Bigger or smaller size dog with small children in the home?

[Anonymous]

Some people say it’s better to get a bigger dog because the kids are less likely to injure a bigger sturdier dog however some people would argue the opposite because a smaller dog is easy to handle

[Anonymous]

Our example is a bit extreme, but our DS and great dane coexisted fantastically.

[Anonymous]

Small or medium size dog, and you train both the dog and the kids. Don't be one of those people who let their small dog run snarling wild because it's little and cute. And for the kids, teach them it's never ok to kick, fall on, ride, etc the dog.

But in the end, a small dog that bites won't kill a kid.

[Anonymous]

Holy s-balls pp, that is TERRIBLE advice!

A lab or golden are the best for kids in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Holy s-balls pp, that is TERRIBLE advice!

A lab or golden are the best for kids in my opinion.

+1

For a first family dog, get a lab or a golden.

[Anonymous]

Any size dog as long as both dog and kid are well trained to handle each other, and not left alone without supervision until a long time without incident

[Anonymous]

No pitbulls and NO chihuahuas.

In my opinion chihuahuas are the WORST family dog ever. They are territorial and can be very nasty. My cousins have several and since they are small no one bothers to train them and thinks that their nipping is "cute" and the incessant aggressive barking can be cured by screaming shut up at them.

So yeah, not those two and you're good.

[Anonymous]

We've had multiple kids and multiple dogs (we foster also) and strongly prefer a larger dog like a golden retriever or lab. We've also had mastiffs who were wonderful with our kids, but too protective and I separate them from kids visiting. If you are new dogs owners, I would avoid giant breeds. I would also avoid Shepherds for new owners, they can be extremely smart but not as fool proof as a lab or golden retriever.

[Anonymous]

It really depends on the dog in question. We have a chi cross and he is absolutely delightful with our children. He has never nipped or snarled at them, is patient, kind and loves to cuddle up with them. However, you should supervise small children around all pets. He is also easy to travel with, low maintenance, perfectly housebroken and low energy so he doesn't require hours of walking every day.

I personally hate labs, they are high energy and chew on everything for years. So many labs are just annoying, poorly trained dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It really depends on the dog in question. We have a chi cross and he is absolutely delightful with our children. He has never nipped or snarled at them, is patient, kind and loves to cuddle up with them. However, you should supervise small children around all pets. He is also easy to travel with, low maintenance, perfectly housebroken and low energy so he doesn't require hours of walking every day.

I personally hate labs, they are high energy and chew on everything for years. So many labs are just annoying, poorly trained dogs.

I agree. A well trained dog of any breed is delightful. Chihuahuas and small dogs in general get a bad rap because so many people refuse to put in the effort to train them properly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It really depends on the dog in question. We have a chi cross and he is absolutely delightful with our children. He has never nipped or snarled at them, is patient, kind and loves to cuddle up with them. However, you should supervise small children around all pets. He is also easy to travel with, low maintenance, perfectly housebroken and low energy so he doesn't require hours of walking every day.

I personally hate labs, they are high energy and chew on everything for years. So many labs are just annoying, poorly trained dogs.

I agree. A well trained dog of any breed is delightful. Chihuahuas and small dogs in general get a bad rap because so many people refuse to put in the effort to train them properly.

I will add to this. I agree a well-trained dog of any breed is it a delight. However if you have small children I would lean towards a smaller dog for a couple of reasons. Your child can easily manage the dogs on walks and, if something freaky happens and the dog does bite or nip your child, it will not be as badly injured then if a bigger dog did. I have a miniature poodle who is an absolute delight. Well mannered, low energy, very good with children.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thinking of getting a labradoodle or goldendoodle- and those come in 3 sizes- mini, medium, and standard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here: thinking of getting a labradoodle or goldendoodle- and those come in 3 sizes- mini, medium, and standard.

I'd go with the golden cross and aim for a 20-30 lb adult size. You might also look at a cockapoo if you like the smaller poodle crosses. Whatever you pick, really look closely at the temperament of the parents.

[Anonymous]

My lab retriever mix had been great with DD since she was a baby, she is now 6. He does tend to be a bit of a bull in a china shop though. We taught her early on always to let him go down the stairs first, if not thete us a risk he would send her flying as he barrels down. Personally i would gwt a larger dog.

[Anonymous]

We've always wanted small dogs because they travel easier and just coexist in our families better. I love being able to sit next to a small dog on the couch whereas I think big dogs belong on the floor since their nails ruin couches.