Which Dog for a child

nicecupotay

Hi all,
I'm looking to get a dog as my 3 year old daughter is afraid of them after getting run over by my sisters Lab about a year ago,
so i was thinking the best way around this was to get a dog for 'her' to look after.

I was told a springer spaniel's are good with children (i like these myself by the way;)...
Any other suggestions??

I'm living in the country and have plenty of room for a good size run so not restricted to a small dog,but not looking for a very large dog either..

kylith

While springers are lovely friendly dogs, and generally great with kids, they can be very hyper and energetic. You may be better off with a calmer breed if you want to help her get over her nervousness.

portgirl123

cavalier king charles. great little dog with kids. suffer from a host of health probs though so would do my homework and find a good breeder that does all the health checks etc

who the fug

Your average mongrel puppy would be a good bet, just remember to protect the puppy from the toddler.

J.Ball

If your looking for something small tough and rather healthy a Yorkshire terrier are good breeds for kids.

It Might be a bit big for a toddler but German Shepard make fantastic pets for kids there big gentle teddy bears i grew up with them myself from a very early age

toadfly

J.Ball wrote: »

If your looking for something small tough and rather healthy a Yorkshire terrier are good breeds for kids.

I have two Yorkies, one is brilliant with all people including children. the other I wouldnt let her near a child. They can be hard to handle even with their small size. Too small for a toddler as well, they are tiny and easy to hurt esp as a pup!

What about a Staffy?

liah

I second a Shep, grew up with them, don't think we've ever not had one for very long.

Yes, they're big dogs, but in my experience they play nice.. in fact, a bit of rough and tumble with my sheps are still some of my happiest memories. They don't "hit" like boxers or bowl you over like Labs, and when they use their teeth they're gentle as anything. Never once had a bad experience with them. Plus they're really fun to "talk" to, they're incredibly talkative with their groans and grumbles and whines. And they're just the right size when you really, really wanna hug something. They're very clever and take quickly to training and are great dogs for making sure no one gets into your home without you knowing. Though all of mine would sooner lick a burglar to death than anything else.. but they look scary!

Smaller dogs I find to be too snarky, snappy and yippy, the bigger you go the gentler they typically are, oddly enough.. Bouviers are massive but incredibly sweet dogs, as are Leonburgers (I could be biased, I know a woman who had both and breeds Leonburgers and they are the sweetest, calmest, loveliest dogs you would ever meet in your whole life and amazing with kids).

nicecupotay

liah wrote: »

Smaller dogs I find to be too snarky, snappy and yippy, the bigger you go the gentler they typically are

Yeah,thats a bit of a preconception I have about smaller dogs....plus the fact I'll be the one walking the dog the whole time so I'd prefer something a bit more 'manly' rather than 'cute':D

sionnaic

Hi OP, I don't know what your experience with dogs is, so I'm just going to dole out advice - hopefully you'll have already have considered most of these points already! Apologies for the long post...

At 3 years old, I would say your daughter is still far to young to have any responsibility towards a dog at all. She could never (repeat: NEVER) be left alone with a dog which means they would need constant supervision. Kids that age have a tendency to poke, pull and be overly rough with animals as they don't know or understand the necessary boundaries and don't realise their own strength. For this reason I would not recommend a young puppy.

Puppies need stability, routine and constant care (house training, socialisation and training) and should be protected from situations that freak them out or cause them harm. A negative experience as a young pup can have lasting consequences as they grow into an adult which can be difficult to deal with (nervousness, fear aggression).
Also puppies are by no means quiet and for the first couple of years at least will be extremely energetic and excitable.

If you then consider a grown up dog instead you will need to be very very careful of its temperment and background.
We had Springers growing up and they are indeed lovely dogs but tend to have very very very energetic and hyper hyper personalities. Saying that though, one of our guys was a bit of a slob a lot of the time, but as Springers go he was definitely in the minority. We were older kids (youngest was 7 or 8 I think) when we got our first dog. They need a lot of exercise and space to run, they love to jump on and swing out of people and run like mad. They love to root and sniff in smelly places, they love to chase birds and roll in mud. They love their food and would eat anything, sometimes to their detriment (a cousin of ours lost his Springer to poison). They're very affectionate and social and absolutely hate being on their own (cannot emphasise that enough!). They were both escape artists and could climb over a 5 ft wire fence, find every tiny hole in the perimeter wire fence and wiggle through into the field behind until my Dad had to redo the entire fence around our half-acre. They could open doors by pulling on doorhandle. Our guys also pulled like mad on the lead. They will need considerable training but will respond well to it as they're clever.
You might consider a greyhound which I've heard make great family pets as they are basically lazy gentle slobs. Don't need much exercise and have a reputation of being good with kids. Don't be fooled by the perception that small dog = less work and easier to exercise. Some small dogs like jack russells need more exercise than most breeds and can become yappy and destructive without adequate exercise.

