But have been considering it for over a year now and can't decide what breed is good around a baby? I love greyhounds but not too sure as they are a little big. Any advise on breeds around babies?
2007-11-17 01:54:09 · 15 answers · asked by Serry's mum 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I also have a cat, so have to careful for him as well
2007-11-17 02:06:33 · update #1
Its not so much the breed you need to worry about, but the temperment of the specific dog.
Any dog you get as a puppy if you train it suitably, then it will be good around the baby.
If you get a dog as a puppy (my recommendation) then the only concerns you need to have are for the first few months, you will have to be holding the baby while "introducing" to the dog. THis is because pups tend to play with their teeth, and their baby teeth are extremely sharp... the puppy could be intending to love and play with the baby, but hurt the baby on accident... Other then that, this is the best way to introduce the dog to its new "pack" and you are the "pack leader" so since you are the pack leader and you approve the baby, a well trained dog should as well.
Some poeple have problems if theyve had a dog first THEN had a baby because dogs will see it as an intrution on their pack...
I always recommend blue merle australian shepherds (or any shepherds for that matter, especially Aussies) They are a very family oriented type of dog when they are house pets, and are beautiful as well.
A big dog like a greyhound, german shepherd, st bernard, ect... its the whole training thing... the dog will learn to grow up around the baby.
If you are looking at adopting an older dog, the only suggestion I have for this is make sure to introduce them to the baby.. if they are in a foster home and not a shelter see if the foster home has small kids there or that visits and see how they do. If its in a shelter.. let the shelter or rescue know of your concerns around the baby, and after your application is approved, see if you can have an in home visit over night with the dog to see how things go (just keep in mind, the dog will be a little confused as to how to react in the new environment) This confusion can sometimes make a dog hide their true selves (not in a bad way, just being timid) so keep in mind when deciding. Also remember, youll want to let them do what they want "until they get used to the surroundings" but DONT. The first couple days and weeks are really where you show that you are the leader and what is and isnt good. Doing anything but that can really confuse the dogs
Good luck!! Dogs are loyal, loving creatures. Just research the breed once you pick a dog, to see their energy levels and food needs and go from there
2007-11-17 02:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by kon11stantine11 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
We have 2 greyhounds and they are wonderfully tolerant with children of all ages and it is something we have never regretted. If you adopt a GAP greyhound every measure is taken to match the dog to your circumstance.. The most vital thing is that the dog knows it's place in the pack. Do your research and go and meet some greyhounds. If you are in Victoria, visit the GAP kennel at Seymour, well worth the trip if you are seriously considering one of these wonderful dogs. They are clean, gentle, well mannered, have little 'dog' odour and don't shed much hair.. Brilliant!! (and GAP dogs are usually passed that awful puppy stage..)There are a number of cat friendly dogs but the wait can be a bit longer. Greyhounds come in all sizes big and small.. Good Luck..
2007-11-18 12:13:00 · answer #2 · answered by warangagreys 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think Greyhounds are good. I have also had experiance with Maltese. They are GREAT. When they're puppies they are a little hyper as anything might be when they're young. But after they get a little older and settle down, they are the best dog to have. They take some care though. You can either keep they're hair short or you have to trim it and brush it alot. It's long and can get really matted if your not careful. hey are sooooo sweet and loving. I have been around 4 and I haven't EVER heard of them being mean (growling, biting, snapping..etc.) to anyone or anything. They can bark alot though. Sometimes. Anyway, good luck and if you want a small sweet loving dog who'll want to be with you alot look into a maltese. Hope you find a great dog! God Bless.
2007-11-17 02:25:07 · answer #3 · answered by Kristin 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Greys are fantastic. While they're not ALL cat-friendly, all the ones I've had (visiting, fosters, and a pet) have been excellent with the cats and they've all been great with my kids. Not too boisterous, and if they don't like a child's behaviour, they'd rather walk away somewhere else than harm the child. One of our dogs came to the hospital to pick up my newborn and I! They've all readily accepted the kids as part of the "pack" and are fine with them.
If you adopt one through an organisation such as GAP, they make the effort to get to know the dog's nature and activity levels-- unlike getting a dog from your standard shelter or a pet shop, you're already going to know about what sort of behaviour to expect from your dog and how to manage him or her.
As for size, you can get smaller ones! Some of the girls are really tiny and resemble large whippets!
2007-11-18 14:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by Jessie C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a greyound that I adopted from the local race track in town. She is a small greyhound, her racing name was 'dog gone little'. I have had to kids, they are now 3 and 8 months. We have had Little for 4 years. She is NOT good with babies! She loves and adores older children (10ish and up) but she does not like when the babies crawl over to her and touch her or when my 3 year old bumps into her. She growls and nips. She has never bitten them though, I think she just wants to get her point across that she wants to be left alone but I don't think she wants to harm the kids. Greyhounds are very laid back. Ask other greyhound owners in your area. People who do NOT own them say they are hyper. NOT AT ALL!!!! All greyhounds that I have persnaly known are like this. If you have a racetrack in your area call the adoption center and ask about the breed's temperment for yourself. Or, you can even call the one I got my dog from (262) 612-8256. And here is their website with lots of info on what type of pets greyhounds are http://www.dairylandgreyhoundpark.com/adoption.asp
About your cat ... my greyhound saw my mom's cat for the first time, ran it down, pounced it, grabbed it in her mouth and shook it. The cat was OK (thank goodness!) but it was pretty scary. I don't know if all greyhounds are like that, but I have never had mine around a cat after that.
I also have a black lab. He is GREAT with the kids!!! I always say to my husband the best thing we have brought home for that dog is a baby! He lets them crawl all over him, he follows my 3 year old everywhere. It is adorable. They are inseperable. Yes, he is big but I find that little dogs have the same sort of mindset as my greyhound. "You leave me alone and I will leave you alone."
2007-11-17 02:06:08 · answer #5 · answered by Therapist 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
My nephew has a greyhound that he got as a puppy when he was about 10 years old. She's a sweet-natured dog, but she is very energetic. So while the greyhound might not mean to hurt the baby, you might want to be very careful and make sure the dog is well trained.
Some of the best dogs I've ever seen were mutts. You will want to meet the dog before you decide to take him home.
Good luck!
2007-11-17 02:04:31 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The best thing you can do is research the breed(s) your interested in.
One place I think you can find the best people to talk to about a breed, is a specific breed rescue group. They're usually so knowledgeable. And they will not steer you in the wrong direction.
Before I got my APBT, I did about 2 years of research. I researched temperament, health and all the positives and negatives of 5 different breeds of dogs.
My dog will be 3 in December and my youngest will be 4 in May. They grew up together and have a great bond.
The only down fall about having a big dog, sometimes she has accidentally knocked over my son.
2007-11-17 02:10:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I highly suggest that you take this quick breed selector quiz , when your done check marking what your looking for in a dog, it will tell you what breed is the best for you.
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
2007-11-17 06:14:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am attaching a link to a great website that can help you do research on every breed. I personally recomend a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they are perfect family dogs. In the end you need to get what you think is best.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm
2007-11-17 02:32:29 · answer #9 · answered by Storm 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Either a Lab or Golden Retriever (Not really familiar with greyhounds and their behavior).
Labs and Golden Retrievers are great with kids, great family dogs and train easily.
I use to have a pure-bred Lab (now we have a dog who is mixed with many types of dogs).
And my Lab was great. She would NEVER bite any small child or do anything vicious, and she was great with the cat we had.
2007-11-17 02:18:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