best breeds w/ kids

[cford52]

Looking for advice on the best breeds for my wife, 3 year old daughter and myself. Prefer medium to large breeds, dont like yappers but would consider a smaller breed if it is not a constant barker. We have a large yard in a quiet neighborhood with many kids around. My wife and I work so the dog would be alone during the day , however I work from home about 1/4 th of the time. Comsidering Goldens, Labs, English Springer Spaniels ??? Dog or Puppy ?? Rescue or purchase ???

Thanks

[PAWZnHOOVES]

all of the above breeds...and rescue a dog...dont purchase.

[tltrull]

Really depends on the dog and how it is treated, not really the breed.

[Soleil]

cford52- I really think that you have the right idea of what would work best in your family, judging by your posts in other threads. Now it's just a matter of going out and meeting people and dogs. At this point I wouldn't want to limit the breeds- phone the rescues and, if possible, go to meet the dogs. Then you are basing your decision on the DOG not the BREED.
So are you thinking about getting a Great Dane, as well? Or how about a GreyHound? Or a Rottweiler? Or a ... I could go on... :p

S.

[PeekABlue]

What about a pitbull, they are great with kids lol (Honestly)

[Pippin]

I second PeekABlue!!! Pit Bulls are excellent family dogs. There are so many of these wonderful dogs in rescues because no one gives them a chance. As always with any breed you need to carefully supervise kids with dogs. Here's a great site with lots of fantastic pits waiting for a good home: Pit Bull Rescue Central (http://pbrc.net)

At least research them, you might be pleasently surprised when you find out about the true pit behind the media's mask.

[tltrull]

What about a pitbull, they are great with kids lol (Honestly)


Check it out http://pitbulls.iwarp.com/photo.html

[cford52]

I have read that pit bulls are good family pets, but what about wit hstrangers and all the children and other dogs in my neighborhood. Dont think that I can take the chance with one. May be breed ignorance, but I will have to stay ignorant on this one.

[Allyce]

Now dont buy a setter i have 4 there mental even pyush me over

[cford52]

** Looking for info on English Springer Spaniels. Please advise and help

[Allyce]

I use to have them well my dad still does they can be pretty rough and they jump about. I would advise you dont get one

[brandy pup]

It really all depends on the kids and how the respect and interact with a dog.

AM I READY
http://members.tripod.com/~Marge_S_2/nonframes/Am_I_Ready.htm

CHOOSING A DOG
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/choose.htm

FINDING A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER
http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/goodbreeder.html

[maryc1]

I recommend a shih-tzu. Although they are not a bigger sized dog, they have wonderful personalities. They are very sweet toward children and never bite(unless abused). They are pretty much quiet for the most part. I own 3 and the male is the only one who barks when someone knocks on the door, or hears something outside. Both of the females are very quiet and friendly, even toward strangers. They are wonderful pets.

[Kayl]

Since you do have a 3 yr old, if you want to get one of the happy breeds--Goldens, Labs come to mind--get an adult rescue definitely. They grow up slowly and knock over kids constantly. Labs also like to play "by throwing themselves at each other with great speed and preferably three feet in the air" according to a dog trainer I respect ^_^. Same with Danes and Pits and Rotties, at least with the growing up part.

Collies make wonderful dogs for kids. They don't tend to knock them over unless they decide they need to be herded around and then they do it fairly gently, if you get a female. Not so sure about males--they may be more active. As puppies they can be nippy, but a scolding usually takes care of that. And they come in both Rough and Smooth coat, if you worry about dog hair.

Spanials do all right, if you don't get one from a field line. I had a Min. Poodle from the time I was 5 and she was wonderful with me and my younger brother. Pit Bulls are great--tell your neighbors it's an AmStaff. Most likely they won't know the difference. Just make sure you socialize a lot and they'll be fine with strangers if you get one from a reputable breeder or rescue. Boxers, too, I hear are very good. There are a lot of excellent breeds out there--go to akc.org and they'll give you an overview, then look the breed you like up on dogbreedinfo.com and canismajor.com. Good luck!

Forgot to mention it almost--go to your local shelter and find a friendly mutt. They make excellent dogs for the most part, if you keep in mind what breeds are in them. Rescue dogs grow very close to their humans, because they know very well that you rescued them and are eternally grateful.

[fritz20]

I would go with a bichon frise.they just like the shih-tzu,great with kids.

[Leahv1]

I think a dog from the shelter would be your best bet. I would actually my self get a dog that was beaten. (does that sound alwfull?) The reason i would get one that WAS beaten is because they will love you so much. I have a dog that was beaten and she won't leave my side. They are so thank-full. I love my dog that i rescued so much. She was beaten and starved and they were going to breed her. Any ways let us know what you decide.
Leah

[lofty]

cavalier kings charles spaniel great with kids and other pets ;)

[Shahoa]

not all dogs that have been beaten or abused by the previous owner are happy, loving dogs. Alot of times they get agressive or very scared of everyone, and may become a fear biter, or have mental and behavioral problems. Labs, Goldens, and most GSD's are good family dogs. mixes with those breeds tend to be great dogs too.

[ILuvMyChin]

Pugs are great with kids!! Every kid in our neighborhood loves our pug, Layla. I know you are looking for more of a medium to large dog, but I would really consider a pug. They are smaller dogs, but still very stocky.