the right dog with kids????

amyjtyrrell

Hi all,
We are looking into get a puppy to add to the family.
I have a one and a half year old little boy & I'd love for him to grow up with a dog.
Both me and my partner have never had a dog ourselves so we are a bit clueless.
Just looking for advice on what breed of dog to get....
I'd like it to be small and not to shed. We are planning on keeping d dog mostly indoors. It obviously would have to be good natured with kids too.

Any advice????????

Thanks in advance :-)

ABajaninCork

A Shih Tzu is the answer!

Doesn't shed, doesn't need much walking (well, unless you're got one like mine who likes 5 mile walkies! ), great with kids, very affectionate and a wonderful companion. They just LOVE to play and never grow up. Great watchdog too!!

Downsides? If you're not careful they will rule you with a rod of iron, so socialisation and training classes are important. Grooming is also important. You need to commit to brushing the dog out at least every other day and a trip to the groomer every six weeks to be clipped and groomed.

I recommended the breed to my friend in London who wanted a dog for her granddaughter. She got one, and has never been happier. Dog is great with the child, very patient and a great companion to my friend. She's totally won over by them.

Choose your dog carefully, and you'll have a wonderful companion for many years. Shih Tzu are very hardy and can live for 15-17 years.

Good luck!

liamjones1954

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ABajaninCork

Whatever breed you get, DON'T buy from Done Deal!!

Zulu

If you've never had a dog, you really have no idea the amount of work, time and patience involved. Lets just get that out of the way. Can I suggest that before you look at breeds, you consider the animal first? (perhaps you've already done this) Ultimately every dog is different irregardless of breed, and a lot (if not nearly all) of it come down to you and your relationship with the dog - so is it really a dog you want? Are you up for the responsibility?

Do not get a dog if it's "just for" your child. You are the one taking it in, therefore you are the one responsible. You'll need to walk it daily (irregardless of weather) you'll need to train it and you'll need to make sure it's safe. All that will be on you. So research, research, research...

And with that out of the way, there is no "right" dog breed for children. But some breeds tend to be more accepting of children than others. Some are less possive than others etc.. I have a two year old Labrador and a 3 month old daughter. Our lab is perfect, but that's because I NEVER EVER EVER leave them unsupervised. EVER. EVER EVER. Labs are traditionally considered good with kids/family dogs, but they are also working dogs. Because I have a working dog, I need to do a 40-60mins walk everyday (and yesterday it was bloody cold let me tell you) without fail. If I don't then the dog will expell her energy in different ways - and read different ways as being mischievous.

I have to go now, but I'll finish this later.

kylith

Be aware that smaller dogs aren't necessarily better for children. They can be hurt by accident quite easily, and some breeds with high prey drives, like some terriers, may get overexcited by children running and squealing and may bite.

If I were getting a puppy myself, and I had a young child, I'd probably look at spaniels; cockers and springers especially, or a staffie. My brother has a Lab X Beagle (i think that's what she is) that's an absolute dote with kids, really gentle; even the children who are nervous of dogs love her.

RoryMurphyJnr

Certainly wouldn't be getting any small breed of dog.

We got a Male Golden Retriever when our lad was 1.5yrs.
Nice to see them growing up and they are the best of pals.
The dog will come in if the wee lad is crying to see if he's ok.

when we were checking out getting a dog, pretty much every breed other than a Retriever and a Lab were off the table

that's my 2 cents worth

borderlinemeath

kylith wrote: »

Be aware that smaller dogs aren't necessarily better for children. They can be hurt by accident quite easily, and some breeds with high prey drives, like some terriers, may get overexcited by children running and squealing and may bite.

+1

And also smaller dogs are much easier manhandled by children, kids will want to pick the dog up, which isn't necessarily what the dog wants. A child can't read the dogs body language so it's up to you to maintain close supervision.

The Pheasant

I wouldn't get a small breed, in my experience they're much more nippy than larger dogs

amyjtyrrell

Thank you for all your replys.
Although I have never had a dog I am preparing myself for it to be like having another child coz nothing can be Harder than kids and at least if it's much easier i will b pleasantly surprised!!!!!!!

