The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: Steph Hen on March 29, 2016, 02:45:53 pm
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What do you think is the best breed (or cross) of dog for a family with young children? We live in the countryside and currently have a little boy who's 2 in the summer. We're out walking every day.
I'd like a dog that I can train enough to walk to heel, come when called, etc, but will be playful and energetic to run about with my son, swimming, getting muddy, etc, as he grows older.
I'm not a fan of Jack Russell terriers, I've had/relatives have had 7 of these and not found one I really like and trust yet.
I have a springer spaniel who is great, very gentle and playful with my son, but is too 'wired' all the time - it's exhausting being in the same room/space with him as he's always wheeking, moving, pushing the boundaries.
I also struggle to trust sheep dog type collies - I've known a few that I've not liked much (and one FANTASTIC one) - I also don't like that way I see them running round and round kids and other dogs on the beach like they're rounding them up all the time.
I've always loved German shepherds, but thinking a bit too big for small family. Probably medium sized would be best for trips in car to the hills and beach. Have wondered about lurchers? Will be waiting till Toby, spaniel passes away, but never hurts to do some research and wondered what you think?
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I'll get shot down in flames... but I've yet to meet a Poodle cross I didn't really love. They've all seemed to be happy, friendly, people-oriented, really super dogs. I'd have gladly given a home to every one of them.
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My family have always had sheepdogs, welsh, since I can remember and 1 komondor. Never had any problems as we had them from puppies and they grew up with us; however if you're not happy about them I would suggest getting in touch with the Kennel club and speak to them about the best breeds, also various charities such as dogs trust and people like that. Make sure you do a lot of research before commiting to anything and also try and stay away from breeds like the bulldog and dogue de bordeaux. I would also reccommend staying away from german shepherds too, as their temperaments can be very unpredictable. A lot of people say boxers are great family dogs, not sure about that one though. Also small dog breeds can be vicious too, so be very careful; I would not reccommend a jack russell for a home with young children at all. Make sure when buying in the breed you like to buy them in as a puppy, females are usually the best, and make sure the parents are very good around children, talk to the breeder as much as possible. Another thing to do is stay away from rescue centres, if you have young children it would be better to buy in a puppy from a trusted breeder than getting one from a rescue centre which you know nothing about. All the best and I hope this helps :thumbsup:
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I'll get shot down in flames... but I've yet to meet a Poodle cross I didn't really love. They've all seemed to be happy, friendly, people-oriented, really super dogs. I'd have gladly given a home to every one of them.
Agree but my niece has one, a cocker spaniel poodle cross and it is more wired than our spaniels. I guess a lot is in their upbringing though.
We spent months looking through rescues, preloved etc to find the perfect pet dog for us. There are so many out there. Take your time and don't get to hung up on the breed, focus on their temperament x
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One of those invites to express a personal preference. Our springer has been a perfect dog and has always adored children. Until his now old age was always energetic but never wired, so I agree that breed doesn't tell the whole story, Other than springer of course I've known several wonderful labradoodles and my absolute firm favourite the Labrador
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Labrador has to be the best family dog. I'm a collie nut but they are definitely not family pets.
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Well I am with the poodle cross brigade. This is a surprising discovery made in the last 18 months or so. I have always had terriers to date, and a jolly feisty lot they have been. Now I have a fabulous dog with something still unidentified in the mix but mainly poodle (large version) with cocker/collie cross.
Just perfect.
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I have a pure bred miniature poodle.
There isn't a nasty bone in his body. Good size for someone smaller but energetic enough to enjoy a good run. Ours just loves his frisbee and is fairly easy to train tricks. He does a high five and plays dead when you shoot him.
I love him to bits
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Maybe we've just been lucky but Bryn is a fab dog. For 11 months old, he's quite obedient; doesnt chase livestock or hens; is really friendly with dogs, people, cats, sheep; isn't too small or too big; is a "proper" dog. I know everyone has their favourites but he's just fab.
