Anonymous wrote:A stuffed animal!

that's what I say every time my husband brings up getting a dog!

Hey!What about Golden Retrievers!They are great family dogs.However they don't grow.They remain puppies for a long time.Very loving,lots of shedding though.

I would stay away from German Shepherds. Those dogs have a way of looking for a fight. I have trained many dogs, and those concern me. Other breeds that are worrisome are Dalmatians, Akitas, Samoyeds, Rottweilers, and Vizlas.

In general, the herders are the "smartest" (they listen to us more). The hounds tend to be less intelligent ( they listen to us less).


If you stick with smaller breeds any problem is less of a problem.

We have had several German Shepherd dogs from the GSD rescue. They will protect you no end, easily trainable, are loyal, they are smart and they will actually herd the toddlers when we have a bunch over. My 12 month old climbs all over them. But the hair.... it is everywhere and it makes me crazy. Lots of people are afraid of them so people never bother me when I am out walking.

I had a black and white cocker spaniel growing up. Anytime someone got too close to my mother and the dog was around the dog would attack. He would go nuts. They very told us that they are so inbred at times that they can be very mean.

Our neighbor had Jack Russell Terriors. These dogs would KILL neighborhood cats, squirrels and terrorize any kids if they got out (which would happen all the time through their craftiness).

A stuffed animal!

Cockapoos are adorable, very cute, but are MUCH more temperamental than purebred poodles. You can pretty well guarantee (as much as you can ever "guarantee" something with a dog) that a real poodle who is raised lovingly will never turn aggressive. You cannot be sure of the same thing with even a well-raised cockapoo. It's the cocker spaniel in them -- some are completely docile and sweet, but some bite and will turn on you. I would be slightly hesitant to have a cocker or a cockapoo in a home with small children. (Also, cockers aren't that smart, bless their hearts.)

Anyone have a cockapoo? What are they like?

We adopted a collie from a shelter. She is the most mild mannered dog I have ever had. She is way too smart for a dog. She allows the twins to ride her and play with her. I mean they really try to push her buttons! But she just sits there and enjoys every minute.

Yep, she sheds but we deal! We really have enjoyed having her. She will be ten soon (we think), so if she ever passes we'll definitely adopt from a collie rescue.

OP, how young are your children?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are temperamentally great, great, great with children. However, they are little and light and an unattended 2 yr old could really hurt one while playing pile up, etc.

Be careful with beagles- we have one, it was my DH's when I dated and married him. The beagle is now 15 years old and still going!

Beagles are very lovable especially with their droopy eyes and soft ears. But they howl, NOT bark, but howls...oh, and the howl carries - you can hear it from outside even with all the windows/doors closed. Their howls are meant to alert the hunter of a fox or rabbit (duh, they're hunting dogs).

Their noses are extremely sensitive and their appetites never ending. Our beagle howled at the top of his lungs for an hour straight at the recliner. Had no idea why - turned out there was a piece of popcorn wedged in the cushion!

Their appetite will make them "crazy" for food - almost to a fault. They gain weight easily if not properly exercised and will howl at you to death for table scraps - but we've been practicing obedience training in that dept. for years (and still do) with good success.

Our beagle is mellow with our 13 mo. old DD. He eagerly sits beside her hight chair waiting for her to toss cheerios (it is the cutest thing...), and since our beagle is a 13 incher (there are two types) he is just the right size for her to use as a walker.

So unless you don't mind noise, an insatiable appetite, and lots of exercise to reroute their energy than beagles (preferably rescue ones - check out BREW.org) are great for a family.

I know several families that have had good luck with beagles being a good family dog.

My best advice is to rescue a dog, there are so many in desperate need of adoption. We actually rescued a puppy last year, he is the most adorable dog, he is a brindle mix (lab and beagle I guess), if you are interested please visit: aforeverhome.org

I have to agree, mutts are the best. We have a combination cairn terrier and golden retriever who is the best dog in the world. You could swear he speaks English. He doesn't shed, he has big dog calm, and he's only 35 lbs (medium size) dog. Look for the mixes. Especially look on Petfinder.com like PP mentioned. I saw some great mixes there.

I honestly have to say, beware the purebreeds. Even the most responsible breeder has problems, through no fault of their own. It is a horrible thing for your children to bond with an animal that develops a series of health problems, and the cost, inconvenience and heartache can easily be avoided by choosing an animal that has selected out those inbred issues by virtue of being a mutt.

YEAH MUTTS!