Pup for 5 yr old boy

Katiefla

ok so were thinking of getting our son a pup for xmas (don't worrie it won't b just for xmas) this is our thinking Calem (our son) is very much an outside boy never wants to be inside and because of this we have got him a lot of toys etc for outside n were kinda running out of stuff to get him. We don't want to get him any game consoles because don't want him to get addicted plus he is 2 young and active n don't want that to change. so this thinking has brought us to a dog. we were both rared with family pets and think its a great privilege to have a pet to love as a child i know its a big reaponisablty. so we looking for some advice on what dog to get. thank you!!!

Midnight Diamond

Hi, I would recommend you get him a jack russell pup. They're loveable little dogs and are great with kids. If you get him one he'll have a friend for life. I think that you'd be better off sticking with a smaller dog. Because your son is so young he would be able to help look after and be more involved wih a smaller dog, such as a terrier, as opposed to a larger dog, such as a labrador.
Hope this helps you with your decision

barbiegirl

I have a Jack Russell and I love him but he can be snappy and they are not known for patience. Our retriever cross on the other hand is a big softy, with great patience and not too hyper. Either way best of luck, make sure whatever breed or cross you get that you research health issues, buy or adopt reputably and that you get insurance immediately. Also take account of things like the garden is escape proof, that the dog is not too long on it's own especially when very young, that you will never again be able to go away or stay late at a whim because the dog will be waiting. Holidays will now include kennel fees.
Hope to see piccies of a happy dog here soon

ShaShaBear

I would suggest an adult dog/older pup. Not for the obvious rescue reasons, but because training a puppy is difficult and time-consuming as it is, and training them with your children can be even more challenging. An older dog who has probably already been introduced to children would likely be more tolerant to a boisterous 5-year-old boy's antics, and would be more resilient too. A young pup would take much less kindly to any accidents while running around with a (to them) giant boy and playing. They also need a fair bit of training to avoid nips and such. Just a suggestion, mostly for safety reasons.
ALL pups are very mouthy, and constant supervision outside and inside would be required (with any age or breed of dog), and JRT pups would be very small and fragile enough until they're grown :P

Wizard01

Just wondered if you have considered what size of dog you would like to own?

We have a 2 year old Maltese who our 5 year old has adopted as his own, they are best friends, play together, watch tv together and snuggle on the sofa when he plays his ds. She is also non-shedding which means no hair all over the place (something else to consider). Highly recommend them and we have a female yorkshire terrier (also non-shedding), who is best friends with all our children and is the most placid dog ever you will ever meet

We also have a Bernese Mountain Dog that our 3 year old owns, (santa took her last year) huge dog, loves children, very placid and friendly, easy to train as she will do anything for food but sheds everywhere :eek:

I guess its your lifestyle, time and how much commitment you are looking for. Our children loves our pets but the feeding, cleaning up and grooming is left to myself.

Hope this helps and good luck with your new pet, your son will be delighted with his new friend

ABajaninCork

A lot of breeders won't sell you a pup this close to Christmas, for obvious reasons.

Off the top of my head, I think maybe a Shih Tzu or a Maltese which another poster mentioned. They're great with children, don't shed, but do take a lot of grooming.

What about something like a Miniature Pinscher? or a Ladbrador? I'm thinking off the top of my head, and will have a dig around for more suitable breeds.

I would be wary of getting a rescue dog, as you don't know the history, and I wouldn't want to take a chance with a small child.

SillyMangoX

Whenever people ask what would be a good dog for a family, I automatically think of some form of spaniel. There are loads of varieties depending on what you want. Springers, cockers if you like bigger dogs and are willing to exercise them a good bit, or if you like smaller dogs maybe a king Charles? Very good with kids very placid and contrary to what most people think they love their excercise! Just be very selective in your breeder because they are prone to health problems so make sure the breeder does all necessary tests. Either way if you ask on a public forum like this everyone is going to have good and bad points no matter what breed is mentioned, and people are going to be biased towards their own breed. Each dog is individual and each person has individual tastes so ultamately it comes down to your own preference. Best of luck in the search, and be careful getting a pup so close to Christmas, make sure it comes from a decent source.

