Toddlers and dogs ..perfect harmony?

Question

we are thinking about getting a dog, we have a 3 1/2 year old child, who is very good with animals, we also have a mad cat, this would be 'our' first dog (although my o/h has had dogs previously) i was thinking of a english bulldog breed because from what i have read/and know about them, they are the 'safest' and friendliest breed around kids, (my daughter isn't the type of child to be poking it in the eye or yanking it's tail ..our cat has taught her a lot about respect!!!) ..i have been looking at rescue centers cos i mainly believe in rescuing a animal more than 'buying' one, but all the ones i have spoke to have got a 'no kid' policy ...so it looks like buying a dog is one of our only options? whats people's opinions on children and dogs, i am hoping to get a young dog (under a year old, so they would grow up together?) or is it best to leave it? ..i want to do right by the dog and right by my child? surely its ok to have a child and dog together ...lots of people do???

any advice? oh and i am at home all day, so the dog won't be lonely!!thanks

Answer 1

I say select toy poodle because they are really good small dogs to train and there pretty good with kids too.

Answer 2

i know not everyone can be as lucky as i was, i ran across the pup that we have now at a flea market. he was free, we have a 2 year old and a 5 year old. the dog that we have named Marley, was 12 weeks when i got him, he has adapted to our family rather nicely. i hate to say it but he is part lab part pit. but he is the best dog that we have ever had. if you feel like taking a quiz to see what kind of dog that would be best for your family, you can go to the www.iams.com. they ask all the basic questions and give a list of dog breeds that would be best suited for your family. i really don't think anyone can tell you what kind of dog to get, but they van suggest what breed would be best. i suggest a beagle. there small dogs,if something happens they cant over power you, and there great with kids.

Answer 3

Adult dogs are the best option over 2yrs of age.

Oddly enough big dogs are generally more tolerant of younger children-Children grow to respect big dog more because of there larger size and are generally more cautious of them! Young children don't understand the fragile size of the Small/toy dogs and think there a toy, so they'll naturally play more roughly with a small/toy dog breed and are not as cautious and the small/toy breeds just don't understand the roughness or rouwdyness of young children and are too fragile for a 3yr old to handle-Small & toy dogs were breed for adults, so they are inclinde to be snappish if the going get rough! Larger dogs such as labrador and Golden Retriver, Newfoundland and medium Collie were breed to tolerate families and young children under the age 8yrs, but are not suitable for people with allergies

toy poodle-SUIT CONSIDERATE CHILDREN 8YRS+

Temperament:   The Toy Poodle breed is affectionate, loyal, clever, and demanding. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. If they become bored or lonely they will become destructive and bark incessantly. They are generally good with dogs and other household pets. The Toy Poodle does best with older considerate children. They are wary and suspicious of strangers, will alert their family to visitors or danger, and make good watchdogs. They are a happy and playful breed.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

Bichon Frise-SUIT CHILDREN 8YRS+

If you want a dog who...

    * Is small but sturdy

    * Doesn't need much exercise

    * Has a curly coat that doesn't shed (one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers)

    * Makes a good watchdog, but is not aggressive

    * Is good with other pets

A Bichon Frise may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

    * Notorious housebreaking difficulties

    * "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much

    * Shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough

    * Stubbornness (mind of his own)

    * Frequent brushing and clipping of the curly coat

    * Barking

    * Chronic skin problems

A Bichon Frise may not be right for you.

Bichon Frise puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Bichon Frise puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Bichon Frise adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews...

staffordshire bull terrier-SUIT CHILDREN 13YRS+ Can be very rough when young and can accidently injure a young children.

Temperament:   Despite this breed's beginnings, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is renowned today for their reliability as a companion and family pet. They thrive on human contact and are extremely loving, devoted, and loyal. This breed is dependable gentle and reliable with children, and for this reason were nicknamed the Nanny Dog. They are exceedingly protective of their family and make excellent guardians and watchdogs. They are not suited for homes with other dogs or household pets they have not been raised with. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not recommended for the novice dog owner.

REQUIRE 4KM DAILY WALKS

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

Labrador-SUIT CHILDREN UNDER 8YRS

Who should own this breed?

A Labrador Retriever owner should be an active and responsible person committed to the care, training and exercise of their dog. Such an owner should be knowledgeable about this active breed type and the needs of the breed they are taking on. The Labrador generally does best with a good fenced yard for their safety and for exercise/playtime. The Labrador does best when included in the every day activities of the household. A lonely Lab can be a barking nightmare. This breed loves to go places, they love to retrieve and they love the water. An owner should be prepared to provide all of the activities a Lab loves on a regular basis.

This breed should be spayed/neutered. In addition to the over population problem of Labradors and Labrador mixes, unneutered males can become male dog aggressive and hard to manage. They are predisposed to some cancers. Unspayed females can become moody/difficult and predisposed to uterine problems and cancers. One of the main keys to successful Labrador ownership is positive obedience training and socialization.REQUIRE MINIMUM OF 30MINTUES WALKS DAILY. Average shedding breed

http://www.rescueeverydog.org/lab_breed....



Golden Retriver

Temperament:   Golden Retrievers are loveable, polite, and highly intelligent. They exude charm and confidence. They are sweet, eager to please, and devoted family companions. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or they will become mischievous and destructive. They have a tendency to be overly exuberant and distractible. They are always gentle and patient with children. They are friendly with other pets. In fact, they are friendly with everyone. They tend to bark as a form of greeting. The Golden Retriever is not well suited for a two career family as they require an inordinate amount of human interaction and companionship.REQUIRE MINIMUM OF 30MINTUES DAILY WALKS!

