family dog?

Question

looking to buy a dog- what would you say is a good family dog?

we would prefer a larger dog and were considering either a golden retriever/labrador or german shepherd?

Answer 1

I've owned several dogs in my life and a few were German Shepherd mix, so I decided to buy a couple of pure bred German Shepherd bitches a few years ago. I will never own a different breed of dog again. They are intelligent, loyal, and great with kids. With proper training, however, you can't go wrong with any breed of dog. That is the key...you can't let dogs get the better of you. You have to be alpha. Watch National Geographic channel's Dog Whisperer for training ideas, and after you get your puppy, whatever the breed, enroll in puppy classes. They really do work.

Answer 2

Go to the AKC website. They have information on all the breeds, and can help you pick a dog that will work well in your family. It needs to not only be good around kids, but match the other areas of your life as well. How much grooming time do you want to spend? Are you athletic people, or stay at home folks? Do you have a yard? How big is your home? All of these things should be considered.

Answer 3

If you want to find a good family dog, take your family and go to your local shelter. Let you kids walk to the kennels and you will see reactions from the dogs. If the bristle or growl....keep walking. Spend some time there. Go back if need be. If you find a dog you are interested in, alot of shelters will hold so you can let the dog get to know your kids before you bring him/her home. Too many wonderful unwanted dogs die every year because they aren't purebreds. A mut makes the best pet and has so much love to give.

Answer 4

I'm probably gonna get alot of "thumbs down", but I have 2 of the biggest sucky baby Rottweilers (they think theyre lap dogs, its sad really!). They were both raised from 6 wk old pups with my 3 yr old son (at the time, hes 6 now). A year and a half ago, we added a Jack Russell Terrier to the mix, and they welcomed her with open arms. I know Rotties get a bad name, but they are incredibley intelligent dogs, and extremely loyal to their family and their property. Small dogs are nice too, but with my husband travelling alot for work, I just cant sleep knowing that if someone breaks in, I dont stand a chance! These dogs will truely give their life to save yours...its worth a thought! Good luck! :)

Answer 5

A good family dog would be a lab or a golden retriever but if you are wanting a smaller dog I would say a rat terrier

Answer 6

They are all good. DOn't limit yourself to breed specifications. Most breeds have been so over bred your not going to get the qualities that attract you to them.

Take the whole family to a pet adoption function. See which ones you like.

Petfinders is great. It is all rescue dogs no breeders listing their crap and selling it to niave people. To the left of the home page you can put in you want a dog, leave breed blank, what age, what size, male or female and your zip code and it will pull up all the dogs looking for you.

Answer 7

my family adopted a German Shepard dog when my sisters and i were younger. He is a good dog very easy-going loves attention and to play. The only complaint is he gets really excited when we have people over but he calms down. He's a fun dog and a good watch dog.

Answer 8

There are many great dogs available for ADOPTION. Don't buy until you check your local human society or pound. I just adopted a lab (and I think boxer) mix and she is a GREAT dog and what a bargain. She came spayed, with all of her shots and unless something happens (knock on wood) she does not have to be seen by a vet until she needs another rabies shot (in NOVEMBER). You will never regret adopting.

Answer 9

depends if you want a big dog or a little dog:

Big: black Lab, golden retriever, alaskans

Small: pug, shar pei (medium-ish), yorkie

Big dogs are calmer better for very small children. Little dogs bond stronger to children for bigger kids. I am partial to pugs and will own them for life but for a big dog my money goes to the alaskan. Under rated house dogs.

Answer 10

Why not pack the family into the car, drive to a shelter, and see how various dogs interact with your family? Talk to the shelter owners about what you need/want in a dog and they'll likely be able to point you to one of their lovely animals who needs a home and would be perfect for yours.