I want to get a dog or puppy for the family! My son is just over 10months old and LOVES animals.

Toni - posted on 11/25/2010

Some breeds get more news time when there is an incident involving bully breeds and that is why people have a stigma about them. They are great family dogs when raised properly. My daughter has a black lab that is great with her kids and I have seen dobermans that are great with kids...as long as you are careful in the selection of a breed, and the upbringing of the pup, you should have a great dog. You will have to teach both dog and child how to act around the other. I do suggest basic obediance training what ever breed you choose. Do your research..and enjoy when you get one...

Happy hunting.

Lisa - posted on 11/25/2010

We had a sheltie and now a black lab-cross. Both are great with kids.Wonderful personalities! You might want to look into the next dog on my wish list ( our lab is now 13 and experiencing what looks like her last winter) and that would be a mini golden doodle. It's a lab crossed with a poddle which creates the cutes faces and our vet said that they are wonderful! Best part... they don't shed, which is something that you really should consider will young ones crawling around.

Linda - posted on 11/25/2010

I LOVE doberman dogs but I would not have one around a baby. Same for some of the other breeds mentioned here. Terriers are notorious for biting and holding on and shaking! My Vet got bit in the mouth and had to have several surgeries. Someone mentioned Pugs. I have heard they are really good around ANYONE! Content and easy going. Beagles are good dogs but inclined to wander off or dug out.

I would not get a toy dog of ANY kind with a baby that small in the house. Toy dogs are breakable!! And they have tiny needle like teeth! I love my 5 lb Pom but I put her in the bedroom when the grandkids come over.

Happy hunting.

Mtrem61@gmail.com - posted on 11/25/2010

I don't know how accurate this is, but I have heard that sometimes the smaller breeds are not as good around kids as the larger breeds such as a Lab or Golden Retriever. You may want to consider a small Golden as a pet when you have young children. They are absolutely wonderful with kids; they are very tolerant of things young children may do - poking, pulling, hugging, etc and they are easy to train. I don't know if they have this in your area, but there are many rescue organizations such as ones specifically to rescue Goldens, that might have a dog that is about a year old or so and already toilet trained and already is accustomed to being with a family. We NEVER regretted having a Golden - we got him before we even had our kids, and he was so wonderful with them. He was easy to train as we got him as a young puppy. He was pretty big, but I have seen Goldens listed in rescue orgs that are around 50 lbs - especially females. Good Luck!

Pricila - posted on 11/25/2010

My take is to get a Golden Retriever, we just had to put our dog down due to cancer. We had him three years before the kids came in. As a puppy it probably took about a month or less to house break, he didn't destroy any of our furniture or shoes. He did damage his dog bed and destroyed the kitchen rugs but that could have been easily fix if I had given him his favorite toy only when out, which I recently learned is a good trick to keep them off your stuff (debating on getting another Golden pup only because we just lost Uno and are still grieving.). He was a fast learner, sit, shake, lay, put your head down and so on. He's a good outdoor dog, hiking, going to the park and loved water. If your looking at getting a puppy from a litter go with the one that is the calmest of the group, if your worried about energy level. Golden's tend to be very forgiving of children, they are family dogs. My kids have grab him by the tail the ear, pulled his fur, they've tried to ride him and the list goes on and he has never once snap or growl at our two children 2 and 5. He was really good with them as babies, he never growled at them and would just get up and move. Our dog loved chasing the kids, and they would yell for him to come and get them, he loved our kids very much! The only downside to a Golden is they do shed a lot. If you are keen on getting a Golden and do not want a puppy, some breeders sale their older dogs that they no longer breed. But in the end like I've read in other comments do research on different breeds and see which one fits into your family life style. What is good for one family may not be good for another. :)

Toni - posted on 11/25/2010

Remember, even with all this fantastic advise...you know what you can handle, and how your children are with animals. Do the research on different breeds . And you don't have to stick to small breeds , there are some awesome medium breeds that would do just fine in a townhouse!

