector on the internet this may help you in your search. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I have a Border Collie/ Alaskan Eskimo mix, and he's just wonderful. He's just medium sized, right about 25lbs, and his back only reaches my knee. He's very loving, very affectionate, and very clean. The only time he does any kind of barking is when he has to go outside. He just loves kids and has a wonderful temperment. I'd recommend that breed to anyone who has children. He looks like a miniature Husky with a fluffy, curly tail.

Answer 9

I recommend a pitbull,they have a lot of energy and are loyal and loving and as adults weigh about 35-60 lbs.I have 2 and I also have 4 active boys ranging from 3 to10,these dogs tolerate everything.They score higher than a lot of so-called family dogs on the temperment test.Despite popular belief they are not viscious child killers.They are very "stable dogs"

Answer 10

Pugs are great. Beagles are also a good mid-sized dog. I would not suggest a cockerspaniel because while they are good with it's own family, they can be snippy toward "strangers" (your children's friends for example). A pure bred lab would also be a good choice. If they are pure, they tend to stay a good size (around 60 lbs). If you want something a tad smaller, dachshunds are good with kids and fun! A word of caution about dachshunds with kids it to be sure you teach them how to properly pick them up so not to hurt their backs.