Melion

I genuinely cannot believe the amount of people recommending ridiculous dogs here, I wouldn't dream of letting my daughter near a JRT or anything else similar. Horrible dogs and constantly barking, yapping and nipping.

My opinion would be a staffie, look beyond what you read in the papers and look into how amazing they are with children. My daughter is 3 and adores my staffie and vice versa, perfect breed of dog if you want to keep your son active too. They are not called the nanny dog for nothing.

Nelson Muntz

Why do people only ever think tiny / toy dogs are suitable for kids? There are plenty of medium to large to giant dogs that are great with kids. staffy, lab, newfie, even mastiffs. Most tiny dogs are constantly being stalked by kids in order to be picked up & carried around. Far more likely to get a nip like that.

planetX

xmas really is a bad idea - it's the time of year that you least need to be cleaning up the floor 5 times a day, to be woken up at night for a week, and to have to constantly be keeping an eye on your child.
A family dog is a great idea, but be aware that you'll need to supervise every moment that the child and puppy are together. Puppy is going to go through a phase of nipping and chewing, and it's tiresome enough when it's just adults being nipped - just read up and be prepared.

I'd choose a medium sized dog, one that will enjoy a bit of rough and tumble when it gets older, and most important with an energy level that whoever is going to be walking the dog can cope with.

kylith

I'd recommend something like a Staffie, or even something bigger. Small dogs can get hurt by accident quite easily, and terriers really don't have the temperament for children (I can't count how many times my JRT bit me when I was a kid).

My advice would be to go to the DSPCA rescue and get them to match you with a dog. They won't rehome them at Christmas though, for obvious reasons, so you'd have to wait a few weeks, but Santa could definitely bring some toys and a collar to indicate that a dog's on its way.

TooManyDogs

I have a range of dog sizes here from teeny tiny JRT up to lab x and would agree with the others who have said stick to a more medium sized dog, the small breeds can get hurt very easily and can often be far quicker to nip. Kids are always drawn to the smallies too, of all the dog sizes I have my 2 year old only wants the 3kg JRT and I can't tell you the number of times the JRT has snapped cos my 2 year old has tried to hug her too hard, tried to dress her up, bring her somewhere etc etc The bigger dogs are far more tolerant of kids. Don't forget the golden rule though, never leave a dog and a child alone together, for both their sakes

belongtojazz

Melion wrote: »

I genuinely cannot believe the amount of people recommending ridiculous dogs here, I wouldn't dream of letting my daughter near a JRT or anything else similar. Horrible dogs and constantly barking, yapping and nipping.

My opinion would be a staffie, look beyond what you read in the papers and look into how amazing they are with children. My daughter is 3 and adores my staffie and vice versa, perfect breed of dog if you want to keep your son active too. They are not called the nanny dog for nothing.

Please do not tar an entire breed with 1 label. I have 3 JRT and none of them are horrible, barking, yappy or nippy dogs. 2 of them are absolutely wonderful with children and put up with a lot more from them than they do from adults and are also very aware to be more gentle around children.

In saying that I do agree with your suggestion of a staffy for a family, they are gorgeous people/children friendly dogs.

Every dog is an individual and their reactions and behaviour are entirely down to how they are reared and treated. Do not rule out any specific breed due to the perceptions other people have about them. Research breeds with a very close eye on how they would slot into your lifestyle. If you don't want a house full of hair don't get a lab(for example). If you aren't prepared to put hours of exercise in when the dog is grown don't get a working breed.

A pet is probably one of the biggest and longest commitments you will make as a family so spend the time upfront selecting the right one.

I grew up with an English Setter as my best friend and have such happy memories of my time with him, complete lunatic of a dog but he came everywhere with me and was a huge amount of fun.

seamus

It's a minor point and probably completely unintentional but for the love of behoosa don't say you're getting a dog for your son, or that the dog will be your son's dog, or anything like that.

If you're getting a dog, then it's going to be your dog and nobody else's. Children under 16 are simply too selfish to provide adequate full-time care for any animal, the parent will always be the dog's primary carer. So long as you remember this, everything should go fine.