Puppies, and any grown-up dog for that matter, are a lot of work, and I mean a LOT of work (I have two)...are you sure you will be able to find the time to dedicate to them? With a 3 year old in the house, time is usually in short supply.You'll need to find time, every single day, to walk, train and play with the dog. To give them attention and care.

Where will they live? In your house or outside? (indoors with their family is infinitely more preferable, in my opinion, and people who think otherwise should reconsider getting a dog, again in my opinion...others on this forum will likely blast me for saying this)

If they live inside you'll have issues keeping your house clean. Dogs produce a lot of dust and hair that gets EVERYWHERE and will reappear about 30 seconds after you just dusted/hoovered, no matter how often you dust or hoover; Also mud and dirt tracked in from outside; Dog beds and blankets that will smell ranging from slight (if you change their blankets every 2 days) to strong. Also the "wet dog" smell in bad weather is particularly special...
Are you fussy about your daughter and exposure to dirt and mess? Will you freak if she gets licked all over her face by a dog that was rooting in under a hedge in the garden 2 mins before?

IF you are going to have the dog live outside (which is a horrible life for such a social animal as a dog in my opinion) you'll need to provide a suitable kennel / house in a sizable run or back garden that is completely secure. The kennel will need to be watertight, raised off the ground, properly insulated, with ventilation for summer and heated in winter. Warm bedding will need to be provided and changed every few days at least, EVERY day in wet weather.

Do you work full- or part-time? Where will you keep the dog while you're out? A dog should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. So if you're going to be regularly gone more than that then you'll need to organise someone to call in for an hour in the middle of the day EVERY day to let them go to the toilet (if they're kept indoors) and give them some attention, and maybe even walk them. This is usually not an option for most ordinary people unless they have very good neighbours or family members willing to commit to doing this for free. If you're in Dublin then you could consider doggy daycare in Dog Training Ireland (not sure if there are other places around the country that do this). But again, it's expense.
The next best thing is to get two dogs, so that at least they'll have company and provide access to a secure outdoor area. Of course two dogs comes with it's own set of issues.

Will you be able to afford the ongoing costs of food, toys, bedding, vet's bills and pet insurance premiums? The cost of vaccines, neutering, any medications? Take my two dogs for instance, seemingly perfectly healthy at time of getting them...one has developed chronic ear and skin problems which need special food supplements and special medication applied every two days for the rest of his life. The other has a chronic pancreatic condition which also requires constant monitoring and treatment. Then there was the time we had to rush one of them to the vet hospital in Dublin at 3 in the morning. Or the blood tests the other had to have, the neutering operations and aftercare (I took a week off work), the stomach bug they caught, the ear infection the other guy had...and we've only had them 9 months! And vet's are NOT cheap let me tell you.

Where will the dog go when you want to go on holidays? Or even if you're going away for just one night somewhere? Will you be able to take him with you? Can you afford a pet-sitter or excellent quality kennelling facility? Can a friend or family member be called upon to look after them? Will they know how to look after them?

Anyway, I know I probably sound overly negative but I think sometimes people don't realise or don't fully consider what they're getting themselves into when they get a dog! If you have considered all of these things (and all of the other things I've forgotten to mention!!) and are happy and willing to sacrifice the necessary time and money for the next 10 to 15 years...then best of luck to you! A well-cared-for dog is a joy and will enhance your life, and god knows this country needs more good, caring and responsible owners

liah

nicecupotay wrote: »

Yeah,thats a bit of a preconception I have about smaller dogs....plus the fact I'll be the one walking the dog the whole time so I'd prefer something more a bit 'manly' rather than 'cute':D

Oh definitely get a Shep! They have such big personalities, are super affectionate and protective, and certainly look manly enough.

who the fug

liah wrote: »

Oh definitely get a Shep! They have such big personalities, are super affectionate and protective, and certainly look manly enough.

Fondest memory of a shep is watching him get chased around a garden by a puddy cat

Whispered

I will echo the above post and suggest not getting a dog for your daughter. I fully believe that kids benefit hugely from having a home with pets and if you want a dog yourself then great! But if you get one just for the sake of your 3 year old, I'd suggest waiting a while.

TillyGirl wrote: »

What about a Staffy?

+1 for the staffies. Fantastic people dogs. You will not find a better people/child dog. They are clowns and love to entertain, like liah described the shep, they love a bit of rough and tumble but really suit their play style to who they are playing with. My fella is a staff/lab cross, when playing with my husband it's no holds barred all out war in the kitchen, with me it's much more controlled and with younger people it's more controlled again. He's not used to kids so I would be nervous of him knocking them, but so far he's done brilliantly. He even plays fetch with a bone with my friends little brother.

