What is the best dog for kids????

bookerboy

I have two kids age eight and seven.They have decided they want to get a dog and are looking at Labradors and golden retrievers.
Personally i would like the Golden retriever if any.
Anyone have any experience with kids that wanted a dog until they got one or any advice on a good breed to go for.
Her indoors wants a dog that dosen't shed to much and poops once a week(if possible in someone else's garden.)
As much advice or suggestions as possible please.
Is the pound a good place to get a dog?
Thanks in advance
Bookerboy

caroline1111

labrodors are very loyal, affectionate and placid with their owners. Golden retrievers are much the same too though I think. I'd say either breed would be suitable for children. They both poop alot though. The labrodor probably loses less hair. I'd get one as a pup rather than from a pound as you don't know what past experiences they could've have whilst if you get a pup you can trust it more as you know it better.

Neilw

A staffy would be good, well regarded as being excellent with children. Or an English bull terrier, have had two of them over the years and they are great with children too

R.D. aka MR.D

Don't get a grown pound dog if your not willing to put the time into it.

Collies are great with kids and everyone! You can usually save one of those from a farmer who does n't want the pups etc.

they, like most other dogs, need alot of exercise.

Every dog will shed hair unless you get one of those special poodles (can't remeber name now!)

You now yourself how capable or interested your kids are and how committed you and your wife are cause untimatly its your responsibility so go for a dog you can see with you for possibly 15-20 years! even when the kids go off to college!

i'd say go for a retriever over a labrador and put the training in so he'll be an amazing companion!

petangels

Boston Terriers are WONDERFUL family dogs. They are very friendly and they love to play. These are the happiest dogs I've ever encountered, no matter what is going on around them. Great with children...

If you have children then you'll want a dog who can tolerate rough play and I feel a puppy will adjust better in this situation. Labs and retrievers are great with children but as with all breeds can become aggressive if they feel threatened so teaching children how to behave correctly around dogs from an early age is really important.

Recommend the book "The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training", published in 1999. This book was written before the guy who calls himself "the dog whisperer" was ever on TV, so the title is a bit confusing. It teaches positive reinforcement training which dogs respond better to.

lecheile

bookerboy wrote: »

I have two kids age eight and seven.They have decided they want to get a dog and are looking at Labradors and golden retrievers.
Personally i would like the Golden retriever if any.
Anyone have any experience with kids that wanted a dog until they got one or any advice on a good breed to go for.
Her indoors wants a dog that dosen't shed to much and poops once a week(if possible in someone else's garden.)
As much advice or suggestions as possible please.
Is the pound a good place to get a dog?
Thanks in advance
Bookerboy

Have a look here (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm) bookerboy - an application that lets you specify your requirements and recommends breeds that satisfy them - plenty to choose from. Can vouch for Labs and Golden retrievers for being excellent with kids, but need lots of attention and exercise.

livvy

I have a golden retriever and he is the most placid, gentle, fun dog you could want. I have a toddler who can leave him alone. He has never growled or made any type of response that would worry me. He does shed a bit and needs to be walked every day - but if you are not too busy for the walks and don't mind a bit of hair thats your dog !!

Suucee

Oh a lab definetly, i have one since pup and she is so pacid and calm, i dont have kids but shes great with my nephews and nieces, only problem is they do shed and poop alot.
I would recomend getting it as a pup so it can get used to the kids. it is great to rescue a dog from a pound but in your case a pup maybe better.

Best of luck with it.

campervan

Please don't rule out a pound or rescue dog. There are plenty of puppies that get surrendered into pounds. After all, it can be around this time that the christmas pup novelty has worn off and young dogs 6-8 months can be looking for a new home and are young enough to integrate with your kids. There are plenty of breeds that are suitable for children, dont limit your choices! You dont mention where you are from but for example Dogs in Distress in Dublin have a young collie/spaniel in foster at the moment, http://dogsindistress.org/blog/?p=1834. Dundalk Dogs recently took out a 3 month old collie cross from the pound who should be up for rehoming also, http://petsireland.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=70598. Lurchers make great family pets, there is a female pup still available in Puppyrescue, Kilkenny: http://www.inistiogepuppyrescue.com/current_dogs.php
Good luck with your search and remember that if you buy, do so from a reputable breeder and make sure to make the necessary checks beforehand.