GUNILLA - posted on 11/25/2010

I Have always had dogs with my children. But I feel if the dog i there when child is born its ok but wait till the child is 2 years at least so the child understands that the animal has got feeling too. A dog bites a lot as a puppy & can by misstake in its excitement bite. So Wait a While. My kids are now 38 & 31 years old. Have a dog but got her when my granddaughter was 5 yrs. A dog is like a child & needs lots of care too.
Kindest Regards Gunilla

Toni - posted on 11/25/2010

I am so happy to hear someone say that about Pitts. they have the best personality and are wonderful with my grandkids. They have the energy to keep up with the kids and after a long play session will cuddle on the couch with them too!!

Patsy - posted on 11/25/2010

Poodles are very content dogs I had two when the kids were small no hyperness on this end they dressed and carried them. A shelter dog is a wonderful idea but not when there are small children I have resqued 2 so i do think this is wonderful but not for a first time dog with little children.

Crystal - posted on 11/25/2010

Pit's are awesome dogs too. I used to work at a Animal Shelter and they were some of the most loving dogs too.

Toni - posted on 11/25/2010

I agree with the rest of the Moms. I read the posts and darn it...There are a lot of smart ladies out there. I would start by studying different breeds for personality and compatability. jack Russells, poodles and such are high energy dogs. You need one that will fit into the family. And when you do decide to get a dog, PLEASE...go to a shelter or local rescue. Every animal I have is a rescue. From the Beraded Dragon to the american bull dog/pitt bull. Knowing the background on the breed will help in the training also. All my dogs are great with the grand kids...even the 7 year olds. And by all means, crate train. And yes, I would wait till your child is a bit older for safety sake. And by that I mean the baby pulling on the dog and stuff like that. I have always had dogs even when my kids were first born. And I was a stay at home mom too. I didn't find it hard at all as it was just like having another child.

Patsy - posted on 11/25/2010

A toy poodle is a wonderful family pet for your first dog,or a yourkshire terrier these breed are extremely friendly the only thing is maintanice of their coats.

Crystal - posted on 11/25/2010

I have to admit, I had 4 pug's when my daughter was born as well as a Rhodisian Ridgeback/bloodhound/something mix. Pugs are the BEST in my opinion for kids because they are pretty sturdy, pretty tolerent and they were the greatest. Mine passed away of old age 2 years ago and I miss them terribly. So does my 3 year old. We got a Pekingese mix and she's okay with my daughter, but I don't trust her like I did the pugs. The Ridgeback was good with her for a long time, but when she got real mobile and started pulling at him he got annoyed. Never bit or growled at her, but he'd go to his crate and close his own door. Pugs are the way to go. Especially if you can rescue one. I had 2 I bought, 1 puppy that was unexpected and 1 rescue pug and he was just the best, heck, they all were. Hope it helps.

Markita - posted on 11/25/2010

We got our son a Beagle mix and it's the best dog we could have gotten for him. That being said, he's a very active dog and needs lots of exercise and attention.
I would say look up different dogs on line and see which ones are "rated" best for families with small children. Visit with your potential dog several times before bringing it home, make sure you have your baby with you. It's very important to see how they'll react with each other before you bring the dog home. I don't know how many dogs I've seen at the shelter because parents have gotten them and realized too late they weren't the right dog to have around children.
Here's a site to get you started: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Good luck!

Linda - posted on 11/25/2010

I would not be without a dog especially if my husband were gone a lot in the evenings. Just be careful to research breeds first. For instance, Poms instinctively are afraid of little kids and/or babies. Get a breed that is "durable" and not delicate.

You can train your child to be gentle and never leave them alone together. As far as an older dog, it sounds good but you have no idea what kind of history the dog has. I would give that idea a try when your child is MUCH OLDER.

I hope you find the perfect puppy. I would definitely research breeds first. Poodles are nice in that they are intelligent, they don't shed and they don't mind children. I would get a standard or a mini, not a toy.

Like I said, I would NEVER be without a dog. Best of luck. Just be careful. You must be a caring mom or you would not be considering this seriously and asking for advice.

Kristy - posted on 11/25/2010

I would wait until he is 6 years or older to get a puppy. At his age right now they would behavior more like litter mates than owner and dog. But cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, and boxers are all good with kids.

