Help us find a dog! Kids are so lonely (me too)...

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
Other breeds that tend to be good with kids are Shetland Sheepdogs, poodles, corgis , Cairn terriers and pugs.

Most well-bred cairns are good with kids, but I would not recommend a cairn for a family that has not had terriers before. Terriers, especially the small ones like westies, cairns and such, are unique and that is putting it mildly They are very strong-willed and independant-minded, can be difficult to housebreak, and can never be trusted off-leash or in an unfenced yard- invisible fences will NOT contain most terriers. Small terriers can be high-strung, and if they are NOT well-bred they can be yappy and nippy with kids.

 

[Crankyshank]

How far are you from Worcester? This Shelter here is amazing. They are no kill. They do a lot with homebound hounds and Save a SATO. They get lots of puppies and are very good about evaluating dogs as far as who is good with kids, etc...

I can't say enough how great they are http://www.sterlingshelter.org/

 

[LindaG4458]

Sometimes breeders keep puppies as show prospects, but the dog doesn't measure up in the beauty department. Then the dogs are placed in pet homes. We got a great cocker this way - nice pup but not show material. The advantage is that they are a little bit older (in our case 6 months) and easier to train. Usually they charge less for these pups, too. Also a reputable breeder is conscious of doggie personalities and which pup would work out with children.

If you decide on a breed, contact a local all breed kennel club. They can refer you to a breeder. Once you have an "in" into the breeder network, they all know who has pups, what kind, how old, etc. A few calls might find you the perfect pup!

If you are interested in Cocker Spaniels I can give you a contact name & number.

 

[hipporina]

I love basset hounds! They are not a very popular breed, but ours is wonderful! She is sweet, gentle, playful, and affectionate. We also have a mini-dachshound that I love too. The only problems we have with her are that she is stubborn and barks a good bit. We have 4 kids that can be rough, but even when the kids pull at their ears or something, they never bite.

 

[pjshaff]

We have a Sheltie who is going to be 7 in Sept, and he is WONDERFUL with our two kids (5 and 2.5). I did alot of research on dog breeds before we bought Duncan, knowing that we would eventually have kids. He is gentle with them, rarely barks(although this is not the norm), and loves to play with them. If they( the kids) get too bothersome, he gets up and walks away.

We purchased him from a breeder here in Ga, and I would not hesitate to get another Sheltie from him.


Pam

 

[Patty3]

We are Golden Retriever lovers as well. Our first golden died at 5 yoa and we knew that another Golden was the way to go. They are so laid back and make wonderful family pets. Our current Golden, Jordan, is just such a loving animal, as was the first. Before our goldens we had a West Highland Terrier that we got as a puppy. At about 15 months, he started to bite. We took him to a behavior specialist and worked with this dog. Well, he bit again. He bit 5 times and they were all my children. Never again, after the first bite they are gone! Why did we wait so long to put him down? The episodes in the beginning were about 4 months apart. Each time we thought he would not do it again, but he did. I could not give him to anyone because of his biting.

 

[POLLY ANN]

Just had to post a pic of one of the cutest crossbreed of dogs I have seen. It is called a Golden Doodle. (Love the name!) A cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle.

I found it on this website http://breedersdomain.com/goldendoodle.htm

Good Luck in your search for the right dog for your family!

 

[maryssasmom]

I also vote for a labrador. we have a 4 1/2 yo female and she is the best. my dd can dress her, put stickers on her head, paint her nails, etc. she is the best and a great watch dog.
you can also try www.breeders.net and look and see what is in your area for what breed. they list rescues too.

good luck. I can't imagine my life without my labrador!!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

As you can see from my newest avatar, I am partial to Miniature Schnauzers. We found ours through an ad in the local paper. She was almost two and had already been spayed. The current owner told me up front the dog had a problem with wetting on the carpet as soon as they let her out of her kennel. I asked how long she was crated each day and the owner told me about ten hours...I'd pee on the rug too if I couldn't use the bathroom for ten hours! Anyway, we fell in love with her immediately and took her home. Guess what -- she was most definitely housebroken already and we never had a problem (we've never crated her either).

 

[Mermaid02]

I know everyone loves a golden.... but having just spent the weekend with a family with one...if you care about the hair DON'T do it! There was golden hair EVERYWHERE! I'm not a neat freak, but I couldn't take it!

Of course I am partial to the dog in my signature... great with kids and a good watch dog. Yankee Weimaraner Rescue is in Massachusetts, but I can't remember where.... the woman's name who ran it when we were looking 7 years ago was Jean Gamble.

 

[pat fan]

Thanks again for more great ideas.I know patience is the key,but if you've had a dog and then you don't,you know how quiet the house is.I'll check out the sites you've all mentioned and see if there's anything there.