Which breed of dog do you think is best?

Question

Okay here is what we want in a dog. We have two children ages 3 and 1. We want a dog that the kids can play with and we won't have to worry about the dog hurting the kids. We also want the dog to live inside, be easy to train, a dog that will come we we call it. We also like to go boating and fishing. We want a good easily traind dog that we can take with us places.

Answer 1

The answer is not going to be what bread of dog. The question would be which dog could you have. Some 3 and 1 year old would abuse their dogs. Pull and push and hit and beat them up. Some dogs like to knocked the kids down or even bite the kids. I don't think it matter if it the pit bull or Chihuahua like tinker bell, if they have teeth they can bite. Some big dogs are so good with the kids. They don't care, but some do. I think the lab had a good reputation in the past. I think you might have a luck with one. The down fall will be hairs. Everywhere in your house. I enjoy having dogs, and in my house. I always have dogs. Good luck finding.

Answer 2

Well you have gotten a lot of opinions, some good and some not so good. I will not go into my experience with a lot of the dogs mentioned. Rather here is a site that may be of help:

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

Now to the one dog that is almost never mentioned, the American Pit Bull Terrier. Don't run and hide yet!
Check out the information on the APBT first. There has to be a reason, at one time, it was the most popular family dog in the country. It did not become known as the "nanny dog" for no reason. They are really great with kids.
I have one, Honey, that loves everyone. She is an ill mannered big puppy at 4 years and 55 lbs. She jumps on everyone looking for attention, except children. She just wiggles around kids. When my daughter brought my newest grandson over for the first time, at 3 weeks old, and sat him on the floor in his carrier the Pit went over to check him out then laid down next to him and stayed by his side for the next hour. Now almost a year later when she comes over and sits down with the baby in her lap the Pit goes over and puts her head in his hand and lets him play with her ears and nose and she just licks his hand.
To tell the truth I was caught by all the media hype about the "killer" Pit Bull. Then 4 years ago my grandson came home with Honey. Over the last 60 years I have had a lot of dogs and by far this Pit is the sweetest most loveable of any.
I believe that most of the so called Pit Bull attacks are because people cannot identify a Pit. So they are getting blamed for the deeds of other breeds.
Here is a little test to see if you know an APBT if you see one. Very few people can find him the first try, most take many tries. It is fun, give it a try and you will see why the Pit is getting a bad rap.

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

I got it the first time because the picture looks just like my Pit.

Answer 3

There's a lot of good info in here, and a lot of bad. I fully support rescuing dogs, I have rescued 3. But this is not the right decision if you have children. I would say an english bulldog, which is notorious for being great with children and other animals, very mellow and is an inside dog. You said you want to take a dog boating, which is not ok with a bulldog, unless it's cool out and there is shade the dog can lay under. Labs are great with kids, but a lot of the time don't realize how big they are and can unintentionally hurt a child. You do not want a small yappy dog, and also do not want a horse running into your kids. Try finding a medium sized dog, a female and one that isn't notoriously hyper.

Answer 4

We have a 2 yr old female Lhasa Apso. I prefer that breed of dog by far. We bought her when our daughter was two. A little hesitant at first because of how 2 yr olds act. The dog has NEVER bit my children (now have a 1 yr old also) , my husband or myself. The kids get very rough with her at times an she just lays there an takes it. She is a great watch dog an protects the kids an I while my husband is at work. At night she roams from room to room to check on all of us. Lhasa's are VERY loyal an tend to be your shadow sometimes as you walk around the house. During the day she pretty much sleeps an people watches out our front window from the couch. You would think she is a cat the way she sits up there! They are also VERY good dogs to travel with. She has never gotten sick an loves to sit on the center console. I take her places with us all the time an she behaves just as well as the kids. Lhasa's are also hypoallergenic an do not shed much at all. We had a little bit of a problem with potty training when we first got her - but I think that has alot to do with the fact we lived in an apartment in the second story an we couldn't get her out in time. They are also very good indoor dogs. She goes outside to go potty then comes right back in. We like having a Lhasa so much we will be getting a playmate for her next month!! I hoped this information helped! Good luck!

Answer 5

Every one here is going to tell the breed of dog they have is the best dog for a family, well a lot of them are wrong. You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifesyle. AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog. AKC.org You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Chosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.