Allison - posted on 11/25/2010

I have Chihuahuas..I have always had dogs and I have 4 children...I have never had a problem with puppies and children and love the idea of them growing up together...Of course a puppy is work and it will add to your work load...but i think the rewards far out weigh the work..whatever you decide will be right for your family xx

Dezra - posted on 11/25/2010

Hi, I'm Dezra. I have a soon-to-be 4 yr old son & we bought him a puppy in September. He's a black lab retriever and was 8 weeks old when we bought him. I totally agree that puppies are a lot of work, like children, but the rewards are amazing. I think a puppy is a great friend for a child, our son adores Simba (our lil furball's name). They do everything together, Simba follows him around the house, and the fun they have together is a joy to behold. Our son is obsessed with all animals, so having one all of his own is great.
Puppies are hard work yes, the training, the responsibility, but the friendship that's developed between my son and his dog is wonderful. Simba is 18 weeks old now, he's very gentle with our son. We used crate training with him so it was much easier, he learnt toilet training very quickly. I think its better having a dog as a puppy for children, so they can grow together, form lasting bonds. Simba is very protective over his best friend, and vice versa.

Good luck x

Carol - posted on 11/25/2010

get a yorkshire terrier lovely tempement and very good house dogs small and easy to handle

Sharon - posted on 11/25/2010

poodles need trimming every 8 weeks if u want them nice i groom dogs 4 a living border terreirs r great little dogs :0) x

Stephanie - posted on 11/25/2010

You people who say that it is wrong to get a puppy with a baby well not true. If she wants a dog she should choose a King Charles because they are so good with kids, I've had one since I was a little girl and growing up we always had one, now my son is 15mths old and we have 2 dogs an Irish Setter who loves kids too and a King Charles.

Libby - posted on 11/24/2010

we have two jack russells and they are lovely

Gina - posted on 11/24/2010

Carmel is right about a miniature poodle. They have wool instead of hair. and as for clipping them it's easy to do. We had one and after she died we got a standard poodle. My mom clipped him herself because it was cheaper to do. A shetland sheepdog makes a great pet. They are perfect for a lap dog. They're smart, easy to train and love to herd. I have a neighbor who has one and she herds the children in the back yard. They do have long hair and need a lot of brushing but they are their own reward as a pet. I personally love big dogs and would get a more aggressive breed. My daughter is 8yrs and aggressive herself.

Ivonne - posted on 11/24/2010

...and we have also NEVER had problems with her chewing on things (furniture, baby toys, shoes etc....)...

Ivonne - posted on 11/24/2010

A Cocka-poo....(not sure if that is how you spell it (= )
They are GREAT family dogs, they do not shed, their fur does not get stinky fast, they have the non-allergenic fur (for MOST) and they are perfect in size (medium size/ about 22 pounds).
They are also...so much fun! GREAT personallities...sweet...super loving and REALLY work hard to always be with the family.
All the BEST!!!!! (=

Keri - posted on 11/24/2010

We have a lab mix. We had her before we had a child, but our hospital gave us some tips on how to get HER acclimated before our son came home. Most dogs who come in to an already established family usually understand that and warm to everyone. Where do you plan to get the animal from? It would be wise to take your child(ren) with you so they and the animal can get to know one another before you commit and take the dog home. From what I know smaller dogs tend to be more hyper and could probably end up hurting your child by scratching or nipping.

Marlisa - posted on 11/24/2010

I went through the same thoughts. My daughter had been bit by a dog, so we did a ton of research on breeds. We went with a pure bred Beagle. We couldn't be happier... Great size for kids and super loyal and loving. We are screwed if anyone breaks in our house while we are away... She will probably show them where the valuables are, in trade for some playtime. Lol!!!

Kate CP - posted on 11/24/2010

Sherri: A privately run shelter is different from the local animal shelter. If a private group such as the ASPCA or Humane Society is funding it then yes, they will temperament test the dogs. However, if you go to your local city shelter (ie the pound) there is a good chance that they DON'T temperament test the animals there. Most city "shelters" aren't really adoption centers but more of a stray-hold facility. Some cities are lucky enough to have the funding to cover the costs of temperament testing but many don't.