It's probably completely irrelevant to your post, but I always cringe when I see someone say that they're buying their child a pet. Pets should always be family pets.

Dunny

Cant go wrong with a lab pup. hel grow up with it.

Intensive Care Bear

A Newfoundland dog would be my choice, they are gentle giants and notoriously good with children.

JustAThought

I hear JRTs shed terribly! Id always assumed that being sleek they didnt but apparently they're as bad as " all" the rest.

Restrictred breed dogs regardless of their personalities bring associated problems - not allowed to be walked in public unless leashed by chain lead + muzzled, + not allowed to be under the control of a child being another - so by this rule your son would be hassled whenever he went to play ball with it, run with it, or even walk it on a lead until he was 17. Staffies, shepards, rothweilers, akitas + some otherd mentioned here ( i think), Google it.

As some other poster mentioned, the work will fall to you ( probably). Does a high energy hunting dog requiring two 1+ hour walks each day suite your schedule - for dogs like sheepdogs, springers,spaniels, pointers, setters, etc.

SPQRI

How much attention do you expect a five year old to pay to a dog?
It might be a novelty for the first hour but after that, it will be another toy completely forgotton about until he steps in the .....!

SillyMangoX

JustAThought wrote: »

I hear JRTs shed terribly! Id always assumed that being sleek they didnt but apparently they're as bad as " all" the rest.

Restrictred breed dogs regardless of their personalities bring associated problems - not allowed to be walked in public unless leashed by chain lead + muzzled, + not allowed to be under the control of a child being another - so by this rule your son would be hassled whenever he went to play ball with it, run with it, or even walk it on a lead until he was 17. Staffies, shepards, rothweilers, akitas + some otherd mentioned here ( i think), Google it.

As some other poster mentioned, the work will fall to you ( probably). Does a high energy hunting dog requiring two 1+ hour walks each day suite your schedule - for dogs like sheepdogs, springers,spaniels, pointers, setters, etc.

As far as I know, the age for someone to be legally responsible for someone to be in control or a restricted breed is 16 years not 17, not that it makes much difference. The child shouldn't be out walking the dog on their own at the age of 5 anyway so there is going to be an adult present. I don't think the rule is too well enforced anyway judging by gangs of teens around Limerick with GSDs and Staffies, and I've never seen anyone be stopped and asked what age they are/ to put a muzzle on a dog.

Oh, and it's Rottweiler not Rothweiler :P When people spell it the wrong way it always remind me of a pack of ciggies

JustAThought

Y - so he'lll have to wait until he' s able to prove hes 17 to be officially able to walk it.

Stoping + hassling common in Dublin - better policing, more social awareness - or yobs less well armed?

I like the picture of Rothweilers smoking fags thou- adds to their image!

JustAThought

Without the H.

Allegedly!

SillyMangoX

JustAThought wrote: »

Y - so he'lll have to wait until he' s able to prove hes 17 to be officially able to walk it.

Stoping + hassling common in Dublin - better policing, more social awareness - or yobs less well armed?

I like the picture of Rothweilers smoking fags thou- adds to their image!

I don't get what you mean by the first part of your post? He'll have to wait till he is 16 to walk the dog on his own, but that doesn't mean the dog won't get walked it just means that there has to be an adult present, I don't get that there is a problem with this? If I had a 5 year old son I wouldn't want them out walking a dog around on their own until they were at least 16 anyway, regardless of RB or not.
And it's not allegedly without the H, it is without the H

ppink

Katiefla wrote: »

ok so were thinking of getting our son a pup for xmas (don't worrie it won't b just for xmas) this is our thinking Calem (our son) is very much an outside boy never wants to be inside and because of this we have got him a lot of toys etc for outside n were kinda running out of stuff to get him. We don't want to get him any game consoles because don't want him to get addicted plus he is 2 young and active n don't want that to change. so this thinking has brought us to a dog. we were both rared with family pets and think its a great privilege to have a pet to love as a child i know its a big reaponisablty. so we looking for some advice on what dog to get. thank you!!!

