Best breed of dog for the situation?

Question

A dog breeder would like to give me a dog as a gift. I would let my sister have it. She has three kids, very playful ones and they live in a suburban setting. She may not have the time to walk the dog that often although the dog can have a yard to go around with. She would need a dog which is both playful with kids but very territorial (would do as 'sentry' at night or when nobody is at home). Long-haired breeds are a no-no to her. Any breed that might do?

After reading the suggestions, I phone my sister's kids. They piped in "Bulldog!"... I guess they were watching reruns of Tom and Jerry right now. What can you say about bull dogs?

If you find it weird, DP... the breeder is a family friend. And she's been to my sister's house. He wanted me to have a dog, but I move around a lot and can't have a large dog or at least the ones that needs exercise...and he's happy to give it to her. How weird can that be?

The "breeder" is actually a couple. Bothe are breeders. Sorry, if I alternatively used the he and she. Family friends.

Answer 1

From my own personal experience, I would have to say that the best dog I've ever had is the dog I'm currently fostering from the Humane Society shelter. She is a pure bred yellow Lab, and she is the most gentle, yet playful dog! I have 2 children (6 and 9), and she's the first dog we've ever had that they could actually play with without getting knocked down or run over. She doesn't really bark, but she is very protective of my kids and myself, and she doesn't really let anybody come into our yard without getting her growl going.

If you're wanting both playful and territorial, maybe a Boxer would be a better choice. They're very playful, but they are protective, too. They're strong, muscular dogs, and unless you train them effectively, they can be a little rambunctious, and can knock smaller kids down while playing. I volunteer at the Humane Society shelter, and I haven't ever heard of a vicious Boxer, so I'm pretty sure they're pleasant tempered.

All dogs are going to need plenty of exercise, even if they're left in the back yard all the time. If they don't get enough play time with their "people", they tend to get bored and boredom leads to the dog being destructive and hyperactive.

Answer 2

Bulldogs have a lot of health problems, largely steaming from breathing issues. They would probably not be a good breed for active children, though are generally very loving with their families.
Before you worry too much about which breed, I would agree with other posts about considering if there should be a dog at all. Even responsible children can not be in charge of all the training and exercise for a dog, and if the family does not have time to really train a puppy, it will only end tragically for both the family and the dog.
If this is a responsible breeder, they will probably have some good suggestions about if their dogs are well suited for your sister. Additionally, most breeders want to meet the recipients of the dog personally, to be sure that the puppy and the family will be a good match. You wouldn't want a shy sweet dog to be with very active children, for example!
Please be very careful about giving a dog, and make sure the family really has the time and inclination to take care of a puppy. I've seen way to many young, untrained dogs at the pound, abandoned when the family realized that their lifestyle was not a good match for their pet.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 3

We have 2 dogs and a puppy, The dogs are a 4 year old yellow lab, he is so sweet, & wouldn't hurt a fly, we have him in the house but he sheds all the time. The next is a 3 year old Boxer, he is so much fun! I find it amazing to watch him run! Like a deer. He is very social. The Puppy is an English Bulldog, he is a crack-up but of course at around 3 months not too easy. They are all special. They all bark when they hear a noise. There are many websites on how to choose a breed that is best for you, good luck!

Answer 4

Most puppies are really playful by nature. You might want to reconsider giving her a dog if she doesn't have a lot of time, because dogs do take up a lot of time and it might just become a burden to her. It's like having another kid. Most dogs are also territorial of their home, even if you don't realize it. They know who their family is and they know if someone is an intruder. Just the presence of even a small dog is enough of a deterrent for most intruders.

She might do well to consider a pit bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, or other "guardian" breeds. If she could handle the energy, a Jack Russell is a playful dog...but they are very energetic and they stay that way their whole lives.

Answer 5

Well, the kids have already said a bull dog. Go with the great American family dog. An American Pit Bull Terrier. The "Nanny Dog". Mine loves everyone and are so great with kids, even babies.
The Pits are the second to bark at anything going on, the first is my little Chi/Rattie mix. He barks if someone a block away slams their car door. The last one to get involved Is the Beagle, when he starts baying you know it is some thing serious, or he thinks so.
Even though my Pits love everyone would you jump into a yard if you saw a Pit Bull barking at you?
The APBT is the greatest family dog there is.

Answer 6

A breeder wants to give you a dog as a gift.. and you are allowed to choose from all breeds available which breed they will give you?? How's that work??

Do you think a breeder would be pleased, to find out that the home she thought the dog was going to.. passed the dog on to a home that she might never have approved as worthy of one of her dogs??

How can any breed do ?? Is this dog breeder going to go buy you what ever you want?? This sounds weird..

Answer 7

Easy question, get a Boxer! They're known for being great with kids--very patient, plenty of energy, and big enough to withstand rambunctious kids (under supervision of course), yet still small enough to be manageable. They're short haired and territorial and intimidating enough in appearance to make excellent watchdogs. Smart and easy to train, and mine is very clean, though I know a high quality food is especially important in this breed or they can be a little stinky. People say they drool, but in my experience they just track water all over the floor. Walks aren't always necessary if they get enough play time, especially when they get to spend enough time with their family.

Answer 8

I would have to say with out a doubt a bull terrier
I know the name sounds nasty and they do look a bit mean but do not let that fool you.
I had a bully for 10 years recently lost him due to cushings disease but he was everything and more of what you described your sister needed.
medium sized dog but clean and compact.
loves and adores children. not met one yet that did not love it's family
devoted and dedicated to it's master
intelligent and very playful...will go all day if you let them but loves cuddles and snuggle in front of tv if that is what you need too.
no health major health issues that i know of. my bully was just unlucky

do a Google see what you come up with
also there is a Miniature variety too
least here in Australia there is.

Answer 9

Poodles. Poodles don't shed (assuming that's why long hair is a no-no). As well they're playful, energetic, relatively friendly, smart, obedient (and therefore can be trained to be a watch dog. As well, they're not one of those microwaveable dogs that wouldn't do squat as a watch dog (assuming you get a large breed).

Answer 10

A Labrador retriever complements any situation. Good with kids, will bark when needed, and will love just being part of the family.

BTW, although a lab may not seem scary if you get a black one they will look more intimidating to an intruder.