miss.lost

Hi Op we had a retriever growing up, got her as a tiny puppy when my youngest sister was only about two months old! My sister learned to stand up and walk by pulling herself up on the dogs tail! That will give u an indication of how placid they can be. Also when we got older if we were going out for a walk she would press against our legs to push us off the road if a car was coming and always makesure she stood between us and any stranger!! She was also used as a pillow regularly for cartoon watching sessions!
God we had so much fun with that dog!! Unfortunately she died a few years back and i still get teary thinking about her!!
Get a puppy rather than a grown dog as they will grow up with your kids! One thing tho,My friend has a longhaired retriever now and it covers the house in white hairs so be prepared or get a smoothhaired!! Still good as a pillow for her 3 year old tho!:D

Madame Razz

I'd recommend a boxer, they're much more fun than a lab, and equally as loyal etc. They don't shed as much either, and truly are unbelievably brilliant with kids.

miss.lost

Oh and another thing.... they are incredibly clean dogs, always clean themselves and with ours she was trained only to poop in a certain place (Field).They are also very easy dogs to train, maybe this is one reason they are used as guide dogs??


P.s Try get a fairly small one as i have seen some huuuuge retrievers!!

StopNotWorking

Labs are amazing dogs but if you want something that doesn't shed much then look for something with a longer coat.. I was pulling up a carpet on my stairs and landing, low and behold! Big old tufts of my long gone dogs hair bundled up under the skirting boards..

When we still had my lab there was hair everywhere.. I mean everywhere! Also the bigger the dog the more it's gonna be eating, and obviously what goes in one end comes out the other!

liah

Neilw wrote: »

A staffy would be good, well regarded as being excellent with children. Or an English bull terrier, have had two of them over the years and they are great with children too

Going to agree 100% with this, and also add in the pit bull.

Despite their horrible rep, the American pit bull was bred as a family dog for eons, that was their purpose, they are absolutely fantastic with kids, you couldn't find a better dog with children. Just keep them well socialized from puppyhood with other dogs and people and they will be the best dog you'll ever have. It's completely against their nature to be aggressive with humans, which, unfortunately, is precisely why they have a bad rep.. they're so damn loyal and loving they'll do anything for their human, and people forever take advantage of that.

richievo5

i would say boxers would have to be one of the best dogs to have around children or maybe a labrador ?

the_syco

Ensure that the dog likes children, I suppose. Own dog hates small children: it's not the breed, it's the dog.

bookerboy

Thanks everybody for all this advice.I should have asked at the beginning would a male or female dog be the best choice?
I like the idea of possibly breeding at a later stage so am thinking female.
Thanks again
Bookerboy

MoonDancer256

bookerboy wrote: »

I like the idea of possibly breeding at a later stage so am thinking female.

There's enough overpopulation of animals going on without adding to it. If you get a dog and you aren't a professional breeder doing showing / health testing and improving a specific breed, you shouldn't.

It puts a lot of strain on your pet to breed it, and for no good reason other than "omg puppies are cute".

Whether you get a male or female dog (and personally I like females, but that's just personal preference) please please please get them spayed / neutered and don't contribute to animal overpopulation.

On the subject of what dog to get, I suggest you go to a shelter and explain your requirements; they will find you a suitable dog #

But beware, dogs poop more than once a week -_-

bookerboy

Think i'd go female even if i never get involved in breeding.They seem to have a better temperment(i'm told they may even babysit the kids if we go out):eek:

arybvtcw0eolkf

OP go and visit one of the dog pounds, most will allow you to take a dog (or more) for a walk and if you want to go one step further you can enquire about fostering a dog (or dogs).

Consider it as taking a breed for a test drive in your home and around the family for a few days.

This is a brilliant way of satisfying yourself & the family as to a breeds suitabilty.

Btw, if your still wondering about a suitable dog around children, go to Google and type in 'Nanny Dog' - I bet you'll be very surprised!.