Sue - posted on 11/24/2010

A lab is a fabulous choice for a family.

Julie - posted on 11/24/2010

Picking a specific breed is not as easy as it sounds. Like kids all dogs are different though each breed has certain predispositions. I'm a Registered Veterinary Technician and a stay at home mom of three small children. We have a Great Pyrenees even though we have a smallish yard and he is wonderful with our children. First off, a few breeds to stay away from with small children are: Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Min Pins, Whippets, Pappillions, and many terriers. These tend to be more "delicate" breeds or prone to biting. A lot of other breeds are touted as good with children but they require training to get that way (labs, golden retrievers,).



Family life matters too. We don't have a lot of time to devote to a high energy dog that requires a lot of attention. That's why we went with a Giant breed (great dane, great pyrenees, mastiffs, St. Bernard) His breed was developed to stay with his flock of sheep and guard them. That's it. That's a different temperament than say, a dog bred to flush out ducks or water rescue.



I would recommend talking to a local veterinarian. They are great resources for finding a new family member and they probably know a few dogs needing homes. They also tend to have more of a history with the animals they are placing than the local shelters. Not knocking shelters, all of our animals are rescues. Mixed breeds often make the pets for your family.



When I advise clients on a new pet, I generally suggest they stay away from ads (for puppies for sale) in the newspaper, online, or the Wal-Mart parking lot. Many of the puppies from these situations, are badly bred with health, behavior or other congenital defects. Many are also infected with one or more parasites. Most parasites that infect your dog, can also infect you and your children unless properly treated. (ie, fleas, ticks, mites, mange, hookworms, roundworms, etc) I guess what I'm trying to say, is talk to your vet, local animal shelter, rescue groups, and maybe even a few dog trainers (many of them are in rescue work) A little research can go a long way. Good luck.

Monique - posted on 11/24/2010

I had a Brittany Spaniel growing up which was the best family dog. They were medium sized (mine was at most 30-35 lbs. She was loving, fun, caring, compassionate and easy going with kids. She was a great family dog.

Erika - posted on 11/24/2010

I agree with everyone that puppies are a lot of work, but totally worth it!! I've had a few breeds. Beagles are amazing. Great with kids and very loyal. They do need daily walks but it sounds like you are up for that. They love to sleep in bed or cuddle on the couch. An all around great dog!! :)

Laurey - posted on 11/24/2010

I have a 13 month old. We have a little bit of land and we have 2 cats, 3 dogs, 2 horses and 2 rabbits and we cope just fine. On top of that I'm a wildlife carer so usually have the odd koala or possum floating around. You just have to make sure the child is well supervised. Make sure you pick up the dog poos regularly. We do it outside 1-2 times per day even if out daughter isnt outside. And just remember puppies do tend to bit/chew and could possibly nip the child in playing. Make sure the puppy has its own area where it can safely be put when you arent there to superivse it with your child. Other than that I'd personally not reccomend a cocker spaniel (or cross) or any type of poodle. Something like a cavelier king charles would be a good smaller size dog. They seem to be placid and gentle. Good luck!

Rachael - posted on 11/24/2010

Don't take the decision lightly! We got our dog when our little boys was 3 months old and it was (and still is) like having another child. At least an hour of everyday has to be dedicated to burning some of our dogs energy off (think if you really have that time spare? with a lot of dogs a walk just won't cut it, it needs to be a run or time off the lead chasing a ball). Do your research on what different breads have been bread for e.g. terriers have been bread to be snappy not a trait you want with small children around. Also, find a bread that doesn't shed. Most importantly think what you will do when you go on holiday or when your little one goes to school? Our dog has become so used to having constant company that he just gets terribly upset when he is left alone. Good luck!

Jen - posted on 11/24/2010

We have a pug who is great with our handicapped daughter. He's 5. Our French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix puppy, 3 months, is good with her too but too excited sometimes and has hurt her twice now jumping around and trying to play. No serious injuries, just some bumps and bruises, but once he matures a little I know he'll be great.

Michelle - posted on 11/24/2010

My husband and I started our family with a Labrador Retriever about 9 years ago and then we later decided to have children who are now 6 & 3 and our Chocolate Lab was just wonderful through it all. I would call Labrador Retriever's a middle of the road size for a dog.