Problems with a staffie (and same for all RB dogs) is that you will never be able allow your daughter walk him, he must be on a leash with somone over the age of 16 holding it by law, he should also be muzzled in public due to the same law. Now many rb owners have found ways around this by walking their dogs in more isolated places and ensuring they have perfect control of their dog in an offlead situation. As with all breeds socialisation is very important, but especially for a staffie because they can have problems with other dogs if not socialised properly from a young age.

All in all a great medium sized dog that has the perfect build for games with a child, not really big enough to knock her accidently, sturdy enough to be sat on without batting an eyelid.

Cherry Blossom

+1 to every thing sonnaic has said. I have only ever met 1 dog I would completely trust with small children and that's my aunts staffie. There is a very good reason why they are known as nanny dogs in the states. They need to be taken out lots when they are young and introduced to as many friendly dogs as possible though and are most definately an indoor dog as they have low tollerance to Irish weather due to being a thin skinned and thin coated breed.

tfitzgerald

portgirl123 wrote: »

cavalier king charles. great little dog with kids. suffer from a host of health probs though so would do my homework and find a good breeder that does all the health checks etc

I would agree with with this post they are the best dogs to have with children around they are so friendly with children and make a great pet

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

I would highly recommend a japanese spitz. We only got ours a few months back (as a puppy) and he's been incredible! He rarely barks, only when you're playing with him or when he thinks he sees something outside, and he's also great with kids. Our neighbours have young kids and they all love our dog (I think their youngest is 4/5) and mother has no problems with him going into their garden. Also he's very low maintenance, he only sheds once every 6 months and his fur is non-stick, meaning he doesn't get dirty (well, stay dirty). And afaik he doesn't have any health problems. Definitely a dog for children.

lorebringer

Many rescues assess their dogs to see if they are good with kids so going down the rescue route may be a good idea. Also, with a young child pups can be a bit fragile and getting an older dog may be a good option (they are far more able for rough and tumble). The myth that you don't bond as much with an older dog is totally untrue and there are so many advantages to getting rescues over buying pups (eg. with adult dogs, what you see is what you get, they will be neutered, vaccinated etc., often they will be partially trained... and many more). Even if you hadn't thought about it before, taking a look at dogs that are available around the country might help you narrow down what is right for you - and, who knows, you might find the perfect companion!

This is great starting point for looking for a rescue dog - www.irishanimals.ie

On the Springer front - doing the breed research is your best way to find a breed that suits you and your circumstances. Springer are very (cannot stress the "very" enough!) active dogs and even with a large garden they will need a lot of mental stimulation and extra exercise. They are fab but keeping one happy can be a huge amount of work.

My personal recommendations on breeds that are generally good with children are Cavalier King Charles (brilliant dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers/Staffies, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and most of the Spaniels and Setters.

sligopark

lorebringer wrote: »

My personal recommendations on breeds that are generally good with children are Cavalier King Charles (brilliant dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers/Staffies, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and most of the Spaniels and Setters.

beautiful boxer cross pup here


http://www.mayospca.com/index.php/homes-needed-for-animals

if you do go for a staffie - do make it your business to contact EGAR first

tatabubbly

liah wrote: »

Smaller dogs I find to be too snarky, snappy and yippy, the bigger you go the gentler they typically are, oddly enough...

That's not true in every case. I have a wonderful JRT who is well trained and adores children.. Better suited for someone who wants a lively dog, thought i'd add it as i hate reading all the small dog bashing on this board. I find it very difficult reading bigger dogs are better tbh. It's all down to training of the pup and decent owners..

dvet

I don't want to tar all of these with the 'bad dog' brush, but westies and yorkies can be fairly unpredictable in temperament and can be a bit snappy. Not all of them now; some are lovely - but from what I've seen there's a big variation between them!

As for good family dogs - I may be totally biased here, but I love golden retrievers I've never met one that wasn't a pure gentleman (if you can call a dog that!!). And they're so much calmer and gentler than labs. Staffies can be lovely dogs too, despite their 'tough guy' exterior, and another breed that is absolutely lovely are greyhounds - another breed that people tend to think are dangerous looking - but it really couldn't be further from the truth. Some of the sweetest and most intelligent dogs I've known have been greyhounds. They're actually total wusses - they get the tiniest cut on their paw and they're giving you the sad eyes for hours

Killer_banana

I completely agree with everyone who's recommended staffies. Never had one myself but my friend has one and she is the friendliest, gentlest dog I have ever met. They've got a bad reputation but they're actually really sweet if taken care of properly.

