We have been doing research on the computer so that we find the right puppy to add to our family. We own our house and have a great fenced in back yard. We live in a cute neighborhood and there are many dogs here. Most importantly we need a dog that will fit in with our three and four year old children.
2007-03-03 07:43:11 · 33 answers · asked by kmij4 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well I have 3 kids 3,5 and 8 and we have a wonderful lakeland terrier we've had him for 8 years and he's brilliant with the kids, they can stand on him, pull him about ,tease him etc(they do get told off for doing so!) and he doesn't as much as growl, he's really affectionate and loves playing with the children, he's also great with our other animals(cats and rabbits) and any other dogs he encounters, he was really easy to train and good as a gaurd dog too as he barks at anyone approaching the house. having talked to other lakeland owners they agree they are all great with kids and have very similar temprements and also as another plus, they don't really moult like some other breeds mentioned so you don't end up spending all your free time hoovering! Also they are a reasonably small dog so not likely to knock your kids over or scare any othjer visiting children. I have had a border collie and a real heinz 57 cross too but the lakeland has been the best all rounder.
2007-03-03 08:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by maria9055 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically you want a puppy with a good temperament, whether it be a labrador, spaniel or even a mongrel. I would read up on the breeds you like most and see what is recommended as a good family dog. Personally I have found that the following are excellent family dogs: English cocker spaniels, labradors a nd retrievers. Take the kids with you when you've found a good breeder to choose the puppy and make sure they react well together. Remember though that whichever breed you choose, it will need quite a lot of attention (especially when you first get it) and you will need to make sure that the children treat it like a baby brother/sister too. I think you'll have a wonderful time with a new puppy and your children will love it and have a lovely furry new best friend!
2007-03-04 01:05:38 · answer #2 · answered by Jay C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and flat-coated retrievers are all known to be very good dogs for families because they have a low tendency towards aggression (when properly trained and socialized, of course). The three above breeds are all large dogs with eager-to-please personalities, but just beware that they are very active and will need lots of daily exercise. Without daily exercise and attention, they will be destructive and hyperactive.
Another great breed for kids is the Portuguese water dog. These are mid-sized dogs in the 40-60 pound weight range and do not shed, but because of their non-shedding coat they need a lot of grooming. These are active dogs who get along with kids and love the water.
My top four recommendations above are all very active dogs, but if you won't be able to give the dog much exercise, here are a couple lower-energy breeds that are good with kids. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are small, long-haired dogs that don't need much exercise and can do very well with kids. Basset hounds have lots of health problems and need a securely fenced yard (off-leash basset hounds will run away), plus they tend to bay, but they are good with kids.
Just keep in mind that even if you do find a dog that does great with the kids, NEVER leave them unsupervised together, even for a minute. Even a really sweet, tolerant dog can get impatient when a little kid doesn't heed their warnings. It's always up to you to make sure that the child is being gentle with the dog.
I'd also mention that puppies tend to be a poor choice for very young children. Puppies are very fragile and will play-bite until they are trained. They also just don't have the patience that an adult dog has, so it would require extra careful supervision. But if you're willing to be really careful with how much time the young ones spend with the puppy, and make sure that they're being really gentle, AND you're willing to go through the strenuous training and have the patience a puppy needs, then a puppy might do just fine.
2007-03-03 08:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by Steel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When choosing a dog,you should choose the breed that appeals to you most. You will be taking care of the dog and sooner or later it will have an accident,on the Persian rug or the new sofa and if it has that special appeal to you it will be forgiven and still have a good home. Your children are going to grow and change and the dog will live 10-15 or more years, To dogs 12 year old children are just like adults especially if they are mature. So look at the breeds and consider that whatever you choose must have that special melts your heart look in your eyes. When you look at the descriptions of the breeds and their histories,what they were bred for, you will get a better estimation of their temperaments and traits. Breeds do have traits but they also have individual temperaments on each dog.
2007-03-03 07:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Lab would be my 1st choice above all! They are so eagar to please,so smart,and absolutly wonderful with kid,in fact they adore children.You can trust them with an infant.A child can get on a Lab like a horse,pull on his ears,whatever.A Lab will watch over your kids,and protect them from harm,other dogs etc.
