best dog??

Question

I want to buy a dog for my son's third birthday next year. He is VERY good with animals i do not have to worry about him pulling tails or ears. (we have a cat whom he gentaly pets then runs off giggiling) i wanted a large breed dog, something that is protective of the property something that likes to run alot (we have 12 acers of land for it to have fun on) a breed that is good with kids and protective of them. i prefer short fur. any sugestions?

i will NEVER have a golden retrever that i got half my nose ripped off by one!

Answer 1

Probably the best way for you to determine a suitable breed would be to use one of the many breed selector quizzes available on the internet. You'll be asked about preferences in size, coat length, suitability with children, activity level, grooming, etc.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com

Good luck with your new pet -- hope your son enjoys it!

Answer 2

I'd recomend a collie. I had one while I was growing up as a child and he was so sweet. My mom said he never was where I wasn't. He passed away before I reach 15, but I will always remember him. When my son turned 1, I purchased another collie for him. I wanted him to have a collie the same as I did. That dog never was more than a few inches away from my son up until he passed away. My son is almost 12 now. His dog passed away a little over a year ago. My son was so upset. Now he just says mom, I am so glad I was able to have a collie dog. He was my best buddy. I find that collies are layed back in a way that no other dog could be, but also be playfull and a protector at the same time.Collies come in 3 differnt versions. There is the rough collie with really long hair and bad shedder, then there is the bearded collie with long hair, but I don't know about shedding, then there is the smooth collie which has short hair. They are all 3 good energy level for the amount of space you're providing, and they all were used for different jobs, that's why these breeds were created. Do some research. Find out if one of these breeds of collie would fit in your standards. I would go to the animals shelter or are ASPCA and look around. There are alot of potential dogs there that would meet your criteria in what you are looking for. It might take several visits before you find just the right one, so take your time and look around at several different dogs and several breeds. Another place to look is with several reputable breeders. Ask all the questions you want, avoid the breeders that avoid answering your questions. I have an aunt that used to breed collies and my friend breeds miniature pinscher and pomeranians. Have fun looking for yours and your sons forever friend.

Answer 3

I think the best dogs are mutts. I recommend going to the shelters in your area without your son and talk to the workers see if they have any dogs that have passed the child and cat temperament tests. Then go out into the play area and just see for yourself how the dog responds to you. Do this a couple of times then bring your son and see how the dog responds to the boy. If all works out then you've got yourself a dog. I would say look into a shelter dog before going to a breeder there are so many dogs out there that need homes. From my experience shelter dogs have more love to give they've had a rough start and once placed in a good home they are always so much more grateful.

Answer 4

If you have a lot of property like you say, I would suggest a hunting breed such as a Weimaraner..... they are notorious for loving their owner more than anything and love kids... short hair, and very loyal. The dogs are fearless and active so they can keep an eye on the property for you....the males run about 90 lbs, and hardly any shedding. The Weim runs so much it will love the property you have. Trust me, they are great dogs, and very great looking

Answer 5

One of the best all around large dogs are Golden Retrievers but they have longer hair. They are the number one choice for service dogs. Second would be a high quality lab, not a mix, they are the number 2 choice for service dogs. These make good watch dogs and family dogs.since you wanted a larger dog. These 2 breeds are easy to find quality breeders who will get you a Healthy dog. there are others, but these two are very good at about anything they are trained for.

Answer 6

A pit-bull, I am going to be giving birth soon and I have two of them, one is a puppy that I got for our son when he arrives, and I am training him everyday constantly. The other is 2 1/2 years old and is the greatest dog I have ever had around kids, she loves my younger siblings, 12, 4, and 2, and is so gentle when taking treats from them, that it shocks everyone who see's. She loves random children too, giving them big sloppy kisses all over their faces.
She is on the other hand very protective of myself and the kids as well as the rest of the family, but she is the best dog that I've ever had, and their have been many in my life, including Chow Chows, German Shephereds, Alaskan Malamutes, Blue Heelers and so on.

They also have short coats and are high energy and they love farm land, if that's what you got. My dog loves horses, cause I bring her to my grandparents lot where she gets to roam free with them. I have never come across a pit-bull that has been the, so-negatively-stereotyped dog and I highly recommend them!

Answer 7

German Shepherd! A well bred German Shepherd will give its life to protect its family. They live to make their family happy. They are the funnest dog to play with, very smart, beautiful, and a good german shepherd will let a kid use it as a matress! they love cuddling. Usualy are very calm inside, and very energetic outside.
12 acres would be perfect for one since they are a dog that love to stretch their legs out and get a good run.
When my german shepherd was 10 months (and 75 lbs) my 2 year old nephew came over and they loved each other. The kid started hitting him in the nose with a toy truck, and Krash (my dog) didnt even look at him funny. 5 minutes later the 2 year old was laying on top of Krash and they both took a nap together.
Krash has also saved me when I was attacked by another dog.
If you are looking for a dog that is
A: good with kids
B: protective
C: large breed
D: can utilize your 12 acres
E;loving.. loyal...smart.. fun... ect. ect ect.. I think there isnt even a close rival to the german shepherd

Answer 8

Austrailian shepherd is something that i REALLY recommend. i've had many dogs in my life and i think out of all the breeds ive had they are the best. They are very afectionate and are really loving dogs. the one i own tolorates a lot and is great with kids. Seriously if you want a dog that is really loving and playful and good for your kid thats the one to get.... there are many kind and i think the prettiest ones are the ***blue mural austrailian shepherds*** thats what i have and he has tricolored eyes.

Definitly worth looking up and you wont regret it at all...

Answer 9

German Shepard Dogs are just about everything you described (except for the short hair) but dealing with the shedding is nothing compared to what that dog will give you. They are intellegent, great with kids and other pets and would love that yard. With any breed please do your research before hand and consider looking into a GSD rescue, or any other breed rescue organization or even your local shelter. Good Luck!

Answer 10

I suggest you take your son to a shelter & see who's available for adoption. You'll have a nice selection of all sorts of dogs to choose from, & your son can meet them & see who he likes best as well. They let you take your chosen dog out so you can get to know them before adoption, & the staff there will be very helpful as well, as they've been around the animals daily & kinda know each one's personality better than anyone coming in for the first time.