I also agree with getting a dog from a rescue centre. The staff are usually really helpful and help you pick the perfect dog for your family. They're full of advice and information and are more than happy to help.

dvet

Killer_banana wrote: »

I also agree with getting a dog from a rescue centre. The staff are usually really helpful and help you pick the perfect dog for your family. They're full of advice and information and are more than happy to help.

This is a good point, some rescue centres assess the dogs' personalities first so will be able to give you one that they know for sure is good with kids etc. You can always bring your family along anyway to see how they all get along with the dogs there. Also, this way you'd be able to get an adult dog, which is usually a lot less work/training/heartache than a puppy!

caseyann

I would say your best bet is to go to a organisation like paws or the ISPCA, even DSPCA>Although i am not big fan of the DSPCA,the animals still need re-homing.They will match the dog with your family.All dogs are great and it is down to the owner to teach the dog the child and adults have to be respected.
But if you really wish to get one make sure its one that suits your life as in temperament energy levels.
Personally if i was going to get a dog for a three year old,i wouldnt go by age or breed i would go by first and second impressions of the dog its self and how my child acted around the dog.
Remember observation is the key.:)

nicecupotay

sionnaic wrote: »

At 3 years old, I would say your daughter is still far to young to have any responsibility towards a dog at all. She could never (repeat: NEVER) be left alone with a dog which means they would need constant supervision. Kids that age have a tendency to poke, pull and be overly rough with animals as they don't know or understand the necessary boundaries and don't realise their own strength. For this reason I would not recommend a young puppy.

Thanks for all the pointers sionnaic,yeah I know there is a lot of work involved in looking after a dog properly,we always had one or two when i was growing up.

When I say I want a dog for my daughter,its simply to help her get over her fear of dogs(I actually also want one myself:),just one that is good with children),so I think if she feel's she has a responsibility towards,say,feeding the dog every evening,she will hopefully loose the fear she has

HelenT

We got a cocker spaniel last September for our 4 year old daughter and it has worked out really well. The cocker is very so patient and they (daughter and dog) adore each other.

They need lots of walks & exercise and taking care of the coat (which is beautiful) takes some time, cockers make wonderful, fun family pets with big personalities.

Run_to_da_hills

Its hit and miss with dogs, my best mates youngest brother was brought up with a Doberman, the dog was so affectionate it wouldn't touch a fly, on the other hand my cousins Scotty tool a lump out of my brothers lip that required 6 stitches, he was only 5 at the time.

Cows Go µ

Personally, I'll always recommend shetland sheepdogs but they aren't particularly manly if you want to walk it though they are very gentle and cuddly if bred and trained correctly, very good for a young girl. But I would say that the rescue route is always a good option. They'll make sure that the dog is suitable for you and you are saving a life which is a really rewarding feeling.

portgirl123

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Its hit and miss with dogs, my best mates youngest brother was brought up with a Doberman, the dog was so affectionate it wouldn't touch a fly, on the other hand my cousins Scotty tool a lump out of my brothers lip that required 6 stitches, he was only 5 at the time.

+1 this. i think it depends on how u socialise and bring up any dog. someone says there cocker is great with kids and yet some rescues wont rehome them to families with kids. also someone mentioned shelties the 2 i know i would not leave with kids. so with your child been wary of dogs i would be very careful, as you dont want her to become really scared of them.

Taceom

lorebringer wrote: »

My personal recommendations on breeds that are generally good with children are Cavalier King Charles (brilliant dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers/Staffies, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and most of the Spaniels and Setters.

I have a Golden Retriever and while I think he's adorable and wonderful in our family (my children are 12 and 8) I know he is way too energetic and boisterous for small children.

RICARDO1982

I agree with Tatabubbly, I have 2 JRT's and they are great with all people young and old, and other dogs. I socialised a them well from a young age. all dogs need this regardless of what breed it is. If the child pokes the dog in the eye or pulls its tail, the dog may bite the child in defense, the breed of the dog is not going to come into it......

RICARDO1982

I would recommend a young pup for the child so they can grow up together, anyone here who had a dog growing up will know exactly what i mean. However they must always be supervised and its not just the dog that needs to be trained,, the child needs to be taught to respect the dog too.

mikemac

Taceom wrote: »

I have a Golden Retriever and while I think he's adorable and wonderful in our family (my children are 12 and 8) I know he is way too energetic and boisterous for small children.

I'd agree, we have one.
And while he's very playful and loves children, a bit too rough at times.

He'd think nothing of running in and playfully jumping up for a small child on the lawn.
At his weight, he'd send a child flying. Never good to see.

