My family and I are thinking of getting my little brother a puppy (he's 12). We want a breed thats playful, active, but not too aggressive. Any suggestions? :]
2007-06-17 19:40:07 · 20 answers · asked by Neil 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
we just got a german shephard- chow mix, and she has turned out to be the most playful dog i have ever had. she has every characteristic a typical dog would have. she plays fetch, chases her tail, and does everything described in books and movies. she is the perfect dog, and seems perfect for a 12 year old!
2007-06-17 19:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by tasha 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You need to be more specific about what your family wants. Here is a good place to start http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm
Then, look around the site at the different breeds to see which ones may fit your family's lifestyle and personality.
What size dog? Do you prefer long or short hair? Do you mind snoring? There are a lot of decisions to make about what qualities you want the dog to possess.
If you decide to buy a purebred puppy, do your research and avoid backyard breeders, pet stores or "designer dogs" AKA MUTTS! Some breeds that can be great family dogs are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boxers, Beagles, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Welsh Corgis, Basenjis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs, French Bulldogs...the list could go on. Most breeds can be good if they are well-bred and raised correctly.
A lot of the time it is best to just rescue/adopt a dog that is already known to be good with kids, house trained, altered and has some basic knowledge of obedience.
2007-06-18 02:59:17 · answer #2 · answered by tbjumper0514 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Boxers are playful and friendly. I grew up with a Doberman who absolutely loved children. As long as the dog is treated well by kids most breeds would be fine. I currently have 2 Miniature Pinschers and they are excellent with kids. I think it's because they have a lot of energy to burn all the time and the kids keep up with them. Just like people, every dog is different and has a different personality... whether they are big or small.
2007-06-18 03:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by MC BC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people I know that have children, keep Golden Retrievers as pets. The Golden Retriever is by nature, friendly and trustworthy. They are playful too but not aggressive. Since they are active pets, they will need daily exercise such as walking. They live for about 10 - 12 years, making them long lasting pets.
Hope this helps!
2007-06-18 02:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by Krista 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here is a site that rates dogs as to how well there with children:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm
If you want a medium size dog, 60 lbs or so, I would suggest an APBT. I have one and she is really great. She will jump on adults for attention but has never jumped on a child. When my daughter brings over my baby grandson she stays close to him. She gets close and lets him touch her, she will nuzzle his hand and lick his toes.
The more people we can get to realize how great the Pit is we may be able to make it the most popular family dog again as it was in the past.
I also have a Beagle, another great dog with kids. Can be a bit noisy way at times, they howl.
2007-06-18 23:34:06 · answer #5 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, please remember that dogs are like humans: each one is different! But yes, there are different temperments and experiences between breeds.
A trainer recently explained to me, too, that mutts can be great, because there's more chances of good genes, than others that are bred (and inbred) for certain characteristics, such as coat, etc.
Overall best dog breeds for kids include: bulldogs, bassetts, boxers, retrievers, great danes , . I have to tell you that it is said that pit bulls are great with kids. I was hesitant to put this here because of all the dispute. To get a FULL listing of those that are typically considered best or worst with kids, go to the weblink listed below.
I really hope this helps!
2007-06-18 03:02:03 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best dogs for smaller kids are either mutts or bigger breeds. Small or toy breeds tend to be more dominant and aggressive, they tend to nip and bite when annoyed and they are easily annoyed and frightened. I would suggest; St. Bernard's, which are very protective and smart, Labradors which have a natural playful yet serious nature or a German Shepard which are very patient and smart dogs, it may sound weird cause these are huge dogs but they have more patients than small lap dogs which are made for just that, not playing but having on you lap and looking cute, they are more prone to attack hyper kids who just wanna play!
2007-06-18 02:47:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Golden Retrievers. Labradors. are two types of dogs I have had with kids and they both were great with the kids.....
I also adopted them at about a year from the pound...they were already trained and the puppy was not as bad as a younger dog.
2007-06-18 02:49:20 · answer #8 · answered by Patricia G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out mini Australian Shepherds-
www.namascusa.com (North American Miniature Australian Sheperd Club of the United States of America), or if you want a larger dog, they have links for standard size Aussies, too
if you want a dog that is energetic, sweet, not at all aggressive, and amazingly intelligent, go Aussie!
2007-06-18 02:57:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retrievers and Boston Terriers are the greatest with children.
2007-06-18 02:42:48 · answer #10 · answered by Agent319.007 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I refer Golden Retrievers too
http://allaboutpet.blogspot.com
2007-06-18 02:46:30 · answer #11 · answered by PaHaRs 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