If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet. With that said, some dogs are seen as more “friendly” than others and, as a result, have become extremely popular among families. According to the AKC, the five most popular breeds in the United States are:

Labrador Retrievers are by far America’s most popular dog—more than 140,000 Lab puppies were registered last year with the AKC—and have a reputation for being playful, hardworking and affectionate toward children. The Lab is easily trained and is highly respected for his prowess at many jobs: as a guide dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog, and for narcotics detection.

Golden Retrievers are sporty, easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to people of all ages, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, too.

German Shepherd are noble in appearence and character. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to families for generations. Active and outdoorsy, German Shepherds are very fond of children and make wonderful companions.

Beagles love being around people and other animals. They are gentle, happy companions who thrive on affection and attention. They are also clever, quick, and, most of all curious. They need plenty of active exercise.

Boxers are high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets.

You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home. If breed is not an issue you could always adopt a pup from your local pound, shelter or even a rescue. They come spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations and you can find all ages, sizes and breeds. As I stated in the beginning any dog can be a good family dog it is a matter of how the are trained and socialized.

Answer 6

A trip to a dog shelter is a life-changing lesson for a child. You can show them what a huge responsibility a dog is, and how sad the dogs are that got lost or abandonned.

...and while you're there, you can adopt a mixed-breed pup. Mixed breeds can be healthier than purebreds. You won't see a lot of the hip, eye, or digestive problems that purebreds suffer. Each one is also a true original -- nobody has one like yours! And you can't beat the cost -- usually under $50 to adopt, and sometimes they come with free initial vet care and spay/neutering when it's time.

A mixed-breed pup will have some characteristics of each of its breeds. Our shepherd-chow mix has a shepherd's smarts and a chow's devotion. She also looks like a baby bear, loves people, and makes funny noises.

Our labrador-rotweiller mix has the lab's love of water and love of people, and the rotweiler's clownishness. She is sweet and gentle.

Both of our mixed-breeds are good with people and friendly because they were raised that way. Lots of love and attention, discipline when necessary, and exposure to people. Any dog will be a bad dog for kids if it is teased, ignored, abused. Any dog, including traditional "attack" dogs, will grow up loving and sweet if raised right.

I can't say enough positive things about "crate-training" a puppy. Get a book about raising a dog, and learn about "crate-training." It will raise a nice and trustworthy dog.

Rather than buying an expensive dog from a breeder, why not open your home to a pup that needs a family to love?

Answer 7

I reccomend a West Highland White terrier aka the dog off the Caeser dog food advert. I have a 9 month old puppy of this breed. They are a small breed of dog and very good natured with children. My dog took about 2 weeks to train the basics i.e. sit, stay, lie down and come when I call his name. It took a little longer for potty training but that is part and par of the course. They don't shed their hair at all providing in the spring/summer you shave off their winter coat. These dogs are gentle natured, good around children, protective and loyal. They make the perfect family pet and aren't as prone to diseases as some other breeds.

Answer 8

I am going to go with Poodles. They are hypo-allergenic, easily trained and can be very obiedient with the right training. I am not sure if they are huge water dogs though, even though I have had one all my life, because I dont really do the outdoor boating/fishing thing and in the off chance I did, I never took my puppy. But they are great for kids growing up because they are really loveable. I would stick with toy or miniature poodles though. Thats just a personal preference. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 9

The key to this question is not the type, but the training. I've seen pit bulls with kids and they were fine. Also size matters. When I was a kid we had a 117lb German short hair retriever and I used to ride her around the house like a horse. My favorite dog is the cocker spaniel. Don't listen to others, they're not biters or "nippy". The big key is train the dog and be consistent. Any dog will do.

Answer 10

I have my 2 favorite choices a Huskey or a Minature Pincher,
I had a huskey for over 16 years and was the best dog i could ever have, it was a larger dog but always friendly and great with kids and VERY easy to train the only negitive thing i could say would be that huskys shed alot! I now have a Min Pin and they are a small dog only end up to weighing about 10 pounds, theses dogs are adorable! and easy to train great with kids and very active also love to swim! Very Easy to take places listen very well and no shedding and adjust very well to any setting there put into.