Best dog for family?

Question

Kids ages are 12, 9, & 2. We want a small to medium dog that doesn't shed much preferably. Also prefer a dog that is smart, not too hyper, but somewhat playful at the same time.

Answer 1

aww well you have to look at shelters =]
trust me you will find TONS fitting the description and believe me many dogs of a certain breed don't fit the breeds personality someone describes
just take a look it wont take much of your time and you won't regret it at all

Answer 2

First of all.....all dogs shed. Long or short hair. Long hair breeds just need more grooming to keep them from matting. Some long haired breeds need to be groomed on a 6-8 week schedule by a professional groomer. Doesn't sound like this is what you want, especially with three kids. Rat Terriers are wonderful small dogs. They come ....Toy up to 10", Standard up to 17 inches, and Giant over 17 inches. They are wonderful with children and great family dogs, smart, loyal, short haired, don't shed excessively, great watch dogs, playful, great outside as well as inside, strong and sturdy, and don't have any inherited diseases. They are easily trained and willing to please. I would highly recommend this breed. Don't buy from a pet store please. Buy from a reputable breeder. You will pay anywhere from $200 to $400 for a registered puppy. Don't pay any more than $400 as this is the going rate. Stay away from Jack Russell's since they are similar to the Rat Terrier but are very hyper dogs. Stay with a reputable Rat Terrier breeder. Look at the parents and check out their temperaments. This is important. Make sure the parents aren't hyper, aggressive, or shy. These unwanted traits can be passed on to the offspring. Make sure the puppy has been wormed, vaccinated, and health checked by a reputable vet before taking it home. It doesn't matter whether the pup is male or female since you are going to have it altered anyway. Both are equally wonderful family pets when altered. Just pick out the one that your family likes and the one that more importantly likes you. Good luck.

Answer 3

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are wonderful family dogs. They are best described as having the same kind of temperament as a golden retriever only they NOT hyper .They are naturally well mannered. They are vhighly intelligant making them extremely easy to train. They love chidren and they make perfect theropy dogs. Please don't mistake the Cavalier for being a Cocker Spaniel they are a totally different breed and are nothing like them as far as temperament goes. I cannot stand Cocker Spaniels, they bite, poop, and pee when scared or nervous. And Cavaliers are half the size of a Cocker Spaniel making them Ultimate lap dogs.

These are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/carrie496/Myspace-CAVS.jpg

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience

Answer 4

http://www.petfinder.com - find a rescue group near you that keeps their dogs in foster homes, and they should be able to help match you with a dog that will work with your family. For the no-shed factor, poodles or poodle mixes might be an option.

Dogs are individuals, and while some breeds are more "kid-friendly" than others, there are still individual variations in temperaments, especially in the "popular" breeds that have been overbred or poorly bred by backyard/hobby breeders and puppy mills for pet stores.

Save a life - adopt from Rescue!!

Answer 5

Rat Terriers are the best family dogs you could ever have. They dont have many health problems at all and are very easy to care for. Since you have a 2 yr old I would get one that grows to about 10-20 pounds. Start with a puppy so your child and the puppy grow together and learn each others behaviors.

Answer 6

I'm a big fan of beagles. They do shed, but not huge amounts of hair like long haired breeds. They are very friendly and sweet, and they love to play, but as they age, they calm down. They are great family dogs.

Answer 7

I have a lab and he is great with kids. They are smart and love to play. They can be hyper if they are not exercised.

A labradoodle might be a good dog, they are calmer than full labs, but still have that lovable lab personality.

Answer 8

Dachshunds are great because they do not shed but are famously hard to house train. A lab mix will be smart but does need daily walks not to get bored and hyper.

Answer 9

How about a little dachshund they are the cutest very playful but you do have to watch their backs and they should jump at all but they will keep you laughing and they have so much love to give.

Answer 10

Pitbulls are supprisingly good with kids if you get them as puppies, plus they are formidable dogs so they'll protect your house. Other than that, I guess there are the usual golden retrievers, labradors, etc.