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Sounds like an excuse for some more Bryn pics, Rosemary :eyelashes:
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Labrador. :trophy:
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This may be an unusual suggestion but my vote would be for a staffie or staffie cross.
They used to be known as 'nanny dogs' after all!
In my experience staffies are gentle, eager to please = easy to train, lots of fun and ready for a walk or game any time, but not too hot-wired either. Obviously different dogs have different personalities but having spent some time volunteering at Battersea I met an awful lot of gentle, fun staffies.
I took one of them home eventually, and he moved with us to our smallholding 3 years ago. He is very obedient (I did spend some proper time training him) but full of life, doesn't chase stock or wildlife (but loves balls and sticks) , fine with our cats & free range chickens (actually scared of my (feisty) sheep), loves people and is generally a joy to have around. Oh, and the mud just falls off his short coat. :love:
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Corgis :love:
Our new neighbour has one and he says having a Corgi is like owning a unicorn :love:
We have a mini dachshund and a mini schnauzer.
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German Shepherds are FANTASTIC family dogs.
When I was young we had labs and retrievers and they're great too. When my husband suggested GSD as a breed I was wary - we were starting married life and knew kids were on the agenda ;)
Now, I honestly don't think I could imagine life without one :love: They are a bit slower to mature (in emotional / thinking terms) but as long as you train them well when they're young you'll have a fantastic, loyal, clever companion.
Good luck with your decision making!
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I'll get shot down in flames... but I've yet to meet a Poodle cross I didn't really love. They've all seemed to be happy, friendly, people-oriented, really super dogs. I'd have gladly given a home to every one of them.
I'm a pedigree person normally but just met my nephew's 7 month old cockapoo and she is absolutely gorgeous! Very trainable, not too boisterous but playful. Never thought i'd say this :-[
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We have just got a schnauzer poodle cross who seems very sweet. She's certainly much calmer than other puppies I have had.
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I'll get shot down in flames... but I've yet to meet a Poodle cross I didn't really love. They've all seemed to be happy, friendly, people-oriented, really super dogs. I'd have gladly given a home to every one of them.
Never met one without problems.
We have and have had terriers, sheepdogs, lurchers, labs, german pointer, german shepherd and a deerhound. All are absolutely fine with children. Train the dog and don't forget to train the child!
It boils down to personal preference but I would say something smooth coated so less work when muddy as children are bad enough to keep clean!
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Thanks for your replies! Short post as gotta go -
Not really thought about breeds like corgis or poodles much. Husband doesn't like labs, think he's known too many untrained jumpy ones. I could easily go for one. Maybe smooth coat should be a priority!
Thanks x
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Something else to think about. Whether you want a dog that sheds or not. The advantage of a non-shedding dog is obvious but then you need to have them clipped, which doesn't come cheap, or do it yourselves.
Now that I have had a non-shedding dog I wouldn't want to go back to one which sheds though.
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I'll add to that, then, that the poodle crosses won't all be non-shedders - and, as I understand it, you won't know if yours is or isn't until it's a good few months old. So if not shedding is important, it might be best to get a pure Poodle, or one of the other non-shedding breeds. (There are some others, aren't there?)
On short coat vs longer, it's also how thick a coat - the Lab is a short coat but with a double coat they shed for the United Kingdom. ::)
If you want a really short coat, there's the smooth Viszla. I've only known one, but he was a super dog. Ad the Weimeraner too, also very short-coated. (Think I misspelled that one.)
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Golden Retriever ?
Retriever cross? (see Black Retriever X rescue - some cracking dogs and very well assessed for the right homes)
Cocker Spaniel (show type normally calmer than working)
Clumber Spaniel? (def not wired!!!)
Setters are brill with kids, but a bit challenging with the recall!
Whatever you chose - there are great variations in each breed, so lots of research needed (as you are doing :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: )
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Bryn has a short coat - it's like Tefal BUT it's a double coat and atm he looks like his stuffing is coming out :eyelashes:
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Pictures please Rosemary!
