LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Greyhound. Though I don’t think she’d be happy with really small children.
Flashy-isn’t there someone on TOB who has a mother that runs a rescue in PA? I think they have a lot of different dogs, and might be closer to you. And how about Ron and Danny’s (I hope I got the names right) rescue, in SC I think?
The one thing about Boxers is some are great jumpers-a friend used to have one (doggy died of old age a few years ago) Boxer male that could jump a 10’ privacy fence, and I thought he was exaggerating until I saw the video. Female boxers should be great with kids, but I would get an adult not a puppy. A puppy might be too much for the little ones to be around until they dogs and kids outgrow the fragile stage. Plus, I think a dog that’s at least 3 or 4 would be better, since they are usually housetrained, their personality is established, they are more predictable than a little puppy, and you should know how they are with kids by that age. I think if you put the word out that the right dog will come along, and it will be great for all concerned.
I would be worried about a sheltie around kids. I’ve only met a few, but all seemed to be a little nippy, and didn’t seem to accept strangers even after knowing them a while.
I agree with the idea of a standard poodle. As long as you get an adult, and they are used to kids I think that would be the perfect breed. And since you want a companion and not a show animal, then you could learn to do the grooming yourself. All of the standard poodles I’ve met have been great, and really like kids, and they do seem to be family dogs as opposed to one-person dogs. They are good guard dogs also, and are great all round family dogs. Plus, since your hubby is a little reluctant around dogs, then what could be better than something that looks like a big, fluffy stuffed toy? Nothing is less threatening than a Standard in a foo-foo show clip (and you can fix that very easily to a kennel clip or whatever they call it). You don’t want to get something that will need a 10 foot fence to keep in, and poodles seem more family oriented than one-person dogs. I bet you could find a retiring show or pet quality dog that’s well bred, and would have been tested for whatever poodles need certifying for (I’m not up to date on possible defects).
Also, I think you live up North? And a short-haired dog might be a problem, unless you want to invest in coats. So something like a poodle might be a good fit for your situation. They also are supposed to be hypoallergenic I think, and that might be good also.
I think the right dog will come along, and at the right time. It seems to work out that way a lot of the time.
[QUOTE=wendy;5903042]
if you want something docile, I’d stay far away from boxers and ridgebacks and pointers. Even retrievers can be a bit on the wild side. How about one of the big draft breeds like the St. Bernard, Leonberger, or Bernese? Docile, almost always good with kids.
Or a hound. Or some generic mix.[/QUOTE]
OMG I WANTS a Leonberger. I watched that “Dogs 101” show on Animal Planet and they were showcasing that breed, it just sounds so cool! I just don’t know if I could handle such a short lifespan. Large dogs have a short enough lifespan as it is!
I’m pretty partial to retriever mixes. Hubs and I decided thats what we wanted, so we contacted the local retriever rescue and found the perfect dog. We believe he’s actually a lab/golden mix, which I think makes such a great tempermant.
I also know someone with a Standard Poodle, and that dog is an angel. So calm and sweet!
I do love Collies/Collie mixes but I know they can be a handful. So cute though!
Good luck, choosing an animal is kind of always a toss up, but like others said if you look for the right signs, you can end up with some real diamonds in the rough (kind of like horses I guess, right? LOL)
There is a beautiful female boxer - about 8-10 months at a high-kill shelter in Texas that was turned in by owner for chewing up things! Geez Louise – she’s a PUPPY! They have a network to get her to someone far away if you are interested.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=271748872865554&set=a.179314288775680.35221.179295925444183&type=3&theater – here’s a link - hope it will work.
PennyG
I would go the puppy route if you have kids. Plenty of them in shelters and rescues. We have an aussie/ border collie mix that does well with our teens but is not a kids dog and we have had her since a pup and she came from the shelter. Our newest pup is a rott/ husky mix that we got from the shelter in Feb. she will be a year old in Nov. My son rolls on the floor and plays with her and she is the most non aggressive dog I have ever seen. Loves everybody she meets.
[QUOTE=wendy;5903042]
if you want something docile, I’d stay far away from boxers and ridgebacks and pointers. Even retrievers can be a bit on the wild side. How about one of the big draft breeds like the St. Bernard, Leonberger, or Bernese? Docile, almost always good with kids.
