I have a 2 year old toddler, and I want a dog. Puppy or adult? What breed?

Question

I will be in a position to get a dog soon. I have a 2 year old, and he is very gentle with dogs. He's just a tad bit too exuberant with my sister in laws cats, but he is oh so gentle with my dad's old dog, he likes to sit beside it and talk to it.

I think a big sturdy dog would be good. I was considering an English bulldog, or a great dane maybe...
What breeds are good with kids?

Should I go for an adult or a puppy?

FTR, I would never get a dog "for" a two year old. To do so would be ludacrous. I want a dog for myself mainly, for the family, one that would also be good with children.

I get so weary of "rescue organizations" that want you to spend lots of $$$$$$$ on dogs that are rescued, and then they want to put stipulations and restrictions on people who have children.

I know tons of people who have children who are under SIX and have dogs. I grew up with a delightful springer spaniel from the age of one. I understand that you have to teach children how to behave around dogs. My child is NEVER out of my sight unless he is napping, and I would never allow him to mistreat a dog.

I strongly disagree with the blanket rules that most rescue organizations put on the ages of children to adopt dogs that are supposedly "desperate for a permanent home". I think the decision should be made on an individual family observation basis.

Answer 1

I've always heard that great danes are very good with children because they are very gentle. Getting a puppy might be a better idea because they will get to grow with each other. Plus, an adult dog might not adjust as well to living with a small child unless they had already been used to one.

Answer 2

Get a used Labrador - you can ask a good reputable breeder - they take back their own dogs for life, and usually have something around that needs a good home. You can also look in Lab rescue, as there are many good dogs there now due to he crashing economy- just make sure in this case, it was turned in from a family and not pulled from a shelter. You aren't in a position to take the riskof getting some of the stuff that can come along with a shelter dog, if you have a toddler, and any dog you adopt from rescue or a good breeder will make room for another. You are right - the best dog for you and your toddler would be a gentle Lab, around two years old, or even older.

Answer 3

Labs are great with kids.

HOWEVER, I do not recommend getting a dog for a 2 year old. Children should be at least 5-6 years old before living with a dog.
Most breeders and rescues (including ours) do not adopt any dogs to people with kids under the age of 6 years old. It is also recommended by the Humane Association.

YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY watch your toddler with the dog or puppy. There is no excuse to leaving the two alone. If the toddlers hits, kicks, or steps on (even accidentally) there is a change the dog could bite or the child could injure the dog. We have gotten many dogs in that bit there toddler when they left the room and are scared about the dog doing this again.

PLEASE read #4 under ADOPTION QUALIFICATIONS (after Process) on this website. It explains by reasoning well:
http://lostandfounddogrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/display?PageID=117

Answer 4

Have you considered a breed rescue? Find what breeds you like, and see if there's any rescues for that breed in your area. All breeds are good with kids, if they've been socialized with them. :)

Personally, I'd go with an adult, but only if you know that dog is good with kids -- another plus for a breed rescue; they will know the dog's personality and what it will and will not tolerate.

The problem with puppies is that you have a 2-year-old, and they take a lot of time. You will not have as much time to properly train a puppy with a toddler around. Along with that, many puppies are very energetic - particularly large breed puppies like Great Danes - and may knock your son down or unintentionally hurt him, especially during the teething stage. For those reasons, I'd recommend a calm, older dog that's good with kids.

Answer 5

I would consider a Boxer. They are excellent family dogs, love to be around children, and are protective. We have two kids, 16 months and three and a half, and we got our Boxer when he was 3 months, now is 5 months. He loves the kids even if they are a little rough on him, he just lays there. He will lay in their room with them when they are playing. Some people think Boxers are mean, but they are actually completely opposite. They just look intimidating. They are very big babies and would be great with your son. Get a puppy though so it can grow up with him and be used to your son. Good luck.

Answer 6

I have a 19 month old and 8 dogs. All rescues. My Lab mix is the best with her. I have 3 English Bulldogs. These are amazing dogs, but they are like little bulldozers. They don't walk around anything, they plow through it. My bullies knock my daughter down a lot. You have to be extra careful with them around. They aren't aggresive at all though. If you get a Bulldog, rescue one that has been in foster care. Try petfinder.com.

Answer 7

I own a Bernese Mountain Dog.
They are very family oriented and will stick with your child and family. They are low maintenance and do not need Invisible Fencing. They are very laid-back and enjoy spending time with the family. Thinking they are lap dogs, they love to be near you and be on top of youThey also are beautiful dogs with gorgeous markings. Females grow to about 85-95llbs while Males grow to about 100-130lbs.
I would get a puppy so your child will grow will the dog
I'll include a picture of the breed

Answer 8

Golden Retrivers or a lab would also be good they are gentle dogs...if you get a puppy you can train him right from the start but you will have to watch out for puppy snapping and you will also have to potty train. if you get an adult you will have to see how the dog is and bring your 2 year old with you before you get the dog to make sure they can get aone no problem. Good luck

Answer 9

Any Lab will work, stay away from Dalmations, setters, or any of the little high-strung high-maintenance dogs like chihuahuas or poodles. And Dear Lord, please don't get a pit bull or rotweiller or any of the known "attack" type dogs.

Don't get a very young puppy. Get a puppy at LEAST 1 yr old, so that it can be trained easily and maybe even house trained when you get it. YOu have your hands full with the toddler, you don't need to be cleaning up after a puppy too.

Answer 10

labs are great with kids, beagles are good with kids, heelers are awesome with kids... usually the bigger you go the better off you are. either a puppy or an adult would be ok.... puppies you have to worry about jumping and sharp claws... you can easily break them of it though. Depends do you want to deal with the hassel of a puppy plus a boy that is the "terrible twos" lol. I have a 2 year old nephew running around... oh he drives me nuts....... he's a sweetheart though. but if you boy is more calm then a puppy shouldn't be a problem. I have a heeler of my own, he heards both of my nephews around and he is a great protector.... awesome breed.