If I were you I would be matching the dog to your energy/exercise levels, Calem is too young to be exercising a dog beyond playing at the minute so it does kind of depend on what you intend on doing as regards exercise. Obviously some breeds need far more exercise than others and if you dont match that properly it may be tough on you and the dog.

lorebringer

A puppy for such a young child may not be the best idea. Pups are a huge amount of work and mixing an un-toilet trained, un-trained in general pup with a young child can be a pretty big deal. An older pup or an adult may be a better idea. Rescues are bursting at the seams with brilliant dogs that are great with kids (they will be checked out before they are homed with a child) and often quite a lot of the training is already done for you. The other big upshot of going the rescue route is that you will know the dogs personality before you home it, this allows you to better judge the individual dog that is right for you and your lifestyle. Plus, you won't be filling the pockets of dodgy breeders and will be saving a dogs life along the way - win win!

Breed wise, I would go with a Spaniel or a Staffie - or any other dog that is good with kids. Breed isn't always a determining factor when it comes to personality - for example, some Labs are great with children while others are not - it all depends on the dog. My advice is to go to rescues, explain what you want/need in a pet and let them help you pick out a dog. They have your best interest at heart, and the dogs best interest at heart - a rescue doesn't want to home a dog that is going to be unsuitable and returned to them, they want to find a forever home! Don't let looks fool you, some dogs may look tough/scarey/scruffy etc. but have hearts of gold! You need to be sure to consider the fact that it will be you taking care of the dog - feeding, walking, cleaning up after etc. etc. - and try to be realistic with what you can provide a dog, I know that the big eyes looking up at you can really entice you but if you cannot realisticly provide what that dog needs it is a recipe for trouble.

Most of all - good luck on your search!

Zulu

This is a terrible idea.

Terrible, terrible idea.

Where are you going to get the pup? Genuine breeders wont have puppies available to buy without notice at Christmas, for obvious reasons. So where will the dog come from? A puppy farm? Or a responsible breeder who just happens to have bread a litter, and has yet to find homes for the puppies, at Christmas? Honestly, what do you think is the likely result here?

So you find an unlikely but genuine breeder...

When are you going to give this present to your 5 year old? Generally speaking gifts are given as surprises to people on Christmas day. So are you going to pick up the puppy on Christmas day? Or a day or two before hand? If it's a day or too before hand, where's the puppy going to live, without its mother or litter?

So it's not a surprise/you pick the puppy up on Christmas morning....

Puppies bite. What happens when the puppy bites your child on Christmas morning? The child is crying, what do you do to the puppy?

Puppies ****e. What happens when the puppy ****es in your good room on Christmas morning? Is the puppy banned form the good room?

Look i know this board can have issues with people getting uppity, and I never wanted to end up "that poster", but this idea, on face value, is a really, really terrible one. Please, give more that a few weeks to think this through. Sure buy the boy a dog. Dogs are great, but not in the next month. Not for Christmas.

Why not make it a separate event. He's five you say? When is he finished "senior infants"? Maybe to mark him becoming a big boy and going into 1st class, he could get the dog that summer?

DBB

JustAThought wrote: »

not allowed to be walked in public unless leashed by chain lead + muzzled, + not allowed to be under the control of a child being another - so by this rule your son would be hassled whenever he went to play ball with it, run with it, or even walk it on a lead until he was 17.

Just on another point of information, in case anyone reading this is misled, not only does the law state that a person must be 16 or older (not 17), there is nothing in the legislation about having to use a chain lead... Not sure where you got that from. It must be a sufficiently strong lead of no more than 2m length, but there is no stipulation as to what the lead must be made of.

LisaO

I would support Zulu's suggestion of getting a pup at the start of the Summer holidays.

It makes so much sense & really makes life much easier with a small pup if doors can be left open to outside to help with toilet training & there is a big difference in standing out in the garden waiting for the pup to do his business at 11pm on a July evening to 11pm on a freezing cold, wet January night! Plus the getting up again at 4am to let them out to the toilet!

Also. everyone seems to have more time during the summer, due to longer days & the 2 months of the holiday would be the ideal time for your son to really bond with the dog, as they could be together all day, every day.

