the right dog with kids????

westies4ever

DBB wrote: »

There's always someone who tells me of the westie they know who loves kids, etc etc. But one swallow does not a summer make, and I did specifically say there are always exceptions.
However, as a general rule, westies just don't have the patience and tolerance to live with small children day in, day out. For every one exception I'm told about, I can show you 7 or 8 westies who confirm what I say. You might be surprised at how many Westies are surrendered to rescue due to "issues" with children, or other issues which would make them unsuitable to live with children in the future.

This 100 times over. In fact the rescue where I got my lad from will not rehome a westie to families with children under 10. He was given up at 4 months old as that stage he was already deemed 'aggressive'. Hes not, hes just impatient and doesnt like to be annoyed.

Incidentally, the person who gave him up, had ony ever had king charles before. They wanted a westie as the puppies are so cute. However, his strength, stubborness and wilfulness them totally by surprise.

Westies also take a lot more exercise than you'd think, they are strong, sturdy dogs who can go for hours. Then you have the potential skin issues and food allergies which take patience and work. They bark loads as well at anything that moves - I wouldnt want to have a napping baby in the house thats for sure.

But, I'll finish by saying that to me they are the greatest breeds, hearts like lions!

westies4ever

Swanner wrote: »

So true Sums them up perfectly.

+1 on boxers. have yet to meet one that wasnt a loveable big goof!

Sensual Cucumber

A lot of people are scared by the look of a German Shepard but in my experience they are a wonderful family dog. There was 2 babies in the house when we were growing up all through their childhood the dog was never a problem, she had her tail pulled, stood on and never as mush as bared her teeth. She was a great dog for the kids, always willing to play with them and she genuinely loved their company, or any humans company for that matter.

A tip when you get a dog whatever it may be. Its what my dad did. When he went to the pound he brought a doggie biscuit with him. He went to the litter of German Shepards and threw the biscuit in. 5 out or the 6 fought for the biscuit while one sat looking sorry for herself in the corner..and the rest was history..Absolute stunning dog

Also they are extremely loyal and an excellent guard dog, every house on our road was broken into at some stage over the years but never ours!

Queen-Mise

westies4ever wrote: »

I agree with DBB's sentiments on the westies. And on researching the breed my male seems to be the norm, rather than the exception.

DBB wrote: »

There's always someone who tells me of the westie they know who loves kids, etc etc. But one swallow does not a summer make, and I did specifically say there are always exceptions.

I wonder if it is the mix part of my lad that makes him so pleasant. I lucked out with my two though - they are especially tolerant with children.

But then terriers are notoriously fickle. It could easily have gone the other way though.

Point taken on breeding of our bitch - have to bring the cat and dog down to be neutered soon. Might book them in week after Easter - as have no car weekdays any more.

OK a more general question - how much of a dogs 'character' is breed, i.e. nature vs. nurture. How much is their rearing and how much is integral to their breed?

Dietsquirt

ABajaninCork wrote: »

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

Why is that? My partner and i have been looking on DoneDeal and there seems to be some genuine breeders out there.
I'm not trolling by the way

ABajaninCork

Dietsquirt wrote: »

Why is that? My partner and i have been looking on DoneDeal and there seems to be some genuine breeders out there.
I'm not trolling by the way

Read my previous posts on this thread...

strandroad

Dietsquirt wrote: »

Why is that? My partner and i have been looking on DoneDeal and there seems to be some genuine breeders out there.
I'm not trolling by the way

Genuine breeders have bookings for months ahead, they have no business being on donedeal...

cena

I would go with a lab. well be very loyal to the kids

ThisRegard

Ziegfeldgirl27 wrote: »

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

Keep them trimmed short and they're not that bad, less upkeep actually in terms of shedding breeds.

ABajaninCork

ThisRegard wrote: »

Keep them trimmed short and they're not that bad, less upkeep actually in terms of shedding breeds.

You still need to brush out the dog at least every other day.

Mountainsandh

Hi OP, I have a shih tzu x bichon, got him off Done Deal, but I spent months looking at ads and ruling out the ones that were "regular"(puppy farms) (easy to spot), and the ones that looked dodgy. I got a very happy, healthy, full of beans little dog, family friendly, and well balanced.