But brilliant with older children. Just not the best for youngsters

syklops

plus the fact I'll be the one walking the dog the whole time so I'd prefer something more a bit 'manly' rather than 'cute'

First off, the 'manlier' the dog, the more exercise/attention it will need. As you will be the one walking it, bear in mind the 10 minute walk you give a yorkie in the morning will keep it happy for most of the day. After that, kind of exercise a German Shepherd will look at you and go "Seriously? I'm only getting warmed up!"

Also, if you seriously put how manly the dog is over the suitability the breed is to your daughter, then I really don't think you are a suitable dog owner.

Sorry.

Cherry Blossom

syklops wrote: »

First off, the 'manlier' the dog, the more exercise/attention it will need. As you will be the one walking it, bear in mind the 10 minute walk you give a yorkie in the morning will keep it happy for most of the day. After that, kind of exercise a German Shepherd will look at you and go "Seriously? I'm only getting warmed up!"

Also, if you seriously put how manly the dog is over the suitability the breed is to your daughter, then I really don't think you are a suitable dog owner.

Sorry.

I think the OP was just making it clear that he doesn't want a toy poodle, I think that's understandable tbh. I don't know where the idea that small dogs (or less manly ones) need less exercise comes from, my Westie needs 3hrs + every day and your average greyhound needs very little. Every breed (every individual dog even) has its own specific needs.

RICARDO1982

Yes u are right researching the breeds would be a good idea, I would go for a terrier myself if i was in your shoes, a JRT, Staffie of Westie.

boxerly

I know alot of westie owners and they would agree with me that they are not suitable as a pet for young children xx

Cherry Blossom

boxerly wrote: »

I know alot of westie owners and they would agree with me that they are not suitable as a pet for young children xx

I can see where this opinion comes from. There are 4 kids here every day and the oldest is 6 and they all get on great with my dog BUT I have put an awful lot of time and effort into teaching both the dog and the kids what is appropriate and what is not. These kids are also well aware of how to act around animals as they are used to being around horses all the time and have safety drummed into them, the oldest two (aged 6 and 4) can safely catch a pony in a field and lead it into the stables (under strict supervision of course!).

syklops

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

I think the OP was just making it clear that he doesn't want a toy poodle, I think that's understandable tbh.

Well that's fine, only no-one on here suggested a toy poodle. However, if, everything else aside, a toy poodle was recommended as being great for children, why would the OP consider for a second his manliness or self-image over the suitability of the dog for his child? That is why I suggested it was not a good idea for him to get a dog with that state of mind.

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

I don't know where the idea that small dogs (or less manly ones) need less exercise comes from, my Westie needs 3hrs + every day and your average greyhound needs very little. Every breed (every individual dog even) has its own specific needs.

We are not really comparing like with like here. Several people suggested getting a German shepherd. A suggestion I have nothing against by the way. No-body however suggested he get a greyhound. Would you concede that broadly speaking, breed to breed, A German Shepherd needs more exercise than a Scottish or Yorkshire Terrier?

portgirl123

syklops wrote: »

First off, the 'manlier' the dog, the more exercise/attention it will need. As you will be the one walking it, bear in mind the 10 minute walk you give a yorkie in the morning will keep it happy for most of the day. After that, kind of exercise a German Shepherd will look at you and go "Seriously? I'm only getting warmed up!"

A

Sorry.

sorry have u ever walked/owned a yorkie. my yorkie(mini) will happily run around are local wood which takes over an hr in the morning. then afternoon we go on r lake walk which depending which route we take is another hr/half. as well as this she runs around all day.

syklops

portgirl123 wrote: »

sorry have u ever walked/owned a yorkie. my yorkie(mini) will happily run around are local wood which takes over an hr in the morning. then afternoon we go on r lake walk which depending which route we take is another hr/half. as well as this she runs around all day.

Christ alive!

Yes I have owned both large and small breeds.

I am going to go and do some house work to cool off before I come back to reply to this post.

sambuka41

Ive had 2 westies, carin, yorkie, maltese and my dog now is a mix between a pom and a sheltie and ALL of them required at least an hour a day.

Ruby (pom/sheltie) was up the Dublin mountains for 5 hours yesterday and still ran around after the cat for 2 hours last night. There is no tiring her at all!!!:D We've done the running alongside the bike for over an hour and she was still raring to go.

Depends on the dog, my first dog was actually my nannys yorkie,she would only walk in the direction of home. But that was because my nanny had carried her everywhere (this was in the 80's before the Hiltons started it) Needless to say my dad was not going to be carrying her around, we tried everything but that dog hated exercise.

