What is the best dog breed for families with young children?

[a_priori]

Bichon Frise - A few years ago our son (28} decided he wanted a dog. So he researched all breeds, with his main criteria being that he wanted a dog that would be good around his little sisters. He found that not only that the Bichon Frise was great with little kids, but they rarely bark, they don’t shed, and they are hypo-alergenic!! Who could say no to a face like this? http://www.heikes-bichon-frise.de/bichon/charmin15-10-04.jpg Click here to learn more about Bichon Frise Our Bichon is our 11yo daughter’s best friend.

Yes!! We’ve had many different breeds over the years and Bichons are the best.

 

[Cadence]

get a cat

 

[aboverubies]

get a cat

Already have!

 

[a_priori]

get a cat

The difference between dogs and cats? Someone once said that cats would eat you if they could. They’re just too small.

Makes sense to me.

 

[Jennifer_G]

Herding breeds are good, but can knock over little kids and old folks when “herding” them.

Watch for dogs with a strong prey drive. An alpha breed like a rottweiler, is good, talk to the breeder and get a 'beta" dog. A female will be more protective over kids than a male and less dominant.

A former neighbor of my grandmother had a Greyhound that loved to run. Well, it would watch where it was running, and sometimes tackled their toddler.

Rottweilers are a funny breed - they’re one type of dog you wouldn’t think would be good, but they are. My 3rd cousin had a rottweiler (police dog that failed the obedience classes). He was the most onery dog you ever known!

Wow! Thanks everyone! I have enjoyed reading all your suggestions and following up the links.

The breed that is in the lead at the moment is…

Golden Retriever.

(Now, my Golden Retriever doesn’t retrieve… I wonder what’s up with that. ) Just make sure no one has to use the bathroom during a thunderstorm, since Goldens hate thunder, and will often hide in the smallest area, like the bathtub.

 

[Norseman82]

I’ve heard somewhere that bichons are the friendliest breed of dog around (as far as genetic pre-dispositions, I guess).

As for medical troubles. Both my beagles have, and here I am getting very scientific here, “Sleep hunts.” Max and Natalie will be snoring along, then they start breathing very quietly. If you watch them, you can see their eyes twitch, their legs move, and their voices go. Not their mouths, though. It’s quite entertaining listening to quiet barks when their mouths are tightly closed. I suspect the process of breeding the sense differences and mannerisms weakened the portion of the brain that prevents people and animals from acting out their dreams.

My cocker spaniel does the same thing! She’s probably chasing squirrels in her sleep.

 

[Hugo_Abreu]

In my opinion, the Collies are the best dog breed for children. I had one when I was a small children and I’ll never forget my dog

 

[Dempsey1919]

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/breedinformation/terrier/images/stbult.jpg

They are brave, loyal and friendly. They are great with children. A perfect pet. Don’t believe all of the negative things that are said about the breed. It is not the dog’s fault, it is the irresponsible owners that make the dog aggressive.

The Kennel Club have recommended this to families with young children because of it’s good nature. They are so friendly that they make poor guard dogs - they are more likely to lick a burgler than attack him.

If you get a bull terrier, remember that you’re the boss and make sure the dog knows it. The only downside to this dog is that they are childish. They are very healthy and hardy and do not have many of the problems that other breeds have.

I definitely recommend this breed of dog. They’re excellent if you get a good one from an accredited breeder.

 

[Sabda]

As far as large breeds go,
Another breed I have noticed that no one has bothered to mention is the Airedale Terrier. Wonderful dogs! They were originally breed for hunting and ended up being used as police dogs. They have the heart of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb. Airedales are awesome with children.
Here is an exert from Airedale Terrier History:

The degree of perfection of type attained in the breed by those who have carried on the idea of their standard is attested by the frequency with which Airedales have been judged best of all breeds in the most important all-breed shows of England and America. They shine, however, greatest in the minds of their many fond owners who value the faithful attachment, companionship, and protection of their families as a priceless possession.

