kiddies and dogs

[cdmj2111]

i have 2 small children and we are thinking about getting a dog . i wondered if anyone had any advice on it. I've heard alsations are good with children.

[FP]

Labradors are noted for their wonderful temperament.  Boxers are really good as well.  Alsations are lovely dogs but can sometimes attach themselves to one person and become over protective. 

 

Most dogs are as good as their owners, but I would advise a Labrador.  Having said that I have had an assortment of dogs over the last thirty years and they have all been great with children, even the terriers!

[woofgang]

Is this your first ever dog? They are loads of work (worth it, but still needs mentioning) Can I suggest that you talk to dog owners and or local rescue organisations about what it is like to have a dog and what the responsibilities are. You could also talk to local breeders about dogs and kids. A responsible breeder will put you (nicely) through the third degree to ensure a good life for the precious puppies and quite right too IMHO. Having said all that I love having a dog and can't imagine my life without one

[Marvin84]

try this website

http://www.purina.com/dogs/default.asp

goto the breed selector link, and take the quiz.... it'll show you the best dog breeds for your lifestyle. It'll also show how to care for the dog and tips on puppy-proofing your house and garden!!

On another note.. my parents bought a black labrador for me when I was 3 and it was a very gentle dog..... but BEWARE.. these dogs will do ANYTHING for food, so you really need to be strict on their diet (ie; the dog will Always give you those "I haven't been fed in week's" look....don't fall for it!!) Feed them well and exercise them and they are fabulous pets! 

Best of Luck!

[camille79]

have you thought about a greyhound or whippet?  I never liked them until my friend got two from a rescue centre.  They are incredibly gentle, lazy and much more cuddly than their appearance would suggest.  Although all pets are a huge responsibility, my friend reckons these are pretty low maintenance in terms of grooming, walking and general keep.  There are also lots of rehoming centres for dogs who are retired from racing or just don't make the grade.

[jenny27]

I also have very small children, if you want a large dog, an english mastiff is the way to go. they are very loyal, not an agressive bone in their body. But they are very big. My full grown mastiff is 150 pounds, but a baby. my small children love her. just know they are NOT watch dogs!!

Bull Mastiffs are a little more agressive (note: the name bull")

ENGLISH MASTIFFS ARE THE BEST!!!

[mrs.pudding]

Like Camille79 says, greyhounds & whippets or, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, a lurcher.  They come in all sizes.  I've had them for years and have honestly never ever met one who was ever anything but kind with children.  The current one adores babies - or at least what they've dribbled down their fronts!

[zgma]

I grew up with a Lhasa Apso - small, very gentle, but ******.  We did also get a labrador for a short while but it was not a good fit - the dog was VERY hyper.  My parents ended up finding another home for her after a few months of my sister and I getting bowled over.

 

We have an Akita, and while she is incredibly gentle and loving and calm with our toddler, I wouldn't in general recommend the breed with small children because they CAN be aggressive.  Ours is an old lady at this point, and can't be bothered to get too excited about anything.  Still, we make sure to supervise our toddler with her (as you should with any pet), and have taught him to be very gentle with her.

 

A friend has a Tibetan Terrier, which is not a true terrier (in that, they aren't bred to chase small animals) - and he is really a sweetie.  That is a breed which would be great with kids.

 

A roommate had a German Shepherd (Alsatian) - and while she was a sweet dog, she was very, very attached to my roommate "B", and completely neurotic and uncomfortable when B wasn't there, and could be snappy when she was uncomfortable.  I wouldn't have wanted to have children near her then.

 

The last dog we had was an Aussie Shepherd, and she would have been excellent with kids - such a sweet dog!

[zgma]

That word was supposed to be:

S

P

U

N

K

Y

Not sure why it got censored...

[Jamie Lewis]

My parents have got two alsations and they rountinely look after three granchildren all under 6 (my parents that is, not the dogs) and there has never been any trouble with any of them. The behaviour of dogs is generally down to the owner not the breed.

[zgma]

Oops - I said Aussie Shepherd above... I meant Border Collie.

[kookiandmojo]

i agree with jamie lewis a dogs temperament is reflected on how you treat it especially when it is a puppy, with my job i encounter alot of people with children and dogs and i am sorry to say it but half of the time parents buy puppies for their children to treat as toys, and this saddens me to think that some people don't understand that dogs are not some gloryfied play thing for a child which will only get bored of it or not treat it how a dog should be treated, i don't mean to lecture but how you or your children treat a dog as a puppy will reflect its behaviour later on, there are no particular breeds that are good with children, just how they are brought up.

[Philtaz]

I tend to disagree with the others I'm afraid.  Regardless of its upbringing from a puppy I would never trust an Alsatian/GSD.  Ask yourself  why are they used extensively by Police Forces/Armed Forces for Security work?

 

No dog is 100% safe but for temperament you could do worse than a Golden Retriever, Labrador or springer Spaniel.