Pet Forums 2000

i am ttc my first child and i was wondering what breed of dog would make a good family pet as we have been thinking on getting a pet. so does anyone have any suggestions?

OK, getting a puppy is a BAD idea since they will be super hyper and more fragile than an adult dog. Mutts are great, especially look for ones that have Lab or Golden Retrievers in them. Many "bully" breeds are very good around children too despite the contrary belief, Boxers, for example, are great, just a bit too hyper. Just go to your local shelter and if possible, take your kids, and see which one you & your family interact better with. Also shelter dogs are usually tested around kids, other animals etc. & you can ask about it, they'll also tell you if the dog has any other issues, like barking all the time etc. You won't only be getting a pet but you'll be saving a life too! And please, if the one you decide to rescue is a specific breed, research EVERYTHING you can find about that breed so that you know what you're getting yourself into. Good luck!

OK, getting a puppy is a BAD idea since they will be super hyper and more fragile than an adult dog. Mutts are great, especially look for ones that have Lab or Golden Retrievers in them. Many "bully" breeds are very good around children too despite the contrary belief, Boxers, for example, are great, just a bit too hyper. Just go to your local shelter and if possible, take your kids, and see which one you & your family interact better with. Also shelter dogs are usually tested around kids, other animals etc. & you can ask about it, they'll also tell you if the dog has any other issues, like barking all the time etc. You won't only be getting a pet but you'll be saving a life too! And please, if the one you decide to rescue is a specific breed, research EVERYTHING you can find about that breed so that you know what you're getting yourself into. Good luck!

Mongrels (cross-breeds) are always friendly, much cheaper than a breed dog (best if you are expecting your first child) and great with children. They are very loyal dogs. As well as this, they are less wanted and so you are giving a home to a dog that may not get one otherwise. Finally, you have a wide choice as mongrels come in all shapes and sizes! They are best bought from a rescue home - these are the dogs most in need of a loving family and give you unlimited love back. I have had mongrels my whole life and even as a baby they were in our family.

OK, getting a puppy is a BAD idea since they will be super hyper and more fragile than an adult dog. Mutts are great, especially look for ones that have Lab or Golden Retrievers in them. Many "bully" breeds are very good around children too despite the contrary belief, Boxers, for example, are great, just a bit too hyper. Just go to your local shelter and if possible, take your kids, and see which one you & your family interact better with. Also shelter dogs are usually tested around kids, other animals etc. & you can ask about it, they'll also tell you if the dog has any other issues, like barking all the time etc. You won't only be getting a pet but you'll be saving a life too! And please, if the one you decide to rescue is a specific breed, research EVERYTHING you can find about that breed so that you know what you're getting yourself into. Good luck!

Mongrels (cross-breeds) are always friendly, much cheaper than a breed dog (best if you are expecting your first child) and great with children. They are very loyal dogs. As well as this, they are less wanted and so you are giving a home to a dog that may not get one otherwise. Finally, you have a wide choice as mongrels come in all shapes and sizes! They are best bought from a rescue home - these are the dogs most in need of a loving family and give you unlimited love back. I have had mongrels my whole life and even as a baby they were in our family.

Think about going for a puppy, as certain dogs are sometimes better raised with children. It's not a necessity, though, just some breeds (like german shepherds and rotties) are thought to be better when raised with them from puppyhood. Many dog breeds are great with kids, it all just depends on your living situation. We got a Siberian Husky from a rescue shelter (at first, he was skittish/ snappy around little kids) but now he is one of the best dogs you could have around a little kid. Just keep in mind that large dogs with high energy can knock over little kids. From what I've heard, retrievers are great dogs to have with them. Also, consider getting a mixed dog.

Our first family dog was in fact a rescue mongrel. He's a great family pet and everything we wanted in a dog, -patient, quiet, friendly, obedient... Therefore I'd suggest looking into rescue homes.

However, if it is a pedigree that you are looking for then I would first consider what it is you are looking for in a dog; energy levels, size, training ease, the time you have to give etc, before making a decision.

Maybe consider the following to start with
Flat Coated Retriever http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/flatcoatedretriever.htm
West Highland White Terrier http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cavalierkingcharlesspaniel.htm

Any easy breeds really. It depends on what size of dog you want too.

I would suggest a lab, retriever, border colie, etc. American pit bull terriers also make great family pets (despite the myths) but they are not for first time owners.

Just look around talk with breeders or check at your local shelter. Good luck!

Pomerian or Labrador.

I think a Labrador. In the film Marley and me, they get along well.

German Shepherd.

morgie