2007-03-23 17:14:17 · 14 answers · asked by Mel 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know this isn't an answer to your question, but you might want to consider waiting until your son is 5 or 6. At that age, a dog can help teach him responsibility and be a playmate, but at 3, he won’t be able to do much, and unless you get an extremely lazy or old dog, your son will not be able to keep up with its energy, strength, or speed, especially if the dog is under 5 years old or so.
I got my first dog when I was 7, and that was a perfect age. I was just old enough to learn to do simple things for it, and old enough to appreciate it and keep up with its play needs. My sister on the other hand was two at the time, and she was almost totally oblivious to it. She didn’t like to play with it, and it didn’t like to play with her, since she didn’t understand the right way to do so. She would often harm it inadvertently, and the dog would often knock her down without meaning to as well.
If you choose to wait until he is a few years older, I would go with a sporting breed. Most sporting breeds are excellent companions for children (but not children as young as your son, as they tend to be high-energy and playful).
2007-03-23 17:32:40 · answer #1 · answered by Mandy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, I'd wait until your son was at least 5. If you can go to an animal shelter that temperment tests dogs, they would be able to help you. I'd suggest something medium to large size, and very gentle. Not that there is anything wrong with Labs, but they can be high strung, and with a small child, you don't want to have to deal with that type of hyperactivity. If you can find one that is at least a couple of years old, and has been around young children, that would be the best. Just know that the dog you get can be around anywhere from 10-16 years or more...be ready!! Also, I wouldn't suggest one of the "fad breeds"..(i.e. Min Pin or Chihuahua) they can get aggressive.
Good luck.
2007-03-23 17:19:48 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa S 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to get a dog from the pound. They need homes more than anything and you can find the perfect dog for your lifestyle by the personality and energy, and if the dog is child friendly, not just by the breed. They are cheaper to by as well, and usually are already fixed. If they aren't they will just charge you an extra $20 for it. Please check with you local ASPCA or Shelter to find a dog, not a pet store or breeder. These dogs need homes more than anything! If you don't take that advice, at least get them fixed so you don't contribute to the overpopulation of unwanted animals. Good luck with your new dog!!
2007-03-23 17:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Dani 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retriever or Labs are great with small children as very tolerant. Never a toy breed or small terrier. These dogs can be injured easily by children and can also with too much handling can turn to nipping.
2007-03-23 17:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by Yogi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I strongly recommend a female staffashiore bull terrier.They are a great family dog friendly to all and not to big either.I have a 4 yr old male he is a great dog he gets along so well with the family the kids just love him.We saved him from a dog shelter its a great idea i recommend that to.
good luck mate.
2007-03-23 17:34:04 · answer #5 · answered by ldjfllejrd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toy dogs are suprisingly not a good choice for little children. I would get a friendly dog like a lab or golden retriever. They are great with children. I have a pomeranian and I can attest to how unfriendly, (although lovable) small dogs are
2007-03-23 17:23:29 · answer #6 · answered by GirlyGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Golden retrievers are very family oriented and good dogs. I would not suggest any toy or small breed dogs, they tend to be aggressive or nippy toward children, and impatient with children. Labs and Golden retrievers are ideal for children, preferably start with a puppy.
2007-03-23 17:21:58 · answer #7 · answered by Dalmatian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toddlers and puppies don't mix. I would wait til he is 6 or 7. It is too hard to protect the dog for the child. Next thing you know the dog is in jail because the child fell or stepped on her and she bite him.
Now IF it is YOU that wants the dog... please please protect it from the child and do not allow him to carry her around or pick her up... teach him to he gentle w/ the dog.
NEVER leave the child and the dog unsupervised..... not even w/ Lassie!
2007-03-23 17:32:43 · answer #8 · answered by shihtzugirl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retriever, they are great family dogs!
2007-03-23 17:21:31 · answer #9 · answered by MoMoChan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pound puppy there the best kind of dogs i kno cuz i have 1
2007-03-23 17:23:27 · answer #10 · answered by xox_ashole_xox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