what is a good family dog?

Question

We are looking for a small to medium size dog with short hair that would play well with my two small kids. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

2 best dogs I ever had were a Collie and an Eskimo Spitz. Both Super with kids, loyal, and always ready to play!

Answer 2

A Beagle. Small and great with everyone. They will be the clown of the family, I have found mine doing some pretty funny things. Like sand-witched between the two pillow on my bed. Big floppy ears and big brown eyes, a real sad sack.
An APBT. The most loving dog I have ever had. She is great with everyone especially children. When my daughter brought my one month grandson over for the first time she sat him on the floor in his carrier and the Pit, my "Nanny Dog", went over to check him out then just stayed next to him for the next hour. She would not leave his side. She is medium sized at 55 lbs.

Here is a site that rates how good dogs are with children:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm

Answer 3

If your children are small, wait until they are at least school age before you get a dog. Any dog. Small children will often unknowingly torment a dog into biting. They don't know any better - but neither does the dog. Trust me. Wait until both of your children are at least school age.

Also, forget all those myths about puppies and children growing up together. Romantic and cute thought, but it's utter rubbish that only worked in the Lassie show. In reality, dogs grow up faster than children. Look at adopting a young adult dog - 2-3 years old who will already be past much of the "puppy" things we despise - pottying in the house, chewing on everything etc. Adult dogs are much more patient with young children, too.

Did you know that dogs have a measurable IQ of an average 5 year old child? Make sure you devote the same amount of time to your dog as you do to each of your children - both individually and collectively. And that means house time. Imagine a 5 year old child penned in a little pen or on a chain in the back yard. That would be cruel, wouldn't it? Fido should be considered a member of the family.

Also, plan on ALL of the upkeep of the dog to fall on your shoulders. Even school aged children will forget to feed, walk, clean up after, groom their beloved pets. It's not that they don't care - it's that children shouldn't be expected to do adult's work. Taking care of Fido will be your responsibility. Plan on that.

Finally, when your children are old enough (again, school aged) go to your local shelter for a small-medium sized dog with short hair who will adore your family for as long as it lives. The shelter is full of wonderful young adult dogs with lots of love to give.

Oh - and they come neutered/spayed, up-to-date shots, are often potty-trained, and many even walk nicely on a leash. You will know what size Fido will be, what his temperment is and how much your children will enjoy playing with him.

But wait until your own "puppies" are at least school aged, please.

Answer 4

Labs do make wonderful family pets...they're great with kids, as are golden retrievers and the majority of terrier breeds (Westies, Cairn, Lhasa Apso, etc). The one that is actually a 50/50 shot of tolerating small children is a cocker spaniel...many are surprised to learn of this, but a cocker doesn't really have the tolerance of being around small kids...there are a few that will, but not many.

Answer 5

Almost any breed is a good family dog if your kids are well behaved and supervised. Beagles are good, Labs, Poodles, even the oversized MinPins can be fine with kids. Any breed is a trade off of exercise, shedding, barking, grooming, watchdog abilities etc. Beagles and Labs need exercise and Beagles can not be trusted off leash in an unfenced area. Poodles are great dogs but need pro grooming and lots of brushing but do not shed. MinPins are barkers and are not safe off leash. Try your local shelter to find a GWK dog, that is often your best bet.

Answer 6

There is a great site that gives you information on dog breeds and temperament etc, www.dogbreedinfo.com Click on Are you ready for a dog? and then at the bottom of the page choose Find the perfect dog. Very informative. We have a Chesapeake Retriever and he is the best dog I have ever had but...he weighs 120 pounds not a small dog.

Answer 7

I was going to suggest a Golden Retriever, but then saw you were looking for a smaller pet. I strongly suggest you go to your local animal shelter and get a great Mutt. The sweetest dog we ever owned was a cocker/poodle/who knows what else mix. He was adorable, the most gentle creature I've ever met. We've also had a beautiful cocker spaniel, a Cairn terrier, and presently two goofy old bassets, who are very gentle.

Answer 8

We have a chocolate lab and she is great with our 2 kids. I also do childcare and she loves when they come . The dog loves getting attention. When I was growing up I had a Jack Russell they are good with kids as well. J.R. barks at everything. Labs are a good security alarm. You will definitely feel safe

Answer 9

Go to your local adoptions and see what you and the kids like. See which dog attaches to you and the kids. There is no standard or certain breed that is going to be better than another. Many rescues foster dogs in their homes with their pets and kids so they will be able to tell you all about any one your interested in adopting. Rescues are less likely to lie about a pet they want it to find its forever home and will tell you of any quirks they have and you can decide what you can and can't do with each pet. Remember all these people that are telling you what breed is "best" are only going on their experience with their own. Just because it works for them the ones available to you may not be the "best" for you.

http://www.petfinder.com/

Answer 10

As mentionned Labs are great, but if you are looking for something smaller I would suggest a cockerspaniel or a cockapoo - these dogs are gentle and not overly hyper. My cockapoo, would let my young daughter do just about anything without showing any signs of agression. Whatever you do, do not get a lhapso apso my friend has one, and that dog is very agressive.