.

shu

Labs and Golden retrievers are excellent family dogs, great with kids. You must consider though their abundance of energy and would need to be prepared to take them for regular long walks. I work with animals and the breed I consider to be the best families and kids are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Most have great temperaments, they are a nice neat size, not so big that they might accidentally knock over kids and they dont need as much exercise. I would definitely recommend pet insurance if you were to get one though, because as far as breeds go they can have a lot of health problems. I wouldn't knock rescue dogs either though, a lot of pups and young dogs are commonly left into the pound for behavioural problems that can easily be cured with a bit of training. Ignorance of how to look after the animal and train it on the owners part can lead to many healthy young animals being put to sleep in the pounds and it's an awful shame.

daisy121

Madame Razz wrote: »

I'd recommend a boxer, they're much more fun than a lab, and equally as loyal etc. They don't shed as much either, and truly are unbelievably brilliant with kids.

Ditto!! our boxer is brilliant with kids

and contra to what they say about the breed our family golden retriever isn’t!! he's a bit grumpy..

would trust the boxer any day.. and they love to play football and have loads of energy!

olaola

Labs are super with kids. I'd keep an eye out on dogsindistress for a lab x. They do need a LOT of exercise. And they do shed a good bit.

MoonDancer256

daisy121 wrote: »

they love to play football and have loads of energy!

Be aware of this; Boxers are a very high energy dog, and don't generally do well with being left long hours at home alone while you're out at work. They need company and lots of exercise.

sumse

you should also choose by the energy level of a dog!
If ye are a very active family i think a lab is brilliant,
what about a labdradoodle?
You can be lucky and get one with non shed hair.

I have a bichon, very small dog, low energy but she cured my dog hair allergie. Fantastic little girl and great with kids.

MoonDancer256

sumse wrote: »

what about a labdradoodle?

:rolleyes:

Don't do this

Designer dog breeds are just... really I have no words.

Get a mutt from a shelter if you want a mix, or get a breed that was designed for something specific. Don't get one of these designer breeds that are being bred because "aww isn't it cute when I breed my crappy bred X dog with my neighbour's crappy-looking Y dog".

schtajjn

It is not really so much about what breed is good with children., but rather whether or not your children have been taught how to behave properly around any dog. Naturally there are some breeds one can expect to be more suitable, such as the Golden Retrievers, Labs etc, but even these breeds can become agressive towards children if they have any bad experiences.

The UK kennel club has a safety scheme called "Safe and Sound" which is a good place to start for both children and parents in relation to safe pet ownership
http://www.safeandsoundwithdogs.org.uk/sashi_code/

Best of luck with finding a new familymember !!
A close relationship with an animal is a fatastic thing for any child!!

babystrawberry

MoonDancer256 wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Don't do this

Designer dog breeds are just... really I have no words.

Get a mutt from a shelter if you want a mix, or get a breed that was designed for something specific. Don't get one of these designer breeds that are being bred because "aww isn't it cute when I breed my crappy bred X dog with my neighbour's crappy-looking Y dog".

I'm with you on this one Moondancer, this designer dogs malarky really getting to me.

Also, should you decide to breed the dog, have you any previous experience in breeding? You have to take into consideration the extra care that is required for a bitch in pup, dietry needs etc. Would you ensure your Bitch is health checked to ensure you are going to breed a dog that is totally sound?

I agere with the previous post saying that you should possibly suggest looking to a pound now and explain your needs to them ... Too many dogs out there already looking for homes for another person to decide to breed a few pups to see what its like

Coppernlucy

Boxer or a Yorkshire terrier

fionav3

OP, how old are your wee ones? Very young children will have to be closely supervised around any dog regardless of how gentle as children can be (note I say can, there are also very gentle children out there but better to be safe than sorry) loud, rough and sometimes tease even the most patient dog to frustration.

Labs make fantastic family pets but most do have high excercise requirements and shed quite a bit. Another excellent choice is the cavalier king charles, beautiful gentle little dogs but they do need a bit of grooming. Also, thoroughly check the background of any breeder (especially in the case of the king charles as they have so many health problems) to ensure you get a healthy pup.

