what is the best dog breed for babies?

Question

I want a dog breed that is big and can protect my family but is also good with kids. Anybody have any suggestions

I just want a dog that has lots of patience with humans but that can protect if necessary, I am a military wife and my husband is on deployment. I need company and something to make me feel safe when he is gone. I don't need name calling or judgment I just want a good guardian

Answer 1

You should look at the majestic Dogue de Bordeaux. An ancient French breed that I have had the pleasure of owning. They are smart, never forget what they are taught, extremely loyal and loving dogs. They are large and have a high pain tolerance, and being a molosser breed they are very patient with people. They take the ear pulling and little annoying things that kids do very well as they just don't care. What they do care about though is people and other animals encroaching on their territory and they will guard with no fear and not back down to any breed. Their size and looks alone are enough to scare away most people

Answer 2

Traditionally many of the hound and hunting breeds are designed to be responsive to humans and often make good pets. Labs, beagles and daschunds all come immediately to mind as dogs that tend to be social and family oriented AS WELL AS alert and able to warn you of intruders.

In a family situation you would want to take more care of (and probably avoid) dogs that tend to be more of "one person" type dogs such as dobermans, akitas and chows.

The biggest thing when introducing new family arrivals into a house with a dog is to be sure you understand the principles of pack rank and leadership. You dog will never be allowed to sit on or lay on anything (blanket, clothes or furniture) belonging to the baby since that would, in the dog's mind, place him "above" your child in pack rank. If the dog runs through the doorway into the house and bumps into your child on the way bring the dog back out, let the child go in first and then release the dog. These little postural type things will help keep peace in the house with safety for all.

You don't mention how old your children are but GENERALLY speaking you would want a soundly built dog if the children are young. Yorkies or Poms could be hurt by a careless toddler becuase of their small diminutive size. If there's a chance your children would try to "ride" the dog don't get a long backed dog like basset hound or daschund.

Animal Planet has a great search feature to help you narrow down a dog breed choice.
Also Leerburg kennels has some fantastic information on dog training, obediance, pack rank, etc.

Answer 3

I have to say I agree with Mastifflove, just because you have children under the age of ten does not mean you have your hands full already and can not take care of a dog. I am going to assume this is from people that do not have children. I myself only have one child and he is 5yrs old and autistic, I also have a 9yr old beagle dachsund mix, 5month old Border collie mix (shelter dog) and a 3 month old boxer mix. While there are somedays that it feels like I have 4 kids, I have yet to feel like I have my hands to full to fully take care of any of them. SO don't people like that stop you if your sure you can handle a dog and a child.

If you have decieded you want a dog because you want the company and someone to warn you "in case" but you want them to be good around kids, you might check out a Boxer or a boxer mix, very sturdy breed good with kids.

BUT i must say that if you have children and a larger breed dog it is a good idea to get into some sort of obiediance class for the dog and if the children are old enough the whole family. Because a larger breed can hurt a child without meaning to it is always important to make sure your dog is under control at all times.

Good Luck !!

Answer 4

I have 5 kids between 18 mo. and 10 years old. We have always had English Mastiffs. They are wonderful with kids! Very deserving of the title "Gentle Giant". They are very loyal and will protect you from harm. They are sooo smart and easy to train. Be sure to find a reputable breeder! Ask alot of questions on the phone. You can be easily deceived on an email. Full grown they should weigh between 160 and 200+ pounds.

I see some people are being very rude! Having kids does not mean you can't have a dog! You should teach your children how to treat animals, other than that why should you not have a furry family member? We have 5 kids and lots of dogs,we all live as a family and there is nothing wrong with that!

Answer 5

its not what is best with babies its what is best for you. all dogs can do things unexpectedly and potentially dangerous. it is the face how much time do you have to train and what kid of caricaturists do you have that would match a certain dog. do some research on yahoo and google and try and find a dog that is close to what your looking for.

If you and you husband like to hunt maybe a pointer of if you like to run maybe a lab and so on. what every fits your life style. try looking an an AKC web site and get more breed descriptions and try and find the perfect on for you.

maybe just go to the local shelter and talk to the people there they might have the perfect dog just for you that needs a loving home.

Answer 6

I easily have a lady Saint Bernard. She is surprising round toddlers, toddlers, human beings ect. She provides the toddlers massive ole moist kisses and is low skill and immediately ahead to stroll on a leash. After receiving her (she become large abused by technique of her very last proprietors) I looked up on the breed. Saint Bernards are everyday for being relatives dogs and strong round toddlers and individuals.

Answer 7

Labradors. They're very active and love attention and will cuddle with you (mine are lap dogs). Mine are very smart to and easy to train. I have a 3 year old sister and my labs do fine with her, the onlly way they could harm her is by licking her to death =). Also if some one knocks on the door they let out a huge bark that would scare any one off!

Answer 8

The only "breed" I can enthusiastically recommend to you in your situation is the popular "Stuffed" breed available at Wal*Mart and Toys 'R Us ... but the big ones DO cost more!

Oh, all right. If you really want one. Here's what NOT to do ... do NOT take advice on breeds from a place like YA Dogs. Rather, do some research. Start here:

http://www.akc.org
http://www.canismajor.com

Once you've narrowed it down to a few breeds you think might be suitable, contact the Breed Clubs for those breeds in your area and talk to some breeders. There are no shortcuts.

Keep in mind that you could just as likely find a mix of any breed that you like at a shelter. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Join our century. Dogs should not be considered a primary source of protection. You need to put a lot of time and money to have a dog that is going to guard your house and do nothing else. Not to mention a lot of training into you, to know not to scream NO at your dog when he's barking, which can be the difference between being a victim and not.

It also take a lot of time and patience to train a dog to be good with kids, and to train kids to be good with dogs.

Answer 10

if u really want a dog that bad get a bigger one. they r usually gentler and it will be good for the kid once it starts to walk. the kid can grasp the dog and pull itself up. go for a breed like a lab or golden or american pit bull terrier. all three r very sturdy and very loyal

EDIT: also it maybe better to go to the shelter and pick a dog who is already grown up. having a baby and a puppy around the house is tough