Dog Breed

[longball]

What type of dog would you recommend for a family with kids under 10 years old. Pictures too.

[jholz]

Catahoula Leopard Dog. Hands down.

 

 

Medium sized hound. Used for cow herding and feral pig hunting. Great with children. Aggressive snugglers.

[dukeman]

In general, labs or golden retrievers, but the answer really depends on your lifestyle. Do you have an active family? Are you hunters or outdoorsmen? Do you just want a companion? What’s the climate like where you live? Anybody with major allergies? Are you in a house with a yard or apartment?

 

I would recommend finding a multi breed dog rescue in your area and getting exposure to a variety of breeds.

[MtlJeff]

You can't go wrong with labs or goldens

 

If your kids are old enough to run around, shepherds (border collie, sheltie, Australian shepherds) are super rewarding dogs. Very smart but a lot of energy

[Need4spd]

Catahoula Leopard Dog. Hands down.

 

 

Aggressive snugglers.

 

This is exactly the term I use to refer to my Boston Terrier!!! BAHAHAHAHAHA

[Jose c.]

Agree with labs.

[caniac6]

We had an English Setter. The sweetest dog I've ever seen.

[jb20]

I have a Pitbull she will be 8 this year and my son is turning 13 this year. I’ve had plenty of little cousins and even my 1 year old niece around her and never had her even growl at any kid for any reason.

[jholz]

I would recommend finding a multi breed dog rescue in your area and getting exposure to a variety of breeds.

 

I would second this. My Catahoula is a shelter dog, and a mongrel breed by nature. I wouldn't suggest picking solely by breed or paying big bucks for a puppy. Individual temperament is everything.

[Petethreeput]

Another good dog, and decidedly low energy is a Newfie. Big, super mellow breed who exists purely to make you happy.

 

They are big (small females run about 110-120) and males get up to 180), but they are really nice dogs. Oh, the only downside is sometimes their lips are a little loose so they might drip a little after drinking water.

[thug the bunny]

I have owned many breeds and mutts but have always been partial to labs. But whatever you get, please please get a rescue or shelter dog.

[Wriggles]

I'd recommend a golden retriever. I dog sit my neighbor's 5 year old Golden and she is the sweetest dog you could want. Neighbors have two children, and Penny is good with them. Penny seems to need a lot of love and attention, though. At least with me. She glues herself to me, when she visits.

 

Only drawback, is Penny seems to be prone to ear infections. I don't know whether that is unique to Penny or the breed itself.

[tocino]

In general, labs or golden retrievers, but the answer really depends on your lifestyle. Do you have an active family? Are you hunters or outdoorsmen? Do you just want a companion? What’s the climate like where you live? Anybody with major allergies? Are you in a house with a yard or apartment?

 

I would recommend finding a multi breed dog rescue in your area and getting exposure to a variety of breeds.

 

This!

 

Your lifestyle, where you live, and how often someone will be home to be with the dog will determine the best choice. All of the dogs my family owned were smaller dogs that didn’t need a ton of excercise or space (Yorkie, French bulldog, and a poodle-shitzu mix). My mother in law used to work at a facility that trained guide dogs for the blind. We had the chance to adopt one of their washed-out Labradors but I didn’t have the yard space or the time/lifestyle to justify getting one.

 

Whatever you decide try and keep an open mind about shelter/rescue dogs. They really make great pets. In fact with all of the medical bills I’ve hadn’t to deal with for my pure bred dogs, my poodle mix ended up being the healthiest, low maintenance one out of the bunch

[gunslinger646]

Golden doodle......family friendly, no shedding.... no dog smell.... cute!

[Hawkeye77]

Currently have a Golden who will be 12 on St. Patrick's Day and an English Setter pup. Highly recommend either, but there are so many things that go into getting a dog. Temperament is crucial as is good breeding if you want more predictability getting a brand new puppy. So many breeds to choose from, and lots of good info out there. Labs awesome as well.

 

Remember part of the equation is exercise for the pup, my Englush Setter is pretty darn calm but he needs to burn off energy as well and not fair to him if he isn't getting it.

[Hawkeye77]

Pics!

[Hawkeye77]

The old guy when he first came home all those years ago.

[highergr0und]

Labs can be a PITA to train when they're young but end up being awesome dogs when they're a little older. Goldens are good but got to watch out for health issues with joints. Actually many pure breed dogs have health problems. Newfoundlands are AWESOME if you don't mind the size but they need TONS of exercise, probably a minimum of a half acre yard for them to run in.

 

I'll third or fourth or whatever the idea of hitting a shelter. Getting an older dog from a shelter may be a bit much for your first dog and your kid, but by the time puppies can go home you can pretty much tell what they're mixed with. I've gotten 3 dogs in 10 years, all from shelters, an awesome lab mix, a great australian shephard mix, and a golden mix. Got them each in the 12-14 week range and taught them right. Cool thing about the shelter is they probably have a room where you and your kids can play with potential matches.