Or a hound. Or some generic mix.[/QUOTE]
I’m sorry…but to label entire breeds as not suitable is just not fair. I’ve owned four Ridgebacks in the last twenty five years and they’ve all been well trained family dogs, good with people…both the two foot kind and the adult kind. I’m fostering one right now that is super sweet, compliant and non aggressive. I’ve known lovely Golden Retrievers and also aggressive, biting ones. I own a German Shepard that has tolerated things that would make most normal dogs bite, he would let a kid abuse him and never put a foot wrong.
Judge the dog as an individual. Too many good dogs waste away in shelters or get put down because of someone’s “opinion” of the breed. And for what it’s worth…my oldest daughter has been bit by two dogs in her life (both minor, thank god), my father in law’s beagle (hound) and the neighbor’s Springer Spaniel, not my idea of dangerous breeds. Judge the dog.
[QUOTE=Simkie;5902379]
I have Ridgebacks, and I love Ridgebacks. There are some very nice individuals out there, and it sounds like chism has a good one 
There are also some VERY difficult dogs out there. I would caution you to evaluate each dog on it’s own and be especially guarded with this particular breed. I would absolutely NOT recommend a puppy for anyone who is not ready to do a lot of work and be 100% consistent across ALL members of the family when handling the dog. And if you are looking for a puppy, please be extremely careful and select a breeder who is experienced, selecting for temperament and screening for all genetic issues. (This ain’t going to come cheap, and you can expect to spend well over $1000 for a dog.)
Ridgebacks also really, really want to belong to one person and may not be the best fit if the dog is to be a communal “family” dog, as it can be frustrating for the dog and the people in that situation when the dog will only listen and respond to one person.[/QUOTE]
Simkie… I respect your opinion, they can be difficult dogs in the wrong hands. BUT…I’ve managed to have four with kids and a hectic lifestyle, so it can be done… but you need the right fit with dog & owner. They are not golden retrievers, that’s for sure. My first Ridgeback, a female, was great with my kids, if they got to be too much, she would get up and leave. I’ve had three since then, all with kids & they’ve been great dogs. THey do tend to bond with one person in the family more than the rest, but I don’t think that’s terrible. I have a five year old now, got him at a shelter last year. He’s got some issues, but they’re manageable. I don’t blame him… they are due to being raised badly & treated poorly by someone who had no business owning a dog in the first place.
As I said in another post…I think it’s important to find the right dog for the family, and recognize that there are individuals in every breed.
I happen to love Ridgebacks, but I also know that there are uniformly easier breeds to have with a more casual type owner with kids. I also had the privilege of handling some of the top Greyhounds in the country, and owned a mulit best in show one…I adore them too. That being said, I never ever sold them to a home with young kids…they have a strong snap reflex when stepped on, wakened suddenly…It is part of them…Older kids were fine…That was not to say that ALL were like that, but I was unwilling to take the risk…My pointers have generally been much more reliable with small kids…There is nothing wrong with most breeds, it is the situations and the owners that make the difference. I would not place a Ridgeback with a first time Ridgeback owner with a housefull of small kids, with lots of strange people and their kids coming and going. But then again, that is JMHO
I don’t think we’re saying different things
Finding the right adult Ridgeback, with the sort of training required and the sort of temperament necessary for a bustling family with one totally novice dog owner is totally doable–just evaluate the dog and don’t jump blindly into the breed. (And note that you probably need to work on being consistent with a Ridgeback more than some other breeds.) Ridgebacks are totally awesome and wonderful when they’ve been brought up right and are through their adolescence.
BUT. Puppies are a crapshoot. You can totally stack the deck in your favor and still wind up with something you didn’t quite expect. And Ridgeback puppies are more difficult than other breeds. I’ve personally owned a few Ridgebacks, several Samoyeds and one Heeler/Border Collie cross. I’ve also worked with a plethora of Brittanys (I worked for Dennis Jordan of Jordean as a teenager) and a few Collies. The Ridgeback puppies are waaaaaay more difficult and demanding than ANYTHING I’ve ever experienced. The positive to that is they have really taught me a LOT about handling animals consistently. :lol: The negative there is that a Ridgeback puppy is probably not suitable for a family with young kids and novice adult.
