what dogs best for yong children

[kimbo1001]

We're thinking of getting a dog and wondered if anyone knew what sort is best for young children, who are all under 5 yrs old

thanks

[Snappy]

Any dog can be good with kids, as long as they're brought up together from an early age, the children need to be taught to respect the dog. No grabbing, smothering, squealing, its not a toy, thats when most dogs would snap. A little person is a challenge for a dog, they're small, make lots of quick movements and high pitched noises. One that springs to mind is the Leonberger, although you may not want one so large! Others would be Labradors (not chocolate), westies, staffies. Have a read of this http://www.isabellevets.co.uk/new_dog/newdog.h tm

[kita1]

You don't say how many children?

Would you have the time for a dog? I would advise against a puppy, they take up alot of time for house training etc. and can be injured easily if a toddler falls on them. A large dog can easily knock a child over when just walking around the house!

A dog takes up alot of time, just walking one two or three times a day for 20 mins (in winter when it is cold and wet). Then there is the feeding, water bowls constantly out around the house, kids playing in the water bowls etc.

If you do get a dog make sure it has a place it can escape to if it wishes, children playing can make any dog excited and hyper.

If you have more than one child under five I would imagine your time is pretty full! Might be worth waiting a couple of years until your children are a little older and you have more time available.

If you really are set on getting a dog a good rescue site to look at is: http://www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue/dogslo okingforhomes.htm

[kita1]

Please look at :-

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nat ure/Question351936.html

[Snappy]

Many rescues will not rehome to people with young children

[B00]

Thanks for posting that kita as I was about to do the same!

After my experience I'd never ever trust any dog, no matter what breed with young children, especially toddlers. Please rethink your idea until your children are old enough to realise that a dog isn't an extension of their toybox. Learn from my story, I wouldn't wish any parent to go through what I did last week.

[lankeela]

Sadly it is often the children that cause the problems, particularly if very young, they do not know how to react or behave near dogs. No young child should ever be left alone with a dog, or allowed to play roughly with one. You cannot blame a dog for reacting if it is hurt by a child. Then it is the dog that is blamed and either put down or otherwise got rid of. {Personally I'd get rid of the sprog).

If you are still interested in getting a dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels usually make good pets when there are children in the house, but make sure you buy from a reputable breeder and that the parents are heart tested, as heart problems are a major cause of early death in Cavs.

Terriers tend to be a bit more likely to be snappy, and as someone else said bigger dogs can be clumsy with small kids.

Labs are quite good natured normally, but again be careful about health checks. As with most things you get what you pay for, so don't try to do it on the cheap, as you will have no idea what you are getting.