What is a good family dog?

We are looking for a small to medium size dog with short hair that would play well with my two small kids. Any thoughts?

What is a good family dog?

2 best dogs I ever had were a Collie and an Eskimo Spitz. Both Super with kids, loyal, and always ready to play!

What is a good family dog?

i like labs but they are big

What is a good family dog?

If you are from Korea a good family dog would be a labrodor as it has plenty of meat on it.

In the West, the same dog is also good as it well behaved with children

What is a good family dog?

Pembroke Welsh corgi. At about 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a popular pet. This stocky short tailed breed needs daily exercise and loves romping with the kids. They are best with older kids (over 6 or 7 years) as some dogs can be bossy and possessive.

West Highland white terrier. This small white terrier is playful and loveable but does require some exercise to keep him happy. The Westie is a good watch dog and faithful friend that needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free. The Westie can be an excellent dog for older children. They tend not to be tolerant of children's accidental mistreatments. They are often not recommended for households with children under the age of ten.

Schnauzer. The schnauzer is a wonderful family pet. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily exercise. This breed thrives on human companionship and is available in three different sizes.

Poodle. The poodle is an intelligent and friendly dog that craves human companionship. Happiest when allowed to run and play, the poodle is well known for being low shed, and comes in three different sizes to suit any taste.

Bichon frise. This white fluff ball is a happy-go-lucky dog. Faithful and obedient, the bichon is a wonderful addition to any home. The bichon does require regular grooming to keep his coat looking great but loves to investigate and participate in anything.

Airedale. A sturdy dog, the airedale takes his job as a family friend and protector seriously. Willing to join in the fun anytime, the airedale always keeps a watchful eye out for any potential dangers.

Basset hound. With his sad droopy eyes, you may think the basset is a lazy hound. But, as soon as kids are around, this dog will jump right in and keep up with the best of them.

Beagle. The beagle may be an active breed but he fits in well with very active families. Needing a good place to sleep and plenty of games to play, this breed can easily join any family.

Shih tzu. Originally bred as a companion animal for royalty, the shih tzu still enjoys a life a luxury. Not too proud to get down and dirty with the kids, this dog loves nothing better than sharing time with people, even if that means getting dressed up for a tea party.

Cairn terrier. Despite their small size, the cairn terrier is a tough little dog. This breed does well in any living environment as long as there are people around. As a terrier, this breed does need exercise and a romp in the park or running with the neighborhood kids suits him just fine.

Boston terrier. The Boston is a small black and white terrier that loves to make you laugh. After brief periods of activity, the Boston loves to curl up on the sofa while you read a good book. Obedient and loyal, the Boston is a good watch dog and loyal family pet, especially for the not so active families.

Newfoundland. This gentle giant may drool a little too much for some people but has made a wonderful big protective teddy bear for many lucky children. Because of his size, families with very young children may want to wait a few years but those families who enjoy life near water can rest easy with this dog near by.

Pomeranian. This little fluffball looks just like a tiny fox. Weighing around 5 pounds, the Pom is an adorable breed that thrives on human companionship. Requiring little space, the Pom is great for a family with older children.

Whippet. Whippets are quiet, gentle and loyal. This dog tends to greet strangers with a kiss and loves children. The also love to chase things so should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard when venturing outdoors.

What is a good family dog?

Jack Russel terriers are excellent

What is a good family dog?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are very nice, they don't bite, you can pick them up and they are a good size. But they can VERY expensive so you might want to adopt.

What is a good family dog?

Almost any breed is a good family dog if your kids are well behaved and supervised. Beagles are good, Labs, Poodles, even the oversized MinPins can be fine with kids. Any breed is a trade off of exercise, shedding, barking, grooming, watchdog abilities etc. Beagles and Labs need exercise and Beagles can not be trusted off leash in an unfenced area. Poodles are great dogs but need pro grooming and lots of brushing but do not shed. MinPins are barkers and are not safe off leash. Try your local shelter to find a GWK dog, that is often your best bet.

What is a good family dog?

German Shepherd

Highly intelligent, fast to learn, loves to play, family oriented.

If you want smaller, I've observed many that like beagles. But no experience there.

What is a good family dog?

Dachshunds are great they are full of energy and love to take walks! Now with kids... get a full size and not a mini doxie.

Good Luck!

What is a good family dog?

Labs do make wonderful family pets...they're great with kids, as are golden retrievers and the majority of terrier breeds (Westies, Cairn, Lhasa Apso, etc). The one that is actually a 50/50 shot of tolerating small children is a cocker spaniel...many are surprised to learn of this, but a cocker doesn't really have the tolerance of being around small kids...there are a few that will, but not many.