I haven’t ever said that Ridgebacks are unsuitable for families or that they’re tough around kids–mine have always been totally awesome around kids, and have been totally trustworthy with them. What is rough with kids, though, is the consistency thing. Hell, I have a dog now who was just awful until my roommate moved out–and he was cognizant of the need for consistency and tried hard to BE consistent–but the subtle differences in how he handled the dog and how I handled the dog totally did her in and made life hell for everyone. I cannot even imagine how bad she would have been with kids in the house.
Really, what it comes down to is that there are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. Ridgebacks should not be stricken OFF of FG’s list, and they can be really, really cool dogs. But puppies are tough–regardless of breed!–and Ridgeback puppies are tougher than most.
(Last post got lost) But I absolutely, positively disagree with Wendy re Boxers. Can’t speak to Ridgebacks or Pointers but would suspect they are a bit more indpendent than Boxers.
There are deficiencies in all breeds - it comes down to the individual in the end and the one that pulls at your heart and you know it is the one for you.
With a lively family a dog does not have to be half asleep all the time, they can enjoy some fun together, too, just safe, predictable fun.
We have had all sorts of dogs because whenever a vacancy occurs a dog comes along to fill the vacancy. All have fitted into our family beautifully, meeting our expectations.
Thank you all for the really thoughtful, insightful replies and PMs. I apologize for not keeping up on all of them today, I’m just catching up now…
Anyway yes… two young kids + timid hubby = we need a foolproof kind of dog, I guess! Even though I have always had dogs, have worked as a vet assistant, and like a busy, active, smart dog we need something that will really suit the rest of the household.
Our female Golden is a hard act to follow. I miss her terribly. I can’t do another Golden-- none would be like her, I am certain, and we’d just be setting the new dog up to fail, as no one could fill her shoes! She had the perfect, kid-proof temperament. I know she is happier with my friend, where she has two other doggie siblings, but it was very hard letting her go.
I’m so glad I posted… I was a bit nervous about doing so, but have gotten so much great advice and perspective! Keep it coming, I appreciate every bit of it…
There are lots of types of dogs that can be good with kids. I think that most breeds can be kept successfully with children, given the right individual temperament as well as training and positive socialization experiences. Here are some things to think about:
- Puppies mouth at you, and they usually mouth at kids even more. Oftentimes, kids scream and run, which only makes the puppy mouth more. Spend some time with puppies before you jump in.
- You might be able to find a good adult dog that has been around kids. Check with a vet, groomers, etc. and see if they know of a dog that needs to be rehomed due to circumstances. Also check shelters and rescues. Some people will tell you that you don’t really know the full background. This is true, but you don’t necessarily know what a puppy will grow up to be like as an adult either. You might be able to find a dog trainer to help you evaluate adults to get a better idea of their temperament.
- Sometimes going to a really good breeder and paying a little more is worth it. You can tell a good breeder what type of temperament you would like, and the breeder should know based on observing the litter which puppies will work for you. You need a “middle of the road” puppy - not too pushy, but not to fearful of noises. It is often expensive to get a dog from a good breeder, but for some people it is worth it for a dog with health-tested genetics and the assistance in choosing a dog for you.
Do not fall into thinking that a good enough dog will tolerate anything. Always supervise any dog with children because there are a lot of things that you can handle before the situation gets out of control.
As far as breed, I think that standard poodles and collies (rough or smooth) could be good choices. I know one labrador retriever (out of hunting lines). He is very sweet and tolerant, but also what I would call hyper.
I would investigate rescue groups in the area. Since the dogs are generally in foster homes, they usually have an idea of how the dogs will be behaved around children, other dogs, cats, etc. If you don’t get a small puppy, you should be able to get an idea of what the temperament will be.
We found 2 of our dogs at adoption days at Petsmart. See when and where your local rescues have adoption events and take the family “shopping”. And good luck!
