gentle dogs

[davidardill]

i recently posted a question regarding dogs with good temperament...we have now decided we want a dog that is good with children, sociable with other animals, gentle and placid.

however, we don't want anything too big, boisterous or slobbery, or anything too small and yappy. mindful of the fact that no one dog is 'typical', is there any breed that may fit this 'criteria'?

[andyjevs]

I'd recommend a Springer or Cocker Spaniel every time but for their temperament with other animals. They're gun dogs so if you have birds, forget it. I have a cat and my Springer wants to play with it all the time. They're sooooo easy to train so it's easy to avoid conflict between other animals. Good luck and let us know what you decide to keep

[maggie01]

If you want a smallish dog that doesn't need too much excercise, loves people and children, very placid almost human like sometimes have a look at the shih-tzu. I may be biased as I have two. One is larger than the other.

[drgnrdr]

Check the website at Purina.com, they should have a questionaire to help you figure out what kind of dog you would like to have. Make sure you are ready for the responsibility for getting a dog, if you don't have the time for them then don't get one, if you want a clean home don't get a dog. Your life should change allot when you get a dog, if you're not ready to do that, don't get a dog. I see too many people with no time, or hate the dirt, saliva and such that comes with all dogs and they should not have a dog. Good luck on your search...it's a rewarding experience to share your life with a dog.

[Solarjunkie]

Sounds like you want a sighthound, maybe a whippet or whippet lurcher would be about the size you are looking for.

Gentle, affectionate, not "full on" as collies etc are, happy to curl up and sleep on the sofa while the family is busy.

If you are willing to go a bit bigger, consider a greyhound, there are hundreds of ex racing greyhounds in desparate need of homes. They only need 2 twenty minute walks a day, they are known as 40mph couch potaoes! Some are not good with cats, but plenty of them are.

Also, a slightly older dog will already be housetrained and probably past the chewing stage, which is another plus!

[crisgal]

it HAS to be a bichon frise. Don't be but off by the ridiculous photos of them with their crufts style fluffy bufont hairdos! Mine has a "teddy bear" cut - and that's just what they are like - a living teddy bear that cuddles you back.

I wanted a dog that was great with kids, doesn't smell or lose hair, and that's what you get with a bichon. They are very friendly and eager to please. They are highly intelligent and so easy to train. In fact they were often used in circuses and mine and a friend's "dance" on their hind legs  when excited!

PLEASE check out this breed before you decide.

[russian dog]

I would recommend going to Discover Dogs in November at Earls Court London, This is where you can talk to hundreds of owners & see the dogs themselves. This worked well for us as we have a young son & wanted a larger dogs (we found our Russian Black Terrier who is now a PAT dog)
Don`t rush or fall in love with the puppies check all breeders & meets some of there past litters if possible. It is so important to do your homework & learn yourself about training & what you want from your dog.

[coffee lady]

I feel the need to point out a few things.  There is no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners.  You need to remeber that dogs can live a long time, our last dog was nearly 18 when he got cancer and had to be put down (it still upsets me).  We have had a lovely gentle German Shephard, a calm and loving border collie so a dog is not always typical of their breed.  It is always worth going to dog training classes too as this will help you to feel more conifident with your dog.

[Kimmiebear]

If you aren't set on a purebred, i highly recommend looking into mutts or crosses. This way you can sometimes avoid the health problems of the pures (and they are useually half the price) A terrier mix, maybe. Check out your local shelter. If it isn't too big i have heard and scene great things about lab x poodles. Usually very intelligent and friendly. The best dog we ever had was a Mastiff, Saint Bernard bred with a lab x akita. He was huge, but the sweetest and happiest dog ever. If you don't plan on breeding or showing, a mix may be the way to go. Find some breeds with traits you like (or appearance) and see what kind of crosses are out there.

[tammylow1]

i would'nt go for any type of herding dog,collie etc as they need alot of work and seem to try to herd the kids,(its bred into them) i would say a staff,you may think that they are nutters but with enough walks they calm down,and they are very good with children.

[spudqueen]

King Charles Spaniel - it seems to fit your criteria

[Eels]

I agree wholeheartedly with Solarjunkie.  A whippet or cross would be ideal.  I strongly suggest you go via a reputable rescue or try dogpages.org.uk to avoid being disappointed by a dog with an unknown or untruthful history. 

For 'gentle and placid' I would have to disagree with any recommendations for Springers or Collies - delightful, super pets, but as working dogs with immense intelligence they really do need lots and lots of stimulation to meet their needs adequately and to avoid potential behavioural problems - and both breeds can be quite rough in their play which may be difficult if you have smaller children.

[davidardill]

As fate would have it, I have been in contact with a registered Whippet breeder today who had a litter born last night, so providing everything os ok, we will soon be welcoming a Whippet into the home.

Thanks for all the advice and guidance, its invaluable in such an important decision.