What dog breed would you suggest for a first time dog owner with young children. I was thing labrador?
October 30, 2009 - 6:47 pm
I am 24 and my husband is 25. I stay at home so have plenty of time to walk/look after the dog. We have two young children. A son of 13 months and a daughter of 4. Neither of us have ever owned a dog before so what breed would u suggest? We don’t want a mongrel and are going to buy it from a reputable breeder.
My advice? Do NOT get a puppy. Way too much work, and your children are too young.
Go to your local shelter, and find a dog that is already trained, and is great with kids.
First-time dog owners + young children + puppy = disaster.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:22 am
Labrador Retriever & Golden Retriever are excellent breeds that are great for children and first time owners.
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October 31st, 2009 at 12:57 am
a mongrel? Do you mean a mutt? Anyway, despite what people say about different breeds…oh this one is bad, this one is not good for kids, and things like that, it actually comes down to the way an owner trains the dog. Chows, not usually the nicest of dogs….but if you have a good owner who properly trains them they are fine. Pit bulls…some cities ban them, why? not because they are naturally mean but because people in those cities treat those dogs like crap and make them mean.
Get whatever dog floats your boat, just make sure he is trained right.
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October 31st, 2009 at 1:33 am
Maybe a redsetter
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October 31st, 2009 at 2:16 am
I’d say a Labrador is fine considering you stated the you have the time to exercise him. They need a lot of activity or they can get out of hand.
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October 31st, 2009 at 2:32 am
My advice? Do NOT get a puppy. Way too much work, and your children are too young.
Go to your local shelter, and find a dog that is already trained, and is great with kids.
First-time dog owners + young children + puppy = disaster.
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October 31st, 2009 at 2:37 am
Labradors treat children very well and are cute.
I would also recconend getting a small dog like a yorkie or a boston terrier you should get some pics of dogs and share them to your family
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October 31st, 2009 at 3:22 am
I would say a Labrador they are loyal, giving, and playful and good with children.
Good luck!
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Owner of 3 Dogs
October 31st, 2009 at 3:39 am
Actually I would be hesitant to suggest a dog with children so young. But if I did, I’d suggest a Boxer. They are very good with children and are very smart.
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October 31st, 2009 at 4:09 am
A don’t think you should get a lab for your first dog if you have children that young. Big dogs sometimes tend to not realize the size of small children and they tend to try to jump up on them as if they were a grown adult. So unless you train the lab to stay away from your baby I wouldn’t recommend a very large dog. I would recommend a very small dog such as a boston terrier. I got my very first dog at the age of 4 and it was a boston terrier. I always had a lot of fun with her. She is still alive today actually. (Im 14) And boston terriers tend to grow very attached to their owners. They are very gentle and sensitive to voice inflections, so they know when to stop doing something that might be harmful to a baby (or anyone else) if you talk to them firmly. My parents had boston terriers as well. And they always said how their boston terrier was always sweet and gentle. Boston terriers are very playful when they are young, so they could keep your kids having fun and laughing. But they also know when it is time to calm down. And when they calm down its so cute, they just curl up next to you and snooze. =]
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Personal Expierience.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:53 am
Well for going off of my own experience it depends on the type of dog you are looking for. You obviously want one that will be good not only with your own kids but your children’s friends as well.
If you are looking for a small dog I would suggest maybe a Jack Russel. They have infinite amounts of energy so they can keep up with young kids and from what I can tell with my own they are extremely loyal and good family dogs. A Shitzu (sorry if i spelled it wrong) is another well tempered dog. My best Friend has one and he is an absolute doll.
Now on the larger end I would suggest either a Lab or a Golden Retriever. We had one of each when I was growing up and they were both extremely good with us kids. They were very loyal and protective. I would also suggest a German Shepard.
Honestly though I believe that any dog, with the right training can be a good family dog.
Hope that helps!
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October 31st, 2009 at 5:14 am
hi,
i have a labrador and i have 3 little brothers! my brothers sit on his back and pull his ears and he doesn’t even blink an eyelid ! labradors are great with kids iv had 3 labradors all together ! so i think a labrador would be a great choice ! x
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October 31st, 2009 at 5:56 am
a mastiff… they are big dogs but they are not to crazy either!
i got the boxer mix with mastiff my first dog. and he is GREAT with my godchild!
of a year and a half!
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October 31st, 2009 at 6:39 am
someone suggested a boxer… i have 2 and would not suggest them to someone with young children, unless the boxer was maybe 3+ years old. my boys would never hurt a child on purpose, but they get excited and can knock a baby over because they wiggle their butts so hard in excitement. just the other day dexter tried to give our 2 year old neighbor a hug… didn’t go well. probably not the best choice.
honestly, labs need more attention and exercise then most people think. there are a lot of labs that aren’t "calm" as is so often suggested.
goldens are very good dogs, but i would definitely recommend a rough collie. i grew up with one, and she was amazing. they are great with kids, and will protect them if necessary but are not aggressive dogs at all. very smart, not hyper or anything, and are nice and soft (they make good pillows =)
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experience
October 31st, 2009 at 7:29 am
Labs are great for first time dog owners. My suggestion is to sit down with your husband and talk about it. You guys should figure out if you want a small, med or large breed. Lab usually are 60-90lbs but there are cases which they are bigger. (Like my Black Lab.. he’s 130lbs and NOT fat. We run 5miles everyday.) I was told that he would not get over 90lbs .. but he is considered the "American Style Lab" which are usually taller. the "English Style Lab" is usually smaller and more bulky with a block head. It’s good to look into both styles and find one that you both can agree on. Then you’ll have to agree on color. To some people that’s the most important thing.
