We are thinking of getting a puppy, which breed should we get?

Question

Bearing in mind that we have three young cats and two children of 9 and 6. I have an allergy to certain dogs in that it makes my eyes sore and puffy, but it only appears to be a reaction to labradors and retrievers. Can anyone recommend a breed that wouldn't exacerbate my "allergy" and that get along well with cats and children, or indeed any breed to avoid.

Answer 1

I do not have a direct answer for you, but a suggestion. Go to the akc website and see if you can find a breed profile that fits what you are looking for.

Second, after you find a breed you like, pull up the national club to find a breeder.

Interview at least three breeders (i did 6 six to find the breeder that i liked when we got our Rhodesian Ridgeback). Ask them about the allergy thing, and then go visit. This will be the test.

Take your time.

Don't forget puppy kindergarten and get the kids involved with the training. Very important.

best of luck

Answer 2

Maybe you should call your local veterinarian and see what breed they recommend due to your allergies, cats, and children. I personally wouldn't recommend a high strung dog like I have (Weimaraner). They take a lot of time and if I had children I know I wouldn't be able to juggle all the responsibility. It's too bad though that you are allergic to Labradors. I also have a chocolate lab and I must say, he is the best dog I ever had. Good luck in your new venture!

Answer 3

Out of every dog I have come across,

Every type, coat, shape, style and make,

I find that the most wonderful of them all is the mutt from a shelter.

Its the rescued animals that seem to be the most loving. They tend to come wormed and de-sexed too, if old enough.

So why not get a rescue puppy?
there are so many waiting for homes, and so many varieties (inclduing pure-breds). They would love you soo much! And they are far less expensive for a dog who will give you the same (if not more) amount of love as an expensive pedigree breed!

at least investigate the idea of a rescue puppy. They do come as puppies, hundreds every week, because people haven't de-sexed their pets and have had un-wanted litters.

Give it a try, you won't regret it :)

Answer 4

With all that you have going on in your household - 3 cats, 2 young kids, allergies - perhaps now is not the time for a dog.

That said, I would recommend my personal favorite - a medium-sized adult dog of mixed breeding from a local shelter.

Why an adult dog? Because they are fully grown - so you don't get surprized that your cute little puppy has turned into a huge hairy beast. Shelter dogs are temperment tested - so if they say, "good with smaller children" you can be pretty well secure in knowing that hurdle is overcome.

Why a shelter dog? Forget all that rubbish about "I want a puppy so it will bond to me and my family!!!" That's primarily what populates the shelters - those failed attempts by novices who think they know how to train a dog. Poor cute little puppy grows up into a hairy monster. Trust me. Adult Fido will come to you with the attitude of "God gave me a second chance! I am NOT going to blow it!" and he'll bond with you and your family and be your loving pet for the remainder of his life.

Now, why mixed parentage? Well, the shelter is full of pure-breds too. But you're not interested in breeding - you just want a pet. And besides, all those designer peek-a-poos and labradoodles are for the birds. Mutts. Plus, there is something to be said for "hybrid vigor" in that often mixed breed dogs live healthier lives than their pure-bred bretheren.

Some things to consider. 1. a dog is not a child's toy. If you get a dog - puppy or not - You are the adult. It's YOUR responsibility to care for him - including feeding, walking, clean-up-after. 2. Spay/neuter. No argument. No, I want her to experience puppies at least once. AND ESPECIALLY absolutely not "I want my children to see the miracle of birth." Spay/neuter. and 3. Obedience training. Before you get a puppy - research what kind of obedience classes are available for you. A well-trained dog, like a well-behaved child is a joy to be around. A poorly trained dog - like an unruly child - is a pain in the neck and seldom welcome in society.

Answer 5

Bullmastiff. They are big, but gentle giants, smaller breeds tend to be snappy especially with children. What i would do is visit the breeders of my choice of dogs and explain your allergy. They will let you come and go for a few days and you can see how you get on with that particular breed of dog. They will also tell you the pros and con's of the type of dog you are after.

Answer 6

My kids are aged 8 and 9 and I have a staffy who absolutely adores them and they adore her back. I have found in my research before owning one that staffs are exceptionally great with kids, which obviously was my main priority. I know many people who own staffys and all of them are as silly as anything. (The dogs that is!!) and depending upon how you raise them and show them respect then they will respect you back and can be the most loyal dogs.
As for breeds to avoid, it is totally dependant upon choice. I could list a rotty or a jack russel and other people could disagree. To me, if you raise it well with no aggression then most breeds will ok.It depends on how it is raised...a bit like a child. If you raised a child to teach it its ok to punch then they will grow thinking its ok to punch.If you teach it to love and be affectionate then it will grow to be like this. Its the same for dogs.
Please make sure you know what you are doing before getting a pup, they are a lot of work and are totally different from owning a cat.

Answer 7

My answer is that it's up to you really. But I find that small dogs can be irritated by children ands a gentle giant would be a nice idea. I wouldn't reccommend a border collie as they can be very hyperactive in their youth and might hurt the children involentarily. Yorkies and Scotties can be yappy and annoying, so be careful with them.

E-mail if you wanna know more.

Answer 8

you need to have a look at short haired breeds with a friendly nature, i can't have long haired breeds for the same reason as you, but have found the short haired breeds don't affect me, i have bullterriers and find them to be great with kids and cats and they are a fun dog to have, you do need to be quite firm with them though, but your best bet is to look on the kennel club site and see what breeds are available and then make your decision the dog you get should be right for you and your family, why not get in touch with your local rescue centre and look at some of the dogs there you should know with in minutes if the dog is going to affect you and you will be able to get your children involved with the choosing of the dog. good luck with your search.

Answer 9

Take a look at some of these for allergies:

Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Chinese Crested
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodles
Portuguese Water Dog
Schnauzers
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli

Answer 10

Depending on your space...you might condider a great dane. They are gentle as can be with children and cats when gotten at an early age and raised with them. They are a very large breed yet are kind, and easy to train, and a great protector of those they love. I would look into medication for your allergies as well.