I want a family dog.?

Question

My kids have been wanting a puppy, or young dog for a long time. I keep delaying the process of looking because my sons are rough with each other and I don't want them to hurt the dog. So, I just haven't even bothered to look.
They are a little older now and I am a little more ready to research the idea and kinds of breeds that would put up with 2 active boys.
I don't like toy dogs, or show dogs and any dogs that need hair cuts like poodles. I want a dog that has a good temperment and will put up with tons of playing.
I have thought about going to the pound but, I was thinking that perhaps a lot of the dogs there would have been abused and wouldn't be good with kids.
Like I said, I haven't put any real thoughts into this yet. And I most definitely will not get a dog at a drop of a hats notice. I do need to add a fence and get a dog house, etc. I am just ready to think about getting a dog within the next year, maybe... :)

I just wanted to add that I never meant to sound like I would leave the dog outside all day and night. I just put dog house in the example of things I think I should do before I bring home a dog. Like buy a dog bowl, toys, and food. I am not mean and wouldn't leave the poor little thing outside. I thought dog houses were to protect the dog from the hot sun and wind. It's good to have your dog outside to play? Get fresh air? I hope noone misunderstood what I meant. Sorry if you did :)

Answer 1

Boxers are wonderful family dogs, I have two children 18mths and 10 years and they are great with them. I also have a family daycare and they are with the children on and off threw out the day and love the attention. Boxers are higher energy but with exercise and two boys i am sure they will balance each other out. Just remember any dog you get is going to be a lot of work - house breaking, walking, attention. The one down fall of a Boxer it is not a dog you can just leave outside or in a dog house all day. Most dogs are not made to be out door dogs. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Actually, a young dog or puppy at the pound would be perfect. You can generally find lab mixes, which are great with kids. It is a fallacy that most dogs from shelters are abused; the reality of it is more often the owners just didn't want it anymore, or could not find homes for an unwanted litter. A fenced in yard is a great idea, but the dog house is not a necessity unless he/she will be spending a lot of time outside. Good luck on the search.

Answer 3

The only dog for you is a Lab. They will tolerate any type of pulling or proding and still love you. They will keep an eye over your home and are very laid back. They do shed some, but they are a hearty dog that can stand being outside, and will actually enjoy it. Labs love kids. The pound is great for some people, but those dogs for the most part are there for a reason. You and your family will be much happier if you spend a couple hundred buck and get a pure bred. If you want to help the local humane society donate twenty bucks.

Good Luck

Answer 4

We have always adored dalmatians. Our family has all had dogs but I have always found the dallies to be the best. We've had Cavalier King Charles, Red setters, Lhasa apsos, yorkies. Both our dallies hardly ever barked, they are easy to train (well ours were!), very fun dogs as they are so energetic, attract a lot of attention (people always stop us to chat about our dally) and they are so friendly. Mine is a right baby - she sits on my lap at every oppurtunity she gets and is very soppy. I wouldn't go for a Lab as they are a very common breed (no offence to lab owners!), we are very proud of our dallie. We got our first dalmatian when I was 4 years old - as a small child I loved them from the start. We had a litter of 7 and the one we have now is the one we kept. All pups turned out to be fantastic, obedient dogs. Dallies are hardier and more energetic than some other breeds so would be ok with your sons! Dallies are known for being a very active breed so would be ideal for your sons.
Growing up with dogs in the house has really taught me to be a responsible pet owner and it made my childhood much more exciting.

Answer 5

The best family dog I have ever had is an American Bulldog. This is not the short bulldog like the Georgia Bulldog, they are about as tall as a Lab but they are more muscular. Easy to groom and don't drool to much. They are so playful but very protective of the family. And so smart our boy Chevy was doing tricks at 7 weeks old. Also they are great with kids. I have had other dogs but I wouldn't trade anything for our two American Bulldogs.

Answer 6

There are a variety of breeds that are good with children. Labs are particularly well known for being good family dogs. Check out online dog choosing guides to learn about what dog may be best for your family.

Please consider adopting a shelter dog. Most dogs in shelters are there because no one took the time to train them. The staff at the shelter should be able to fill you in on what's known of the dog's history and tell you whether or not he or she will be good with young kids.

Answer 7

You can't find a child friendly dog just by breed. The pound is always a good idea, it gives abandon pets a home.
I got my dog from the pound, his name is Ringo. He is a very nice dog and will put up with ANYTHING that my brother and I do. Don't let people tell you that all pounded dogs are mean.
I hope I have been a help to you!
Please e-mail me if you have any more questions. [e-mail]

Answer 8

Don't dismiss the shelters & rescues! Not all the dogs that are there, have come there under negative circumstances. Many are wonderful dogs & puppies, that occurred from unexpected pregnancies, or that are released to the rescues due to ''too many pets'', ''allergies'', ''new baby in the house'', or ''moving and can't take them with''. Those are really the most common reasons for animals in the shelters. Actually neglectful situations are more hard to come by.

Answer 9

My man brought home a cocker spaniel from the pound and he was abused. I hate long haired dogs, and wasn't too keen on him being abused, I have a 2 yr old lil boy.

The first few days, all the dog did was lay in one spot. After a week...he was like family, playing, eating, lounging....he is very very gentle with my son, even with my son wanting to pull his tail. And a trip to the groomer helped with the long hair....so now everyone is happy. We have had him for about 1 month and a half now and I love it!

The right dog is out there for you and your family...the pound was def the right way to go for us...

hope it helps!

Answer 10

Start looking when you are ready. Labs are good dogs, a nice size, playful, and loyal. They can handle little boys. The dogs at the pound are socialized before being put up for adoption. If they are tempermental, they will not let a family with kids adopt them. Try petfinder, craigslist, and your local shelters.