I think shih tzu crosses are great, but I've read that some might inherit traits from the other side of the cross, and that might cancel out the non shed part if you see what I mean.

In our case our little fellow is totally non shed. He goes to the groomers every six to 8 weeks, with a few home baths in between since he likes his fox-poo cologne and tends to roll in it .
The groomer knows what trim we like now, and we keep the hair nice and short, he looks great, and it's only from the 5/6th week that he might need an odd brushing.

He's brilliant with the kids, heartbroken when they're in school, and chafing to go collect them every day. He's ok to leave for a bit (3/4 hours), but I had read that shih tzus were real family dogs and liked to take part in every bit of family life, and that's proving totally true, he's happier with us, on a lap, anywhere we go.
He loves his walkies, and is well able for them, but is also content to just potter around the garden and stay in on a rainy day.

He definitely kept the stubbornness from the shih tzu side, and although we have taught him the basic tricks, he will learn on his own terms only, and can be a right spoiled pet at times demanding your attention.

I have to say though, OP, at the time I really wanted that kind of cross, and a pup, and went for Done Deal because I thought rescues would never have them, but now I am after following a few rescues on Facebook, and realize that I could have got a pup that fitted the bill from them too.

And so I am a bit sorry I didn't go for a rescue dog. It's worth checking out your local rescues, they do get all kinds of dogs, pups too, you might want to follow them for a while and let them know the kind of dog you are looking for.

It is like having another child around the house, especially at the start, but now our Gizmo is more than a year old, and he has come a long way. Now all I have to deal with as a pet mum is the shredded tissues and teddies insides lying around, and the fun boisterousness of youth. We never had a dog before either so were like you, and we love it now, love him to bits, he's part of the family.
Hope you find the right dog for you.

amyjtyrrell

In our case our little fellow is totally non shed. He goes to the groomers every six to 8 weeks, with a few home baths in between since he likes his fox-poo cologne and tends to roll in it .
The groomer knows what trim we like now, and we keep the hair nice and short, he looks great, and it's only from the 5/6th week that he might need an odd brushing.


Do you mind me asking is it expensive to bring the dog to the groomers???

It's nice to hear from someone who hasnt had a dog before and is so happy with their dog now :-)
I am a stay at home mam so there is someone at home quiet a lot but someday I do go out with my mam or a friend for the day and could be gone for many hours. I'm just wondering what do you do with the dog when this happens luckily it won't happen with us that often but I'd feel guilty leaving the poor lil thing for an entire day :-(

ISDW

ABajaninCork wrote: »

You can:

• Check out dog shows (Ask andreac or ISDW, I think they show dogs and can advise)
  

I don't show dogs, don't think I could take someone telling me that my dog isn't the best one there :P

Seaneh

Just wanted to say the best breed I've encountered with kids has been the staffie.

I've never met a staffie that doesn't love people in general and especially kids.

Our current girl is coming up to her 5th birthday this summer and has been nothing but a joy. I have a lot of younger cousins and she's always amazing with them. In parts of England staffies were commonly known as nanny dogs as they are so well known for their love of kids, even toddlers. They are just the most affectionate, people loving dogs I've ever come across. We'd had labs and retrievers all my life growing up and they were great with us as kids and with my little sisters after me but our staffie is just whole other level of patience and gentleness with kids.

Dirty Dingus McGee

Bassett Hounds have a lovely temperment and would be great for children I would think, they just love people.

Mountainsandh

Do you mind me asking is it expensive to bring the dog to the groomers???



I could be gone for many hours. I'm just wondering what do you do with the
dog when this happens luckily it won't happen with us that often but I'd feel
guilty leaving the poor lil thing for an entire day :-(

My groomers usually charges me around 30 euros (That's in a small town in the South East). There has been one instance when I had let him get a bit shaggier, and it cost me 40 euros just that one time. You're better off bringing them on a regular basis, before they get matted, so that it takes her less time and you are charged less.

