what is a good dog for toddlers?

Answer 1

I suggest a medium to large dog. While small dogs are perfectly fine, larger dogs are more suited for young children. Golden retreivers, Labs, beagles have great tempers and personalities. easily trained plus a great attitude.

Answer 2

Usually a medium to large sized dog is good depending on your capabilities. That way it can handle any rough play brought on by the toddlers. I would suggest a Golden Retriever if you can handle the intense excercise and attention needs or a Labrador Retreiver. Both of these are larger dogs (occasionally exceeding 90+ pounds although usually only ranging between 60-70lbs) If you have the time, money, and the energy these make great children's dogs and are very friendly and PATIENT! Also not to mention smart! I just got a 3 month old Golden Retriever puppy and she had a bad start to potty training being an outside only dog but after just a few weeks of being inside she hardly makes an accident and goes to the door everytime she needs to go out. Other (smaller) options would be Shhit-zu, Llhasa-Apso, Beagles, etc. Also I would suggest going to your local animal shelter and seeing what they have there. Sometimes there might be dogs that have already been around children and you would be ahead of the game. Plus you would be giving a homeless dog a place to live.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Dont listen to all those people saying labs because they attack out of nowhere sometimes and the numbers are rising! the absolute BEST dog and I know by experience is a St. Bernards. I had 2 of them and I was in a club with all St. Bernards and they are the best dogs in the world with toddlers! All the St. Bernards I have seen (probaly over 30) have been so good with kids. The ones I have seen get pinched and their tails pulled harshly by kids and they dont even mind. They take abuse without fighting. They look menacing because of their size but they are the most gentle dogs in the world! They wont make good guard dogs though because if they see a stranger, they will just go up and lick them! All this gentleness is problaly due because they were originally bred to rescue skiers who were trapped under snow. These are the best dogs in the world for kids so dont make a mistake and GET ONE! If you dont believe me go to Wikipedia or type it up on Google to see what others say about their gentle spirits.

Answer 4

Depends upon your toddler, the lifestyle of your family, and the size of the area you live in (your house size, yard, lots of room to run, etc).

My family had dogs all while I was growing up. Our first dog that I remember was Amos. He was a poodle/terrior mix, and weighed around 10 lbs. He was great, and was great with us. And my sister and I were sometimes so mean to him (as I look back), but neither of us were ever bit by him, and he obeyed us when we called him or told him what to do. It will all be on how you train the dog.

We also had golden retrievers. They each were wonderful with us, and were great dogs. Again, we were never bit, growled at, or feared by the dogs, and we were at times cruel (not meaning to be). We would dress them in clothing (which they hated), and did some things we thought were cute, but they didn't really appreciate. But there was love and respect.

Talk to the local humaine soceity, as well as a vet. Maybe some breeders in your area. They are going to tell you the truth. Look at your amount of space available, as well as how able you are to accomodate a certain sized dog. Doing research is the best.

My parents have 2 dogs now - a bichon, and a golden retriever. My 18 month old daughter LOVES those dogs, and they love her. When we go over, she is kissed and followed by the dogs, as we are. They are wonderful with her, and they are protective of her if she cries.

Answer 5

NOT a poodle.

Personally, I wouldn't get a puppy if I had a toddler, I'd get an older dog who's already trained and has a good track record with kids. A puppy will need training, and may be too rough for a toddler. If you have your heart set on a puppy, wait til the kid is in kindergarten.

Answer 6

Whenever I see these types of questions I always have to vouch for an Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler, they're the same thing. My sister got a one as a puppy when my nephew was about 13 months. He's 3 now and he is so close to that dog, it's almost like they are brothers.
Once my nephew got outside while my sister was filling up his bottle with water and the dog followed him and actually pulled him into the back yard away from the street and the woods and kept him there. Their dog is slightly hyper, but if you train it the right way it will be a perfect friend for your children to grow up with.

Answer 7

A gentle cross is a golden retriever... they are the sweetest dogs. I had one growing up and now have one for my toddlers. The gr's are great for playing with the kids and for protection... I remember how our dog used to go nuts if we got too close to the water without having one of our parents around... Gr's are gentle dogs and are easily trained.
If you can, look into training classes for the pup - it will make your life easier!
I would definitley say that a spaniel or a Jack russel are out of the question - both of them are biters and tend to have mean streaks in them.
Good luck to you!!

Answer 8

We have a cocker spaniel and he is the best dog I have ever owned, he wouldn't hurt a fly. My daughter is 2 (we had the dog before she came along) and if she has a nap or is sleeping he will sit right beside her bed and if he even hears a peep out of her he runs to me and lets me know. (i use a monitor as well) but he is a really sweet dog, my daughter will sit on his back or something and he just rolls over and wags his stubby little tail. But i'm sure not every cocker spaniel is the same I have heard of some being mean, but I can't see it.

Answer 9

Well if your looking for a small dog that would be a Jack Russell. If you want a big dog that is well with kids that would be a Husky. I would know because I grew up with a husky.

Answer 10

a lab :) they are wonderful with kids!!! We have a male yellow lab, we got him when he was just a puppy, we have four boys ages 8,6,6, and 4.....the youngest was only 2 when we got him. I also do daycare for two little girls and one little boy the little boy is only 3. This dog is wonderful with all of them. He never jumps on them. He loves running with them, and hes very careful with them Its amazing these dogs are very smart :) wonderful family pet :)