Sherri - posted on 11/24/2010

Kate not sure where you are from but here they do extensive behavior evaluations before they put any dog up for adoption from our shelter. They test for any food/treat aggressions, loud noises, loud people, crying babies, young children playing, also how they react to other animals. If they fail any of these things they are deemed unadoptable and are put down or extensively fostered and worked with to over come what they failed in testing.

Yvonne M - posted on 11/24/2010

Maltese are very good dogs, I have had mine since my son was a little over 2yr and he can do anything to him. Or maybe i got lucky. i hear puggs are good dogs too! Good luck and you hunt!!!!

Heather - posted on 11/24/2010

A Beagle! I would also Kennel train what ever dog that you buy, so that when they are left alone, they will be happy to go in their kennel (their little safe place) when you leave. Rat Terriers are also good pets! They love people and kids and they are small and love to cuddle under the covers with you!

Mandy - posted on 11/24/2010

I agree with Julie ..a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect breed! They r really cute, nice and small and have excellent temprements. Ours is the perfect pet, she loves cuddles and is so soppy. She is brilliant with my little baby, but do supervise an older baby so that they don't pull its tail or accidently hurt it. puppies r hard wk but compared to other breeds I found my dog relatively easy to train. Try to get one where the breeder has already started toilet training to newspaper. My dog didn't even chew things up as most do. It's nice to rehome a shelter dog but you have to beware of its history. We loved bringing one up from a puppy which is probably why she's loving & trusting of us!

Georgia - posted on 11/24/2010

We recently got a Boxer. We had to put our last one down in July. He was the best dog. My kids are 8 and 2 1/2 so they really cant hurt him by being to rough. I do have to keep an eye on him when my 2 year old is playing with him because he my accidently play to rough with her being he's only 5 month's old. He is very good with my kids though!!

Sue - posted on 11/24/2010

oh DEFINATELY a king charles spaniel. well known to be good with children. ive had 2 & they r fab lil dogs!

Yvonne - posted on 11/24/2010

I haven't read many other emails sent to you, but i can see that a few have suggested waiting till your child is older - very good advice.
Dogs are kids, they need a lot of attention too.
Don't just think that a dog addition to the famly will make it perfect - it may not.
You need to train it, professional is always the best way to go about it - there's so much you don't think you'll need to teach it until a professional tells you about it. Its not just about sit, and be play nice. i would recommand a 'No treats' class otherwise your dog will also beg for food and treats, plus its bribery!
Dogs need solising, manners, to respect everyone in the family and visits, other dogs and pasersby. they need to know that they are not Alpha (in charge) but you are - the main person who will be with them. YOU. Are you strong enough to control a dog? HAve you had a dog before? If so and that dog was great - NEVER think that your next dog will be the same - every dog is different.
Will you be walking it everyday - no matter what the weather. WIll you give the dog the attention it needs. Do you live in a flat or house with a garden? What will you do about the poo in your garden when your child in running around the same garden?
Are you sure your child is not allergic - if your not sure then visit places where you can be around dogs to make sure.
Do other people in the house agree with you to getting a dog and will they help when you can't.
What will you do when you go aboard or on holiday where dogs are not permitted?
Are you financial stable to afford a dog. They are not cheap. Once you've brought it theres Yearly jabs that must be kept up to date, unexpected vet bills such as cuts and scraps, teeth infections - the list is unless. Food, food bowls, bedding, toys (treats which you will def want to give). Thens here insurance (covers vet bills, medicine, and accidents from being it by a car, to accidents at home) ITs an endless financial tie.
There are many more questions that you need to ask yourself before you buy it.
Definately read as many books as you can about dogs - a training book to give you some idea on what is really needed in training it.
Definately look at your finance, and your time you can give to your dog. Everyone needs to be able to control the dog, so all should understand that training is a major part.
Dog size and type is down to you, size of house and garden, how often can you walk it, Short hair, long hair, slabbery with drull or no drull!!!!
i have a big dog - i knew a lot about what i wanted from him before i got him.
He was going to be trained properly, and know that i was alpha, and that no treats were allowed. I looked around and found the right one (home visits part of the deal if needed)
He was going to sleep in his bed at night, not go on the furniture, and know that i was boss. He would eat from his bowl - no matter whether it was his dinner or lft overs, or treats.
he would be walked twice a dog, and would use one area in our garden where he would use as a toilet ( we made a sandpit for him in the corner and no one goes in it - it needs cleaning up regurlary, and sand needs changing often - but my garden is poo and wee free)
There were things that didn't go to plan. I wanted in a kennel if we went away - but he barked the whole week we were away and they said that it wasn't best for him, now i have to relie on friends and family to look after him which i hate because he's my responsiblity.
His stomach is bad so he's on expensive vet food and tablets for life - our insurance covers its for a certain amount of time but then its all out of our pockets.
I got him before i had kids - he adapted very well whent he kids came, he dropped down the heirachy list to bottom, but his routine has never changed. He is always walked twice a day, first thing in the morning, then in the afternoon, then my husband takes him for a last quick walk up the road before bed.
I brought him (600) then spent another 100 on him to get him sorted with bed, food, bowls and toys, then he got ill, we found out he needed specail food, after he saw a specailist several time at a large expense. We could afford all this as i was working, now i;m not and money sometimes is tight.
What i'm saying is that there are always the unexpected - never think that you canshould do it because a puppy will make your family perfect.
Read up, speak to people and keep on open mind.
Best of luck
Yvonne

