Best Family Dog?

[Anonymous]

I have to say that lab poster was nuts and I am a huge dog lover and owner of 2 old labs...11 and 9 years old (both bought as puppies from ads in the paper).

I'd go with the low-shed if I had to choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2014 I can understand your concern, but not all rescue pets are risky.
Most rescue dogs aren't spayed or neutered when rescued so the mama dogs are usually pregnant - you can adopt one of the puppies in the litter since they are still impressionable and are fortunate enough not to know the bitter world of abuse and neglect. The only "risk" you have is the same "risk" you have with having any puppy in your house.

Our rescue was the mama, not the puppies - and she is the BEST dog. We knew enough about her background to feel safe taking her, and we were right - she is great with the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that you asked, but cocker spaniels aren't always good kid dogs. They are prone to ear infections and sometimes snap when people touch their ears.

I completey disagree with this statement. We have a cocker spaniel and a 5 month old. Our dog is great with our DD. Yes, they are prone to ear infections, but you just have to make sure you keep their ears clean. I feel breed has its down faults, but I would suggest visiting a shelter and maybe getting a mixed breed. Even if breeds have certain traits not all dogs follow suit.

Great point. That's why finding an adult dog with a clearly developed personality as opposed to a puppy is so valuable.

Yes, absolutely - we adopted our 2yo rescue mix last winter, and it was so much easier than a puppy would have been. After a couple of getting-acclimated potty accidents, she was good to go (accident-free since then). She is great with the kids, knew some commands (sit, stay, come), and can be trusted alone in the house when we are out.

I wouldn't do a puppy with kids, myself (or maybe at all).

[Anonymous]

Norwegian Elkhounds are the best dogs in the world, especially for kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read the whole thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating. We just did a ton of dog research - we were looking at all area shelters and researched all the breeds that were in the mixed dogs we liked. One breed that looked fabulous was a bloodhound. Apparently the only danger is that they are SO mellow around kids that you need to make sure your kids don't abuse them. They'll just sit there and let the kids do anything - no snapping, aggression, etc.

They will follow scents to the end of the earth, so you need a very well fenced yard. They are big, but in a short/stocky way so less space and energy than a lab.

And FWIW, if you are interested in labs, the DC and MoCO shelters all had some - either purebred or mixes. Some were adults, so likely house-trained and done with the high-energy puppy. Lab rescue societies also have adults that need homes. For a house with kids, I think a 1-2 yo dog is ideal.

This is absolutely true. I adopted two adult hound dog mixes and they are the best dogs I have ever owned. They are big, but extremely mellow. They have never so much as growled at any family members or friends. My toddler climbs all over them, gets into bed with them, uses them as chairs, etc. and they don't do anything. Usually, they just yawn and roll over or they will give her a good licking. They aren't too high energy and they spend a good part of the day lounging around my house. They aren't the best watchdogs but they will bark if a stranger comes to the door. The only downside is that they shed a lot.

[Anonymous]

We got two dogs in the past five years. First dog was 6 months old- easiest sweetest dog. Second dog was 12 week old puppy- fun loving and HIGH maintenance.

I think a lot has to do with temperament. As long as you don't get it from the pet store (thus encouraging puppy mills) and are willing to do training and excercise, I think you can handle pretty much any dog.

Just as long when the going gets tough you don't give it up. IMO excercise/ consulting with a good trainer (mostly excercise!) will solve 99% of any problem you will have. Tra

[Anonymous]

Recommendations for places to go to adopt/rescue a dog?

[Anonymous]

Another plug for www.grreat.org (two rrs) the golden retriever rescue league. These dogs are great with kids. The rescue league puts them all in foster homes first for observation and will not place dogs in homes with small children if they are deemed a risk. Often a dog is turned in to the rescue b/c a family can no longer care for it due to family health issues, or a move, not b/c there is anything "wrong" with the dog, so you get all the benefit of someone else doing all of the difficult puppy training and getting up at night and dealing with the chewing, etc., and you just end up with a wonderful new family member!

[Anonymous]

Someone earlier mentioned Samouyeds. Another similar choice would be Siberian Huskies (not Malamutes). Real huskies are not that big. My sister has had two their girls have grown up with. Tremendously attached to the children -- they think they're big cats. That said, you need to get them from a reputable breeder and train them well. One of the adults (human that is ) in the house must be regarded as the Alpha male. Once that is settled in puppyhood, all's good. They will shed, you cannot use a neck leash (chest harness instead), like to be outside, etc. but if you pay attention to those breed specific details -- they are great with kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Recommendations for places to go to adopt/rescue a dog?

Anyone have success through Craigs list?

[Anonymous]

Schnoodle - schnauzer, poodle mix.

Adorable, fun, gentle, love to be pet, easy to train.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Recommendations for places to go to adopt/rescue a dog?

Anyone have success through Craigs list?

I wouldn't suggest Craigslist, since you won't necessarily know what you're getting into.

Petfinder.com or the SPCA will have rescue dogs listed for your area. They will have as much information about the dog as possible, including background, shots/vaccinations, etc and you can visit the dog as a family and see how things go.

[Anonymous]

The Washington Animal Rescue League is a GREAT shelter. It's in NE and some of their pets are listed online at their website. www.warl.org (I think)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about a Labradoodle (cross between a poodle and a lab). They are extremely smart, loyal, don;t shed, are fabulous with kids and come in all sizes and coat types. If you Google the breed you will find lots of info.

OP said a lab would be too big. A Labradoodle is just as big. And every Labradoodle I have known is out of control, which doesn't make sense b/c Labs and poodles are both great dogs, but in my experience it seems to be the case.

[Anonymous]

If you're considering a poodle mix, just consider a poodle. They don't shed, are extremely smart, are extremely good with children and as family companions, and they don't shed. (Yes, I know I said the shedding part twice!) Any of the popular poodle mixes will likely shed more and be less intelligent.