[HackerDave]

Labs need some work. We always say they don't grow a brain until they are 2 but they are great with kids, protective but not aggressive and they have a deep bark that helps keep the bad guys away. The thing is they have a LOT of energy so you need to walk them. I can launch tennis balls into the lake all day and she never stops.

 

We picked ours from a breeder who was a serious hunter. We don't hunt her, but she was by far the smartest dog I have ever owned. I also had a Golden Retriever. Much less energetic but a great family dog. They do require a lot of brushing and grooming.

[Petethreeput]

Labs can be a PITA to train when they're young but end up being awesome dogs when they're a little older. Goldens are good but got to watch out for health issues with joints. Actually many pure breed dogs have health problems. Newfoundlands are AWESOME if you don't mind the size but they need TONS of exercise, probably a minimum of a half acre yard for them to run in.

 

I'll third or fourth or whatever the idea of hitting a shelter. Getting an older dog from a shelter may be a bit much for your first dog and your kid, but by the time puppies can go home you can pretty much tell what they're mixed with. I've gotten 3 dogs in 10 years, all from shelters, an awesome lab mix, a great australian shephard mix, and a golden mix. Got them each in the 12-14 week range and taught them right. Cool thing about the shelter is they probably have a room where you and your kids can play with potential matches.

 

Over the years I have had a myriad of large dogs. 2 Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard and now we have a Newfie. It is the mellowest dog we have had. If it runs for 5 minutes she needs to nap. Right now she’s laying on couch next to me wondering why I’m not petting her.

Should have gotten one years ago.

Of course, my one is anecdotal, but they seem pretty mellow and eager to please.

[Redbird]

Boxer, it's one of the best dogs with kids and they have awesome personalities. Easy to train but they keep their playful side for a very long time. Mine is 12 and she still acts goofy which is hilarious. Short hair is a perk, so is a docked tail (the contents on your coffee table won't end up all over the floor).

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=NamlR7EEc-k

[Jose c.]

I've rescued an abandoned dog showed up in hunt camp skin and bones probably Yr old,

Hung around all week came home with me great dog some kind of lab breed. I'm all for the rescue thing but call me selfish

theirs something about raising a pup.

[Puckoon]

Historically was a big dog fan. Raised with Shepherds and Labs and Goldens. All phenomenal dogs in their own right. Married a darling who is allergic to her shadow, and we both work long hours. Researched some of the breeds with a more human like hair and lack of dander and under fluff. The stuff that kills you with allergies if you’re so inclined. Picked up a Shih Tzu. He’s simply my favorite of all time against my previous experiences. Personality all over the place, total love bug - and he will protect us from all those nasty birds In the back yard. Enjoys a short walk, stands tall and proud and is probably the best looking dog in the city. That’s his opinion, and I’m coming around to it.

 

Loves his little human too and sits at the door waiting for her every day. Does NOT like when mummy and daddy wrestle however, so if you’re a regular Austin Powers - watch out.

[lumberman2462]

Hard to beat a basset hound. Great with kids and tend to have a lot of personality.

 

[blaird]

Im in the boat that there isnt really a bad breed, maybe pit bulls but thats just from stories in the press, I have never met a bad one though. I have had little dogs and big dogs, pure breeds and rescue/mutts and all of them have been great.

 

I would look at things like do you want a big dog? Medium? Little? Can you deal with shedding? My two (lab/pointer mix and corgi/terrier mix) shed something awful, Cant wear black in my house bc white fur winds up everywhere. It seems the bigger dogs like to chew during their puppy years. My brothers lab/beagle mix ate/chewed drywall, my big dog ate/chewed anything he could find. Either which way you go, I dont think you can go wrong. And please post pics when you get the dog!!

[Lord Helmet]

Beagles!

 

[keads]

Bernese Mt. Dog and GSD. Greatest combo out there.

[tolmij]

Boxer, it's one of the best dogs with kids and they have awesome personalities. Easy to train but they keep their playful side for a very long time. Mine is 12 and she still acts goofy which is hilarious. Short hair is a perk, so is a docked tail (the contents on your coffee table won't end up all over the floor).

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=NamlR7EEc-k

 

Agree 100%, best family dog ever, loyal and aggressive to anyone threatening your family. Always had them from when my son was born, gentle but stupid at the same time. Fun dog.

[sir_templar2]

I've had 2 Bernese Mountain dogs and they are great! Excellent with young kids and just a great disposition. They do drool, but not as much as Newfies or St. Bernards

[cbrwn425]

We’ve got a cocker spaniel, boxer/pit mix and a German Shepherd puppy. All 3 are great with our 10 month old son. I agree with the others that you should check out shelters/rescues. Your family can interact with the dogs and get a feel for what their personality will be like. I’ve been to several shelters in the last that had adoption rooms set up where you can meet the dogs away from the kennels and a lot of the stress that they cause the dogs.