What dog has an easygoing nature & good with kids

[Sugar Ray]

What dog has an easygoing nature & good with kids

I'm after a medium sized dog, with a good nature, a bit of energy but not loads, also preferably one that won't bite me!!

[sir.prize]

Without doubt the English Springer Spaniel is a top qualifier.

[Metz]

I have 2 kids and 2 boxers,they get on great together,they don't bite (the dogs i mean! ) :) Might be a bit bigger than you planned on though!

[kipchik]

We have 2 rotties and 3 kids,lovely natured dogs we've had rotts for the last 18 years,great dogs to have with kids but i guess any dog can be brought up to live in harmony with the kids,i think its personal choice to what dog you like,rotts are probably bit bigger than what you looking for.

[Metz]

Kipchik our Boxers have a Rottie mate,she is great :)

[Sugar Ray]

Boxers, Rotweillers - i was thinking of something a bit more, well less scary- I'm a bit wary of dogs, but my little one wants one - I was thinking of just some scruffy think like the one from the little hobbo tv show

[lankeela]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, maybe a bit smaller than you wanted but great with everyone and everything, just make sure parents are heart tested.

[kipchik]

Yeah Metz,never had no probs with our rotts,but seen a few nasty little un's,I still believe its how they're brought up,any dog is capable of bad behaviour,,and good,,,Sugar Ray,are you looking for a pup or a rescue dog?

[harper]

I couldn't agree more with sir.prize : English Springer Spaniels are an absolute delight.Our spaniel makes every day special.He is hilariously funny:we don't call him 'the silliest dog in Britain' for nothing! However ,he is very easy to train and very obedient.He loves everyone and has managed to charm people who said they couldn't stand dogs.The silly creature always sleeps on his back - a real sight to behold.Springers are nosey and have to join in whatever is going on- whether you need their help or not.Since his was a pup, our pest has stolen anything left out, and either hidden it or buried it.Workmen are warned that they leave their tools out at their own risk.

If you want to spend the day laughing get a Springer.

[harper]

Another thought - Staffordshire Bull Terriers are excellent with children.

[Goofy]

labradors. Spaniels are great (although I'd probably vote for a cocker or clumber). but labs have easy care coats, fabulous with children, good with other dogs. Also Springers in particular love their exercise, no days off!

[mrs.pudding]

Why don't you look for a small mongrel? It won't cost you nearly as much to buy, they are generally very healthy and they give every bit as much pleasure as anything else. Lurchers are particularly good with children, love comfort as much as exercise and come in all sizes! We currently have a whippet cross which cost uf �50 two years ago.

[cleedaub1]

We got a Saluki cross from our local rescue centre last July, and she is one of the most delightful dogs we have ever had. Placid, intelligent and very good with any children we meet on our walks ( being in our 70's, we don't have any small kids at home). I suppose you could describe her as a Lurcher (see previous answer) but I think she would feel insulted ! Only one small problem, she does shed quite a bit of hair. To see a picture, log on to www.jerrygreen.org.uk/wagging_tails_3.htm and look for Tilly.

[lankeela]

A retired greyhound would also be good natured and will walk for miles or sleep all day, depending on what you want to do. They are usually only about 3 or 4 when they retire, and often live till 12+. They can live with cats and other small pets if they are introduced sensibly, but you should not let them off in a public place, as the instinct to chase small furrry things is often difficult to get out of them.

They have the most gentle loving nature, and bitches are usually smaller than dogs, weighing on average 26 kilos, although you can get small males as well. Check out the Retired Greyhound Trust website.

[andyjevs]

Another vote for the Springer from me.....i have two and they are just like having another child around....entertaining, funny, mischevious, loyal, friedly and loving

[meltoadhall]

red setter for me, chosen specifically for our three children under 10 and the most gentle nature as one of our girls is nervous about dogs. but not anymore

now 17 weeks old and we love him.

[Poglet]

everyone is quite rightly going to suggest their own dogs and i am going to do the same, a female flat coated retriever. they are the MOST loving dogs, they get so excited to see you even if you have just been to the loo.... they love family life and are black and shiny, check them out on the web ( only say female cos the males (like we have, Dillon, may be too big). my next dog is going to be a labradoodle, check these out too, they don't shed any hair at all and are sooooo cute.... poglet x

[lankeela]

Actually I haven't got a retired greyhound or a Cavalier! I have Lancashire Heelers, which I would not recommend in this case as they are quite hard work and you have to be very firm with them or they get the better of people, and can revert to their original calling of heeling (ankle biting)!.They are also probably a bit small for what Sugar Ray wants.

I think Springers, Boxers, Irish Setters and Rotts would all be a bit too boisterous in this case, although they do have lovely temperaments I think they are not 'laid back' enough. Whatever breed is chosen I would recommend early socialisation and training classes.

[lilacben]

I have tow rough collies, lassie dogs. they are great with my six grandchildren and very easy going and laid back.