Labs are good natured watch dogs, not guard dogs. They are good with kids, but need to be around them and socialized. It’s a good idea that if you do get a lab to take the kids with you to puppy training classes, that way you can establish that the children are more dominant then the lab. Labs have a tendency to be hyper, so they will need a lot of exercise. Since you are at home that’s great. It’ll be a lot easier to potty train the puppy.
Here is a website to check out.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm
All in all Labs make wonderful dogs! Just make sure you do your homework! Also when you go to purchase one I would visit as many breeders as you can. Don’t feel like you have to buy the first puppy that you see. Set up appointments to look at the puppies at the different breeders. Ask to see the parents and watch how they act. Usually when the puppies parents are well natured the puppies will be too, but that is with training. You have to remember to establish dominance or you’ll end up with what some people would say as a "bad" dog. There are no bad dogs, just owner’s who are inexperienced with that specific breed.
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My first dog was a lab/dobie mix. We rescued her from the shelter. Probably the best dog that I’ve ever owned. I taught her to ride horses, tube, she would allow my younger siblings to dress her up, put make up on her and ever lipstick! Shelters are sad places but there are so many unwanted puppies/dogs that it’s crazy!
Best of luck!
October 31st, 2009 at 8:09 am
You have young children. I highly suggest you do not get a puppy.
It will be way too much work.
Dogs need toilet training, play, feeding, a quiet place to sleep, training and socialization classes every week day, and so much more.
It can be, in some circumstances, much harder to raise a pup than a child.
I can guarantee, even though you may think you have the time on your hands, you will soon realize, if you get a pup, that it’s such hard work.
In my experience Labradors are very boisterous and bouncy.
I suggest you adopt an ADULT dog from a rescue. Some breeders even have adult dogs for adoption too.
Pleae, don’t get a pup. Get an adult. You will already know how the dog behaves and it’s temperament when you have an adult.
What’s wrong with Mongrels anyway? ;]
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October 31st, 2009 at 8:24 am
as jess said, labs or golden retrievers are good for first time dog owners and people with children as they are very easy to train
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October 31st, 2009 at 9:01 am
they are great dogs and are good with kids.you should get on line and check out the different breeds.and see what would be the best breed for you and your family.
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October 31st, 2009 at 9:15 am
I’m a bit Bias saying a Boxer because I have 1
But they Are great with kids, clever and loyal
Our current Boxer is a rescue and my son was 3 when we got him, My partner is a part time child minder for toddlers
We made it clear from the beginning to our Dog to be care full around young children (You can easily train a ‘careful zone’ around young children) , and included my son in his obedience training.
Benn (our Boxer (now 2years old)) is one of the biggest Boxers I have ever seen and they have a very excitable energetic personality. Yet he is the most gentle dog around the youngest visitors, and now my son (now 4) commands him like a pro!
What ever dog you get, do lots of reading from different sources about Obedience training & Pack order with Children, and you’ll be fine
Always remember, the more physical and mentally stimulated a Dog is in the correct manor, the more likely they are to be good for you
http://s745.photobucket.com/albums/xx95/Pete_farrow/?action=view¤t=Benn.jpg
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm
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October 31st, 2009 at 10:03 am
Just my opinion, im 27 with a 7 year old and a 5 year old boy and girl. I Bought a german Shepherd bitch 4 year ago for guarding purposes as we have a business. I bought sheeba at 9 weeks old and my daughter was just turned one. Sheeba grew up with the kids and plays with them. I can leave my kids in the yard with the dog and no one will touch them as sheeba thinks of the kids as her family. A man tried to pick my daughter up 2 year ago in our yard and sheeba stopped him at the gate and pulled on his sleeve until one of us came out to him. Now this was an experiment we did with our neighbour whom the dog knows very well but still she would not let him take the child away from her. From my experience shepherds are loyal and dependable but do not get a grown dog u must get them as a puppy and let the kids feed it and play with it and the dog will protect your children.
