We are a family of four with two children: 13 & 10. We want a big or medium sized dog but not any of the fighting or 'dangerous' types.
2007-09-01 04:51:34 · 70 answers · asked by helend 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
From personal experience I would recommend a Boxer. We have owned two -- one when our son was a toddler and the other now that he is a teenager. They are great family dogs, very gentle with an even temperament and sweet disposition. They don't eat as much as some of the larger breeds and don't require excessive amounts of exercise. Although a fenced yard is a must, they are "people" dogs and don't want to be left out in the yard alone for long periods of time. They have a short coat, so they don't require a lot of grooming.
Boxers don't mature for nearly 3 years, both physically and mentally. As most dogs, they grow to their full height within 12-18 months -- at which point they look pretty skinny -- after which Boxers will fill out and broaden from a muscular and weight standpoint. They also have a puppy mentality -- very playful, almost goofy -- for almost 3 years and then mature and settle down in nature.
The really neat thing for a family is that Boxers can serve as a guard dog, but in reality are nothing of the sort. Oh, don't get me wrong -- I'm not caught up with all the "bad breed" stuff the media wants you to believe. Pit bulls and their "off limits" cousins are no worse than any other breed -- it depends how they are raised, trained, etc. A person needs to own one of the acclaimed "bad breeds" before they can begin to understand how foolish all the hype is. Just keep in mind -- ANY dog can and will bite IF SUFFICIENTLY PROVOKED. (The good news is that many dogs live full and happy lives without ever being provoked to this extent; it's the others we hear about on TV.)
Anyway, back to Boxers. There is no one who would enter our yard (who didn't know my dog) after one sight of our Boxer. Evidently they felt she had a menacing look about her -- little did they know they might be licked to death if they approached her!
Deciding to get a dog is a big decision and one that should be shared with the whole family since this will be a "family" dog. I hope you consider picking up one of those huge books on dog breeds (check the library because they can be pricey) and further research any of dogs recommended here to see how the breed's characteristics and traits fit in with what you and your family are looking for in a companion. Good luck!
2007-09-01 06:22:09 · answer #1 · answered by Jan C 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I would suggest that you all sit down together and draw up a shortlist of what breeds you like and what you are looking for in a dog.
Then when you have decided on the ones you like you can research each breed and see which is the most suitable for your circumstances.
I've personally got St Bernards, Weimaraners and Greyhounds and they are all great as pets, although I wouldn't recommend the Weimaraner as a family pet for novice owners.
Incidentally so called dangerous dogs are only dangerous because stupid people own them and of the so called "fighting breeds" the Staffy makes an excellent pets. If a dog is well trained, socialised and properly owned it will never be a danger to anyone!!
2007-09-09 03:46:51 · answer #2 · answered by kathy w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear friend, I went through your question severally, my suggestion would be based on the following:1) it is not the size of the family that you consider when you get a puppy/ dog/pet to your family..2),, it is not the type or the variety that you have to consider,,, there could be certain things that you intend to consder,,, but not 100% dear friend, 3),, it is not the size of the dog,, cos your kids may get bigger and bigger day by day,,, ( for an ex? when you get a poodle at home she / he needs so much attention for ever till the fellow lives,, and just think of your kids,, grown big and no time to think of caring your pet!!).... dear friend, what matters is the information that you have to obtain with regard to loving, caring and caring dogs who could live , stay and play with the happy family,,, once the pet joins the family it becomes another to your family,, and i could rather see that you give your pet so much attention than the rest of the family members,,, it is the way a proper trainer brings such pet dogs,, up ,,, find a good expert trainer,, let him know your wish ,, for what type of a dog,,, ( mindful to select the pet dog wht you intend to get,,, may it be a Rot,,, may it be a ridgeback,,, may it be a grt dane,,,, may it be a poodle,,, or pom,,,,why not the Dobbermansss,,,,too.....)..wish you Good Luck!!!
2007-09-09 02:51:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say black lab but only on the proviso that you are not so charmed by the animal that you treat it like a third child! Really, these dogs need to be worked to be happy - by this I mean exercise and retrieval games. They are very settled as long as they are at the bottom of the pecking order. They also need to be fed properly as they will go to fat quickly if overfed (they'll eat 'til they're sick, then start again).
The above applies to many breeds but I might suggest that, if you are unsure about a breed, it would be worth finding your nearest reputable dog trainer and discuss your needs.
Hope it works out for you. A happy, gentle, obedient dog is such a joy and great company.
2007-09-08 08:57:02 · answer #4 · answered by J S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Boxer dogs although they haven't necessarily got the cutest face in the world to some people, make brilliant family pets. They have bags of energy to play with the kids but are also very affectionate. I personally have four of them ranging from 6months to 11 years. Wouldn't swap them for anything and never had any problems except that they all want your attention 24/7. Ideal if you want a playmate for a little one!
2007-09-07 02:09:50 · answer #5 · answered by Smudge 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I personally think whatever dog you go for the most important thing is how its trained, rotties have a bad rep and labs have a good one but im sure we have all come across well mannered trustworthy rotties and vicous labs so as long as the dog is well looked after, gets plenty of attention and socialisation and is trained well (the most important thing is how you and your children will train the dog) you should have a happy stable "good with kids" dog on your hands and a true friend for a long time.
Did i mention i own a lab/rottie? lol and in my opinion she is the best dog ever, and is my 9 year old girls best mate... even so i would never leave her unattended with small children i watch the news!
Which ever breed you decide on GOODLUCK AND CONGRATS!
2007-09-09 01:50:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are so many very loving, family-suited breeds to choose from. Golden retrievers, of course, are positively wonderful family dogs......fun, loyal and not too hyper. (I have a border collie.......very hyper, very high maintenance but I wouldn't trade her for the world). Labs are nice, non-fighting dogs,too, but they tend to run off when you're not looking. You might want to pick up a book on dog breeds that will tell you about temperment, social habits and suitability for various family types. Good luck!
2007-09-09 01:32:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Golden Retrievers are so lovely and loyal. I have two and they give us so much pleasure. They look gorgeous too but I would say that as I am biased.
It's a well known fact that they make good family pets but make sure what ever dog you get that you first see the puppy with at least one of it's parents and please don't go to a puppy farm.
If you are in the UK go to a good dog breeding web site to get some advice or, even better, the kennel club web site.
2007-09-06 11:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by kaznaid 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Border Collie they are great family pets and are easy to train they do need lots of exercise only most dogs do, I had one and she was a great dog and was good with all children, I now have a little Yorkie and she is also good with children. Any dog can't be trusted 100% and I think a dogs behaviour is down to the owners.
2007-09-01 05:03:03 · answer #9 · answered by Bernie c 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Get a middle aged dog from the pound. Preferably a mutt mixed with a retriever of some sort. Middle aged b/c they are not in the hyper puppy stage. Sounds as if you will be a first time dog owner, and you shouldn't start with a pup.
Besides, second hand dogs give first class love!
2007-09-08 13:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by canine mom 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