With regard to shelter dogs, don't discount them but if you do decide to go to a shelter, pick very, very carefully. Ask a lot of questions about the dogs temperment and why it was rehomed. Never take the chance of bringing a poor dog who has been mistreated badly by people into your home as there is a good chance he will be unpredictable with children.

Finally, please, please, PLEASE don't breed any dog you get. There is a vast surplus of unwanted and misfortunate dogs in this country (thousands are put down unneccessarily every year) because people without much understanding of a breed's genetics or looking to make a quick buck decide to breed dogs. Don't become one of them for the sake of your dog. Besides, neutering your pet has a whole host of health benefits as well as behavioural ones and wouldn't that make for an easier life?

fionav3

PS all dogs poop more than once a week!

cloudy day

Madame Razz wrote: »

I'd recommend a boxer, they're much more fun than a lab, and equally as loyal etc. They don't shed as much either, and truly are unbelievably brilliant with kids.

+1. prob the best all round family dog out there.

It all hangs on your life circumstances really. What ye like, don't like. Are ye all active or not. Do ye have time for the dog. Have ye any experience at all with dogs.

No matter what you go for, be very very careful about where and who you buy from. There are a lot of health probs out there in pedigree dogs. So maybe a cross.. ( labradoodle ) wouldn't be so bad.

Not all boxers are hyper mad. Some are happy to lay about all day inbetween playtime.

the grooming pa

bookerboy wrote: »

I have two kids age eight and seven.They have decided they want to get a dog and are looking at Labradors and golden retrievers.
Personally i would like the Golden retriever if any.
Anyone have any experience with kids that wanted a dog until they got one or any advice on a good breed to go for.
Her indoors wants a dog that dosen't shed to much and poops once a week(if possible in someone else's garden.)
As much advice or suggestions as possible please.
Is the pound a good place to get a dog?
Thanks in advance
Bookerboy

Hi,
I dont know if you have got you dog yet, but I have a Lab and I groom dogs professionally for a living, Labradors molt more than any other breed so if you are house proud, these are not the dogs for you, most of the short hair dogs loose a lot of coat with the change of season, poodles, bichons and varieties of these dont loose their coat, but do need a lot of grooming, Border terriers are very friendly little dogs, great character, dont really molt, have a coat that is usually hand stripped twice a year, fit in well with children and are small enough to bring with you in the car etc, good with children, intelligent little fellows, cockers, cavaliers and most spaniels need grooming, do not take a shy retiring dog as this CAN be a sign of difficulties in the future, it is important to socialize you puppy as soon as all vaccinations are complete and you have the all clear from the vet, smaller dogs like toy poodles are lovely but can park a lot, schnauzers are a great little dog, and are easy to fit in with families, hope you find a lovely little dog and remember not to rule out the rescue centres, lots of loving dogs looking for a good hom. remember that your children are not old enough to mind a dog, that will be up to you, vaccines, holidays, grooming, kennels, walking, poop etc take care and have fun.
www.thegroomingpad.com

The Sweeper

I'd differ slightly from the approach of breed recommendation, and say you simply cannot guarantee the behaviour of any dog based on breeding. Use breed standards to guide you in terms of level of exercise required, cost to feed and medicate (larger dogs cost more), potential health problems and predisposition towards tendancies like herding, guarding, roaming etc. but don't assume it's the be-all and end-all of what the dog is going to be like.

YOU shape your dog. Its temperament is in your hands. Its behaviour depends on your control. Its adjustment depends on your interaction. The only thing that's near-100% guaranteed through breeding is appearance.

Lemlin

A dog behaviourist expert recommended the following breeds to me for a house with kids:

Cavalier King Charles, the Japanese Spitz, the Pug, or the Beagle.

She said that each has "greater tolerance and biddability" than most other breeds.

I have a cocker spaniel and the expert said she sees alot of those nipping at kids and that they have short patience. I certainly haven't seen that with my dog who is great with kids.

