what breed of dog is good with kids

shar1445

hi

we are thinking of getting a dog. we would like a labrador or german sheppard but we've two kids (8 and 3 mths) and just wondering what kind of breed would be the best. we want him to be a good guard dog aswell

thanks

arybvtcw0eolkf

Are you restricting yourself to these two?.

cowzerp

Both are good but it depends on the owners, the best dogs for children are the nanny dog, Staffies, imho...as im sure mairt would agree

lisaloo

Golden retriever

peasant

No breed of dog is automatically good with children.
They have to be taught/raised to be that way ...both the dogs and the children as well.

Training / encouraging a dog to have strong guarding/protective instincts on the other hand is not a good idea when small children are around. The dog may end up being "good" with your children, but protect them against visiting friends and neighbours. You don't want to see little Johnny from next door getting scared (or worse bitten) by your dog just because he got angry with your kid.

With kids around, you want your dog to be a big, friendly softie, not a guardian.

Glowing

peasant wrote: »

No breed of dog is automatically good with children.
They have to be taught/raised to be that way ...both the dogs and the children as well.

Training / encouraging a dog to have strong guarding/protective instincts on the other hand is not a good idea when small children are around. The dog may end up being "good" with your children, but protect them against visiting friends and neighbours. You don't want to see little Johnny from next door getting scared (or worse bitten) by your dog just because he got angry with your kid.

With kids around, you want your dog to be a big, friendly softie, not a guardian.

+1 - it all comes down to training.

Edit: I would however be inclined to go for the bigger, quieter gentler breeds rather than the little yappy feckers like Westies or Jacks. They would take the hand of anyone.

Vegeta

peasant wrote: »

No breed of dog is automatically good with children.
They have to be taught/raised to be that way ...both the dogs and the children as well.

Training / encouraging a dog to have strong guarding/protective instincts on the other hand is not a good idea when small children are around. The dog may end up being "good" with your children, but protect them against visiting friends and neighbours. You don't want to see little Johnny from next door getting scared (or worse bitten) by your dog just because he got angry with your kid.

With kids around, you want your dog to be a big, friendly softie, not a guardian.

100% agree

johnny_adidas

we've had a boxer and labrabor since before our, now, 3 yr old was born. both are great with him. the lab tends to just sit there while he rubs her but the boxer usually has enough of it quickly and moves off to do his own thing.
both are big/strong animals compared to a 3 year old so you have to be careful not to let the dogs get too excited around him as they would easily knock him over.
no matter how long or how well i know the dogs i would never leave him unattended with them, its just not worth the risk.
I would also point out that as well as the dogs learning how to behave around a child, the child needs to learn how to behave around dogs. at a young age i had our boy involved in feeding them, walks etc and i now involve him in training etc making sure he tells the dogs to sit before he gives them attention

lakes

alot of dogs can be good wit kids,as long as thier got as puppies! id say german shepard if your looking for gaurd dog & good with kids! grew up wit a german shepard,great gaurd dogs & great wit me & bros & sis! id say definetly a staffy if it was just for kids,i own a staffy & shes brilliant with kids & all people! not much of a gaurd dog though,too friendly!:D

The Artist

shar1445 wrote: »

hi

we are thinking of getting a dog. we would like a labrador or german sheppard but we've two kids (8 and 3 mths) and just wondering what kind of breed would be the best. we want him to be a good guard dog aswell

thanks

get a bully! Bulldog cant go wrong:D

Glowing

There's no need to go out and spend hundreds on a pedigree. Have a look in the local shelters- they'll no doubt have pups (I presume that's what you're looking for?). And you'll be doing a good deed in the process.

arybvtcw0eolkf

cowzerp wrote: »

Both are good but it depends on the owners, the best dogs for children are the nanny dog, Staffies, imho...as im sure mairt would agree

Well they ain't called 'Nanny' dogs for nothing - and yes, I'd recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

kerrysgold

Any breed will be good with kids if they are socialised properly etc. I agree about the Staffies, they are total dopey babes and are great with kids & everybody really lol.

I also second checking out your local rescues/SPCA/pound. There are thousands of dogs looking for good homes.

I wouldn't reccomend getting a puppy though unless there is somebody at home all day.

Rovi

I'll just throw the Australian Kelpie into the mix.
Our Bruce is a Black & Tan, and is nothing short of magnificent with children.
They require plenty of exercise though, so if you happen to have plenty of space and a bunch of children, they'll keep each other occupied and exercised for years.

carwash_2006

Any breed will be good with kids if they are socialised properly etc.

This is not entirely true. Certain types of terriers and other breeds are generally not brilliant with kids as they don't have a high level of tolerance. It is a very good idea to research the best breeds for your situation.

I would agree with the idea of not encouraging the guarding thing too much if you want them to be good with kids.

ValerieR

Personally I wouldn't go for a pedigree dog either. Something like a labrador/collie cross is great. You get the friendliness of the labrador and the intelligence of the collie. Of course, it also depends on the base temperament in addition to the education/training/socialising but, in general, they seem to be perfectly suited to be around kids.
ValerieR

Lurvely

We have a boxer whos 5. Shes great with our 2 year old...gets annoyed sometimes if our toddler gets too annoying (always wanting to hug away at her) but she just gets up and walks away then.

bernard0368

I dont know about a german shepard they become very protective of their family. Maybe great with your child, what about a strange child?

prospect

If you have time to care for one I'd recommend an Old English Sheepdog. Lovely temperament.

bitemybanger

Mairt wrote: »

Well they ain't called 'Nanny' dogs for nothing - and yes, I'd recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

+1 here
great with kids, some will say its irresponsable but not in my experience with Staffies or my family who used to breed them for years.