they have been asking us to get a dog for years and we've finally agreed to do so, but we're unsure what would be the best breed, looking for a smallish dog that's very affectionate as the youngest would cuddle him to death.
2007-06-28 23:55:05 · 38 answers · asked by bubbs 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
i have been reading all these answers and have to say you have only been given decent advice by a couple of people - essentially that you need to see what type of lifestyle you lead and which dog would best *suit* that lifestyle with general personality traits that are associated with certain breeds rather than having lots of breed names thrown at you - we all have our individual favourites - i absolutely adore GSD's and Border Collies but that doesn't mean to say (despite being amazing dogs- IMO) that they will suit you and your family.
Any dog - bull terrier/shepherd/collie/yorkie etc - can get on/like/love children depending on how the dog has been trained/treated or, any breed could intensely dislike and be unsuitable to have around children.
The best thing to do is really research different dogs that appeal to you - and check out local rescues, you can visit the dogs first and will possibly get a more *honest* background on the dog (assuming they have the dogs background) and definitely won't rehome an unsuitable dog with children...
Also, you never know which dog is going to *win your heart* - you may set out wanting a certain breed and come home with something entirely different - my parents set out looking for a medium/small dog something like a retriever and came home with a gsd x staffy x english mastiff cus he's such a soft, loving dog!
I'm sure you will all know as a family when you find the right dog, best of luck in your search!
2007-06-29 03:14:40 · answer #1 · answered by payasita 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, to a certain extent it depends on your life style. What you don't want is a tiny dog that will be easily hurt by two active young boys - or be cuddled to death. You need a dog large enough to be able to handle that activity and attention. Someone mentioned a Westie which is a great breed. Corgis are a nice size or any of the many terriers out here. Rat Terriers are nice dogs and not quite as rambunctious as the Jack Russells but either is a great family pet. If you have a large yard, Labs and Goldens are wonderful as well as Australian Shepherds (very active dogs). You might also consider a happy mid sized mutt. Sometimes, they make the best pets of all. Have you considered a rescue? A dog around a year or even a few years old might be a great option.
2007-06-29 00:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have just been reading all the responses and had to smile, as I think anybody you ask who has a dog will naturally think their breed is the best. We are all biased in that way! I have a Cavalier King Charles and was initially going to post here all the reasons why they are perfect, but in a way none of us can really know what would be the best dog for you without having all the facts - size of house and garden, hours dog would be alone for etc. Your best bet is to get a good dog breed book and study that, then take a visit to your local dog rescue centre to get ideas of size etc, and take it from there. I think you need to have the informed facts on breeds rather then just our opinions, as it it a life long decision. Good luck!
2007-06-29 04:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by Flower girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a fan of all dogs. I think that you should look on Petfinders and to the right of the screen you will see if the dog is good with children, etc. These dogs are usually in foster care with families and the families already know the dogs temperament and whether they are good with children. Most adoption agencies offer an exchange or return policy in many cases money back. The fees are reasonable and include all spay/neuter, vaccines plus you get a healthy dog. Besides there are so many dogs that need a good home to call their own. Rescued dogs give more heart than a dog who never had to worry about where his next meal came from. Take from me, I have rescued over one thousand dogs and I am still doing it. You have never owned a dog until you have rescued one. You can chose from purebred adoption agencies or mixed breed agencies, in any case there are thousands of dogs needing a good home like yours!
2007-06-29 00:48:18 · answer #4 · answered by Dixie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Toy poodle, ours is stupid for fun and attention, ball mad and only really a problem when it comes to his uniquely loud bark, which must be one of a kind or they wouldn't breed them. With proper behavioural training I think they make a great pet, ours can be territorial if he gets under the table or a chair with something, he will take something from the letterbox before it's left the poster's hand and he has to bark when the vacuum cleaner comes out - I'd iron these creases out, but his other idiosyncracies are quite funny. They do of course need trimming, but they do not shed hair and it's quite easy to do yourself - perhaps something crossed with a poodle that has short hair and doesn't shed would be just as good...
2016-04-01 10:12:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are prepared to walk the dog yourself in a months time (every day for at least an hour), spend a lot of money on desexing, vaccinations, flea treatment ($70 a pack) take it on holiday with you or pay a LOT for kennels. Id think very carefully. Kids always lose interest in time and you will be the one poop scooping, feeding, washing, combing, de-flea'ing,vacuuming up the hair. If YOU are prepared to do all this, then go for it. If not, then dont do it. I think its important for kids to have pets, it teaches them love, responsibility, time management and CHORES. If it sounds too much, maybe they should start off with something small. Just to prove they are responsible enough to have a pet. A rat makes the most WONDERFUL pet. They are social, loving, low maintenance, cheap and they love you back. They only live 2-4 years so they are not a long term committment like a dog or cat. And you can almost take him anywhere.If you do decide on a dog, the pound is full of lonely, dumped, dogs just longing for a cuddle. any breed is fine. all dogs need regular exercise some need a lot more. (alsations, collies, cattledogs, kelpies..big dogs. Little dogs like maltese terriers, chuhuahua (sorry cant spell) in my experience are noisy and aggressive to visitors and BITE them....i think a fox terrier is the best choice. Great family pet, great natures but have SO MUCH ENERGY!!!! are you really ready for it?
2007-06-29 00:21:18 · answer #6 · answered by blerchus4incapet 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Temperment is more important than breed.
I would go with an adult dog that has been raised around children. The children's safety should be your first consideration. An adult dog is housebroken, and past the chewing and biting stage as in a puppy.
Some dogs absolutely ADORE kids. This is the kind you want. Try local rescues and shelters. Ask a lot of questions and check out all the dogs:
http://www.petfinder.com
2007-06-29 01:59:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for a cross breed. They're healthier than pedigree dogs. I have three cross bred springer spaniel/golden retriever pups about 9 days old, one dog, two bitches. For some reason they have come out black, smooth coated, with white patches on their paws and a white streak down their chests. Can't work that one out and the springer definitely wasn't covered by any other dog. No doubt some genetics expert would be able to explain it. Anyway, if you live anywhere near South East Lincolnshire and you're interested, send me an e-mail. My profile will allow you to do that.
2007-06-29 00:32:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Golden retriever. They're not small. They're not big either. But they are a good house pet. If you want small I would say Bichon Fries. They are small enough that your wife could carry one in her purse and they are calm not hyper and they are not yippy or nippy either. I work at a kennel and see a lot of dogs. That is what I would pick for myself. English Mastiff and St Bernard are very effectionate and lazy and way to big for a family but they don't mind a small apartment.Some of those bull dogs are nice and some are mean so be carefull if you get one.
2007-06-29 02:35:35 · answer #9 · answered by thomas m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not pop along to a dog training club as spectators. Speak to the organisers and tell them what you are doing. Speak to the dog owners. Get to know a few breeds.See what other children are working. Also be aware that it will be 'Mum' who has to take care of the dog and exercise it whilst other members of the family are at school and work!While you are there enquire about puppy classes, if you are going that way!
Well done for thinking it through until the lads are old enough to take an active part in the care of the newest member of the family, for that is what it is, not a toy!
Good Luck
2007-06-29 00:15:13 · answer #10 · answered by Collie 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