Will defiently do some research on ****z zus they look really cute!!!!

As for walking the dog I hope the dog can keep up wit me !!!!! I myself need to be walked daily so be nice to have a friend that enjoys it too!!!!!!!!

Think the best solution js to visit a dog shelter and see how it goes from there.
Thanks for the advice guys :-)

Manach

Labradors I've found always to be playful yet restrained around children.

ABajaninCork

Didn't the OP say she wanted a low/non shed dog???

Knine

The Pheasant wrote: »

I wouldn't get a small breed, in my experience they're much more nippy than larger dogs

Rubbish. You could also say larger dogs are more likely to knock over a child. The reality is that with proper training there are lots of breeds or crossbreeds that would make an excellent pet. This is regardless of size.

amyjtyrrell

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Didn't the OP say she wanted a low/non shed dog???

Yes defiently a dog that doesn't shed. The plan is to mostly keep the dog indoors but for it not to be afraid of the back garden either!!!!!

amyjtyrrell

Knine wrote: »

Rubbish. You could also say larger dogs are more likely to knock over a child. The reality is that with proper training there are lots of breeds or crossbreeds that would make an excellent pet. This is regardless of size.

Good point I also feel that i would even be a little nervous with a big dog and a small child. I would also feel a bit nervous walking a big dog. Like if the dog got over excited would I be able control it as with a small dog at least I would be more in control ...... Hopefully!!!!!!!!!

amyjtyrrell

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Whatever breed you get, DON'T buy from Done Deal!!

Have you had a bad experience?????

Nody

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Have you had a bad experience?????

Read the sticky on puppy farms; that's the main reason most people in this forum would not recommend DD or similar pages.

Knine

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Good point I also feel that i would even be a little nervous with a big dog and a small child. I would also feel a bit nervous walking a big dog. Like if the dog got over excited would I be able control it as with a small dog at least I would be more in control ...... Hopefully!!!!!!!!!

What I actually mean is that both small and large dogs can make great pets. I have both. Definitely my young children find the smaller dogs easier, however the child needs just as much training as the dogs!

They must always be supervised together.

kylith

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Will defiently do some research on ****z zus they look really cute!!!!

As for walking the dog I hope the dog can keep up wit me !!!!! I myself need to be walked daily so be nice to have a friend that enjoys it too!!!!!!!!

Think the best solution js to visit a dog shelter and see how it goes from there.
Thanks for the advice guys :-)

From the few shi-tzus I've known they're not much for walking; 20 mins a couple of times a day is all they need, so if you walk a lot a more active breed would be better.

A friend of mine who works in a vets has told me in the past that they're one of the breeds most likely to bite, but that could be more down to upbringing.

Kloecor

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Hi all,
We are looking into get a puppy to add to the family.
I have a one and a half year old little boy & I'd love for him to grow up with a dog.
Both me and my partner have never had a dog ourselves so we are a bit clueless.
Just looking for advice on what breed of dog to get....
I'd like it to be small and not to shed. We are planning on keeping d dog mostly indoors. It obviously would have to be good natured with kids too.

Any advice????????

Thanks in advance :-)

Such a difficult question!! Do you know what sized dog you want or does that matter? People always say not to get a big dog as they are much more difficult but from my experience of having huge dogs to toy dogs, the bigger ones are FAR more smarter and calm!

I would get a bichon frise if you're going for a small dog and maybe something like a labradoodle if you want a big one. Both are non shed and are cute!

I've gotten all my dogs from the dog shelter. Go there and they the person in charge and they will suggest suitable dogs. Main thing with shelters is to just be patient. It tooks me two months for my best friend to show up in the pound and he's AMAZING! And the same with my mam's Bichon Frise. We love them so much and it feels great to give a dog in need and lovely home.

