Breeds of dogs that are good for kids
-
regular
05/22/2010
My husband and I want to get a dog but we are also trying to get pregnant. Are there certain breeds of dogs that are especially good with kids?
-
guru
05/22/2010
I'm no expert on this, but the following seems like good information. There might be some other dogs that would also be great with kids but aren't listed here, so hopefully some members here can add to this!
From http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-families/page1.aspx
Many breeds work well with children, but always remember: There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. It's important to know that individual dogs within breeds can demonstrate their own, unique personality traits. No matter what breed you choose, you shouldn't leave dogs and young children together unsupervised – for the safety of both.
Below is a list of the top 20.
· Golden retriever. The golden retreiver is an excellent choice for families that enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the golden rapidly proved himself as a loyal and devoted family member.
· Pembroke Welsh corgi. At about 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a popular pet. This stocky short tailed breed needs daily exercise and loves romping with the kids. They are best with older kids (over 6 or 7 years) as some dogs can be bossy and possessive.
· West Highland white terrier. This small white terrier is playful and loveable but does require some exercise to keep him happy. The Westie is a good watch dog and faithful friend that needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free. The Westie can be an excellent dog for older children. They tend not to be tolerant of children's accidental mistreatments. They are often not recommended for households with children under the age of ten.
· Irish setter. This beautiful red dog was originally developed to help with hunting but early on, the breed showed his natural aptitude as a companion. Loved by many and always eager to please, the Irish setter is a part of many families.
· Schnauzer. The schnauzer is a wonderful family pet. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily exercise. This breed thrives on human companionship and is available in 3 different sizes.
· Labrador retriever. The lab is a popular choice for active families, especially those that enjoy water sports. The labrador seems to have boundless energy to keep up with the kids as well as natural protective instincts. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the lab is also a loyal and devoted family member.
· Poodle. The poodle is an intelligent and friendly dog that craves human companionship. Happiest when allowed to run and play, the poodle is well known for being low shed, and comes in 3 different sizes to suit any taste.
· Bichon frise. This white fluff ball is a happy-go-lucky dog. Faithful and obedient, the bichon is a wonderful addition to any home. The bichon does require regular grooming to keep his coat looking great but loves to investigate and participate in anything.
· Airedale. A sturdy dog, the airedale takes his job as a family friend and protector seriously. Willing to join in the fun anytime, the airedale always keeps a watchful eye out for any potential dangers.
· Basset hound. With his sad droopy eyes, you may think the basset is a lazy hound. But, as soon as kids are around, this dog will jump right in and keep up with the best of them.
· Beagle. The beagle may be an active breed but he fits in well with very active families. Needing a good place to sleep and plenty of games to play, this breed can easily join any family.
· Shih tzu. Originally bred as a companion animal for royalty, the shih tzu still enjoys a life a luxury. Not too proud to get down and dirty with the kids, this dog loves nothing better than sharing time with people, even if that means getting dressed up for a tea party.
· Boxer. The boxer may look a bit intimidating but he is actually a sweet and friendly dog. A natural guardian, the boxer prefers to spend his time with people than with other canines. Though this breed can do well in quiet homes, he can also thrive in busy active families.
· Cairn terrier. Despite their small size, the cairn terrier is a tough little dog. This breed does well in any living environment as long as there are people around. As a terrier, this breed does need exercise and a romp in the park or running with the neighborhood kids suits him just fine. -
guru
05/22/2010
· Collie. Forever connected to "Lassie", the collie is considered by many to be one of the best family pets. Intelligent yet patient, the collie is loved by families all over the world.
· Boston terrier. The Boston is a small black and white terrier that loves to make you laugh. After brief periods of activity, the Boston loves to curl up on the sofa while you read a good book. Obedient and loyal, the Boston is a good watch dog and loyal family pet, especially for the not so active families.
· Newfoundland. This gentle giant may drool a little too much for some people but has made a wonderful big protective teddy bear for many lucky children. Because of his size, families with very young children may want to wait a few years but those families who enjoy life near water can rest easy with this dog near by.
· Pomeranian. This little fluffball looks just like a tiny fox. Weighing around 5 pounds, the Pom is an adorable breed that thrives on human companionship. Requiring little space, the Pom is great for a family with older children.
· Pug. Not at all pugnacious, the pug is an affectionate, loveable, even-tempered breed with great charm and dignity. Pugs love being part of the family. They are playful companions for children and will happily curl up on your lap for a nap.
· Whippet. Whippets are quiet, gentle and loyal. This dog tends to greet strangers with a kiss and loves children. The also love to chase things so should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard when venturing outdoors. -
guru
05/24/2010
I'd also like to add that it's important to think about, 'what if my kid is allergic to the pet?' You never know if the kid will have a severely allergic reaction to a pet. Then you might be faced with the tough decision of what to do with the pet.
