I have 3 small kids what is the best type of dog to have around my children?

Answer 1

Hi There,
First I would like to say, have you really really thought this through, because ANY dog you get will be an incredible
amount of work...triple that if its a puppy. Really with three small children do you have the time. YOU? because sorry,
but mom is always stuck with doggie work.
That aside I do think it is a Great idea to introduce a dog into your family...children and us can learn sooo much from them its awesome!!! If I was to start again in choosing dogs with small kids around I would have to agree with some of the above responses. Lab are wonderful wonderful dogs in general, but like any dog you do need to exercise caution around kids, their shear size can be overwhelming. Labs are
also pretty healthy, and generally healthy BUT again like everyone and everything that temperment can change with
neglect or mistreatment (not that I'm suggesting you BUT be warned as to where you get the your doggie, there are lots of horrible breeders out there). I LOVE golden retreivers, and yes they are lovely dogs and funny and kind, but Vet are finding this strange occurence in retrievers that basically is environmental allergies, and there is little to be done for it. Not fun!! we went through it 2 years ago...very sad.
I'd stay away from the tiny breeds (they been to be injuried badly albeit mistakenly by little hands. And the tiny breeds have a tendency not to live as long. Spaniels(except for cocker..too much inbreeding) are nice, gentle. I'd stay away from terriers (of all kinds) nippy, excitable and tempermental with kids especially it seems. Hounds run away to much (trust me on this one, I have 2 coonhounds),
Border Collie are friendly, outgoing, and fun BUT they MUST have land to runrunrun, they need work to do. Shepherds will watch your child to a fault...can be awesome dogs. Blue Heeler/cattle dogs are excellent workers but lots of work for you too, in training etc. Dalmatians look fun, full of energy etc. but not the smartest and they are often deaf. Beagles,kids love them BUT the work WOW! Poodles not bad, but can be tempermental with kids.
So I guess I'm saying IMHO labs are great...and really when it comes down to it Mixed breeds are awesome dogs as well, what about a rescue dog, most of them are so loving and appreciative that you can't go wrong.
Most of all like I always tell everyone DON'T go on "oh, he's so sweet" think will he fit into our lifestyle, will he need extras like lots of baths or haircuts, can I afford what a big dog will eat, vet bills,is he high energy and will need 3 walks a day, all that kind of stuff, and in considering I'm sure you will find
your wonderful new family member will keep you happy for years to come.

Good Luck on the doggie search, I'm sure there is someone
just waiting for YOU!!

Answer 2

It depends... what size of a place you live in should be first determined. Obviously you don't want a St. Bernard in an apartment. lol. Secondly, I don't think it makes a difference what kind of a dog you get them. Most of it is preferences what kind of dog you want around. If you're thinking of getting a puppy then it can grow up with the kids or you can get a dog that is already trained from the local shelter or pet store. If you do this, be sure to ask if the dog is child friendly. I have added a link and maybe it will help you decide. I have a Mini Pincher/Jack Russell mix and I love him and he loves kids. Good Luck !

Answer 3

Hi the best type of dog 2 have around small kids is probable a Labrador,collie or a Dalmatian

Answer 4

The Best Dog Breed For Children
For the most part dogs and children are a fantastic match - they often share a very special and close bond together. But when people ask what is the best dog breed for children I don't believe there is a right or wrong answer.
This is because the breed of the dog does not solely determine how your children and dog will get along. All dogs, regardless of breed are individuals. The breed type is an important factor but it is only one of the ingredients that combine to shape the temperament and behavior of your dog. What are these factors?


The dog's breed type - some breeds are obviously more suited to living among families with kids (Labrador, Golden Retriever etc.).

Where you purchase the dog from (the genetics and bloodlines of the dog).

The puppy socialization you and the puppy breeder provide.

The training you provide.

How your children are educated to behave around the dog.



Children And Dogs - How Can You Make The Relationship A Good One?
Dogs are a great part of growing up. I think most of us can look back fondly to the first dog we had as a child. I know some of my earliest and favorite childhood memories are of time shared with our family dogs.

Apart from being great fun and providing companionship, dogs can teach children a lot about responsibility, compassion and caring for another living being. Below is a list of things you can do to help make the relationship your children and dog share a safe and happy one:


Children must be taught the boundaries of what is and what is not acceptable behavior around dogs. Children can do all sorts of potentially dangerous things to the family dog. Actions like pulling on the dog's ears, poking them with various objects, tug of war games and jumping on a sleeping dog can get children into plenty of trouble. The best way to educate your children is through example - in other words how you interact with the dog yourself.

Avoid the larger boisterous breeds. Even though a dog such as this may not intend to harm a child (or anyone else) because of their size, excitablility and strength an injury can easily occur.

To greatly increase your chances of getting a sound, stable, well balanced dog of good temperament always buy your dog from a reputable dog breeder. Good breeders care for their chosen breed and are always looking to improve it. They breed from good quality breeding stock and also have the crucial job of starting your puppy's socialization.

Get stuck into the puppy socialization process as soon as your new dog arrives home. Expose and familiarize your puppy to the kids, animals, sounds and smells of life in your household. Puppy kindergarten is a good place to take your puppy during the socialization period - be sure to involve your children in this process.

It's never too early to start some Obedience Training. Start out with the basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, come etc. Some other commands which could come in handy when you have a dog mixing with children are "Leave It!" and also "Go To Your Spot". Once again include your children in the training sessions - they'll love it.

Never leave young children and a dog alone and unsupervised - it's just not worth the risk, no dog is 100% safe.

Do some research into the various dog breeds. The American Kennel Club has an extensive list of dog breeds on there website. You can find out things like the size, temperament and suitability to children of each dog breed - List Of Dog Breeds. You can also talk with your local Veterinarian and Dog Trainers who will offer some great insight into the suitability of the various breeds.


The best dog breed for children is one that is
well bred, socialized, cared for and trained.

Best Dog Breed For Children - Some Good Options
As we've discussed you can't just expect to pick out a breed of dog and then assume it will automatically slot in as a reliable and trusted member of your family.

There's no doubt that some breeds have proven to be more suitable with children though. This is for reasons such as their size, strength, temperament, tolerance to children and docile nature. Below is a list of dog breeds that are widely regarded as a good choice for families with children.

Answer 5

the question should be what kind of children should i subject my dog to? when you`ve got three kids, why do you think you need a dog? Dogs are people too. Unless you want another child, don`t. For the dogs sake.

Answer 6

Always research the dog that you may want to know how that dog is. I have 2 dogs a huskey and a sheltie both are great with kids but the sheltie is a known barker and the huskey is known for howling and they like to roam.here is a sight to research dogs before deciding which one to get http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/

Answer 7

First off - you want one that's tolerant and gentle.

My sister (3 kids) has had a shephard (giant dog) that was wonderful, and now has some midget hyper active dog that the kids love, and they had trained.

Species isn't as important as training - a well trained dog (one trained for kids) is best bet, not which breed...

Just my .01

-dh

Answer 8

It depends on how much you are willing to work, dog has to eat, take a bath, drink, go potty, etc, and who is going to take care of him? a hairy dog may no be the best, too much hair around the house, who's going to brush him? neither a big dog, you may want a small dog and of course think about training him otherwise your life will be messed up.

Answer 9

Do the Select-A-Dog quiz on www.pedigree.com.au and it will list some suitable dogs for your family.

I'd recommend a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever.

Answer 10

"Pound hound" always works. This is a dog that you will find at the animal shelter. Leave the purebreds to the high brows. Get a dog that really needs a home.