And it's a great idea to have your child to grow up with a dog. It was probably the best thing my parents did for me and my siblings when we were growing up :-)

Duvetdays

I grew up with a black lab and he was the best dog one could want we had him from when I was one up until I was about 13 he was a stray we took in. I couldn't recommend one enough although they do shed somewhat. We also had a ****zu he was the nastiest most horrible little thing he put me right off them. I currently have a westie and she's great and hardy and doesn't shed but I do fear they can be a nippy breed with children.

Currently my gran has a Tibetan terrier x she also doesn't really shed and is an extremely pleasent friendly dog.

Keep in mind that certain breeds need to be groomed 2/3 times per year and it can be quite costly.

amyjtyrrell

I have just been researching and came upon havanese dogs????? They are adorable and seem very friendly has anyone got one??? X

Justask

If your a walker as u say my opinion is a springer. The most gentle dog with kids.
But ALL dogs have to be supervised as I'm sure u know.
Best of luck with whatever u go for

andreac

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

I have just been researching and came upon havanese dogs????? They are adorable and seem very friendly has anyone got one??? X

They arent a very common breed so you wont source one too easy in Ireland. Plus they would be quite costly as well.

They are quite expensive as well to buy as there wouldnt be too many breeding them.
If you like that type of dog then i suggest a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu. Quite similar type of dog and a lot easier to find.

ABajaninCork

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Have you had a bad experience?????

No. I was lucky. I got mine from Done Deal. In my defence, I hadn't been in the country long, and had no real knowledge where to get the dog. But I've had dogs before and knew what to look for. We also made sure we saw the dog with the dam and sire and checked out the environment he was kept in. There's good and bad breeders everywhere, whether they're registered with the IKC or not.

The reason why I told you to steer clear of DD is that you don't know anything about dogs, and had never had one before. Do your research, check out dog shows and speak to a vet.

ABajaninCork

kylith wrote: »

From the few shi-tzus I've known they're not much for walking; 20 mins a couple of times a day is all they need, so if you walk a lot a more active breed would be better.

That is true of SOME of the breed. Not mine!! I've just come back from a four mile walk with my fella. He's been watered, fed, and is now bothering me to play with his squeaky toy!!

kylith wrote: »

A friend of mine who works in a vets has told me in the past that they're one of the breeds most likely to bite, but that could be more down to upbringing.

Yes, it's down to upbringing. ANY dog can bite if nervous. Shih Tzu are no more likely to bite than a Dobie or Alsatian. That is why the dog needs to be socialised early.

andreac wrote: »

They arent a very common breed so you wont source one too easy in Ireland. Plus they would be quite costly as well.

They are quite expensive as well to buy as there wouldnt be too many breeding them.
If you like that type of dog then i suggest a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu. Quite similar type of dog and a lot easier to find.

True. We once met a gentleman in town who was talking to us about our dog. He had a Havanese and showed us pictures. The dog is lovely!! Mind you - she ought to have been. This gentleman told us he paid £1500 for her and brought her over from the UK. Apparently, there is only one breeder in Ireland who is (I think) based in Waterford.

cocker5

Personally I think a lot has to do with the “rearing” (if that word is appropriate here) of a dog.

Yes there are certain breed more family friendly than others, a lot has to do with socialisation / family integration and training of a dog andalso the personally of the dog itself -they are similar to humans they have personalities and are all different– just myopinion.


I have a wonderful cocker who would make an amazing family pet he is excellent with kids (of all ages) and an all-round lovely fella, and I have met tons of lovely cockers, BUT I have also met some grumpy / snappy cockers too… so it all depends really.


I’m probably going to go against the gain here and say I wouldn’tget a puppy if I had a young child / baby.

Personally I would wait until your child (children) is 5 orso a year and a half is far too young and at 5 they can still grow up together no problem.

A puppy will play bite and knock your child over with boisterous behaviour (perfectly normal) and your baby / child will pull / hurt the puppy and annoy the puppy (perfectly normal too until they know better) but a combination of both being so young and neither understand boundaries could lead to issues . That’s just what I think.