Airedale Terriers are used on great game in Africa, India, Canada, and our game lands. They were among the first breeds used for police duty in Germany and Great Britain.They have also been used in several wars as dependable dispatch bearers due to their ability to suffer wounds without faltering at the next order for duty. Their sweet disposition, possibly inherited from the hound blood, has endeared them to many of the best breeders and owners of leading kennels, many of whom are women who take a pride in showing their own stock. The correct temperament in puppyhood is one of discretion, and when mature, a certain dignified aloofness both with strangers and their kind. Their disposition can be molded by the patience of their masters in any environment, but when trained for defense and attack they are usually unbeatable for their weight.

I know so many people with labs that I personally do not care for them. One of their faults is the fact that they are huge shedding machines. My dh had a golden when he was growing up, who they considered to be one of their best dogs. The labs they had all tended to be fairly ditzy. One thing to keep in mind is hair care. How much time are you willing to devote to hair care? Short haired breeds require no hair care. Longer haired breeds and wire haired breeds will have some hair care, depending on breed.

Oh another breed that I have heard is great with kids is the Boston Terrier, although I don’t have any experience with them. They tend to pop up a lot when people ask the question about breeds that are good with kids.

From a Boston Terrier History:

This breed is nicknamed the American gentleman among dogs because of his characteristically gentle disposition. The breed is a true American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. About 1870 William O’Brien of Boston sold an imported dog named “Judge” to Robert C. Hooper, also of Boston. This dog was commonly known as “Hooper’s Judge” and became the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers. He was mated to a white ***** owned by Edward Burnett named “Gyp” or “Kate”. From that mating descended a dog named “Wells’ Eph” who was bred to a ***** named “Tobin’s Kate”. The Boston Terrier as a breed evolved from these dogs…

The Boston Terrier is not a fighter, but is able to take care of himself. As a companion and house pet, he is eminently suitable.

There are so many wonderful breeds out there that it can be really hard to narrow it down. Than of course there are the adorable mutts. We have two of those and they are awesome. One is a Australian Shepard mix and the other is a Schnauzer mix.

 

[Jennifer_G]

A few more breeds -

Boxers - High energy, but playful. It does need stuff to do, or else you’ll find yourself buying new shoes.

Huskies and Malamutes - Malamutes are larger, and a little more high strung, but they love their family, and are very affectionate. They do need exercise and lots of stuff to do (otherwise, you’ll wind up buying a new sofa!).

Newfounland - If you’re in for large dogs, this is another gentle giant. They do tend to have heart problems, so check with a breeder for medical info before getting one.

Great Dane - Another big, lovable breed.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - They look like Goldens, and are just as playful and affectionate. They’re slightly smaller than a Golden, and a bit faster.

“Designer Breeds” are nothing more than ‘mutts’. A puggle being a mix between a pug, and a beagle. My neighbor has one, and it never stops howling!

 

[Dempsey1919]

Boxers - High energy, but playful. It does need stuff to do, or else you’ll find yourself buying new shoes.

Huskies and Malamutes - Malamutes are larger, and a little more high strung, but they love their family, and are very affectionate. They do need exercise and lots of stuff to do (otherwise, you’ll wind up buying a new sofa!).

I haven’t owned any of these dogs but I do know a little bit about them due to the fact that my mother works in a vets…

The Vet told my mother that boxer bitches can no longer give birth naturally due to them having a narrow cervix. As a result, all of the bitches must now have caesarian sections to give birth.

Huskies are great dogs…but you can’t let them off their leash when outside because they will not come back when called and they are likely to run away.

These are just a few things to consider…

 

[Jennifer_G]

Huskies are great dogs…but you can’t let them off their leash when outside because they will not come back when called and they are likely to run away.

My neighbor’s husky would always escape, but always came back home. Once, she came back with the local neighborhood boxer!

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Labs are great, but so are German shepherds, really, especially females!

I know of one whose one-year-old ‘owner’ played with her by putting a chair on her back and trying to ride her, which she bore patiently. The parents took the chair away and reprimanded the child. The dog just calmly went to get the chair back and placed it in front of the child.

Seems like the dog knew who the alpha was in that pack and it wasn’t one of the adults

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

If nobody has already said it, get a medium-sized mutt, preferably female, spayed as early as the vet will allow unless you plan on breeding her. Your children will be her “puppies” and she can grow with them.