I know about the guilt trip, that's the reason I usually don't leave him more than 4 hours, but I reckon he'd be ok for longer too. It's just that I'd feel bad. I'm going away soon and my Mum will be looking after him and the kids, and I know that there may be times when she might leave him a bit longer, I'm sure he'll be grand though.

Maybe if you had someone who could call the odd time if you leave him longer ?

Grandpa Hassan

We have a staffie, known as the 'Nanny dog', and he and my young kids are best friends. I would highly recommend them.

http://www.battersea.org.uk/dogs/staffies.html

There is a misconception around them, which is why Battersea dogs home and the Kennel Club in the UK had a campaign to try to educate people about their intelligence and affection to kids. And I can confirm that the message on the link is spot on

And he needs no grooming other than a brush and the odd bath

fatmammycat

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

Bassett Hounds have a lovely temperment and would be great for children I would think, they just love people.

Oh no, my friend had one for years and he detested children. They're incredibly single-minded sensitive dogs really, stubborn too and don't like any rough handling. I wouldn't put them with children under 10 if it was me. Plus they shed constantly and have that lovely old 'hound' smell.

andreac

I agree, i wouldnt recommend a Bassett at all. Very stubborn and head strong dogs and wouldnt make a great family pet to be honest. Not to mention the problems they have with their ears.

Vel

We had labs when we were kids and I see a few people recommending them on this thread. Due to dodgy breeding going on a lot of them don't have the great temperaments anymore that they were once renowned for. I've met quite a few cranky young labs recently. I think its very important if going for a lab these days to do lots and lots of research and find a good breeder. There are plenty of pups available but I wouldn't touch most of them with a bargepole :eek:

DBB

Vel wrote: »

We had labs when we were kids and I see a few people recommending them on this thread. Due to dodgy breeding going on a lot of them don't have the great temperaments anymore that they were once renowned for. I've met quite a few cranky young labs recently. I think its very important if going for a lab these days to do lots and lots of research and find a good breeder. There are plenty of pups available but I wouldn't touch most of them with a bargepole :eek:

+1
This is such an important thing to know OP, or anyone else looking for a child-friendly breed. Labradors and Golden Retrievers, once the most solid and reliable of breeds, have definitely developed a tendency towards behaviours they're not traditionally known and adored for, presumably because of poor breeding and insufficient early socialisation.
So definitely, anyone reading this thread who is thinking of either breed, there are still some super dogs of these breeds out there, but just tread carefully!

Inexile

going to chuck my tuppenth worth in and recommend a Greyhound. They are generally an easy dog, low shed, low exercise requirements, spent a lot of time sleeping so wont be bounding around the house and good to walk on a lead.

The only negative is they need to be house dogs - they dont do well living outside so you need to manage your time around them. I would suggest that one that came from a foster home or a rescue that knows their dogs very well would be best.

There is a group that arranges strolls for all sighthounds in Dublin and another areas which aims show off these dogs good points and allows potential adopters to go along and get a feel for the breed. Nice day out even if you decide they are not for you.

ThisRegard

ABajaninCork wrote: »

You still need to brush out the dog at least every other day.

Depends on the cut, we have one of each with a short cut and they don't need brushing until they start getting long again and by then they're due back in the groomers anyway.

iPearly

If this helps. When my son was aproaching two years we got a Yorkshire terrier. Not a miniature one ( you don't have to worry about stepping on it) She is full grown and weighs 4 kilo. We keep her indoors, she doesn't really shed as we give her a good brushing regularly. I can go run five kilometres and she can keep up. Other times she'll paddle around with a group of kids for hours and they all have a ball.
She was the best pet we could have gotten and never ever showed bad temper or
aggression. She's extremely playful and doesn't need to be asked twice to bring a toy. Loves fetching, chasing and hiding games. She is very easy to maintain as her hair can be kept long and they still look great. We trust her completely
around all kids and so does everyone else.
My son is 6 now and just as in
the very first few days, their relationship is special.

I hope you consider a Yorke

dave1982

Inexile wrote: »

going to chuck my tuppenth worth in and recommend a Greyhound. They are generally an easy dog, low shed, low exercise requirements, spent a lot of time sleeping so wont be bounding around the house and good to walk on a lead.