I've had three Labradors.My last one lived 14yrs.He was such a great companion,and playmate .I just loved showing his intelligence off.He loved to retrieve from the waterwhich hecould catch a frisbee,and seldem ever missed.(unless it was a bad throw by me)
I often told people that were observing him play,that if I had owned him when I was a little boy,I wouldn't have needed anyone to play with .A Lab is the absolute perfect dog for your children to love,and grow up with.
Go to some websites that describe the Labrador Retriever,and you will see what I'm talking about. Good Luck,
GreggNC
2007-03-03 13:11:40 · answer #5 · answered by GreggNC 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I did some research as well, but from personal experience here are my suggestions:
- Don't go with a dog that has a tendency to herd (Corgi's, Collie's)... they make excellent pets, but they will try to herd your children. My Border collie was wonderful, but it something they instinctual that they do. Better for older children
- Terriers are often great with children, but they tend to be barkers when they are excited. Although there are definitely exceptions to this rule, you may want to consider how loud or quiet you want your pup to be.
-Siberian Huskies, and other dogs in this family, despite their great size, are wonderful with children. I babysat for a family with a Huge husky type dog, and the kids would climb all over her and she wouldn't move, nothing phased her.
From the research I found that of course, golden retrievers were great, as were huskies, bulldogs, Beagles (although they can be stubborn), Pugs, Bernese Mountain dogs and Setters. Breeds to avoid are Pitt Bulls, Chows, Rotties, dalmatians, and Mini-pincher's. They all make great pets, but for various reasons they find children intolerable often. The list I read also said dachshunds but my sister has one and she has a 3 and 6 year old, and it is great with the kids.
Sometimes the most important thing is the training. I suggest that the most overlooked thing that a dog should be taught from day one is not to snap at people while they are eating. Dogs naturally want to protect their food/bones/etc but as soon as you get the puppy, pet near its face while it eats, take little bits of food from the bowl, etc. The dog will become accustomed to sharing, and then when you child decides it wants to play with the pup while it is eating, there isn't a big problem.
2007-03-03 08:04:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have to agree with the person who mention the Cavalier King Charles spaniel...very patient dog, very loving. Needs exercise (as all dogs) but less than a retriver or lab. (You have a 3 & 4 year old, only so much walking you can do!)
or...
The Shetland Sheepdog..no too big, active and friendly. Known many myself...great family dog.
Stay away from the terrier group or hounds...alot of exercise is needed and a knowing-owner is a must.
2007-03-03 09:09:16 · answer #7 · answered by Tracey A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Bearded Collie,they need a good amount of exercise which will keep you fit and well socialised they are great with kids.
Their coat is long but they let you groom them easily if you start when they are 8 week old puppies.
Teach the kids how to treat a dog and never leave them alone with it until they are old enough to know how to behave with a dog-preferably at least 10 and a mature 10 at that.
2007-03-03 17:20:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi!
It sounds as though a Cavalier King Charles would be perfect for your set up!!
They are THE most adorable house pets.
They are very EASY to train.
They are WONDERFUL with children.
They are the ONLY dog whose tail NEVER stops wagging coz they are always happy!!
Your children will ADORE them, and they will ADORE your children!
We have two of them and they are so much a part of our family, we just can't imagine life with out them!
Best of luck with your reasearch!
I'm sure any dog would be very fortunate to have you and your family as it's keepers!
2007-03-03 07:51:17 · answer #9 · answered by Moofie's Mom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retriever is a sturdy all around breed as long as you have a minimum of a medium sized backyard it could run around in. that's a super canine and it could be torture for the poor subject to be cooped up in a house all day. Golden Retrievers are friendly, no longer overly territorial, unswerving, gentle, intuitive, quickly newcomers, dazzling companions. i could propose against greyhounds and dalmations, as they have a tendency to be hyper and/or intense maintenance. No chows or bulldogs as a results of fact of hetero forward bone issues. No breed that has a tendency to be overbred and/or aggressively territorial (rottweiler, doberman pinscher, boxer, mastiff, pit bull, etc.).
2016-10-02 08:07:08 · answer #10 · answered by cavallo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