Would you maybe consider putting off actually getting a dog until next year & use the time in between to plan for it, your son included. You could then fully research different types of dogs to see what might best suit your family, maybe meet some dogs of the breeds you prefer and even visit a few rescues to see how the rescue process might work for you?

In the meantime, maybe a dog breed book & Nintendogs for Xmas to start the ball rolling?

LisaO

Sorry, my bad! Just re-read OP & you don't want your son to have games consoles, so scrap the Nintendogs idea

Hidalgo

Your location is important as any when planing to buy a dog.
Are you rural or urban. Will the dog be raised on a farm or in a town. If its a farm you need to be wary of the dog chasing cattle/sheep etc.
If you buy an older dog to avoid the hassle of toilet training, is the dog used to strangers (if your walking him/her in towns).

Small dogs in the countryside will be constantly covered in s*ite if they venture outside at all, short legs near to the ground and all that.

A cocker spaniel maybe? Although I think they shed quite a bit.

Instead of adding to all the regular panic/excitement of xmas, why not wait till a birthday or some other special event?

Hippies!

Don't get him a jack russell anyway whatever you do. You mentioned love etc, you won't get that from a jack russell. They're more suited to old bachelors imo. Collie be grand or something.

barbiegirl

Hippies! wrote: »

Don't get him a jack russell anyway whatever you do. You mentioned love etc, you won't get that from a jack russell. They're more suited to old bachelors imo. Collie be grand or something.

Wrong, my Jack Russell is full of love, playfullness and happiness. I don't think Jacks are right for kids though as kids tend to treat them like teddy bears and constantly pick them up, earning themselves a snap and a growl.

andreac

Hippies! wrote: »

Don't get him a jack russell anyway whatever you do. You mentioned love etc, you won't get that from a jack russell. They're more suited to old bachelors imo. Collie be grand or something.

A collie is the last breed id recommend around children....

lorebringer

andreac wrote: »

A collie is the last breed id recommend around children....

+ 100!

Unless you can offer the kind of daily exercise and stimulation a collie needs, and put in a mother load of work training the dog, it would not be suitable around children.

swanangel

I'd like a child for my dog to play with and your son sounds perfect ha!

Seriously I have two dogs one is a little mix breed who I adore and the other is an English Springer Spaniel and my partner and I often talk about how he actually needs a child to play with.
I have had two Springers (both boys) and they are excellent dogs for kids.

I'll give you the cons first:

If you go with a medium to large dog like a Springer your child is bound to get knocked over at the age he is now and if the dog is not good on the lead he might pull him along but I don't imagine you would be letting a five year old walk a dog around the place by himself anyway.

They shed, not a lot but you will find some hairs on the bed if the dog has been up on it.

The pros: Springers are just so loving and are an all round great family dog, it's like they know what each member of the family wants. He snuggles into me, plays ruff and tumble with Dad and when kids come over he gets silly happy cause of these tiny humans who just want to play with him.

They can be very hyper and very calm from minute to minute, I can have ten minutes of crazy play with my fella and then I need a break so I tell him we have to rest and he does, then back to crazy play again.

Both my Springers toilet trained quickly, I remember the first day we got the fella we have now and we forgot to buy those puppy training pads so there was one accident, the 2nd day we put one down beside the back door and he went on it throughout the day, we moved it out the back that night and he never went in the house again.

As with all dogs they have their own personality so you never know, you could get a peeing, couch chewing, barking monster but I bet you would still love him anyway.

Best of luck!

barbiegirl

swanangel wrote: »

I'd like a child for my dog to play with and your son sounds perfect ha!

Seriously I have two dogs one is a little mix breed who I adore and the other is an English Springer Spaniel and my partner and I often talk about how he actually needs a child to play with.
I have had two Springers (both boys) and they are excellent dogs for kids.

I'll give you the cons first:

If you go with a medium to large dog like a Springer your child is bound to get knocked over at the age he is now and if the dog is not good on the lead he might pull him along but I don't imagine you would be letting a five year old walk a dog around the place by himself anyway.

