Best breed of dog for kids?

Question

I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old, and I am looking to getting an 2nd dog. I have a heeler now and even though she is very protective she isnt that great when it comes to playing. Please help me.

Answer 1

Don't know where Twin 101 got the idea Border Collies are big. The are about 35 pounds. Biggest concern with them is their instinct for herding causes them to want to get all the kids rounded up in a tidy little group. I agree with answers that said to go by the dog and it's temperment rather than the breed as there are pros and cons, good and bad in all breeds. I had Rottweilers when my kids were small and never had a problem. I now have a Saint Bernard who is absolutely wonderful with my 2 year old grandson. Let's him climb on her and plays well with him but at times acidentally knocks him down because of her size. Go with the personality and temperment not the breed.

Answer 2

I have a golden retriever who is 5 and a mix breed lab who is 3 and they are both great with my kids (15, 10, 8) and the younger kids next door(5, 3, 2). We looked for a puppy that was not jumpy and was mellow and we did okay by that. They are both great dogs. When I met my husband he had a golden and I had a 2 year old (the 15 year old now) and that dog was really tolerate of him, he pulled his ears, jowls, and jumped on him. So I would say if you are looking for a specific breed I would recommend a golden retriever, however if you would like to rescue one go to your local shelter and spend some time with different dogs to see if you can find a match that is right for your family and household. Just remember, with kids that young, the dog or puppy, will require a lot of your time and attention and your "heeler" might not be excited about getting a new companion in its domain.

Answer 3

I am also looking for a dog and have a 19 month old. I have done lots of research and here is what I found out. Yes, it does matter a lot about your lifesyle. You dont want a highly energentic dog if you dont have time for it. The sporting dogs: labs, retivers are highly energetic, take a while to mature(about two years or so), but are fantastic with kids. They will play fetch and run with your little ones. The herding dogs: heeler, german shepards, corgis are also good with kids and protective. They sometimes tend to try to herd your kids and nip at their heels. They like the sporting group need a job to do to be happy. I have been looking at either a boxer or a boston terrier for my family. My husbands family own five boxers and all are terrific with my daughter, very gentle, and playful. She throws toys for them and the chase them which she finds so funny. Boxers are playful, protective, very affectionate, and loyal. They do take a few years to mature and most are "kids" forever. Which can be great when you have children. The boston terrier (a friend owns one) are smaller (from 15-25lbs), but are also great with kids. They love to chase tennis balls and then curl up in your lap. The most important thing is to choose a dog from a reputable breeder and socialize the puppy from day one. Of course never leave the dog and child alone. There is also the option of going to the shelter to choose a dog. You can find a wonderful dog there and mutts tend to be healthier. There are tons of lab and shepard mixes there and will have the wonderful traits of those breeds along with whatever it is mixed with. If you choose that route as the workers lots of questions, and take your kids with you to choose your new family member. Good luck, and do lots of research.

Answer 4

Well Border Collies Are Pretty Playful But They Grow Pretty Big And Beagles Are Playful Too And They Dont Get That Big. Just Whatever You Do Dont Get A Chihauha They Bark Too Much And That Could Damage A Babies Hearing!

Answer 5

I would say definitely the golden retriever.They are very playful,but not rough. Some of the other people say to get a Labrador retriever. Even though they share the name with Goldies they are much different. I would definitely not get a lab,they have way too much energy for your kids to play with,labs do not stop jumping on people ,they do not know when enough is enough. especially since you have two tiny kids. my cousins have a lab and their are wanting to get rid of it,they hate it. They have a huge backyard,and all he does is stay back there all by himself because nobody likes him,he is just way to hiper.If you go back there all he does is bite your hands and jumps on you. Both of my best friends have labs,one of them stays in the backyard,but my friend plays with him all the time,he once almost attacked me. My other friend's lab stays in the garage when company comes over. I would highly recommend you to NOT GET ONE. The Golden Retriever is definitely the right choice for you. But don't let me decide for you.

Which ever kind of dog you decide good luck.

Answer 6

Mid size Mutts are good with children.Ask about the dogs attitude. A Border Collie mix are very good dogs and just the right size.You can go to the pound to find a good dog.You will want a sturdy dog that can take the rough play. But it has always bee my experience that a Mutt makes the best children's pet.

Answer 7

I grew up with labs and they are very good around kids.
Now, I have a 2 year old son and a pug. I teach my son how to treat Ludwig (our dog). However, being the toddler he is, he has pulled his tail, ears, etc. Ludwig just took it, he's very laid back (almost 3 years old). They really are the best of friends. (However, I would never leave any dog alone with him, no matter how their tempermant is or how well they get a long.)
Just read up on different breeds and see what works best for you and your lifestyle. Good luck!

Answer 8

Instead of focusing on specific breeds, focus more on behavioral characteristics, personality, and time commitment that you're looking for.

1. Make up a list of requirements for the dog - behavior, temperament, space requirements, activity level, grooming time, training level, etc.

2. Make up a list of nice-to-haves - for me, this was gender and color among other things.

3. Make up a list of things you absolutely do not want.

4. Take all three of these lists to the local shelter and/or rescue and meet with an adoption coordinator to discuss what you want from a canine companion.

5. Let the adoption coordinator pick several dogs that match your "ideal dog" template.

6. Play with and socialize with them all, and let your heart choose the right one.

Also make sure you bring your current dog with you to be sure they will get along. Good luck!

Answer 9

Australian Shepherds (Aussies) are sooo sweet. And great with kids...they are real lovers and I've had 2 of them in the past.

I was in elementary school and junior high when I had them. I use to do silly things to them...like give them dogie pedicures, and they didn't mind since they are patient. When I watched T.V. I'd scoop one of them up on the couch (they are sort of heavy and big) but they would just wag their tails and happily stay with me. They do like to play but they they aren't aggressive about it, they seem to know how to be careful so you don't have to worry about them trying to play with toddlers and the next thing you know the tolddler gets knocked over or something. When we had very small kids over, including my young cousins, these dogs were very friendly to them. They are good with people of all ages.

I do recomend getting the dogs as pups so they grow up use to family life. Aussies are great work dogs and if you happen to get one that has a been brought up to use its strong working instinct, then it may be harder for the dog and your family to adjust.

Answer 10

It depends on your full lifestyle, not just having kids.
Obviously, the kids are a concern, and you'll want to stay away from dogs that are known to be very bouncy.
You'll need to decide what kind of time you can give them, what enegry needs will fit your life. Just not enough info to give a good answer.

If you find a breed you like, use this website: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/index.html
They give you very honest opinions on different breeds, giving both the good and bad of the dogs.