best breed for children

[meltoadhall]

we are thinking of getting a dog or a puppy but although we have tried to research the best breed for the family i have no idea which will be the best.

we live in the country so plenty of room. three children under 10 one nervous of dogs. three cats and some chickens. a bit of a tall order I know, it will be able to go with my OH most days to work, but will be on its own some half days. a medium to large, friendly breed would be ideal.

so do any ABers have an idea. We did think of a rescue home but really need to know the breed type for the children safety side. although I had mongrels when growing up my hubby needs to know.

hope someone can help.

[spudqueen]

King Charles Spaniels are always good with children, though maybe a bit small seeing as you are looking for a medium to large breed.

[andyjevs]

We have two Springer spaniels which are superb with kids.
But they have boundless energy and might look at your chickens as a good kill seeing as they're gun dogs.

But, with proper training, they should be fine. Other plus points is that they're loyal, friendly, easy to train, and real good fun if you like walks in the country.

Other negative points are...they're very mischevious dogs and males can be very head strong and play silly mind games with you.
But my male springer is my little baby and i love him to death.

Good luck

[Clanad]

We've had German Shepherds, Labrador cross and Golden Retrievers. We always had lots of room, like you and would choose any of these again. They are all loyal (almost to a fault with the German Shepherds) and do very well with the kids. I'd recommend against small, terrier type of dogs. However, that's a personal preference, but one based on observations of familys that tried them...

[lankeela]

I think your nervous child would find a springer a bit overpowering. Cavaliers are a bit on the small side, but great kid's dogs. A Golden Retriever would be a safe bet, but make sure you visited several breeders and see lots of relations, temperaments are 99.9% brilliant but there is the odd nervy one. Labs are a bit on the heavy, boisterous side and tend to be a pit pushy. Goldies are a bit more laid back. I would steer away from a rescue, you don't know the background and possible problems. Contact the Kennel Club for a list of Golden Retriever clubs, contact the secretary of a club in your area, they will let you have a list of responsible breeders in your area who may be expecting a litter. Ring and ask lots of questions and expect to be asked lots of questions! Don't buy from someone just advertising in the local paper, make sure they have had any health checks necessary (hips, eyes), and make sure you see the mother of the pups and other relatives.

All this is also relevant for whatever breed you decide on. Enrol in a training class for socialising the puppy and encourage the children to take part in its training.

[b13thy]

golden retriever or Lab would be perfect however due to awful inbreeding these breeds tend to develop hip problems, sometimes at a relatively young age

If i was you i'd get a greyhound - perfect with kids, really lazy and an excellent allround pet

[lankeela]

Ok up to the point where cats and chickens were mentioned!

I have homed greyhounds with cats but only in circumstances where the cat(s) were indoors and the dog got used to them.You are asking a lot of a greyhound not to chase cats/chickens running loose outside.

Bad hips are not due to 'inbreeding' - it is due (in some cases) to breeding two animals (even totally unrelated) with poor hips themselves. That is why I suggested making sure all relevant health checks were done, and go to a responsibe breeder.

[noxlumos]

I've had greyhounds and lurchers in the past and we have all manner of livestock and five cats, they don't all chase.They are very laid back as long as there's no saluki in your lurcher bc they are as mad as a box of frogs although no harm at all to kids, they just yamp a bit.Personally although I agree with not haveing terrier types if possible I think you really just need to leave yourself open to any breed and although it's true that resuce dogs may have some issues most make great family pets and all rescue centres are very keen to make sure they fit the right dog to the right family.They realy won't home an unsuitable dog with you and will give you lots of support in the unlikely event that any problems do arise.Go and have a chat with them and explain what you need and I'm sure they'd be delighted to help.

[hobsonbear]

i'd recommend a soft coated wheaten terrier. they are great with kids and animals (mine love my cats), they love playing but don't need loads of exercise and don't eat too much, they don't moult either. they're quite happy being busy or quiet and make good guard dogs too. they are very obedient and easy to train. try www.wheaten.org.uk. good luck in your choice!

h

[loopyc]

i have had irish setters before i had my children and they were great when the kids came along dont have a bad bone in them. i also have a dalmation who is very scatty but also great especially with my three year old.

let us know what you decide x

[happy_face]

I'm with loopyc on the Irish Setter. My family have always had irish setters as family dogs and they're the most wonderful and kind natured dog. Lots of people have the thought that they need tons of exercise and they're hard to train and handle. Although we only ever had bitches we never had any problem with training and they had usual walks nothing out of the ordinary. We managed to train them very well for example to fetch shoes for walkie time etc. They are incredible dogs and stunning too. Never had any problems with them being home alone either, always very placid.

Good luck

[meltoadhall]

thank you for all your advice. We have contacted the irish red setter rescue centre and the ridgeback rescue centre and now am waiting for information packs to be sent out. so maybe one day one of these two.

thanks again.

[Pajama Girl]

There's a great book by Brian Kilcommons, "Paws to Consider." It goes through most breeds' pros and cons with a critical and yet sympathetic eye. Mr. Kilcommons is a dog trainer who loves a "good fit" between dog and owner. His philosophy: life is heaven when you have a dog that fits with you and your family and it is h*ll when the match does not work.

[Metz]

Boxers are great with kids

[lankeela]

Sorry have to strongly disagree with the Ridgeback.

I would not consider this a suitable breed for young children. They can be very protective to the extent of guarding the children even from their friends who may come to play. They are also very strong and can be stubborn.

Before anyone gets on their high horse, I have nothing against Ridgebacks but when asked for an opinion on a suitable breed I like to be honest.

[lankeela]

Check this out from the people who know the breed:

http://www.rhodesianridgebacks.org/News%20Pages/puppyadvice.htm

[meltoadhall]

update for you all who gave such good advice.

we went to see a litter red setters today and sort of came home with a little boy who is adorable.

[lankeela]

Sort of came home with????? Well I suppose its better than 'it followed me home, mum' which is what I used to say when I got another dog!!!

Let us know how you get on.

[Sam J B]

Dear Mel I have a female black Labrador and had a young step son aged 4. They loved each other. My dog, Cody is now 9 and loves children and has never as much as growled at the local kids who pull her all over. Of all the dogs I have seen with kids, Labradors are the kindest and love people.

[loopyc]

Hi how are you getting along with your setter?

[meltoadhall]

pretty good - still training the children!!!!

he answers to his name sometimes and probably thinks his name should be "off", but only a few accidents in the house and we think that he's going to work out just fine :)