Maureen - posted on 11/24/2010

I would highly suggest a Basset Hound. I have one since he is 4months old. I was work until he hit a year old and it has been nothing but great since. He gets along great with all other dogs and cats and just loves children. If you are looking for a mellow dog, Basset Hound is the way to go..I just love my Buddy...

Caitlin - posted on 11/24/2010

Just no hunting breeds. They stay dingy until age 3. They run if they catch a scent. They dont care if you are half naked with a towel on your head and the baby is playing alone.

Tonia - posted on 11/24/2010

Search petfinder.com. You can search the shelters there too, or go to your local animal shelter. There are tons of sweet dogs, many of them great breeds, that are being dropped off b/c owners can no longer afford to keep them. We have 2 mix poodle/jack russell/shitzu that are very sweet. If you can, get two so they can keep each other company when you are gone and play together outside. I don't think it's any harder than having one and I don't feel so bad when I leave for a while.

Nancy - posted on 11/24/2010

I would wait. Puppies have to be potty trained, leash trained, etc....they bite when playing and could injure your baby. Not to mention a toddler hugging, hitting and squeezing on a little puppy could be dangerous for the puppy. I lost my old dog and got a pom puppy when my son was 16 months old and it has been a circus of frustration and chaos. Not only do I not have time to properly train the puppy because my son takes up all my time, but he has taken to chasing the puppy (now a year old and son is 2) and bopping him on the head with toys or laying on top of the puppy and squishing him. It's a constant struggle to get the boy to play nice and be gentle, train the puppy and keep my sanity. Plus we have a 3 year old labrador! I recommend you wait. I should have!! 4 years old would probably have been better.

Melissa - posted on 11/24/2010

I totally do not agree with most of the moms saying wait... we got a puppy when our son was 2 weeks old.. I thought a few times the puppy would not make it another day but it has been the BEST thing we ever did. My son loes our dog and the dog loves our son. We have a beagle and he is the BEST! He can be a little hyper but so can our son so they are hyper together.. lol I say if you are up for the task then go for it. Just remember they do cost lots of money.. I would definitely call around to vet offices and find out what it would cost to get puppy shots, get them neutered, and yearly meds that they need before making the decision fully! Good luck with your new addition! lol

Felicia - posted on 11/24/2010

I would not put a small dog with children as they tend to be nippers. i have had labs and shepards for 30 years. kids and grandkids love them and they love the kids. labs are great for people who live in townhouses.

Tracey - posted on 11/24/2010

We have a cavalier king Charles spaniel and he is a wonderful family dog. Loves cuddles, tolerates the kids enthusiasm (!), loves to fetch a ball when they throw it for him and loves his walks. Not very big and doesn't eat a lot. We all love him.