I got a puppy when my daughter was 2yo. Let me give you the best piece of advice the breeder gave me. Give the puppy (or older dog if that’s the route you og) a secure child free zone that they can get to at any time. and the obvious, always supervise child/dog interaction until you know the child is old enough to be responsible (ie not experiment with poking a fork straight into the dogs paw)
I grew up with Golden Retrievers, Boykin Spaniels, Australian Shpherds, Bichon Frise, Standard Poodles and a Sheltie. My own dogs (when I as an adult) were an Aussie and a mix (probablly spaniel x) There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. Do your research, don’t be blind to the breeds origins (don’t expect a Border Collie to be a couch potato, don’t be surprised that your Aussie nips at your kids when they run) and you’ll be fine.
I carefully researched breeds that I felt were a good fit for my family and our lifestyle…I went with the Standard Schnauzer from a breeder that I really felt comfortable with. This breeder did offer to take the dog back at any time if I felt it wasn’t a good fit. She also picked my pup for me, I didn’t pick a dog from her.
The SS is a terrier, so you get the focus and drive of a terrier and that can be tough for some folks. They are also physicaly tough. So when my 2yo tripped and fell ontop of the sleeping puppy the puppy never flinched, when my then 2.5 yo stood on prone puppy the puppy was like whatever dude and laid there. When the now 4yo poked a fork into the poor dogs paw the dog did yelp, but never showed teeth (4yo was punished) SO think of dogs that are known to be tough or thick skinned like a Lab when you think of a good dog for children… Aussies and Standard Poodles tend to be a little sensitive and less forgiving… again a good dog is a good dog.
So a family friendly dog could be any breed, but I see lots of quiet older labs as great family dogs. But don’t rule the terriers out (if you can do terriers, some folks just can’t)
[QUOTE=wendy;5903091]
well- how about a poodle? standard poodles are smart, athletic, active dogs yet not likely to scare hubby and most are pretty good with kids. You can keep them clipped down short, no need for the silly poofs.
Herding dogs often have a tendency to nip/ herd kids, I’d stay away from them too esp. if hubby isn’t on board with controlling them.[/QUOTE]
Poodle. I AGREE.
I grew up with several different breeds of dogs – we had a lab, golden retriever, beagles weenie dogs, and my miniature poodle has been the best dog in the world.
Poodles are absolutely brilliant, loyal, super easy to train. My dog can get real hyper outside wanting to play fetch but she knows to calm down inside. She doesn’t shed as long as I keep her hair brushed. I gave her a few bad haircuts at first but I eventually learnt to give her decent ones and can cut her hair in under 30 minutes. She sits there and waits patiently. She is seriously the best dog. She listens to me, I swear she can understand every word. She is VERY quiet and doesn’t bark unless there is a real reason to. She is a small(er) dog but does NOT have small dog syndrome. I was able to potty train her in 2 days. She has only once or twice had an accident inside and it was my fault really for being away too long. She is even barn trained and walks OUTSIDE the barn to do her business. BO was amazed when he saw. I cannot brag more about this dog.
Just the other day, she totally amazed me. She has her way of telling me where to go when she wants to go somewhere. she runs a little ways, looks back to see if I am following and if I am not she whimpers a little to get me to come lol. She had me follow her to the bathroom. I thought it was weird as she normally avoids the bathroom cause she really doesn’t like bath-time (but tolerates it very well!). Well, she went up to the toilet and was pawing on it. I swear, the dog was telling me that she had to pee and wanted to learn to use the potty. lol!!! And let me tell you when I picked her up and took her outside she was totally appalled! hahaha.
This dog is full of personality. So very well behaved. I take her everywhere I can, including the barn. She sits and waits at the gait outside of the arena until I am done riding/lunging/ whatever with the horse. She waits patiently and watches intensely, and sometimes looks at me like is it my turn yet.
When you talk to her, she tries her best to talk back to you. She has a really cute voice and comes real close to having really clear words come out. Deep inside I know she really talks, I am just not able to understand her fully.
She is NOT aggressive at all. I give her pig ears (which she LOVES) and kind of growls when I get close to her. But sometimes she comes up to me when I am at the desk and is holding her pig ear and growling wanting me to play with her. She growls pretty angry sounding but she always wags her tail at the same time. She would NEVER hurt anyone.
