which puppy

[lozzylou]

hi i have two children aged 2 and 3 and we would love to get a puppy. can anyone suggest any breedsat are known to be good with young children and who are not to much hard work. sorry i dont mean to sound nasty i just dont want a dog that is really hard to handle. i would like one that we can take for walks and allow off the lead

[lawsanass]

without a doubt, a labrador, we have 2 labs who have been bought up with 4 kids, superb temperment, patient, fun. Only downside is big poo to clean up and malting is sometimes a pain, but a good vaccumn cleaner sorts that out, good luck

[mischief121]

Have 2 labrador retreivers which are great with children,very cute and cudly,very loving etc.The downside is they will chew everything in sight up to 3 or 4 years old apart from the kitchen sink!!!!!very gready when foods around.Have 2 coats so when they moult your carpet turns white if golden retreivers.Hope this helps,mine are 11 and 13 now and after all the downside after their days will be getting another 2.Wouldnt be without them now.Sow it was worth all the bad factors for me.

[lankeela]

Decide what sort of dog you want, i.e. small or large, short coat or long coat, willing to have clipped or trimmed, needs lots of exercise or wiling to lie around, maybe visit a dog show to see lots of breeds and see what takes your fancy, chat to owners and ask them the ups and downs of their breed. In November there is Discover Dogs at Earls Court in London, about 200 breeds on show, with enthusiasts ready to tell you all about their chosen breeds. There is also lots of demonstrations, competitions, trade stands etc. so a great doggy day out for the whole family.

[lozzylou]

lankeela thankyou. we have always had japanese akitas in the family but they are hard wo and need a lot of grooming so with 2 toddlers this isnt ideal. i dont mind the size of the dog, dont want something that grows no bigger then a rat but also dont want something that grows like a horse.
we are looking at ones like border collie, german shephard, boxer

just not sure what is best with the children

[sandmaster]

We had two boxers bitches. Very loving, loyal and fun. Short coats so little mess. Didn't get them spayed until they both suffered medical problems in their older life and then they suffered hormonal problems such as putting on weight. Easy to look after but do require walkies every day. Not long living though - 10-11 years. Like all puppies they chew everything in sight and they are boisterous but with a little training are gentle. I used to play robustly with them when puppies but although they would put their mouths around my hand there was never any pressure so no bite. I think boxers are fantastic. We lost one 2 years ago and her sister died this year. A great gap in our lives now.

[kita1]

What about a rescue/ex racing Greyhound?

The thing about puppies is the house training will be hard work and with two toddlers of that age I would imagine your hands are pretty full at the moment. Trying to watch a pup and take it out to do its business is a time consuming thing and with winter coming on as well!

If you are not too set on a pup it would be worth considering a slightly older dog, and Greyhounds are good dogs to have with children and are still very young when retired from racing. They can go on good walks or not bother, most are quite happy to curl up by the fire and chill out. They don't need much grooming and will fit into your household really well.

There are lots of Greyhound rescues here:

http://www.greyhoundrescue.co.uk/UK.htm

[lankeela]

Boxers are very lively and boisterous, and I think 2 and 3 year olds would take quite a bit of knocking over from them. Border collies need a LOT of exercise and stimulation, both mental and physical, so unless you have spare hours to devote then I would steer clear. GSD's are wonderful,the best dog in the world, they will keep your kids safe and guard them with their lives.
They do need a fair bit of exercise though, and also training.
Please choose carefully from health tested parents and reputable breeders whatever breed you choose.

I would have suggested a Japanese Shibu Inu but then remembered you want to let one off the lead lol.

[blackcat77]

I'd go for a labrador any day with young children, my two are the friendliest dogs ever, they are usually quite easy to train, and good fun for all the family - they do chew a bit, but grow out of it, but as Lankeela says, Discover Dogs is on in the next month or two (November?) and then you have the oppotunity to look around and talk to people about different breeds.
good luck!

[Fairie]

I have 2 cavalier king charles. They are amazing with kids and other animals. Also if your pushed for time a short walk is plenty unlike with bigger dogs who need long walks/runs. They do have the stamina for a long walk though.

[woofgang]

all dogs are hard work! they need housetraining training walks cleaning up after....need I go on? With greatest respect, If you don't want the work, don't get a dog. I don't mean t obe rude, I love horses and riding but know how much work goes into owning one and its not something I am prepared to so...no horse!

[sholing]

i would have to say get a staffordshire bull terrier....i have got two and they are brilliant with my daughter and other children...a really good family dog i think..loads of people would dissagree but it haow you treat any dog in my eyes....