 

[Liberanosamalo]

Late to the party, but fun topic!

I grew up with collies. Wonderful dogs for being around children. They’d take off booties with their teeth oh so gently and lick baby feet, and would become mommy to the baby. If baby cried in the crib, dog would wake mom up by nudging her in bed to go take care of the baby. Great watchdogs also. But LOTS of hair. So if you don’t like to groom dogs, not for you. Same with shelties.

We had a lab/boxer mix growing up. She was a good dog. But she had a lead paw that always had to be schlumped in someone’s lap. Also had a dog that we got at the pound that looked like a Brittany spaniel. Wonderful dog. Smart. We used to joke that if the lab mix ever grew a brain and figured out she was bigger than the other dog, she could tear her apart. They were inseparable.

My sister has had German Shepherds. Brilliant dogs. One had to be put down at 4 years of age for hip problems. They got the East German breed to replace it. But it’s 120 pounds. Wonderful dog! And it lets the little children crawl on it and pull its ears. These dogs can figure out how to open a doorknob with their mouths.

My brother has a golden labradoodle. Smart little dog. Adorable. He figured out how to open his cage with his nose. So when they stay places they have to face the door to the wall.

I went to the pound and got a black lab mix that had the sweetest face. She came over and put her head in my lap and looked up at me. I was sold. She’s only about 50 pounds. A chewer and a digger. They like foxy hidey holes outside. And inside. So she demands to sleep in her crate. WONDERFUL watchdog. Only barks when strangers are around. And it’s a deep and serious bark. I know she’s not joking. And she has a great sniffy nose. She’ll go outside and retrace my steps in the yard sniffing where my feet were. She also has an I Found a Snake bark that is very useful where we live. And she’s the sweetest dog ever. Never a bite or snarl or growl. But she’ll chew on the wall if I leave her loose in the house. And labs have that oily coat thing going on. I don’t give her the run of the house. She’s not the brightest thing going, but I wouldn’t trade her. She even forgot how to play fetch. The kids love her. You can tell a mix apparently because they have spotted tongues.

 

[mary_bobo]

There is an interesting book I would recommend on selecting a dog. It is “Why We Love the Dogs We Do” by Stanley Coren. It is very insightful, and it might help.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

**I apologize if this has already been said but I haven’t been able to read all of the posts…

in my honest opinion I would adopt a shelter mutt. There are so many good dogs who need to be put down every year because people don’t think of adopting a dog. Breeder, pet store, neighbor with puppies all seem to come first.

A good shelter will be able to match your family with a dog.

For my 15th birthday I was allowed to choose a mutt from our local SPCA. Yes, Buck had some issues (he was abused, poor guy) but he was a great family dog. He was the perfect mix of watchdog (barked at intruders but was not overly aggressive, not “yappy” and was quick to be a big suck to guests once he knew they were ok by us), and companion (great for me as a teen but also with my younger sister and her friends). He also got along great with other animals. He loved our cats and even made friends with a mouse (who lived a winter under his dog house) and shared his food with the neighborhood birds, lol.

So my vote for your family is a MUTT!!!

malia

by the way, Buck was a medium sized shepherd/rottweiller/husky mix

oh, we also had a Lhasa Apso when I was younger and they can be great family pets too (just get their hair cut short…and they don’t shed!)
**

 

[SMHW]

As far as large breeds go,
Another breed I have noticed that no one has bothered to mention is the Airedale Terrier. Wonderful dogs! They were originally breed for hunting and ended up being used as police dogs. They have the heart of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb. Airedales are awesome with children.
Here is an exert from Airedale Terrier History:

We have an Airedale. She’s the second adult Airedale we’ve owned. I’ve never owned a dog that was quite so good at communicating with people.

Airedales are great dogs. They are extremely friendly to people and in some ways never really grow out of puppyhood. If there is a drawback to them (and other terrier breeds) it’s that they tend to be scrappy with other dogs. (Most terriers have the opinion that they are the greatest dog that has ever lived and are quite offended if another dog doesn’t immediately agree.)

