Anonymous wrote: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).

Just for the record, German Shepherds are herding dogs, which are among "the smartests" (as pointed out above). As the loving owner of a 5 year-old German Shepherd and a 9-month old baby, I cannot imagine having any other breed. DH and I got our Shepherd as a 4-month old puppy and spent lots of time and resources into training him. Now he is terrific with our DD! But these dogs are not for everyone.

Especially for you dog expert PPs, which poodle mix (labradoodle, goldendoodle, etc.) would you recommend?

It sure is another thread, and considering that was my post, about my dog and my family, it has absolutely nothing to do with the PP. My family and I are quite confident in our ability to judge any "danger" posed by our own elderly four-pound dog.

I wish people would stop saying that their dog "poses absolutely no danger". How do you KNOW?
Anyway, that's another thread.

We have a rescue dog, one who was terribly abused, neglected, and malnourished, and despite his tragic history, he is not the least bit aggressive or dangerous. We do not worry at all about him harming our daughter. He's a small poodle and I think it's a testament to the breed that despite his past, he still doesn't bite.

That said, a rescue dog like him would still not be a good pick for someone looking for the "best family dog." Although he poses absolutely no danger, he is a LOT of work. He has multiple health issues that require a lot of resources (both time-wise and finance-wise), and he has lasting emotional trauma that make him scared of strangers. He loves my husband and me, but it was a long road, and he'll never be the cuddly, playful dog that he would have been had he been raised from birth by us (or another loving owner). Poodles are such perfect family dogs otherwise that I would recommend someone considering one to get one from a reputable breeder.

So... rescue dogs are not necessarily any more dangerous than other dogs (that depends on both their breed and their particular backstory) but they can pose "risks" in that they may have special challenges. However, it's such a good thing to do that I wouldn't want to discourage someone away from all rescue dogs. Some are abandoned because of an owner's failing health, advancing age, or financial difficulties, and may be very well-adjusted. It does pay to be careful and cautious, though, especially in a home with children (but then, that is true of any dog, rescue or not!). We would not trade our chosen rescue dog for all the world, but we also probably would not have picked him had we been looking specifically for a dog who would be good with our daughter (he came along many years before she did).

I was bitten by my neighbor's rescue dog. That dog eventually calmed down, but I would not have gone through all that "therapy" that they had to do with that animal. That said, yes there are some good rescue dogs, but it can be tricky.

BTW, I have heard that neutering a dog does not reduce the chances that it will bite a human.

I posted earlier about my collie. We adopted her from a shelter. She was indeed abused BUT she is not in the "risky" category. We have been lucky that she is not. She is the sweetest dog around. Most rescue/shelter dogs seem to be more attentive and really aim to please more.

I think it is unfortunate you are putting all rescue dogs in the "risky" category.They are not.

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.

PP-where did you get your information? What you said is so untrue! A lot of rescues are give-ups and yes, some are abused, but if they're going to be adopted out-their temperment is tested. The shelters and rescue groups in the DC area are very careful about who they adopt to-and VERY VERY careful about families with children under the age of 4.

Most of the rescues I know are sweet, loving and grateful to have a home. I found our dog, a purebred Yorkie, as a puppy. I took her to Alexandria shelter, because I was sure someone would be looking for her. No one did-so we brought her home. Yorkie's aren't suppose to be good with children-but our girl is exceptional with our son! And he's infatuated with her-is constantly touching her, laying his head on her and she has never once nipped or bit him. I consider her a rescue!

The truth is-people give up their pets. Not a great example to set for a child-but it's a fact. I've never heard anyone say rescues + children = bad. Not every dog is a pit bull!!!

Rescue + kids = risky. These dogs have been hurt. I would only recommend rescue with more mature kids. My 4 year old would get bitten.

I am a big fan of rescue dogs, too. A perk is that you can work with the rescue group/foster family to understand EXACTLY the pros and cons of that particular dog... not more generalized characteristics of a breed. We have a 'found' dog who's turning out to be just perfect for our DC. We don't get through the day without remarking what a great dog she is. All that said....

Have you considered a bassett hound? They're ridiculously cute, especially as puppies, and just want to be loved. They'll play for as long as your kids want to play then pass out for the rest of day (and night)! And they look great in family photos.

Anonymous wrote: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!

do cairn terriers not shed - i know golden retrievers do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A stuffed animal!

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

Aw come on, that would be like preferring to have a stuffed doll for a friend. Nothing beats having a dog for a pet!

Friends don't drool all over, shed, and I don't have to pick up their poop! Most friends, anyway.

I know you say labs are too big, but honestly bigger dogs don't always need as much space as you would think. Had several breeds and with kids, I would definitely go with a lab or golden retreiver.
Another one who loves the humane society rescue or breed specific rescues..i'm sure there are tons in this area but I look at http://grreat.org/dogs/
I personally would look for a dog between 2-4 years...past the puppy chewing stage, has mellowed a bit and won't be quite so energentic and knock kids down/jump up as a puppy will.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A stuffed animal!

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

Aw come on, that would be like preferring to have a stuffed doll for a friend. Nothing beats having a dog for a pet!