Good family dog?

Question

I am looking for a dog that's great with kids and other pets.One that is easy to train and care for. Also what do you all think about doberman and akita? Are they good dogs to have with a small yard, and are they messy or clean?

Answer 1

Well bother doberman's and akita's are larger dogs which mean they'd require alot of exercise. Most dogs are clean dogs, and as far as training, the smarter the breed the easier to train, I personally haven't had a doberman, but my aunt did the only problem she ran into is her dog was extremely territorial.
I would suggest a hunting breed such as a spainal (whether it be english, setter, or brittany) or a retriver (golden lab) if you're looking for something easy to train, I've had a golden, a lab and a brittany and it took me at most 2 weeks to train them, as far as house breaking, with that being said it took me just a tiny bit longer to train to sit and stay, but bare in mind they are really hyper, and it's best if you have children you should definatly get a puppy so it can be raised around children!!

Answer 2

A Doberman is not a first choice option. They can be very protective, and aggressive. Thats not everyone, but the majority I've seen.

As for an Akita, I can't really tell you, I don't have much experience there, we only have a couple that come into the Vet office I work at.

My opinion for a good family dog is a mutt. Usually you dont get the genetic tendencies that some pure breed dogs have (ex. Labs are becoming increasingly aggressive b/c of inbreeding)

If you want a pure, why not a mini sheltie, or beagle. They can be small enough that a small yard isn't a problem, but big enough that playing with them requires more than that of a Chiuaua.

There are lots of other breeds as well, schnauzers can be good as well as yorkies, heelers, border collies, Australian Sheperds,( Borders and Aussies are very intelligent) and even dalmations.

You may want to consider getting a dog breed book. They are great for all sorts of referneces and give you an idea of tempermant and care required. And always remember that every dog is different, even in the same breed.

Hope that this helps and wish you help on your endevour to find a pet.

Answer 3

Akitas are not known for being great family dogs plus they get very large. Labs and Golden's are great family dogs so are German Shepherds they do however require room to run around. Make sure you research what every dog you decide on and maybe check with your local animal shelter they need good homes and you can meet the dogs first.

Answer 4

Neither of those breeds is known to be great with kids and both require a large yard at least.

Go to your local shelter, pick a dog the kids like and who obviously likes kids, breed isn't the important thing - temperament is.

By the way, all dogs poop so you need to walk them and clean up after them or clean your yard after them. All dogs have hair and shed some, double coated dogs more than single coated.

Please be sure you are prepared to take into consideration that dogs require time, energy, money, and vet care. If you don't want to take care of them properly, please don't get one until you do.

Answer 5

no they are not good with children. Get a lab or golden retriever. all dogs are messy and need exercise. You cannot simply put them in the yard since they want to be part of the family ( the pack) they are pack animals meaning in a group so the worst thing you can do is isolate them in the back yard.

Answer 6

do not get an akita, i have a shiba which are basically miniature akitas, she does not like kids that much and they are VERY food aggressive, i would go with newfoundland if i were u, seriously go to any website(akc.org, dogbreedinfo.com) and read about their temperament, you'll fall in love, on akc all they say is

"Sweetness is the hallmark of this breed. That is the single most important thing" and thats all is says, usually they go on saying random stuff but newfs are pure sweet nice dogs

Answer 7

Make sure you find out if the dog sheds hair coz that would not be an easy task to take care of especially with kids or if you have hardwood floors, doberman sounds good.

Answer 8

i suggest an English Springer Spaniel, i'd be happy if you'd take my advice because well, as our family says, "who would want a different kind of dog?" finominol with kids and easily trained, also dont shed as much as like labs or golden retrievers do, and only weigh about 50 pounds, you can get them in tricolor, liver and white, and black and white, price range around $250 to $350 dollars, the only thing is they have curly ears so if u r a clean freak u would have to brush out there ears every once in a while but they love to have it done, also ATTACHED to people. PLZ PLZ PLZ look them up, and also plz let me know what you've chosen, THANX!

Halley

Answer 9

if it's a small yard, i would consider a lab or golden retriever--they have a "nicer" disposition. i love dobermans and akitas---but they are VERY territorial--especially Akitas. I think any dog would be great as long as you get them trained.

Answer 10

both are large dogs they need alot of space. try a smaller breed. We have always had dachsunds small dogs under 20 pounds, good with kids, easy to take care of, the females are easier to train,and clean, they are house dogs not to be left out in the cold or heat.