What Is The Best Family Dog?

Question

Which breed do you think is the best all around family dog?

We are carefully considering which breed to bring into our home to be a part of our family. I have a 10 yr old and a 13 month old.

I know many of you have dogs and love them and they are great for you but certain dogs like chihuahua or pit bull I wouldn't consider to be good "family" dogs. (nippy and lock jaw scare me with a little one as both dogs and babies are unpredictable)

Cleanliness, train-ability, playfulness, size and temperament are important.

I have researched breed specifics on line but they all seem to say basically the same things.

Some we have in mind are mini poodle, crocker spaniel, rat terrier mid size dogs....I just want to hear from real people with real experience what they think is the best family dog.

Answer 1

Go for the Lab's.

I used to have several, and because they were children friendly.

I would always donate them to Leadership Dogs for the Blind.

I hated to part with them, but I knew they were going to a very

good home. You can't go wrong. <}:-})

Answer 2

boxers are GREAT! especially if you have little kids. many dog experts no matter what their prefrence would agree boxers are amazing with kids. but i also love rotts, german shorts, and golden R's are amazing as well.

Answer 3

Check out Beagles they make good family dogs. Go to a Beagle rescue site and adopt 1 they have them from puppies to young adults and adults and you would be doing a good thing

Answer 4

english springer spaniel ,amazing clever loyal i have 3 and have no worries about leaving them around kids my to2 girls just adore  kids there 16 mnts old and i have never seen a hint of aggresion sometimes there a bit wet lol they do need a bit of exercise though good luck  

Answer 5

i would say German shepherds!!!!!!!!! they are really loyal and they are smart and easy to train. just get one from a good reputable breeder, do you research and enjoy. :D if you don't want that labs or golden retrievers.?

Answer 6

ALL breeds of dogs are unpredictable - they are not robots. They do not come with an "off" button. If you are so scared about your baby and this dog, do not get a dog for a few years. That's the smartest option.

You also didn't mention if you were going to adopt a dog or get a puppy - because ALL puppies are nippy, not just the breeds with reputation for nipping.

Answer 7

i would say golden retrievers are very good with kids but labs are very good too. i'd also say little dogs are less tolerant of kids than big ones. so that is something to keep in mind although they can make great pets too. goldens are very nice ultimately it's your decision.

Answer 8

A Golden Retriever will fit you best, BUT just o let you know, Pit Bulls DO NOT have locking Jaw, I have got a toy out of my pit bulls mouth once(playing tug-o-war), and Pits are good family pets, it depends on how you raise them

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Answer 9

I grew up with Miniature Schnauzers which were great dogs. They don't shed, don't smell if cared for properly and don't get too big. They're highly intelligent and great watchdogs too, plus they are pretty patient with kids. My Mom and Dad now have a Yorkie-Poo which is a sweet little dog and good with my nephews. The Schnauzer is VERY trainable and loves to ride in the car too so it really integrates into the family well. Additionally they seem to be great dogs for people who are allergy sensitive. Best bet is a salt and pepper Schnauzer from a reputable breeder. Black or black and silver Schnauzers may be a little more hyper from my experience. Always ask if you can meet the puppy's parents too or at least one of them to get an idea of real temperment. Of course how they're raised and treated has a lot to do with it too. Very best to you!

Answer 10

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I have a 9 month old puppy, and he loves everybody and everything. They were rated one of the highest for best family dog. They are on the small side but very good dogs.

Answer 11

I grew up with Springer Spaniels.  They are awesome family dogs and want nothing more than to be a member of your family.  But, this past year we got a Golden Retriever.  He is absolutely fabulous.  Very easy to train and very wonderful temperament.  Both are 2 types I think you should consider.  It sounds like you are leaning towards a smaller dog, but you may want to rethink

Answer 12

I had a cocker spaniel when i was a kid.  Best dog i ever had.

His name was Max and his temperament was amazing. Best dog ever by far.

I would go for the spaniel.

Other wise a golden retrievers are really great dog. Although a little bigger.

Answer 13

I have a yellow labrador.  Great with the baby, he never left her side when she was an infant, and is very tolerant of her now 3 year old body laying on top of him.  Great dog.

Answer 14

I had a springer spaniel, similar to cocker spaniel and he was an amazing pet! Right now we have a Beagle and he's the sweetest, mild tempered dog. The kids love him and they can do just about anything to him and he never bites. Even pull food out of his bowl.

Answer 15

All Labs are great. You might want a mixed breed; lab/beagle.

Answer 16

I personally don't like cocker spaniels. They are beautiful dogs but can become snippy with age. My mother raised them with me so i kno!lol I think for a smaller dog, a miniature schnauzer is a good choice for a family with children. They are extremely smart. I like boxers, too, tho they are bigger than what u are looking for. Boxers are excellent dogs, they are playful all of their lives, adore children, and will protect u and them with their life. I have 2 myself.(2 small children, too) However, boxers tend to jump and dont realize how big they are, but you can train them not to jump. I also like boston terriers. They are very even tempered and playful with children.