What is a good family dog?

Australian Cattle Dog - A.K.A Blue Heeler

Very intelligent, short-haired, medium sized. Great great dog.

What is a good family dog?

I was going to suggest a Golden Retriever, but then saw you were looking for a smaller pet. I strongly suggest you go to your local animal shelter and get a great Mutt. The sweetest dog we ever owned was a cocker/poodle/who knows what else mix. He was adorable, the most gentle creature I've ever met. We've also had a beautiful cocker spaniel, a Cairn terrier, and presently two goofy old bassets, who are very gentle.

What is a good family dog?

We have a chocolate lab and she is great with our 2 kids. I also do childcare and she loves when they come . The dog loves getting attention. When I was growing up I had a Jack Russell they are good with kids as well. J.R. barks at everything. Labs are a good security alarm. You will definitely feel safe

What is a good family dog?

Other than a pit bull I think all dogs are good for families. What about a basenhound?

What is a good family dog?

There is a great site that gives you information on dog breeds and temperament etc, www.dogbreedinfo.com Click on Are you ready for a dog? and then at the bottom of the page choose Find the perfect dog. Very informative. We have a Chesapeake Retriever and he is the best dog I have ever had but...he weighs 120 pounds not a small dog.

What is a good family dog?

Go to your local adoptions and see what you and the kids like. See which dog attaches to you and the kids. There is no standard or certain breed that is going to be better than another. Many rescues foster dogs in their homes with their pets and kids so they will be able to tell you all about any one your interested in adopting. Rescues are less likely to lie about a pet they want it to find its forever home and will tell you of any quirks they have and you can decide what you can and can't do with each pet. Remember all these people that are telling you what breed is "best" are only going on their experience with their own. Just because it works for them the ones available to you may not be the "best" for you.

http://www.petfinder.com/

What is a good family dog?

me

What is a good family dog?

If your children are small, wait until they are at least school age before you get a dog. Any dog. Small children will often unknowingly torment a dog into biting. They don't know any better - but neither does the dog. Trust me. Wait until both of your children are at least school age.

Also, forget all those myths about puppies and children growing up together. Romantic and cute thought, but it's utter rubbish that only worked in the Lassie show. In reality, dogs grow up faster than children. Look at adopting a young adult dog - 2-3 years old who will already be past much of the "puppy" things we despise - pottying in the house, chewing on everything etc. Adult dogs are much more patient with young children, too.

Did you know that dogs have a measurable IQ of an average 5 year old child? Make sure you devote the same amount of time to your dog as you do to each of your children - both individually and collectively. And that means house time. Imagine a 5 year old child penned in a little pen or on a chain in the back yard. That would be cruel, wouldn't it? Fido should be considered a member of the family.

Also, plan on ALL of the upkeep of the dog to fall on your shoulders. Even school aged children will forget to feed, walk, clean up after, groom their beloved pets. It's not that they don't care - it's that children shouldn't be expected to do adult's work. Taking care of Fido will be your responsibility. Plan on that.

Finally, when your children are old enough (again, school aged) go to your local shelter for a small-medium sized dog with short hair who will adore your family for as long as it lives. The shelter is full of wonderful young adult dogs with lots of love to give.

Oh - and they come neutered/spayed, up-to-date shots, are often potty-trained, and many even walk nicely on a leash. You will know what size Fido will be, what his temperment is and how much your children will enjoy playing with him.

But wait until your own "puppies" are at least school aged, please.

What is a good family dog?

Boston Terrier is a nice dog and very play full as well or an Dachshund

What is a good family dog?

Golden Retrievers might be a little bigger but they are amazing companions for families if trained properly.

What is a good family dog?

A Beagle. Small and great with everyone. They will be the clown of the family, I have found mine doing some pretty funny things. Like sand-witched between the two pillow on my bed. Big floppy ears and big brown eyes, a real sad sack.

An APBT. The most loving dog I have ever had. She is great with everyone especially children. When my daughter brought my one month grandson over for the first time she sat him on the floor in his carrier and the Pit, my "Nanny Dog", went over to check him out then just stayed next to him for the next hour. She would not leave his side. She is medium sized at 55 lbs.

Here is a site that rates how good dogs are with children:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm

What is a good family dog?

As mentionned Labs are great, but if you are looking for something smaller I would suggest a cockerspaniel or a cockapoo - these dogs are gentle and not overly hyper. My cockapoo, would let my young daughter do just about anything without showing any signs of agression. Whatever you do, do not get a lhapso apso my friend has one, and that dog is very agressive.