I love westies but they aren't always the best with kids, my male tolerated kids but was glad to see them leave. The female loved kids. As does my little one now, she adores kids. Think thats more of the Sheltie coming out in her

TooManyDogs

My 2 cents worth is that the OP should consider a small dog or puppy if he wants a bigger dogs for the simple reason that a big dog could simply scare his daughter by sheer size. A small dog/puppy will be far more approachable for a 3 year old who has a fear of dogs.

Terriers of all types can get a bad rep for being yappy and snappy, in my opinion there's a couple of reasons for this. One is that they were bred to be fiesty, hunt animals sometimes as big as themselves that they had to pin in a corner until the hunters released them so they needed to be completely fearless. Terriers generally don't suffer fools so won't tolerate poking and pulling like some other breeds might, they demand far more respect for themselves than other breeds. This can be where the snappy reputation comes from, if they're allowed to they'll make up all their own rules including who can touch them, their toys, food, owner etc. They've very strong personalities but proper socialisation and training of both dog and children can make them ideal family pets.

The second thing that makes them snappy/yappy is that most people forget that terriers are working breeds, some, like JRTs more so than others but they need a lot more exercise than most people give them. Lack of exercise results in frustration and bad behaviour. My mini JRT and standard sized JRT need every bit as much exercise as my GSD cross and will become bold quicker than my GSD if they don't get sufficient exercise. My JRTs will do 6 miles without even thinking about it.

portgirl123

syklops wrote: »

Christ alive!

Yes I have owned both large and small breeds.

I am going to go and do some house work to cool off before I come back to reply to this post.

i can only say sorry, prob came out wrong. what i meant was by your post it sounded like that you thought 10 mins is fine for a yorkie, which as anyone that has a yorkie will tell you its deffo is not. a lot of ppl i know think the same small dog= small walk, which is deffo wrong. i would hate for anybody to read your post and think, hey thats what i want a dog that dont need much walking, which is not the case with a yorkie
again just would like to say sorry as it seems your upset?

Cherry Blossom

syklops wrote: »

Well that's fine, only no-one on here suggested a toy poodle.(yet!) However, if, everything else aside, a toy poodle was recommended as being great for children, why would the OP consider for a second his manliness or self-image over the suitability of the dog for his child? That is why I suggested it was not a good idea for him to get a dog with that state of mind.

Because the OP wants a dog for himself but also wants to consider his daughter. In making a responsible decision on which dog to get it's important to consider your lifestyle as a whole, what you want from the dog and that it's exercise needs can be satisfied by the owner. What becomes of the (insert whichever cute/fluffy breed you wish here) when the child has no interest in the dog and neither does the adult because it wasn't acquired with the adults preferences/circumstances in mind? Would you not agree that the wellbeing of the potential dog has as much importance as anything else? You have also made a lot of assumptions of the OP from that one sentance, the title of this thread is 'Which dog for a child?' I would have thought that conveyed his main priority, this doesn't mean it has to be the only priority and it shouldn't be.

syklops wrote: »

We are not really comparing like with like here.

This is what you said, I got the impression this was a generalisation and the two breeds you mentioned was an example

syklops wrote: »

First off, the 'manlier' the dog, the more exercise/attention it will need.

syklops wrote: »

Several people suggested getting a German shepherd. A suggestion I have nothing against by the way. No-body however suggested he get a greyhound.(yet!) Would you concede that broadly speaking, breed to breed, A German Shepherd needs more exercise than a Scottish or Yorkshire Terrier?

I can't conceed anything about that as I don't personally know any Scotties or Yorkies but I do know that my uncles GSD is more than happy with his hour walk every day whereas my Westie would be bouncing off the walls and tearing the place apart if all she got was an hours walk every day.

Personally I would never recommend a small terrier or toy dog to someone with a small child that isn't well used to dogs and doesn't know how to behave around them, they won't tollerate poking, proding or hair-pulling and running away is usually percieved by the dog as a game of chase which wouldn't go down too well with the OP's daughter imo. 'Some' large breeds can be too boisterous and knock a child over easily due to their size, this is why I reccommended a Staffie, not too big but well able to tollerate being sat on etc. and still fulfills the adult's requirement.

dvet

syklops wrote: »

No-body however suggested he get a greyhound.

I suggested he get a greyhound...not trying to point you out as being wrong - just wanted to say again that they are great pets!

verywell

sionnaic wrote: »

Hi OP, I don't know what your experience with dogs is, so I'm just going to dole out advice - hopefully you'll have already have considered most of these points already! Apologies for the long post...:)

I didn't want to quote it all but that is the best post I have EVER seen with regard to owning a dog. Well done you!

nicecupotay

syklops wrote: »

Also, if you seriously put how manly the dog is over the suitability the breed is to your daughter, then I really don't think you are a suitable dog owner.