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October 31st, 2009 at 10:26 am
It all depends on what you can offer a dog like amount exercise etc. The best thing to do it to pick breeds you all like the look of and then do research in to each breed. Talk to owners and breeders to find the perfect match for you all. The kennel club site is a good place to start and you can find breeders of all the breeders to contact who will only to happy to talk to you about there dogs. Labrador can make lovely family dogs but so do lots of other. Do you mind dog fur everywhere as labs moult all years long or would you perfer a non moulting breed like minature poodle or standard poodle as they make great family dogs to. Most breeds of dogs are good with children if given the right trainning and leadership. So what ever breed you get it is important to taking it to puppy trainning classes which are great fun for all. But take you time getting a dog is a life changing thing and having a puppy is like having another baby. So it is best to take you time and do your reseach and get the right breed for everyone.
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dog owner many years
October 31st, 2009 at 11:15 am
I would say a golden retriever is the best dog around young children as my son was three months old when we got ours! You do have to be aware though that they malt a lot, but overall i think they are nicer looking dogs, just a personal opinion! Labradors are also great but can be a bit firmer mouthed in my experience and also highly strung. Good luck on finding your perfect puppy!
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This site is a very good one!
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/dogs-breeds.htm
October 31st, 2009 at 11:31 am
COCKER SPANIEL . FRIENDLY FAMILY DOGS
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October 31st, 2009 at 11:40 am
I would agree that a labrador or retriever would be a good dog for your situation.
My brothers and I grew up with a golden lab and he has the most wonderful temperament. Now I live with my partner and have two border collie’s who are great dogs, but more one person dogs. Lab’s tend to bond with your whole family, they have fantastic and very tolerant temperaments. I was a nanny for a young family with a lab and the dog was wonderful, despite alot of tail pulling, sitting on etc!
The best advice I can give is to get the kennel club list of registered breeders for labradors, call some and go and meet them. Make sure you get to meet both the Mum and Dad as their temperaments will tell you alot about what you can expect from your puppy.
Best of luck!
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October 31st, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I have two golden retrievers who gets along amazingly with my kids (the youngests are 8 months). I have a girl who is quite old and a boy who is 4. Both play with my kids but know not to be rough. I’d highly suggest a golden retriever of either gender.
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October 31st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
You are absolutely right – and the best thing for you to do would be to get in touch with either the breed rescue or the Labrador Club, and find a used dog of about tow or three years old (or perhaps a few more than that) that has family experience.
Reputable breeders rescue their own dogs, and usually have one around that needs a new home. They are familiar with their dogs, and can stand by them as a result. Often, dogs lose their homes due to circumstances having nothing to do with them, and their loss is your gain. The breeder would also stand by you as well, and advise you along the way.
Same thing with a good rescue – there are a lot of good dogs in rescue, and they will swap them out if it is not a good match.
You need a good used dog with a solid history, and a good support system. Don’t settle for anything less – it’s too important when kids are involved. You need the right dog for the job, not just one that needs you.
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October 31st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Its good to have a golden retriever breed for you because this dog is very friendly to young once.
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http://www.friendlybags.com/
October 31st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I would recommend a Mongrel – they’re as loyal and loving as any other dogs plus they have the advantage of having a deep gene pool, which eradicates the possibility of certain genetic health and character flaws.
As a bonus, fewer people seem to want Mutts and they don’t get homed as quick, sometimes at all.
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October 31st, 2009 at 2:48 pm
i would say a small one like a westie or scottie but german shephards are very loving and patient dogs aswell. ours gets tugged around all the time by my partner’s 4year old brother
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3 dogs, 4 cats
October 31st, 2009 at 3:37 pm
First of all, I’m glad you are gonna bring the dog experience into you, your husband, and your children’s lives. I suggest an American Staffordshire Terrier. They are the best dogs for children because of their gentle nature and extreme loyalness. They are easy to train because of their eager to please nature.
Here is a site with more information and pictures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier
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October 31st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I STRONGLY recommend a goldendoodle. They are incredibly gentle and smart. My first dog was a goldendoodle, we got him when my sister was 2 years old. They will adjust to you schedule, you can get a large , medium or small version. Any size, they’re just plain great dogs. They also do not shed a hair at all. Labrador retrievers were bred o work, but goldendoodles were bred to be companions. Really, I hope you consider, there the sweetest, smartest, cutest, fluffiest, and versatile dogs out there!!
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VERY proud Goldendoodle owner for 3 years.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Greyhound
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October 31st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Swedish Vallhund
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October 31st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Field Spaniel
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October 31st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
A Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen would make a great companion.
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October 31st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
The Labrador is a great family dog. They are loyal, love to be with the family, will look after kids, know how to act with old & young people and are easy to train.
They do shed twice a year and need a good bit of exercise, walks and training. Training IS easy, but still needs to be done as they will jump up if you don’t train them not to. Walks should last about 15 minutes for two or three times a day or 2 longer walks. No runs until the pup is 2 yrs of age. Not running will help keep the joints and hips from becoming loose, disjointed or dysplastic. Exercise and training go hand in hand and are fun!
Remember not to overfeed as Labs can become obese. They do love kids and love to play with everyone so don’t expect any kind of guard dog, lol. They will bark at strangers if you train them to, but will only lick them to death, lol.
If you tell me what state you are in I can find you a truly reputable Labrador Retriever breeder.
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