Help! What dog breed(s) should I consider for my family??

Question

Hi, I've narrowed my choices down to these breeds, I have children ages 3-7, it will be indoor/outdoor, have a big house, small to midsize yard. I will probably get one at a shelter/rescue group next month or so. Collie, Lab, Beagle, Pug, Bos. terrier, golden, or Britt. or English spaniel ? Thanks!

Answer 1

i would say lab. we have one and it is by far the friendliest dog on the block. they are playful and cuddley. its such a family dog! beagle would also be a great choice. they are also friendly and cuddley. they are gentle too. i would say though that the best choice is one that you see while your there. we went to a rescue group adoption show thinking we would get a golden. we came home with a lab. just go by instinct. there will be one you will be automatically attracted too. as soon as i saw my lab. i knew it would be the one. just find one that is wagging its tail when it sees you and looks you in the eye saying take me home. hope this helped! and good luck!

Answer 2

Pay no attention to the man/woman behind the curtain, "D". Most of the time people like yourself want opinions from the people who have actually experienced the breed instead of just reading book after book. If you have "narrowed" your choices down you must have done some kind of reading or research. I'm glad you ask for our opinions.

If you can handle 3 kids I'm sure you are familiar with poop, vomit and pee.

I will give "D" props, because he/she lists some good points to consider, but he/she is going about it the wrong way. We, "Dog Lovers" don't want to discourage you, we want to help you and guide you to make the right decision for you and your family, whether it is getting a dog or not.

Although you did not list a boxer, I have a boxer and love her to death! She is part of the family and good with children as well. A boxer as a pup is one of the most hyper dogs I have experienced. After 2 years she has mellowed a LITTLE, but still full of energy and has to be exercised often to release the energy.

The first time you take a dog to a vet your average cost, depending on the vet , can average up to $300, not to mention a hundred dollars here and there for check-ups, heartworm medication, toys, leashes, collar and any other meds if the dog gets sick.

Please don't be discouraged, but do weigh in the extra cost, time and effort in raising a new family member.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

I would go with the lab or the golden retriever, they are in the same family. They are family friendly dogs, and very lovable. I have a yellow lab and she is very protective of kids. They jump on her pull on her tail, poke her eyes, but has not ever bitten one. They learn really fast. I would stay away from terriers, they are hyper and have a tendency to bite. Good luck with the search, try petfinder.com, and enter your zip and they will show you all the dogs that are adoptable in the area. Sometimes it will even tell you how the dog interacts with kids, other dogs, and even cats, and if they are house trained.
And thanks for considering adoptions, there are so many pets out there that need a home :o)

Answer 4

i have a brittany spaniel and they are very high energy dogs they need to have more then 1 hour of good exercise a day (not walks but running around freely) but he is great with kids and is very friendly and doesnt mind to be climbed on etc.
english spaniels are great also they are very smart and i think this would be a great match
pugs and boston terriers may accidentily get hurt by the children
lab or golden generally make great pets with kids
collies need a lot of exercise but are tolerant of kids
so i think your best bet is a medium sized dog that likes to play go to your local shelter and find the perfect pup or dog. good luck!check out petfinder.com

Answer 5

Excellent choice in using a shelter or rescue group. A rescue group will help you choose one of their animals whose tempermant will be fit your yard and children's ages. All the above breeds need lots of exercise. Personally, I like the lab breed for the family out of your list. Many families have had good luck. However, remember they need to be able to run and bleed off their extra energy.

Answer 6

Go with a pug! They are seriously the cutest little dogs ever. They're incredibly smart and have a great even temperament. Anytime I pass kids on the street, they love petting my pug, Sammy. :) You don't need to have a large yard for this size dog... perfect choice for a family dog.

Answer 7

I'm assuming by golden you are talking about a retriever, which is a great family dog. But I suggest checking out your local shelters before buying a pedigree. They have the best dogs who will truly appreciate a home. In addition you may find a pedigree there.

Answer 8

I have a Boston Terrier. They are pretty good dogs - but they can be extremely hyper at times. She was pretty easy to house train and she is great with my daughter. They need a lot of attention though or they start chewing up things around the house. Having a good chew toy (preferrably a "Kong") helps.

Answer 9

It might be better to get a golden, some people say they are really good dogs, but you could also get a spaniel. But it really depends. make sure it is a dog that loves kids and doesn't mind being hugged alot. Or playing around with kids.

Answer 10

Golden retriever!! I have one and he absolutely loves playing with kids of all ages! He could spend hours outside playing fetch with a ball! They are super sweet and friendly and the only downside is that you have to brush them at least once a week but my dog absolutely loves being brushed so it's really not that bad!! (They are much better looking than labs by the way!)