Also again not meaning to sound patronising but if neither of you have owned a dog before I wouldn’t recommend getting one with a very young child. If you decide to have another child… will you have time for two childrenand a puppy / young dog? Many many people decide they don’t and the dog becomes disposable at this point, A dog is a 15 year commitment…. Don’t mean to sound harsh im just pointing out all considerations.


I have grown up with dogs my entire life as has my hubby, we got our own dog aged 25/26 and we were in for a shock, the first two years were very trying (for all 3 of us)… we hadn’t anticipated all the work, time, money,energy, consideration etc. that goes in to actually solely owing a dog (notbeing my family dog etc.), I would personally get a cat / kitten if I were you.They require a lot less training etc… and your child still gets a lovely pet.


Best of luck with whatever you guys decide.

Magenta

In my opinion, the reason smaller dogs tend to be more snappy is because of how they are treated.

Small dog growls, or is lunging on the leash at another dog "Oh, he's so cute! The little man that thinks he can!". Dog at most gets a tut-tut like a child would.

Big dog growls, or is lunging on the leash at another dog "Oh, he's DANGEROUS!!!". Dog is disciplined.

Even as regards jumping up. Small dogs that jump up are treated as cute, big dogs are treated as a problem.

fatmammycat

Magenta wrote: »

In my opinion, the reason smaller dogs tend to be more snappy is because of how they are treated.

Small dog growls, or is lunging on the leash at another dog "Oh, he's so cute! The little man that thinks he can!". Dog at most gets a tut-tut like a child would.

Big dog growls, or is lunging on the leash at another dog "Oh, he's DANGEROUS!!!". Dog is disciplined.

Even as regards jumping up. Small dogs that jump up are treated as cute, big dogs are treated as a problem.

This! A thousand times this. I've had a number of snappy yappies come up to me and my GSD, giving it socks, and the owners laugh and say odd things like 'oh, your dog could have him for breakfast!' Er, I know that, please control your animal.

Ziegfeldgirl27

Just be aware that if you are interested in Shih Tzus or Lhasa Apsos, they require a LOT of grooming.

DBB

One more thing to bear in mind OP, given that you've indicated that you'll go to a shelter to get a dog.
With a young child, I would steer clear of shelters... they simply can't tell you enough of what you need to know about a prospective dog. Shelter accommodation is not particularly conducive to getting an accurate idea of what a dog is like in a home environment, with kids, with the postman, in the car, with vacuum cleaners etc etc. Dogs living in kennels are often quite inhibited, and may not start to show their true colours until they're settled in a new home.
However, a reputable rescue organisation who places their dogs into foster care is a much better option. The dog is still coming from the pound, but it spends some time in a "half-way house" (fostercare) so that it can be assessed in any or all of the above scenarios. If you go for an adult dog, it'll be neutered already for you, vaccinated, microchipped etc. In other words, this is a great way to get a dog from the pound, but also to know what you're getting.
I'd agree that a puppy with a small child is a huge amount to take on, and I wouldn't advise it. Puppies are VERY hard work (I've heard more than one experienced mother say that pups are harder work than babies... though the hard work doesn't last as long!), and the combination of a baby dog with a baby human is not for the faint hearted. You'd have two babies, and one of them has very sharp teeth.. not a good combination.
So, I think a young adult, and if you're going down the rescue route, go for a reputable rescue that fosters.

If you're going for a purebred dog, I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the Cavalier King Charles! A tad prone to health problems (but then many purebreds are, and if you go to a good breeder you should minimise the risks), but as a general rule they're tremendously biddable. They're not enormous shedders either, though they do shed.
Finally, because I have to say this... not a Westie . Definitely, not a Westie. Any terrier, in fact, is a higher risk.

Edited to add: I had meant to say at the start of my post, but forgot! You're off to a good start OP, doing your research before you take the plunge is so important (you'd be surprised at how many owners only discover their dog is of a breed that is not known for being good with kids, after their dog has bitten one of the kids). So, kudos to you for trying to find out more!