They shed, not a lot but you will find some hairs on the bed if the dog has been up on it.

The pros: Springers are just so loving and are an all round great family dog, it's like they know what each member of the family wants. He snuggles into me, plays ruff and tumble with Dad and when kids come over he gets silly happy cause of these tiny humans who just want to play with him.

They can be very hyper and very calm from minute to minute, I can have ten minutes of crazy play with my fella and then I need a break so I tell him we have to rest and he does, then back to crazy play again.

Both my Springers toilet trained quickly, I remember the first day we got the fella we have now and we forgot to buy those puppy training pads so there was one accident, the 2nd day we put one down beside the back door and he went on it throughout the day, we moved it out the back that night and he never went in the house again.

As with all dogs they have their own personality so you never know, you could get a peeing, couch chewing, barking monster but I bet you would still love him anyway.

Best of luck!

That's a lovely post. I would second a springer, I don't have one myself but my brother has had for the past 20 years and they are fabulous dogs with kids.

Ziegfeldgirl27

I think this is a terrible idea. I would never get a five year old child an animal. If you had a twelve or thirteen year old kid then yes maybe, but five years old?

I am highly concerned as you say you are running out of things to buy for your child for christmas. Do you really think a dog is the right answer?

I never trust dogs with young children, regardless of breed. You might think your child will be as gentle as and know how to care for it, but what if an accident happens and the dog attacked him?

I really don't think a five year old boy would appreciate the gift of a puppy after the novelty wears off.

123 LC

Melion wrote: »

I genuinely cannot believe the amount of people recommending ridiculous dogs here, I wouldn't dream of letting my daughter near a JRT or anything else similar. Horrible dogs and constantly barking, yapping and nipping.

My opinion would be a staffie, look beyond what you read in the papers and look into how amazing they are with children. My daughter is 3 and adores my staffie and vice versa, perfect breed of dog if you want to keep your son active too. They are not called the nanny dog for nothing.

I'm shocked at the hostility towards jack russel terriors, i've had 4 throughout my life, and they never bit anyone, and barely barked? they are all so friendly and playful! it really depends the way the dog is reared I guess.

(also do you not realise the dog you suggested is on many lists of most dangerous dogs? I wouldnt go near a staffordshire bull terrior myself)

oh and i think an adult lab would be a good dog for your son, as long as you have seen how he acts around children

andreac

123 LC wrote: »

I'm shocked at the hostility towards jack russel terriors, i've had 4 throughout my life, and they never bit anyone, and barely barked? they are all so friendly and playful! it really depends the way the dog is reared I guess.

(also do you not realise the dog you suggested is on many lists of most dangerous dogs? I wouldnt go near a staffordshire bull terrior myself)

oh and i think an adult lab would be a good dog for your son, as long as you have seen how he acts around children

You obviously havent a clue about dog breeds then :rolleyes:

The staffie is not a dangerous dog, where did you get that info from??

They are actually known as the nanny dog as they are so good with children.

Please do not post such rubbish when you dont have a clue what you are talking about!!

heffo500

From my experience of having dogs as a child, I'd never had a puppy until I was 11 when our two dogs (A Collie and Jack Russell X) died. I think as a child I preferred the older dogs they were less hassle as the had mellowed compared to a puppy. The amount of time our Labrador X bit my feet when she was a puppy was unbelievable and if this happened with your son he may start to resent the dog. The Collie and the Jack Russell however were already used to children when I came along as they were already accustomed to my two older brothers. They two dogs had a very nice temperament so I got on great with them. I do think however 5 is to young to have a dog but when he is about 11/12 which is time when most kids in my class seemed to be getting dogs is more suitable age. I have to say though a Labrador is a great dog for children once the dog has matured. They have great patience around children.