 

[DiannaK]

I would not recommend a weimaraner unless you are looking for extremely high energy, needy, wants to be the center of attention, and doesn’t respect little one’s space. He knocks people over without any concern. He loves purely on his own terms and if he doesn’t get to hunt outside he WILL hunt indoors in the fridge and garbage cans.

Hmmm… I wonder if our Weim is a super dog

I actually WOULD recommend a Weimaraner as a family dog. Our dog Blaze has been nothing short of phenomenal. I have a 12yo DD, as well as a 17m DD, and he is fantastic with both girls. The baby sits in the dog bed with him … he’s never bothered her in the least, and is always gentle with her. I told my husband, I’d have another Weim in a minute, if we had a bigger house.

Are they high energy? I’d describe them as more needy than high energy … Blaze is fine, as long as he gets his exercise.
Can he knock us over? Sure … if he’s excited … he’s no rougher than some of the Labs I’ve been around. My husband is definitely the dog’s favorite, but he loves me and the girls as well. He definitely has a hunting streak, but he never bothers anything in our house, unless it’s in his bowl.

I love our dog … and I’d definitely have another! (DH will flip when he reads this, since I’m not a dog person!)

From Wikipedia
“The Weimaraner is loyal and loving to his family, an incredible hunter, and a fearless guardian of his family and territory.Weimaraners are fast and powerful dogs, but are also suitable home animals given appropriate training & exercise. These dogs are not as sociable towards strangers as other hunting dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Weimaraners are very protective of their family and can be very territorial. They can be aloof to strangers, and must be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent aggression. They are also highly intellegent, sensitive and problem-solving animals. From adolescence, a Weimaraner requires extensive exercise in keeping with an energetic hunting dog breed and prized for their physical endurance and stamina. No walk is too far, and they will appreciate games and play in addition. An active owner is more likely to provide the vigourous exercising, games, or running that this breed absolutely requires. Weimaraners are high-strung and easily excitable, requiring appropriate training to learn how to calm them and to help them learn to control their behavior. Owners need patience and consistant firm (yet kind) training, as this breed is particularly rambunctious during the first year and a half of its life. Like many breeds, untrained and unconfined young dogs often create their own diversions when left alone, such as chewing house quarters and furniture. Thus, many that are abandoned have behavioural issues as a result of isolation and inferior exercise.
It should never be forgotten that the Weimaraner is a hunting dog and therefore has a strong, instinctive prey drive. Weimaraners will sometimes tolerate cats, as long as they are introduced to the cats as puppies, but many will chase and frequently kill almost any small animal that enters their garden or backyard. In rural areas, most Weimaraners will not hesitate to chase deer or sheep. However, with good training, these instincts can be curtailed to some degree. A properly trained Weimaraner is a wonderful companion that will never leave its master’s side.
Professional training is beneficial, particularly for less-experienced owners. This includes behaviours towards other family pets. Depending upon training they can be quite aggressive towards other dogs, but they are a loyal, playful and affectionate pet and an alert and friendly member of the family. Although visitors are likely to be licked rather than warned away, the Weimaraner does not miss a trick and is always aware of its surroundings and is ready to protect its family and territory in a heartbeat. Extensive socialization is critical for this breed. Prospective owners should note that the Weimaraner is not recommended for families with young children as it is usually boisterous, sometimes hyperactive. If you train them at an early age with young children then they will get used to them. The same goes with other pets. This is also a breed with tremendous personality, charm and stuborness.”

 

[kage_ar]

Bichon Frise - A few years ago our son (28} decided he wanted a dog. So he researched all breeds, with his main criteria being that he wanted a dog that would be good around his little sisters. He found that not only that the Bichon Frise was great with little kids, but they rarely bark, they don’t shed, and they are hypo-alergenic!! Who could say no to a face like this? http://www.heikes-bichon-frise.de/bichon/charmin15-10-04.jpg Click here to learn more about Bichon Frise Our Bichon is our 11yo daughter’s best friend.

Going to send this article to my mom’s two Bichon’s. They bark so much, are so loud, that she cannot talk on the phone in the house!