That said, a dog's socialisation period takes place from week 8 on. Some people don't like to take pups until they are 12 weeks old but you really should be taking your pup at 8 weeks.

That allows the dog enough time to be with its mother and to then get used to its new home. Take your dog at 8 weeks and make sure it gets used to being around the children in your house.

getz

most people in the UK will always tell you to get a staffie,its now the most popular breed,the good thing about the staffie with young children is that it can put up with rougher handling [the kind young kids give] than other dogs,

Whispered

I'd reccommend a staffy.
Taken from a website

There are only 2 out of 164 registered CKC breeds that by their very breed standard must be good with children: Staffordshire Bull terrier is one of them.

When university researchers in the UK were asked to rate the best 10 breeds for children they selected the Staffordshire Bull Terrier for their list based on its "bomb-proof" nature.

Most importantly, when researchers in Germany studied inappropriate aggression in several breeds they found the same level of inappropriate displays of aggression across all the dogs in the studies with one "notable" exception. None of the Staffordshire Bull Terriers displayed any types of aggression disorders. (The same could not be said for the test group of Golden Retrievers.)
The history of this breed does go back to dog fighting in the 1800s. However, this does not make them fundamentally different from other breeds. In fact, 88 of the 164 recognized CKC breeds were originally bred to something of equal severity, from hunting and killing fierce predators (including bears, badgers and lions) to biting or attacking people.
Few realize that all of the "bully" breeds were killed without hesitation (culled) if they showed any sign of human aggression. These dogs lived in the family homes of poor people; because of this they had to be excellent around families and children in particular. This resulted in a dog of exceptional intelligence and temperament.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a one of the friendliest and silliest breeds in the dog world. They are highly intelligent and extremely submissive to people.
But what really sets the breed apart is their instinctive love for children. They have earned the title of "nanny dog".

arybvtcw0eolkf

Minesajackdaniels wrote: »

YOU shape your dog. Its temperament is in your hands. Its behaviour depends on your control. Its adjustment depends on your interaction. The only thing that's near-100% guaranteed through breeding is appearance.

I have to agree with this.

I met a young couple from this forum a few days ago.

They were considering getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and live around the corner from me so I offered to meet up on Portmarnock beach.

Thankfully it was empty (due to the weather) so the lads could be let off the leads and run free.

'Ruby' is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, whilst 'Richo is more the Pitbull - and a more gentle pair you wouldn't meet.

Anyway this was commented upon and I said "You know I find a dog can usually reflect its owners personality" - and I do believe this is largely the case.

However experience over the year's has also taught me that some breeds are just angry little feckers regardless who own's 'em.

Choose your dog wisely, because your commiting to it for at least the next fifteen years come hell or high water.

.

CL32

Myself and the GF are looking to get a dog. I was biased towards Staffs before having done much research on them. The more I read about them the more I knew they were the breed for me.

One thing we had to consider is what breed would be good around kids, as there are loads of young kids around here, and one day (hopefully) we'll have a few of our own.

After meeting Makikomi's two theres no turning back! Playful, gentle, smart, silly, great natured and fun. Perfect family companions.

nc6000

We've a 5 month old Cocker Spaniel who so far has been great with our two year old.

Rej

CL32 wrote: »

Myself and the GF are looking to get a dog. I was biased towards Staffs before having done much research on them. The more I read about them the more I knew they were the breed for me.

I couldnt agree more!! we rescued a jack russell/staff mix from ISPCA 2 years ago and he's a loving friendly dog. Would never leave him or any other dog unsupervised with kids though - cant be too safe.

On the pooping issue. we swapped our dogs feed to Burns dry food & he poops a lot less now & hate to be gross, but its easier to pick up now too

jamesm5744

To anyone thinking of getting a Staff, Ive had them all my life, in fact you could say I was nearly reared by them and in my opinion they are the best breed of dog in the world. The rumours are true, the love people, a little too much for comfort sometimes when you're tring to relax and my Bull decides, i know i'll sit on his head!
Now as an adult with my own home and family I have two, a dog and a bitch and believe me there is never a dull moment!
My dogs have zero aggression, other dogs do attack them though so you need to be prepaired for that. Also as puppies they will wreck anything in sight and as grown up puppies (they never really grow up!) they need a lot of exercise and i would call them a high energy dog so be forewarned.
This aside a more loyal, faithful and trustworthy friend you will never have than your staffy! Best of luck with it!

wexford202

I am another staffie lover.