She doesn’t even know what other dogs are. She is not bothered by them or anything, but she REALLY thinks she is human (or a princess? lol). I take her to the park a lot of times where a lot of people walk their dogs. I do not use a leash sometimes because she is SUPER loyal and would NEVER run away. She does not normally walk more than 5 feet away from me and always looks back to make sure I am following if she is up front. She listens very well too so if she were in danger she would listen. Anyway, she walks past dogs, unleashed, while the other dog(s) is going crazy wanting to sniff her, and she normally looks at me like WTF is that? WTH does he want? and turns her head and walks off. However, whenever she goes to the vet for a day (full comprehensive exam) she says that my dog loves to socialize with the other dogs.
There might be the standard, mini, and toy but Poodle but they are all the same breed with all similar characteristics and personality traits. I think a miniature poodle or standard would suit your family greatly. You just have to get past the stupid stereotypes of the haircuts and stuff. Poodles are brilliant dogs (ranked #2 as smartest dog breeds), and make the BEST and most PERFECT dogs. They were actually bred to do similar jobs of retrievers, i.e. duck hunting. They are great swimmers and normally love water (but not my dog, lol).
*******Also, I have recently been doing research and Poodles are also really healthy dogs and are less likely to come down with cancer, hip dysplasia, and other nasty diseases than other breeds. They live upwards of 12 years, close to 20’s if they are taken care of (kept at healthy weights, good exercise, kept happy, SPAYED and NEUTERED!!!) and bred properly. Look up dogs with longest life expectancies and Poodles come up in top 10. They can double the lifespan of other dogs. I read that most large breed dogs only have life expectancies of 7-9 on average. My dog is 12 and shows NO signs of aging, has perfect bloodwork, etc. I take her for a geriatric exam every 6 months and they check everything.
Get a poodle and you’ll have the best dog for your family. Your child(ren) will never forget the great companion you choose for them.
[QUOTE=JanM;5903503]
I agree with the idea of a standard poodle. As long as you get an adult, and they are used to kids I think that would be the perfect breed. And since you want a companion and not a show animal, then you could learn to do the grooming yourself. All of the standard poodles I’ve met have been great, and really like kids, and they do seem to be family dogs as opposed to one-person dogs. They are good guard dogs also, and are great all round family dogs. Plus, since your hubby is a little reluctant around dogs, then what could be better than something that looks like a big, fluffy stuffed toy? Nothing is less threatening than a Standard in a foo-foo show clip (and you can fix that very easily to a kennel clip or whatever they call it). You don’t want to get something that will need a 10 foot fence to keep in, and poodles seem more family oriented than one-person dogs. I bet you could find a retiring show or pet quality dog that’s well bred, and would have been tested for whatever poodles need certifying for (I’m not up to date on possible defects).
Also, I think you live up North? And a short-haired dog might be a problem, unless you want to invest in coats. So something like a poodle might be a good fit for your situation. They also are supposed to be hypoallergenic I think, and that might be good also.
I think the right dog will come along, and at the right time. It seems to work out that way a lot of the time.[/QUOTE]
Great post! Poodles are great dogs. They are “hypoallergenic” because their coat only consists of one layer that never stops growing, so they don’t “shed” like other dogs – not really more than we humans do (on our head at least :lol:)
My poodle was a great family dog growing up, but I grew up, moved out and she came with me so she is an only dog that lives with just me. She tolerated me as a younger child (I got her when I was 10!! I am 22 now) painting her toenails, playing dress up, really treating her like a stuffed animal/toy lol. She also puts up with my niece and nephew (who are quite young). She didn’t even growl, snap, or anything at my niece when she pulled her ears once… I was proud of my dog (but felt sorry for her!)
She is a good guard dog – only barks when there is a real reason to. She normally barks and growls when someone is knocking on the door or if she hears something nearby, but does not care about the girl who lives upstairs that walks real loud.
And yes, Poodles are like a big stuffed animal. Mine is literally like the softest stuffed and most cuddly stuffed animal on the stuffed animal rack at Toys R Us!
