Dog Information

Looking for help selecting suitable dog as a pet?

we are looking for a pet dog to complete our family. We have 2 young children age 3 & 1 so obviously must be very child friendly. Preferably short haired and non casting or very little casting if possible. Must not need tons of exercise but be able to enjoy a lot of exercise as we are active particularly at weekends and holidays. I would love a boxer but suspect too strong and liable to send kids flying etc? But I just love them and they are very loyal. Any suggestions and what they are based on would be extremely welcome! Thanks

Public Comments

1. a beagle they are very friendly family dogs and they are short haired
2. decker rat terrier
3. king Charles Cavalier http://www.cavaliers.co.uk/ Lazy and very Loving the Best
4. Good thinking on the large energetic dog-small children combination. If you go into a shelter or humane society, they will listen to your situation and be able to recommend a good breed, or even a good individual dog they have up for adoption right then. There are also a couple breed quizzes online that ask you a few questions about your lifestyle and what you're looking for, and recommend breeds for you. Good luck!
5. NO DOG, YOU HAVE A ONE-YEAR-OLD CHILD. YOU DON'T HAVE TIME FOR A DOG AND A ONE-YEAR-OLD!!!!!
6. There is only one way to choose a dog right for you, that is to research all the breeds you are thinking about getting, you have to choose a breed that is suited and fits your lifestyle...no one can tell you which breed is right for you, only you can decide that.. good luck go to http://www.americankennelclub.com and you can research every breed there, and the all breeders on this website are very reputable breeders and if you email them about a breed, they are more than happy to answer you. Here are some breeds to look at . Min. Schnauzer Standard Schnauzer neither one sheds, but does need to be groomed at least 2 times a month to keep nice coats, great with kids, loves active life, and very easy to house train and train for anything. also these breeds are great with kids... Akita Labs Golden Retrievers English Springer Spaniel Sheltie Bichon, does not shed either West Highland Terrier Welsh Corgi Pembroke, great little dogs Jack Russell Terrier but the website has hundreds of dogs to research
7. west highland white terrier we have a boy he is three and my little boy is one, they are great together, they dont need lots of exercise because they only have little legs, great with other dogs he never picks fights, my in laws have his brother and sister and they are great with the kids they just lie on there backs to get tickled! we also take him camping for weekends he is very well behaved.
8. If a boxer is what you want, get a boxer. They are OK with kids and extremely protective of their family. The kids torture the one my nephew has and when he's had enough he gets up and leaves the room. They don't need loads of exercise and though they can be mincey and excitable they aren't likely to deliberately play skittles with your kids. Your three year old will be growing up with the dog and the dog with the child. You shouldn't be afraid to try your first choice, name any other breed and it will have bad points with children, it's not the dog it's how you look after it.
9. A miniature schnauzer is the perfect pet for your family. I know, because when my son was a year old we got a boy & when I had my daughter a year and a half later, we got a girl. They are active without being hyperactive & resilient as a boxer (but will let your kids do just about anything to it without retaliating in any way)! They are loyal to you but more so to your children. True story; when my daughter came home from the hospital, I had her in a baby chair on the floor so the boy dog could get to know her. After doing this for about 2 days, a relative came over to see the baby& when he went to reach down to pick her up( I had walked out the room ) the dog started growling at him. He wouldnt let him near the baby until I came back in the room! That was 17yrs ago, and they both lived about 15yrs before going to doggy heaven. Trust me, you can't go wrong with this breed! & will only cost you a few hundred($300 the least)
10. I have a border terrier which has been excellent with my kids. Have had her since my daugher was 2yrs of age. Had my son 3 yrs later they are now teenager and pre teenager. She has been and still is excellent company. Lets the kids play with her, very loyal. She is a small dog, but thinks she is a big dog. Very brave, doesn't need a lot of exercise, but will welcome whatever exercise offered. Always ready to play no matter how tired. Has survived a family divorce....and must admit has been a real friend to me and my kids through bad times....seems to have a real understanding as to when your down and will always be around to sit with you through the bad times.
11. i thinka westie would suit you they are really friendly and great with kids, also they dont take up to much room! or a spaniel, they too are friendly and active. Check out the Kennel Club website, it lists all the things you need to know about all the registered breeds :) Good Luck! x
12. This site should help: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/427
13. if you want a boxer, go for a boxer - theres things that can stop it pulling, eg, haulty, half check collar, you could also get a cage and stuff for it for when your busy with the kids - and cages are NOT cruel! my dog new it as her bed until she was about two! she wouldn't not sleep init!
14. a bichon frise would be ideal for your family s they are great with children and are gentle and dont shed and they lke exercise and enjoy it they dont require a lot and dont shed and are hypoallergenic and are small i had two for 12 and fourteen yrs respectively
15. I have kids in my house and i have a 2 year old American mastiff it has little to no drool it has very short hair and is amazing with kids it loves to run and play they are great dogs they look mean but are very very nice they are good gaurd dog just because of their looks