Sorry.

I never intended to put my preference of a dog over its suitability for my daughter.....I just meant I wouldn't be looking for something resembling a cute fluffy cloud wearing ribbons:D

Essentially it will be my dog,but I need one that is also good with kids

Obliq

sionnaic wrote: »

Hi OP, I don't know what your experience with dogs is, so I'm just going to dole out advice - hopefully you'll have already have considered most of these points already! Apologies for the long post...

At 3 years old, I would say your daughter is still far to young to have any responsibility towards a dog at all. She could never (repeat: NEVER) be left alone with a dog which means they would need constant supervision. Kids that age have a tendency to poke, pull and be overly rough with animals as they don't know or understand the necessary boundaries and don't realise their own strength. For this reason I would not recommend a young puppy.

Puppies need stability, routine and constant care (house training, socialisation and training) and should be protected from situations that freak them out or cause them harm. A negative experience as a young pup can have lasting consequences as they grow into an adult which can be difficult to deal with (nervousness, fear aggression).
Also puppies are by no means quiet and for the first couple of years at least will be extremely energetic and excitable.

If you then consider a grown up dog instead you will need to be very very careful of its temperment and background.
We had Springers growing up and they are indeed lovely dogs but tend to have very very very energetic and hyper hyper personalities. Saying that though, one of our guys was a bit of a slob a lot of the time, but as Springers go he was definitely in the minority. We were older kids (youngest was 7 or 8 I think) when we got our first dog. They need a lot of exercise and space to run, they love to jump on and swing out of people and run like mad. They love to root and sniff in smelly places, they love to chase birds and roll in mud. They love their food and would eat anything, sometimes to their detriment (a cousin of ours lost his Springer to poison). They're very affectionate and social and absolutely hate being on their own (cannot emphasise that enough!). They were both escape artists and could climb over a 5 ft wire fence, find every tiny hole in the perimeter wire fence and wiggle through into the field behind until my Dad had to redo the entire fence around our half-acre. They could open doors by pulling on doorhandle. Our guys also pulled like mad on the lead. They will need considerable training but will respond well to it as they're clever.
You might consider a greyhound which I've heard make great family pets as they are basically lazy gentle slobs. Don't need much exercise and have a reputation of being good with kids. Don't be fooled by the perception that small dog = less work and easier to exercise. Some small dogs like jack russells need more exercise than most breeds and can become yappy and destructive without adequate exercise.

Puppies, and any grown-up dog for that matter, are a lot of work, and I mean a LOT of work (I have two)...are you sure you will be able to find the time to dedicate to them? With a 3 year old in the house, time is usually in short supply.You'll need to find time, every single day, to walk, train and play with the dog. To give them attention and care.

Where will they live? In your house or outside? (indoors with their family is infinitely more preferable, in my opinion, and people who think otherwise should reconsider getting a dog, again in my opinion...others on this forum will likely blast me for saying this)

If they live inside you'll have issues keeping your house clean. Dogs produce a lot of dust and hair that gets EVERYWHERE and will reappear about 30 seconds after you just dusted/hoovered, no matter how often you dust or hoover; Also mud and dirt tracked in from outside; Dog beds and blankets that will smell ranging from slight (if you change their blankets every 2 days) to strong. Also the "wet dog" smell in bad weather is particularly special...
Are you fussy about your daughter and exposure to dirt and mess? Will you freak if she gets licked all over her face by a dog that was rooting in under a hedge in the garden 2 mins before?

IF you are going to have the dog live outside (which is a horrible life for such a social animal as a dog in my opinion) you'll need to provide a suitable kennel / house in a sizable run or back garden that is completely secure. The kennel will need to be watertight, raised off the ground, properly insulated, with ventilation for summer and heated in winter. Warm bedding will need to be provided and changed every few days at least, EVERY day in wet weather.

Do you work full- or part-time? Where will you keep the dog while you're out? A dog should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. So if you're going to be regularly gone more than that then you'll need to organise someone to call in for an hour in the middle of the day EVERY day to let them go to the toilet (if they're kept indoors) and give them some attention, and maybe even walk them. This is usually not an option for most ordinary people unless they have very good neighbours or family members willing to commit to doing this for free. If you're in Dublin then you could consider doggy daycare in Dog Training Ireland (not sure if there are other places around the country that do this). But again, it's expense.
The next best thing is to get two dogs, so that at least they'll have company and provide access to a secure outdoor area. Of course two dogs comes with it's own set of issues.