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

Scotch Collie-SUIT CHILDREN UNDER 8YRS

Temperament:   The Collie has a very even and well-mannered temperament. This dog is regularly seen in homes with other animals and children, as they are very gentle and passive. Originally bred for herding, this dog has the tendency to nip at ankles as a pup, however most grow out of this stage. Willing to learn and very loyal, this dog will surely provide you with a lot of love.REQUIRE MINIMUM OF 30 MINTUES DAILY WALKS

Newfoundland

Temperament:   The Newfoundland is generous with love and affection. They are very sociable and friendly to visitors they know. They have a keen sense of responsibility and are excellent with children. They become so attached to their families that they cannot ever adapt to a new home or environment. They are generally good with other pets. This breed thrives on human companionship. They are gentle, heroic, and docile. Newfoundlands are extremely protective and will place themselves between their family and any danger that appears to be of a threatening nature.This is not 100% correct. Newfie can Adapt to new homes! REQUIRE 30mintues daily walks!

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/bre...

What area are you in, it will help ME to find your dogs.

Answer 4

get a bichon frise they are great with kids and are smal and love playing and are very intelligent and are also hypoallergenic so if anyone has allergies they willl be ok also they do not shed toddlers and kids are ok i thnik its great for a children to grow up with a dog and as you are at home all day you can supervise  

Answer 5

Battersea - obviously you rescue and there's no "No kids" policy. I got a puppy (A staffy) from there last year, who was a week younger than my son at the time - my son was 3 months.

Charlie was brilliant with Finn, at one point I even found Finn biting his tail whilst he was teething and Charlie didn't even flinch.

Staffies are brilliant with kids - they used to be called "the nanny dog" before they got a load of bad press - it's the owners that cause problems not the dogs.

We don't have him any more, but that wasn't his fault, I moved to a flat without a garden and it didnt seem fair to have him in here.

Good Luck!!

Answer 6

I've got a 2 year old son and I'm also a volunteer for a breed rescue

I take in foster dogs until they can be permanently re-homed

At the minute I've got 4 Siberian Huskies

3 of them are mine and 1 is a foster

I've have never ever had a problem with any of them around my son

Even the foster ones who have no known background

I can't advise you on a bully breed as I only know my own breed but I will say dogs and children growing up together really are great

They learn so much from one another!

I will say though that if you're getting a pup don't get one advertised in a local paper or anything like that

Contact the Kennel Club for a reputable breeder

Answer 7

We adopted a one year old shelter dog about 2 years ago for our (3 year at the time) daughter and it has been the best decision ever. She's a boxer/pitt mix named Winn Dixie and  has turned out to be the best family dog and the best companion for our daughter. Check your local shelter and feel the dogs out there. You may find your perfect match and save a dog at the same time! Best of luck!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d142/b...

Answer 8

it is best to get a bought puppy to raise, rescue dogs have some issues from their past that they need to work out, they have personalities and if they have been abused / mistreated then its best not to have them around young children...

children do forget to treat animals nicely so a friendly breed is best, and desexed young...

i would probably recommend a female and maybe something smaller, but its what appeals to you as the family as well...

a dog will bring a lot of enjoyment to your child

Answer 9

Children and dogs can get along marvelously when introduced properly and the dog is of a suitable temperament. I prefer large dogs over small. They tend to nip less and in general have lower energy levels than the miniature breeds.   I grew up with shepherds but labs, a good golden retriever or many of the hounds are excellent companions for children.  English bulldogs can have many health issues so be aware that you will have a lot of maintenance in both skin and respiratory for this breed. They are intolerant of excessive heat and may have trouble playing for long periods with children.  Make sure the dog remains submissive to the child at all times. The dog should never invade a child's space, jump on them, or be allowed to chew on hands or fingers. Teach your dog to keep a distance from your children until invited in. Puppies can be taught to be respectful of children pretty rapidly if started right away.  Puppy teeth are extremely sharp so remember to never leave a puppy, dog or child unsupervised together.

Answer 10

Boxer dogs are one of the best breeds around children.

I owned two of them with very small children. They were like nanny dogs. They could poke, pull, or grab some skin and the dogs wouldn't flinch. The kids could give them treats and they would take them very gently.

Our boxers loved the big people too.

My now ex husband and I went through a traumatic experience where our mintuature dacshund we had before our children were born, bit a friend of mines 3 yr old son. He had to have 27 stitches in his face. I love dogs but didn't want another one for a long time because I was concerned it would happen again.

We spent months doing research and found that the boxers are excellent with kids. We did a lot of questions at Boxerworld.com and the owners and breeders all have had great experiences.

Answer 11

We have a toddler and a dog so we looked into this too.

The most 'laid back' dog we found is English Setters. They are very soppy and love kids.  Our 3 year old can accidentally stand on him and he doesn't move a muscle. They hate being apart.

Answer 12

yes if you get the right dog. Get a staffordshire bull terrier they are known as nanny dogs and are very patient with children (i know because i grew up with one from being a baby). It will be hard work for you at first though with a young dog and a young child but after about 3 months of hard work you should have a harmonious home  

Answer 13

Have you thought about a greyhound? We have an 11 month old little girl, 3 Jack Russells and a greyhound who all get on like a house on fire. Greyhounds - especially ex racers, make great pets. They only need 20 mins of walking a day, are already trained to walk on the lead and to heel and are usually very placid and easy going. Basically ours spends most of the day sleeping while our daughter 'pats' him - it's really more like slapping but doesn't seem to bother him. The only thing is you will need a little bit of space as they are big. If you need any advice let me know.