DBB

The Staffie isn't on any list of dangerous breeds, that I know of!
There are some rather extreme comments in this thread. All of the breeds so far suggested have traditionally been considered good with children, but I have seen exceptions in all of these breeds too. Some of the suggested breeds always had a great reputation, but indiscriminate breeding and poor early rearing has caused some of them to become less than safe around kids.
As for a child of 5 not being old enough to have a dog, well, I'd imagine that most posters here are direct evidence that this is simply not true! I'm assuming the OP is sensible enough to know that their new dog will not be the child's in anything other than name. Presumably the OP knows they're to assume the day to day puppy rearing duties, not the child? There were always dogs in my house, I don't remember not having one. Yes, I got bitten, always my own fault, but the lessons I learned, and the path my life took, was all thanks to this early integration with dogs... Under the careful supervision of my parents. Done right, a 5 year old boy sharing his life with a dog is a positive, educational, life-affirming thing, ss long as there is strong parental supervision.
Just be careful op, where you source your dog. I too would suggest an older pup or young adult of medium-ish size, because they're past the worst bits, and critically, you've a much better idea of how they feel about kids than you do with a young pup.

loveisdivine

I think the problem isnt that a 5 year old is too young to have a dog, its more that you shouldnt be getting a dog purely for the 5 year old. You see so many threads, and in real life, of people saying they want to get a pet for their children. To me this suggests that the main interest isnt in giving a dog a good life, but giving their child something fun to play with. They are only doing it for the child, not for the dog or themselves.

That may not be the case here, but the fact that OP wants a surprise christmas present suggests it is. Pets are not presents.

Oh and also, most parents lose all sense of rationality when a dog snaps at their child. Even though its bound to happen at some point. You should only have a dog in the same house as young children if you are prepared for probable accidents. If you're the kind of person thats gonna freak out and rehome the dog, or worse have it put down, because it snapped at your child, then you shouldnt have a dog at all. Well not until the child is older.

Whispered

123 LC wrote: »

I'm shocked at the hostility towards jack russel terriors, i've had 4 throughout my life, and they never bit anyone, and barely barked? they are all so friendly and playful! it really depends the way the dog is reared I guess.

I was about to agree with you, my mother JRT is a little pet when it comes to people. Just wants to please. And yes it does depend on how the dog id raised.

THEN you come out with this

123 LC wrote: »

(also do you not realise the dog you suggested is on many lists of most dangerous dogs? I wouldnt go near a staffordshire bull terrior myself)

So the way the dog is raised doesn't apply to staffies? It's ok to be negative about staffies but not JRTs? It's hardly fair to call a poster out on their breed prejudices and then spout the same sort of misinformed opinion yourself.

Melion

123 LC wrote: »

I'm shocked at the hostility towards jack russel terriors, i've had 4 throughout my life, and they never bit anyone, and barely barked? they are all so friendly and playful! it really depends the way the dog is reared I guess.

(also do you not realise the dog you suggested is on many lists of most dangerous dogs? I wouldnt go near a staffordshire bull terrior myself)

oh and i think an adult lab would be a good dog for your son, as long as you have seen how he acts around children

Your comment about staffies completely negate anything else in your post. I have 1 who my 3yr old daughter takes for regular walks, with no muzzle I might add.

Zulu

Folks, I don't know, maybe some of you would rather flesh out the pro's & con's of various breeds for the OP, but frankly, I'd rather not. I'd much rather see some sort of clarity about the proposed future for whatever dog they do decide to get.

OP, it's a dog first.
Then it's a breed.

It doesn't matter a whole heap "what breed" if you aren't going to cater for the "dog". If a "dog" isn't treated correctly, if a "dog" isn't exercised, if a "dog" isn't a member of a pack (your family), then the "dog" will not be suitable for your family. At all.

If the "dog" is catered for, then look to the breed. Different breeds require different simulations but ultimately most "family" dogs are going to need LOADS of walking.

Think 1 hour MINIMUM every day, hail, rain, or shine.

They will need mental simulation, think 10-20mins training everyday. This can be incorporated into the walk though. If you box off their needs, your needs will also be met. You'll have a loving companion for your son.

But if their needs aren't met... Think chewing, digging, barking.

LisaO

We have 3 dogs in our home, all breeds mentioned in this thread.

Jack Russell - our little guy was a rescue direct from the streets in terrible condition, a very sick pup of less than 6 months. He has just passed his 16th birthday He is a very loving little dog with people, has always been excellent with kids - he has grown up with my daughter - but can be jealous of the other dogs. My Mother -in-law also used to have a JRT who was totally different. We minded him for a couple of weeks once when they went on holidays, treated him like a prince & he bit me when we brought him back to them!