Will you be able to afford the ongoing costs of food, toys, bedding, vet's bills and pet insurance premiums? The cost of vaccines, neutering, any medications? Take my two dogs for instance, seemingly perfectly healthy at time of getting them...one has developed chronic ear and skin problems which need special food supplements and special medication applied every two days for the rest of his life. The other has a chronic pancreatic condition which also requires constant monitoring and treatment. Then there was the time we had to rush one of them to the vet hospital in Dublin at 3 in the morning. Or the blood tests the other had to have, the neutering operations and aftercare (I took a week off work), the stomach bug they caught, the ear infection the other guy had...and we've only had them 9 months! And vet's are NOT cheap let me tell you.

Where will the dog go when you want to go on holidays? Or even if you're going away for just one night somewhere? Will you be able to take him with you? Can you afford a pet-sitter or excellent quality kennelling facility? Can a friend or family member be called upon to look after them? Will they know how to look after them?

Anyway, I know I probably sound overly negative but I think sometimes people don't realise or don't fully consider what they're getting themselves into when they get a dog! If you have considered all of these things (and all of the other things I've forgotten to mention!!) and are happy and willing to sacrifice the necessary time and money for the next 10 to 15 years...then best of luck to you! A well-cared-for dog is a joy and will enhance your life, and god knows this country needs more good, caring and responsible owners

nicecupotay wrote: »

I never intended to put my preference of a dog over its suitability for my daughter.....I just meant I wouldn't be looking for something resembling a cute fluffy cloud wearing ribbons:D

Essentially it will be my dog,but I need one that is also good with kids

All what Sionnaic said, and more! I got a puppy for my 7yr. old, now 9, who was scared of most boisterous dogs.....I waited till I was sure I could handle one in my life myself and then headed for the local rescue centre. Originally I wanted a small dog (terrier or something) but fell in love with a collie pup. One of three, this one was less 'in your face' than her siblings, and sat at the back of the pen with her ears up - just looking on.....
I never had cause to regret my choice. She is a noble and loyal hound and loves us all indiscriminately!
On the other hand, I did regret taking charge of a demented cocker spaniel, and had to find another home for him. They are easily spoiled, and demanding. This one resented any attention that I gave to my (small) children, and the last straw came when I was in the middle of tying my son's shoelaces and the dog grabbed my wrist with his teeth to try and regain the attention. To my mind, he might have snapped at my children next. Spaniels can be very peevish if they're not trained properly.
A nice wicklow/welsh collie is good! Never met one I didn't like.....:)

maxwell smart

My 2 cents:

I have 2 kids, now 6 & 4 and I got 2 Miniature Schnauzer's when they were 4 & 2. These dogs are small, friendly, loyal, loving and protective of my two kids. They are like an extra pair of siblings.

They never cause trouble, were easy to train, love a brisk walk and are very playful.

I would recommend them without hesitation.

nicecupotay

Obliq wrote: »

One of three, this one was less 'in your face' than her siblings, and sat at the back of the pen with her ears up - just looking on.....
I never had cause to regret my choice. She is a noble and loyal hound and loves us all indiscriminately!

Yeah,I read somewhere else if picking from a litter not to go for the one that approaches you first,but as you said the one that stays at the back if looking for a quieter dog.

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips,think I'll be heading to the dog shelter in Cork to see what they have

TooManyDogs

nicecupotay wrote: »

Yeah,I read somewhere else if picking from a litter not to go for the one that approaches you first,but as you said the one that stays at the back if looking for a quieter dog.
/QUOTE]

Hey, sometimes it's as important not to choose the really quiet dog too (just to confuse you!) It depends on what way they are quiet. If they're calm but really interested in whats going on but not jumping forward like a lunatic then could be an ideal choice for your family. Equally though the pup that sits at the back, head hanging and refusing to look at you or what's going on around it could be a disaster for you especially with your daughter being a bit afraid of dogs. Nervous pups will hang back and pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist, ears down, head turned away. These pups are probably better with a more experienced owner as they'll need very careful but focused socialisation to stop them growing up into really nervous dogs.

So definitely got for a confident but laid back pup and you'll get a great dog

theghost

nicecupotay wrote: »

I never intended to put my preference of a dog over its suitability for my daughter.....I just meant I wouldn't be looking for something resembling a cute fluffy cloud wearing ribbons:D

Essentially it will be my dog,but I need one that is also good with kids

I don't think you can ever get a dog that is guaranteed good with kids. Of all three of my dogs I would have said the middle one - a JRT cross who can be quite pugnacious when other dogs take liberties such as taking her ball, or when her younger sister is in trouble - has turned out to be the best of the bunch when it comes to children: quiet and gentle with them, and puts up with being poked, prodded and lifted up in a way that she would never allow an adult to do.