Family oriented dogs?

Question

What type of dogs are safe, gentle and sweet around toddlers and small children? Especially if the children like to pull and hit animals. (not intentionally hurting)

But also protective.

Answer 1

We have three dogs, a husky, a great prynesse and a saint bernard puppy. I can;t say how the puppy will be as she gets older, but the other two are awesome family dogs!

Answer 2

I've had a good experience with labrador retrievers. They are active dogs, love to play fetch and swim in the water. Very loyal and friendly around people exspecially small children. First thing you need to consider is if you live an active lifestyle in order to exercise the dog and if you have the appropriate size home and yard since they are 60-80 lbs when full grown.

Answer 3

I agree with walking lady. If your children aren't old enough to know how to treat a dog with respect, you might want to wait a few more years before you get a dog. And in the mean time you can do some research on different dog breeds. I think http://www.dogbreedinfo.com is a great website where you can look at different dogs, and read about their temperaments, health risks, exercise requirements, and grooming requirements. And http://akc.org is another website where you can research different dog breeds. And most animal shelters do temperament tests on the dogs that come in, so they can tell you how each specific dog does with children. Good luck!!

Answer 4

My top 3 kid-friendly dog recommendations would be
- boxer: http://www.akc.org/breeds/boxer/
- labrador: http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/
- golden retriever: http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/

Larger dogs tend to do better with children because of their size. A small dog is more easily injured by a child. The breeds mentioned above are all known to be GREAT "kid dogs".

I do recommend that if you get a dog, make sure the kids know it is NOT okay to pull on and hit an animal.

Most any breed of dog will be protective if it's family is in danger.

Answer 5

There's plenty of breeds that are great with kids. However, until the kids are trained as to how to treat a dog with respect and kindness, you'd be doing some poor dog a terrible dis-service getting it. The best tempered dog is one day going to snap if it's been subjected to abuse (that doesn't intentionally hurt!) and the dog is going to be the one euthanized.

Answer 6

just my opinion but unless the dog existed before the children I would wait until the children are old enough to understand directions and understand the word "no" although I do know many children that should know the word "no" but that is another discussion....

Puppies themselves can be rough with children esp. when teething.

I know most breeds are okay, it is just in how you raise the dog. I would not have a pit bull but that is my own personal feelings.

Answer 7

Get a Boxer or an American Bulldog. They are naturally gentle with small children. Both my dogs i could do anything to them and they would never react.

Answer 8

Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs are EXCELLENT family dogs and will protect you and your kids if needed. And please don't think that pit bulls are bad dogs because of dog fighting. Dogs are not the problem, owners are. Your dog will be as good and well-behaved as YOU make it. So don't overlook the pit bull! American Bulldogs are also exceptionally great family dogs and will protect you and anyone they feel is family. Both breeds have the biggest hearts and sweetest dispositions. I highly reccomend both for family dogs.

Answer 9

Just have to find the right dog no matter what breed. I have a catahula who will sinp(not to hurt) at my neice when she steps on the dog. Now my neice can hit, pull, jump, step, and do what she want to my 80lb Pitt mix. go to the pound and find a dog there.

Don- wrong page (and he better not)

Answer 10

Visit your local shelter or www.petfinder.com There are dogs that need homes, and have already been tested with children. Protection comes with love and training.