Also, what size of dog are you thinking about? As an owner of two small dogs (7 lbs and 15 lbs), it is much easier when it comes to traveling to have small dogs. I'm able to lift them and carry them when necessary, and finding places to stay tends to be easier when you have a small dog --- some hotels have a weight limit for dogs.
Also, consider finances. Large dogs do eat more than small dogs, so be ready to fund their appetites. =)
Plenty to think about!2 -
guru
05/24/2010
Here's more regarding the size of dogs and other considerations...
From http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dogs/dogs-good-with-kids.aspx
We believe this information to be accurate and obtained from reliable sources. However, a simple yes or no answer may not always be the correct answer. For example, when a particular dog is judged to be not so good with children, there may be instances where a breeder has taken exceptional measures to socialize the puppy with his or her children which would change the answer.
The most common mistake parents make when buying a family dog is choosing a dog which is cute or the right size rather than considering breed and temperament. When picking a breed or mix, it is important to consider the children who will be with the dog. Dogs should be solidly built, able to take roughhousing by children [this elimates some small dogs], and patient and gentle by nature.
[Note: The list that follows is similar to the one posted above.] -
newbie
05/24/2010
From person experience, I can say that a poodle is great around kids! Specifically the medium sized one... I think that's the "toy"... with the smallest being a "tea cup". I was about 4 when I got my poodle. She was incredibly patient, loved to run around and also was incredibly smart. She was easy to train and in the 13 years I had her - never once bit anyone, came close to biting or did anything else nasty to another person. Despite us neighborhood kids tormenting the poor thing.
Also, in terms of allergies, poodles are great! They don't actually have "fur" but hair. And the fur is what most dog allergies are related to. Another great place to check would be your local animal shelter or Humane Society. You can read lots of websites and learn all about different breeds - but each dog is unique. Talking to folks who have worked with countless dogs is a great way to get tips on what to look for in the animal so you can know you'll have a kid-friendly pet.1 -
newbie
05/25/2010
http://www.talbothillbeagles.com/About%20Beagles.htm
Is a Beagle the Right Dog for You?
Beagles make great family pets. Their moderate size, their low maintenance coat and their affectionate, yet independent, temperament make them an ideal pet for many families. Like any breed, though, beagles are better suited for some situations that others. Beagles are suitable only for those with a great deal of patience...and a great sense of humor!
Do you have children? Do you look back fondly on the toddler years? Adopting a beagle is like inviting a toddler to live with you.....for fifteen years! Beagles are great with children but, if you have very young children, a beagle puppy may not be the right dog for you. Raising any puppy properly is a lot of work and young mothers are often overwhelmed by the needs of both puppy and toddler. For families with young children, we recommend adopting a young adult beagle.
Do you have a very securely fenced yard? Beagles are scent hounds, bred for many, many generations to follow a scent. They require a fully fenced yard with a 5 foot fence and chicken wire or cement buried at the fence line. (Invisible fencing is not suitable for beagles!) They must also be walked "on leash" at all times. Their nose can get them into all kinds of trouble and it takes a clever owner to anticipate potential danger. Young beagles are quite active and will be happiest in a home that can provide a safe and secure yard in which to play.
Do you work outside the home? Will your beagle spend eight or nine hours alone each day? If so, this may not be the breed for you. Beagles were bred to live and work in packs. They are happiest when they can live in close association with their families. Beagles that spend too much time alone are beagles that develop behavior issues such as barking or destructive tendencies. An ideal home for a beagle is one in which they spend no more than four or five hours alone each day.
Are you bothered by barking, chewing, digging? Not all puppies will develop behavior issues but you will play a big role in the development of your puppy. Do you have the time and patience to raise the puppy properly? Will you attend puppy kindergarten or home obedience classes? Your breeder will do everything they can to provide you with a well socialized, well-bred puppy but once it goes home, it's up to you to raise it properly. Do you have what it takes to give your new puppy the best possible start in life?
For more information.....
If you're just getting started on your search for the perfect dog for your family, a great place to start is the AKC web site. Here you'll find lots of information about the more than 150 breeds recognized by the AKC. You'll also find great articles about choosing the right breed and finding a breeder who will help to find the right dog for you.
For information specific to our breed, we recommend a visit to the National Beagle Club web site, visiting breeders in your area and reading books about the breed.1 -
regular
05/28/2010
Talesa makes a good point about kids being allergic to animals. When I was young, I was allergic to our dog and it took years before my parents realized the reason for my allergies and rashes. By that time, I was so attached to my dog and giving my dog up was devastating. The other question you want to ask is do you really want to raise a dog at the same time as a newborn? we are all hoping that you and your hubby get pregnant soon so keeping that in mind, it might be a lot of work to handle both. Just a thought.
