i have a 7 month old and a 4 yr old my wife and 4 yr old likes bichons are they good or recommend something else
2007-04-07 09:04:58 · 12 answers · asked by tarheel 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Research breeds of dogs. Every description of a dog includes if they are good with small children or not. Then you can decide what dog is best for you.
2007-04-07 09:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by hidden_within_a_nightmare 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course, no small child should ever be left unattended with the family pet.
Bichon Frises are very social and affectionate, with lively personalities. They are easy to train. They are not "yappers" like other small breeds. Bichons have a thick coat of curly hair that requires considerable grooming. Bichons tend to be good with children, and love being with the family. Because they are a small dog, good play sessions will provide the exercise that they need.
Bichons are good for people with limited space or small apartments. However, the cost of keeping them adequately groomed can be considerable. They should be professionally groomed at least once a month. And it is advisable to brush them daily to prevent matting. Because Bichons don't shed as much as other breeds, they are good for the person who likes a clean, neat environment.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective family dogs that are patient with the pokes and prods of small children, provided the dog is properly trained.
Schnauzers are a wonderful family pet. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily exercise. This breed thrives on human companionship and is available in three different sizes.
My overall favorite would be a collie. Forever connected to "Lassie", the collie is considered by many to be one of the best family pets. Intelligent yet patient, the collie is loved by families all over the world.
2007-04-07 16:19:20 · answer #2 · answered by RiSo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you or your wife have experience with dogs? I think getting a dog when you have an infant and a toddler may prove to be too much work. However, if you are experienced dog owners, you know how much work a dog can be and should be fine.
I don't know which breed(s) or mixes of breeds would be best for such young children. Of course, for this to work, the children must never be left alone with the dog. Never. The children must be taught to respect the dog and not pull it's tail or stick their fingers in it's eyes or do anything else abusive to the dog.
I would stay away from any of the high prey drive breeds. The yelling, screaming, and fast movements of a child can get these dogs too excited and they may attack the child.
2007-04-07 16:53:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With children that young, I would go for something bigger than that. Bichons are small and snippy if grabbed wrong and it only gets worse as they get older. Stay away from terriers and small breeds. Labs and Golden Retrievers are very hyper and might knock your kids over and hurt them and then they will be scared of dogs. Rottweilers and Dobermans are great dogs for kids. They're protective and loving. Or maybe even Beagles or Basset Hounds. Whatever you decide on, make sure it's over 20 pounds at the time you get it.
2007-04-07 16:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by Country Chick87 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you certainly should get a puppy, for a few reasons.
1. The baby and the toddler would get knocked over by the curious puppy, it may treat it like a litter mate because of it's size.
2. The toddler may be tempted to pick up the puppy, and it may scwerm and the child may drop it.
3. the children may be scratched or bitten by the puppy.
I think you should get a dog that has been well socialized and well mannered, maybe from the pound? BUT the dog from the pound, may have been abused. You should look through the local news paper and find a adult dog someone is giving away?
2007-04-07 16:12:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your children are too young for a puppy, so I'd suggest getting an adult dog from a rescue that's been tested with young children. This will be a break for your wife as well, as she won't have to be overwhelmed with two small children plus training a puppy.
Rescue workers are wonderful at matching the perfect dog with the right family.
Labs are great with kids.
2007-04-07 16:11:29 · answer #6 · answered by K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should introduce your children to the dog before deciding. If you supervise carefully enough, any dog will work, but you want one that the kids won't hurt and that won't hurt the kids. Tiny dogs are not recommended because they could get squashed, yet I know a daycare provider who has a Yorkie female and even breeds puppies with the kids around. No real problem. I have a corgi mix that is wonderful with children, and he is tough and not fragile. Little girls want to marry him. A rescued greyhound could be a great option, if you want a dog that size and have a fenced yard. They are very gentle and tolerant.
I won't say not to get a puppy, but keep in mind that you will have to socialize and house-break it, and they want to put everything in their mouths because they are teething, including your hands.
2007-04-07 16:29:33 · answer #7 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lab's great family dogs great with kids. German Shepherd also a great family dog and very smart. Mutt great family dog not so many health problems.
2007-04-07 16:10:09 · answer #8 · answered by jean l 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the individual dog.
I'd go to the shelter, bring your kid, and talk to the people about which dogs are there that are good with kids.
2007-04-07 16:08:51 · answer #9 · answered by TR. 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have a lab and a bichon amd my bichon is crazy........dont get one if you have kids...go for a lab, they are nice and calm
2007-04-07 16:12:51 · answer #10 · answered by be_the_blonde 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