The only negative is they need to be house dogs - they dont do well living outside so you need to manage your time around them. I would suggest that one that came from a foster home or a rescue that knows their dogs very well would be best.

There is a group that arranges strolls for all sighthounds in Dublin and another areas which aims show off these dogs good points and allows potential adopters to go along and get a feel for the breed. Nice day out even if you decide they are not for you.

A forgotten breed aren't they.A great pet:)

amyjtyrrell

iPearly wrote: »

If this helps. When my son was aproaching two years we got a Yorkshire terrier. Not a miniature one ( you don't have to worry about stepping on it) She is full grown and weighs 4 kilo. We keep her indoors, she doesn't really shed as we give her a good brushing regularly. I can go run five kilometres and she can keep up. Other times she'll paddle around with a group of kids for hours and they all have a ball.
She was the best pet we could have gotten and never ever showed bad temper or
aggression. She's extremely playful and doesn't need to be asked twice to bring a toy. Loves fetching, chasing and hiding games. She is very easy to maintain as her hair can be kept long and they still look great. We trust her completely
around all kids and so does everyone else.
My son is 6 now and just as in
the very first few days, their relationship is special.

I hope you consider a Yorke

That's great to hear from all the research iv been doin a cookie is Yeh dog we have been leaning more towards I think they ste beautiful :-)

Did you get yours as a pup or older dog??? A few people have told me not to get a dog as it could nip the baby as I have never had a dog I'm nit too sure in exactly wat a puppy is like and what age they stop teething at.....

We are goin to dogs Trust today just to look at the dogs and see how the little fella reacts to them :-)

ra0044

Inexile wrote: »

going to chuck my tuppenth worth in and recommend a Greyhound. They are generally an easy dog, low shed, low exercise requirements, spent a lot of time sleeping so wont be bounding around the house and good to walk on a lead.

The only negative is they need to be house dogs - they dont do well living outside so you need to manage your time around them. I would suggest that one that came from a foster home or a rescue that knows their dogs very well would be best.

There is a group that arranges strolls for all sighthounds in Dublin and another areas which aims show off these dogs good points and allows potential adopters to go along and get a feel for the breed. Nice day out even if you decide they are not for you.

Can i also throw in whippets to the mix.

Ours is the gentlest and funniest character and unbelievably patient with my two kids and the bevy of young cousins that take over our home at weekends.
Whipets are also very low maintenance and hed very little and are one of the few breeds of dogs that actively groom themselves because they hate getting dirty.
They also require only average walking and a good run once a week or so.

Can't recommend them highly enough

iPearly

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

That's great to hear from all the research iv been doin a cookie is Yeh dog we have been leaning more towards I think they ste beautiful :-)

Did you get yours as a pup or older dog??? A few people have told me not to get a dog as it could nip the baby as I have never had a dog I'm nit too sure in exactly wat a puppy is like and what age they stop teething at.....

We are goin to dogs Trust today just to look at the dogs and see how the little fella reacts to them :-)

Got bubbles (my son named her) when she was 12 weeks old I think. No problem with separation anxiety just a few cries
the first night. House trained on a nappy within a week. Really really easy. All they want is play in return.
Good luck
Photo attached-when she was a baby

ABajaninCork

Awww, she's soooo CUTE!!!

OP - do let us know how you got on today!

planetX

amyjtyrrell wrote: »

Did you get yours as a pup or older dog??? A few people have told me not to get a dog as it could nip the baby as I have never had a dog I'm nit too sure in exactly wat a puppy is like and what age they stop teething at.....

A puppy is going to nip - like mad. Your baby is only 18 months, it's really the worst age - old enough to be walking around the house, but low down enough for his face to be within reach. You'll have to be hypervigilant, a puppy will bite at the childs clothes, feet, possibly face. He will chew up toys, steal food, pee and poo everywhere. I don't think I could have handled my dog with a baby that age. My son was 10, old enough to be taught how to behave around the pup, and even he got a few bad bites.
Sorry to be negative, just think hard about it and make sure you can segregate the two completely if you aren't present.