Labrador - our 2nd one! Totally my dog, will take little notice of anyone else!. My daughter was 6 when we got him & she was terrified of him (bearing in mind this is a child raised with dogs all her life & well used to them). He was just to much for her - too big, too bouncy. And labs are very mouthy, especially when young.

Staffy - he is now 7 months old & is my daughters dog(shock horror ). Absolute star of a dog, easy & laid back. He & my daughter adore each other & spend loads of time together. BUT he was very mouthy in first few months, as any young puppy will be. My daughters legs & arms were in bits for a good few weeks & she got pretty fed up with it. She is a teenager, who knew what to expect, how to deal with it appropriately & that it would soon pass but she found it very hard to cope with at times.

Also to add, my daughter has a good few other pets as well - cats, rabbits, hamster, fish. Ultimately they are all my repsonsibility, I make sure they are clean, fed, watered & have everything they need. I don't give out to her (too much!) if she neglects her animal-related chores because it was my decision to allow her to have them.

My advice OP would be to look for an older dog, maybe around 2 years, something small(but not too small) to medium sized, that has been used to living in a family situation, so the dog will be calmer and will understand how it is expected to behave.

123 LC

andreac wrote: »

You obviously havent a clue about dog breeds then :rolleyes:

The staffie is not a dangerous dog, where did you get that info from??

They are actually known as the nanny dog as they are so good with children.

Please do not post such rubbish when you dont have a clue what you are talking about!!

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/animal_welfare_and_control/control_of_dogs.html

why do they have to wear muzzles?

fatmammycat

123 LC wrote: »

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/animal_welfare_and_control/control_of_dogs.html

why do they have to wear muzzles?

Because of an arbitary knee-jerk legislation being brought in, based on laws in the UK.

123 LC

Whispered wrote: »

I was about to agree with you, my mother JRT is a little pet when it comes to people. Just wants to please. And yes it does depend on how the dog id raised.

THEN you come out with this


So the way the dog is raised doesn't apply to staffies? It's ok to be negative about staffies but not JRTs? It's hardly fair to call a poster out on their breed prejudices and then spout the same sort of misinformed opinion yourself.

no one seems to understood my attempt at sarcasm :L

ISDW

123 LC wrote: »

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/animal_welfare_and_control/control_of_dogs.html

why do they have to wear muzzles?

and if you read your own link you will see that it is NOT a dangerous dog list, but rather a list of restricted breeds.

the list and the legislation around is completely arbitrary and pointless. The gsd is on there, but not the belgian, what is the difference? i would suggest the difference is that the people that drew up the list had no knowledge of dogs whatsoever, and had never hear of a belgian shepherd dog, but of course the knew the alsatian. Appartently chihuahuas were going to be on the list as well - because of the name, they sounded dangerous.

Irishchick

As other said I would forget about it as an Xmas present. Christmas is stressful enough without adding a dog into the mix. Its going to take any dog a while to settle in so I'd wait till the end of January or early Fen when all the fuss has died down and the weather starts to get a bit better.

Please consider a rescue dog. There is no need to buy a dog when thousands are killed in our shelters every year. As the saying goes "any idiot can buy a dog but it takes a special person to adopt one":D. Plus you'll enjoy the feeling of knowing your not contributing to the overpopulation while giving an animal a home.

A good rescue like the <snip> or the <snip> will interview you and help match you with the right dog. I too would recommend a slightly bigger dog that has previously lived with young children. Maybe a lab, retriever or any medium sized cross of these dogs.

Good luck in your search but seriously forget about having it for Christmas. you'll end up with a puppy farmed dog that has left a history of cruelty behind it.

Mod note: please don't advocate individual rescue groups on-forum. You can do so by PM if necessary.
Thanks,
DBB

123 LC

there are plenty of nice dogs on <snip> as well, i think a dog over a year old would be best

Mod note: Links or directing people to this or other sales websites is against the forum charter.