What is a calm dog that is good with kids, and no bigger than a lab?

Answer 1

Like several others, I highly recommend a Golden Retreiver - fantastic and sweet doggie for kids.

However - having raised a purebred from puppyhood and having a dogsitting client who has a badly trained 2-yr old golden, I gotta point out; Goldens can go really HYPER on you if you are not careful. My client dog is a sweetie, but I know the lady got her from a pet store, so she is probably very poorly bred and although I work with her when I can, she's really hyper and jumps a lot. My dog my family had was super-hyper as a puppy but calm and wonderful as an adult. My point is; if you already have the kids, you might want to consider adopting an adult golden or mix breed from a rescue. There are tons of wonderful family dogs in shelters and a 2-3 yr old dog adopted from a rescue will already be housebroken, already be 'vetted' by the shelter workers and volunteers for behavior issues and how they are around kids, and will already have basic training (sit, stay, etc.) The rescue people can work with you to find you the right dog with the right kind of temprament for your family.

Specifically with goldens, they are prone to hip dysplasia and getting a mix breed that is predominantly golden can often avoid that. (this applies to a lot of genetic problems that arise from "purebred" breeding techniques.)

Answer 2

I know you'll probably think I sound crazy, but, I have a 100% pure American Staffordshire Terrier puppy, named Raven, and her breed is otherwise known as an American Pit Bull Terrier. Please don't feed into the stereotype that they are bad dogs..They are NOT. It is all on how they are raised, and how they are bred. If they are inbred, they will tend to have mental disorders and problems, whereas if they are pure bred and raised right, they are wonderful and amazing dogs. Mine is very well mannered, sweet, loving and has NEVER ONCE snapped at, bit, or scratched one of my kids. She is gorgeous inside and out, I reccomend you read a little bit about them and disregard all of what you hear on the nws. These dogs do not get any bigger than a lab if you get the American breeds, or the English Staffordshire breeds. Mine is a brindle (striped) with white nose and paws. Absolutely adorable! Follow the link below to see a pic of her. Good luck, and hope I helped!!

Answer 3

I suggest you pick one from the animal shelter that is a mix breed. You can observe the puppy and you can tell by the size of its feet if they are going to be a large type dog or not. All puppies have lots of energy and it depends on how well they are trained and how good the kids are with the dog as to how good the dog is toward the kids. Most of the lab type dogs are quiet and gentle toward children. A beagle is loving but unless you have a fenced in yard I suggest you not get one as they love to take off to hunt. I persoanlly like a collie mix, they make wonderful companion dogs. They can be very active or very content to sit with you to watch tv.

Answer 4

Labs are pretty big dogs and if you don't mind that size then you have a ton of options. If you want a bigger dog like that then Golden Retrievers are a good choice they are wonderful with kids. If you want a small dog you could get a Yorkie they are also good dogs!

Answer 5

Well the obvious answer is a lab, or golden retriever. Both are good with kids, and fairly mild mannered if they get exercise. For a smaller dog a Gordon Setter, King Charles Spaniel, or Basset hound. Honestly training, and proper socialization are more important than breed.

Answer 6

Collies are WONDERFUL with kids. My Collies haven't been raised around children, but the first time they saw a baby they went crazy. Wagging, wiggling, happy as could be! But they never will hurt a baby or knock him down. They're very gentle & sweet.
They are not calm as puppies (most dogs aren't) but are very calm adult dogs.

Answer 7

Don't mean to put down sadie, but Border collies are pretty iffy around children. They like fast moving things and loud things..and children tend to be both, and it's in Collie's natures to want to herd them and tend to be nippy towards kids. I'm not saying all, because my grandmas border collie is suprisingly good with children, but our own is horrible with children. I've heard many good things about german shepards and children. Also when I was growing up my parents had huskies and they were wonderful with me and my brother, very tolerant and protective over us. Most dogs are great with children if they are raised with them, with whatever dog you choose make sure you socialize them with the children right away and make it positive, try avoiding all negative experiences with children because it could impact the way the dog will act towards them.

Heres a site that gives a few more extra insights http://caninebreeds.bulldoginformation.com/dogs-good-with-children.html

Good Luck :)

Answer 8

My parents have a soft coated wheaton terrier~ he is an awesome dog. He's about 45 pounds and has the best temperment of any purebred dog I've seen. He is a little peppy, but not bad... so if you don't want a mix the wheaton is a good option.

Answer 9

Golden retrievers are great with kids and so are miniature schnauzers if you want something smaller. Both are very loving, calm and good natured. They love to be petted and are protective of their humans. Mini schnauzers don't shed and are non allergenic. I have one and she is the sweetest, most adaptable, loving animal I've ever seen. They are great for apartments or houses. They will fit easily into your lifestyle, but do like a lot of love and attention.

Answer 10

I have 2 mutts and they are great with my kids.
My advice is to contact a local dog rescue group. They usually foster dogs before they are adopted out and a lot of the foster families have kids and can tell you the temperament of the dog.
I know cuz I just started to foster dogs with K9new life in va beach.
;-)