OP: I would definitely stay with an AKC breeder who tests their dogs before breeding them so you know you do not get a puppy with bad lines prone to diseases.
Shameless plug
Here’s our foster Ridgie… she’s simply a lovely girl. Perfectly suitable for a family with young kids.
http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/dogs/dog_bio.php?regioncode=ne&dognum=3818
Someone needs to foster her quick…or else my boys are going to have a sister.
[QUOTE=FlashGordon;5903981]
Anyway yes… two young kids + timid hubby = we need a foolproof kind of dog, I guess! Even though I have always had dogs, have worked as a vet assistant, and like a busy, active, smart dog we need something that will really suit the rest of the household.
Our female Golden is a hard act to follow. I miss her terribly. I can’t do another Golden-- none would be like her, I am certain, and we’d just be setting the new dog up to fail, as no one could fill her shoes! She had the perfect, kid-proof temperament. I know she is happier with my friend, where she has two other doggie siblings, but it was very hard letting her go.
I’m so glad I posted… I was a bit nervous about doing so, but have gotten so much great advice and perspective! Keep it coming, I appreciate every bit of it…[/QUOTE]
Would you be willing to foster? I was looking for the same dog you are, except smaller, and was really nervous about having a strange dog around the kids. I found a great rescue that has been both realistic and patient with me and my long list of things I wanted our dog to be.
Foster #1 (Pug/Beagle) was really nice and cute and funny and perfect for the kids but just not what I wanted to be hanging out with while they were in school. She went to a retired lady who thinks all the things that annoyed me make her the cutest dog in the world.
Foster #2 (Basset/JRT) was perfect from the time she walked in the door and it’s been like we’ve always had her.
Your perspective can change once the dog is in your house, especially if this is the first time for the kids. I thought I wanted something active they could run around with. That was Foster #1 but she created too much extra work and chaos for me. Foster #2 is happy to be a couch potato when nothing is going on and then get revved up at appropriate times. My kids have learned much more from her in a week than the last dog because I’m not constantly saying “Don’t get her stirred up in the house. Don’t play tug with her. Don’t encourage her to jump on you.” etc., and then having to separate anyway. They just don’t know any better and Foster #2 doesn’t take advantage of that.
I have Basset experience so that part of her personality (about 75%) is very familiar to me. My Basset left some pretty big shoes, and paws and ears :lol:, to fill but I don’t compare. My advice would be to look for a Golden cross if that’s what you know and love. In reality, the dog is for YOU and you need be happy to hang out with it, buy it fun toys, clean up it’s poop and “share” it with the family. The right dog will fit in pretty seamlessly and love everyone equally but you need to really like the dog yourself, as the main caregiver. A kid friendly dog in another home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to fit in with your kids in your lifestyle so it will ultimately be you that makes the determination. Fostering is a great way to iron out the wrinkles (in the dog or your routine) and it gives a dog that’s not right for you a chance at a better life with someone else. Plus, you get to hear about new dogs entering the system and have a chance to grab them before they go public. 
[QUOTE=CrazyGuineaPigLady;5904456]
In reality, the dog is for YOU and you need be happy to hang out with it, buy it fun toys, clean up it’s poop and “share” it with the family. The right dog will fit in pretty seamlessly and love everyone equally but you need to really like the dog yourself, as the main caregiver. A kid friendly dog in another home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to fit in with your kids in your lifestyle so it will ultimately be you that makes the determination. Fostering is a great way to iron out the wrinkles (in the dog or your routine) and it gives a dog that’s not right for you a chance at a better life with someone else. Plus, you get to hear about new dogs entering the system and have a chance to grab them before they go public. :D[/QUOTE]
Great advice, thank you!
Goldendoodle?
I haven’t read any of the other posts, so maybe this mix has been mentioned already. I don’t own one (have had collies–fabulous dogs!, English setters, goldens, and currently have a rescue mixed breed). However, I encounter a lot of golden doodles and labra doodles at the park where I bring my dog, and I have to say I am deeply impressed by their temperaments. They appear to be wonderful, loving, playful dogs–great with kids and, I’m sure, dog timid husbands. And they come in a variety of sizes from medium to very large.
Just a thought!
