My parents have a St. Bernard, and I have a cockapoo: a mix of cocker spaniel and toy poodle. My husbadn wants a big dog, but I have 2 kids and 2 more on the way!! What kind of dog do you suggest?
2007-07-18 13:29:12 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
NO dog is always a good dog around kids. The only dog I have been bitten by was a lab. No dog should be totally trusted with kids. They all should be watched. Children are bitten by goldens, lab, dachies, poodles, every day.
It sounds too me like you already have a lot on your plate. Two babies on the way? Is this really the best time to welcome another four legger into your home? What kind of attention is your new dog going to get with new babies on the way?
The best way for you to go, if you really think that you need a dog right now, would be adpot a dog. They often know if they are good with children and you really are not going to want to be potty training and doing other training with a puppy when you already have two other new arrival on the way.
2007-07-18 13:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by Beth L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The type of dog depends on your lifestyle. Most dogs are good with children if they are raised around them. If your husband wants a big dog, Labradors, German Shepherds, and Huskys are good with children however most big dogs require a lot of exercise. St. Bernards are great with kids. The size of the dog doesnt matter as much as the breed. The main thing you need to take into consideration is what type of lifestyle you have. For example, if you live in an apartment you don't want to get a Labrador unless you take at least two long walks a day. Just about any dog that is raised with kids will be good with your children as long as your children learn how to treat the dog. You might try calling a breeder and ask a few questions about the breed that they have. It might help you decide if that is the right pet for you. Good luck!!
2007-07-18 20:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by Allie G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would wait. You have two more kids on the way. How do you know you won't be overloaded? This is not the right time (chaos!) to bring in a dog. Let's be fair TO THE DOG! If you are taking care of newborns, who will be giving attention to the other new member of the family? What if you take on more than you can handle? You don't want to bring a dog home, have him start to become a member of the family, then have to dump him somewhere such as the Humane Society or rescue organization or nearest pound, and break his heart. You are supposed to be an adult - use your head instead of your ego.
2007-07-18 20:42:20 · answer #3 · answered by D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will need a dog that is big enough to handle the demands of four small children. A small dog will not be suitable for toddlers running around. Labs and Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs. Australian Shepherds are great too as are German Shepherds. German Shorthair Pointers and Dobermam Pinschers are also nice dogs. It just depends on what you want.
2007-07-18 20:38:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retrievers are classic family dogs - my neighbors had one when I was growing up and he was the biggest sweetheart I've ever met. My suggestion is to go to the shelter with your husband and talk to the staff about your family. Big dogs can be lots more forgiving and not as fragile as small dogs when it comes to kids - the shepherd mix I had growing up let us dress her up and take pictures (she didn't LIKE it, but she was a good dog). Aussies are very sweet dogs, but can bowl over kids and nip. Labs are another popular choice due to sweet temperament and trainability. Check www.petfinder.com in your area and find a dog that needs a home and wants to be a part of your family - I guarantee it will love you for life.
Best of luck to you and your family!
2007-07-18 20:57:30 · answer #5 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An APBT. It is the "Nanny Dog". So great with children. Forget the media hype, they love everyone. Not a really big dog, mine is 65 lbs. In the past they were the most popular family dog in the country. When my daughter brought my baby grandson over for the first time, he was less then a month old, she sat him, in his carrier, on the floor and the Pit went over and sniffed him and laid on the floor next to him for an hour. She would not leave his side. Now when she comes over, the baby is 11 months old, she sits with the baby on her lap and the Pit comes over and puts her head in his hand so he can play with her ears while she licks his toes.
If you want a dog that is great with everyone especially children consider an APBT.
Here is a site that might help:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm
2007-07-19 04:52:10 · answer #6 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 kids and two on the way, two dogs as well? This sounds like a very inconvenient time to get another dog, I honestly think you should wait until diaper changing days and bottle feeding days are over, then get out a book and research some breeds.
2007-07-18 20:44:02 · answer #7 · answered by LoveMyDogs 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retriever, Labrodor retriever, Chihuahua, Boston Terriers, and Maltese
2007-07-18 20:49:36 · answer #8 · answered by doodlezog97 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a medium build mutt from the local animal shelter that is about 4 to 5 months old.
2007-07-18 20:46:50 · answer #9 · answered by Faith D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a larger dog, I do recommend golden retrievers. I've owned them for years and am always amazed at their ability to be people-friendly, animal-friendly, easy to train and good with kids. With all that's going on in your family, you need an easy to train, friendly dog.
Little dogs are not the best choice for small kids. They don't tolerate rough play well, and are more fragile and more easily injured.
2007-07-18 20:38:46 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