Best dogs for small children? - Page 2

[BaBaBa]

Originally Posted by SimonMom

We have a newfoundland. They are known for being gentle and patient with children. Our 10 month newfie is just wonderful. I did a lot of research on breeds before we got our pup. Newfs are one of the best, if not the best for dogs around kids. My baby has tried to stick his fingers up our puppy's nostrils, plays with his teeth, and plays a game where he falls over Pilot (our newf). It's like he doesn't even notice, at all.
He just loves our kids.

Yes, I had also heard that Newfy's are the best breed for around kids.

[mandib50]

i think it depends on the dog too. the two mixed breed dogs i have/had (one died this winter) were so good with the kids. however, my third mixed breed dog - a rotty/black lab - not as good, but then he came into the mix when my husband and i got married. By then atlas was hmmm about 7 years old and wasn't socialized around kids.

my purebred rotty - she is incredibly wonderful with the kids. she has such a gentle, easy going nature - i was so surprised to see them on the most dangerous list.

good luck with your decision!

[mom0810]

Newfies... just the best with kids. If I could stand the hair, the drool, the smell, the size... I would have one. I adore that breed. But there are other things to consider.

[june'smom]

Whatever kind of dog you choose, just make sure you provide enough exercise and mental stimulation for the breed. I hate to hear dog owners totally confused that their German Shepard mix is eating garbage and ruining their stuff but they never walk her or teach her tricks or do anything to help that dog learn what they should be doing.

As for breed choice, I love our rescued mutts. I wouldn't get a purebred pup for all the spice in China.

[ShadowMoon]

I don't have a suggestion, I just wanted to wish you good luck in your search. I really do think it is hard to find the "perfect" breed for children. There are several breeds people have listed here that have been nippy and untrustworthy around my child. (labs, goldens, and yorkies to name a few). I have a Staffordshire/American Pitbull mix that has been beyond excellent with my babe. I couldn't ask for a better dog. Proper socialization, training, supervision, and exercise go along way with all dogs. I hope you find a wonderful pup!

[Mallori]

That being said, I will be biased and recommend a German Shepherd.

[Momily]

I'm also in the market for a dog, although my kid is older, and I've also had an awful experience with an aggressive dog and a small child. In our case we're limited to small breeds due to our lease, and the fact the yard is tiny which seems cruel to a big dog.

But, to be honest, I'd get a smaller dog anyway. If I got a rottweiler or a pit bull and didn't train it right the results could be disasterous. If I got a mini dachshund, or a sheltie (which is what I'm leaning towards right now) and didn't train it right we could end up with some bites, but we'd recover and I'd have time to find a trainer and correct our mistakes.

I get that pit bulls, for example, aren't any more likely to bite than say a beagle, and are far less likely to bite than a nippy breed like a chihuahua, but on the other hand, I don't think my child will be mauled to death by a chihuahua -- at least I've never heard of that happening.

So, my paranoid vote is to look into small or midsized breeds.

[Miasmamma]

I grew up with a Boston Terrier so I am biased! But I do think that when my DD gets older, 5 or so, we'll be getting her one. My cousin has one and DD LOVES her! We have a weim and a gordon right now and while she plays with them, there is something about having a small dog that kids can relate to. And I have never known a Boston that didn't think it was the size of a Great Dane! That and I think that age 5 or so is a great age to begin obedience and agility with your own dog, not your mom's!

[mistymama]

I think it depends SO MUCH on the individual dog. If you get a puppy, search for a very high quality breeder that really cares about personality traits.

I grew up with a golden retriever who was the smartest, best dog ever. My Mom has since had 3 goldens and they are all wonderful and gentle around children. Our dog growing up would "babysit" us - and if we started doing dangerous tricks on our bikes, etc - he would try to stop us. Such a cool, caring dog.

I've had several basset hounds that were all great around kids. A couple of the rescues that had been abused were skiddish, but overall I think they make great family dogs.

And now we've got a mini dachshund who is just the coolest little guy. So sweet, so tolerant of ds and his rowdy, 6 year old boy ways. He's also wonderful with our friend's one year old. But I've heard dachshunds are not considered the best "kid friendly" dogs - that's why I think it depends so much more on the individual dog.

There are several breeds I would simply never consider. A lab is one of them. I know people love them (and my Mom currently has two that do find around ds) - but not a breed I would take into my home.

[alicia622]

I must say, my dad's dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, is probably the best dog I've ever seen around kids. Not sure if this is typical of the breed or simply the dog himself. He is mellow, enjoys playing and never gets grumpy. Plus they are beautiful!!!

[HappyMommy2]

yellow lab!

[gabysmom617]

Plugging for basset hound. If you can stand up to the basset hound odour, maybe even feed raw or at least cornless diet to minimize it, they are so good and laid back with kids.