Mine turned 4 yesterday and we had the cake and party hats out for him.

When I got mine as a pup I was very concerned because of the bad press they get. I wanted a dog good with kids. My staff is excellent. they are a good bit of work though as they are true people dogs. They do not enjoy being on their own and either want to be at the end of the bed or on the sofa beside you.

As a puppy I had to sit up for an hour or two in the middle of the night as my pup cried for his mammy. In the end I brought him to our bed and thats where he stayed.

Mine drops my trainers and lead at my feet as a subtle hint for walkies.

.

getz

wexford202 wrote: »

I am another staffie lover.

Mine turned 4 yesterday and we had the cake and party hats out for him.

When I got mine as a pup I was very concerned because of the bad press they get. I wanted a dog good with kids. My staff is excellent. they are a good bit of work though as they are true people dogs. They do not enjoy being on their own and either want to be at the end of the bed or on the sofa beside you.

As a puppy I had to sit up for an hour or two in the middle of the night as my pup cried for his mammy. In the end I brought him to our bed and thats where he stayed.

Mine drops my trainers and lead at my feet as a subtle hint for walkies.

.

one tip i found helpful was with a young pup at night, was to put a old alarm clock[thats the one with the large tick] into a sock,the puppy will cuddle up to it ,because the tick sounds just like his mothers heartbeat,and if the sock is smelly,all the better

jamesm5744

Ha Ha Wexford202, that just sounds so familiar.
You're dead right, they just want to be with you 24/7, thats one thing that they all have in common.
My new pup Belle is 10 weeks old so I had to go through the whole crying thing for a while, it wqasnt so bad though because as soon as she got to know Bullseye (3 year old giant puppy!) she was happy to snuggle up with him.
The alarm clock thing works until they decide to distroy that too, only a matter if time when you're dealing with staff pups, their madness knows no bounds!
Ah well they're only with us for a short while so enjoy them every day..

wexford202

They are truly a fab dog.

When I got mine the guy said to me that they will chew up to a year old and then will stop but mine is 4 and still making his way through my shoes when given half a chance.

They are great for kids though espically when gte when they are puppies. The older ones are fine but just make sure like any type of dog you know it's history before introducing it to the kids.

I have attached a picture of mine I don't know if you will be able to open it though

jamesm5744

Ah he's lovely, big smiley head on him!:D
Great Dogs indeed, well I can safely say I would trust my dogs more than most people and I truely mean that.
When I was a toddler I used to ride around on Jocks back while pulling and dragging onto his ears, never as much as a growl outha him or any staff that we've had.
Now all my family have grown up and the same can be said for every dog Myself, brother or sister have had, cant praise them highly enough..
They are mad however!!

Here's a few snaps of my two, the only time they are quiet!!

24082009293.jpg

04082009261.jpg

19082009274.jpg

wexford202

They are lovely.

They would melt you looking at them.:rolleyes:

Rexelac

Perfect for kids!

wexford202

Rexelac wrote: »

Perfect for kids!

Yikes!

That's not fair. Look at my attach

dee o gee

OP- have you gotten a dog yet?? Any update on this?

As regards breeds, I think an awful lot has to do with the particular dog and how it is raised. I mean some aspects you can't change like shedding, but labs for example are high energy and can tend to be very excitable, but with good consistent training from a young age can be taught not to jump on people.

I wouldn't rule out pound or shelter dogs, in fact id reccommend shelter dogs, because a lot of the time the dog is surrendered by the owner for reasons such as moving abroad, most dogs end up in pounds/shelters because of owner faults, and not because the dog has something wrong with it. I would definetely reccommend 'dogs in distress', because they have all their dogs in foster homes, the fosterer has a good idea of what that dog is like in a home enviroment and whether the dog would be good with kids etc..