I clip my spaniel from time to time. I met a setter cross lab last year who was lovely.
Golden retrievers are beautiful happy dogs. They seem to be a favourite of American families. Don't know what a clumer spaniel is, will have to look them up. Will have a look into retriever cross website, just to see!
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Pictures please Rosemary!
This is Dan's album of photos on FB https://www.facebook.com/danchamp/media_set?set=a.10152999244755583.706765582&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/danchamp/media_set?set=a.10152999244755583.706765582&type=3)
They're not that up to date but he's still cute as a button :love:
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Cute! :trophy:
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I have a GSD, JRT and Pomeranian, my sister has a working cocker spaniel. - All fantastic working dogs and pets. After working in a kennels for 6 years, I'd say the most energetic of any breed is your cocker spaniel and any spaniel crossbreeds, although having said that Collies are particularly spritely, but wouldn't be my first choice around children.
Its all about how you bring him/her up in the family home :)
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Rather than looking for a specific breed, I would work out exactly what your requirements are and how much time you have for training, exercise etc, then go and speak to your local rescue. They will have done a thorough temperament assessment on all their dogs, and will not want them to bounce back, so will find one suited to you. I have known a number of puppies come from the breeder with issues - at least at a rescue the dogs have been properly assessed and are generally old enough for any issues to be apparent.
Good luck whatever you decide on!
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Good advice from Pipsqueek. Also, from a rescue you could get an adult dog, so none of the puppy problems you might otherwise have (cute though they are)
Thinking of breeds, I'd recommend a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They're very calm and accepting and love a fuss. Not sure about trainability, but don't see they'd be any harder than a Springer.
My collie has been a fantastic family pet for older children: she retrieves and is obedient, very accepting and they found she made a good pillow when watching TV on the floor. She has none of the hyper thing collies are famed for, but I've heard collies will sometimes try to "herd" smaller children. We also have long haired Chihuahuas who are the most wonderful little dogs: devoted and affectionate with lots of bounce and play, but they are too delicate for smalls to haul around and tread on!
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This is just homework; I'm interested in what people think and wondered if there were breeds that I'd overlooked (like poodles!). I'm not adverse to an older dog but am not a fan of rescue centres. I volunteered in one and have had family and friends who've worked in others. I saw neglect (dogs not walked for days while we all sat and had our 3rd cuppa and biscuits of the morning), paper work doctored for breed mixtures, age and temperament to make them seem more attractive, and the favourite dogs that were kept in the office and never available for rehoming even when people asked for them specifically. At the other end of the spectrum, those that require new owners not to have children, jobs, etc. Aparantly they didn't walk my spaniel because 'he pulled on the lead too much'. This stuff was years ago, and I'm sure they're all different and change anyway, but not sure I'd bet a new dog on it. I'll visit them and see nearer the time if I like the people who run rescues round here, but I'm not a fan. (Ps. Have rehomed 8 rescue cats from rescue centres, and had 2 2nd hand dogs; I'm not a pedigree snob! ;D)
I am told that the breed specific rescues tend to be a lot more down to earth. I do have a friend who has a friend who runs a rescue nr Glasgow, and given a bit of time came up with a perfect German shepherd for her.
Maybe a little bit bigger than a King Charles spaniel..? I'll have to find one to go and meet. Although just read back to Faye.Lear's comment, maybe I should rule out all spaniels (he wears me out, especially now he's deaf, but SO good with my little boy).
I'd really like a chihuahua some day, but prob not for a few decades yet (it'll be post GSD and that's not on the cards yet).
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There's a lot of great dogs out there: yorkie, min poodle, chihuahua, shi tzu, tibetan, italian greyhound f'r intstance at the small end. The the terriers... lakeland, cairn. westie, border et al. Then the slighty large CKCS, the other spaniels, bull terrier, corgis, whippet... then the retrievers, vizla, weimerana, pointers, setters, GSD going on to the afghan, deerhounds, woflhounds, danes, Bearnese, Bernards....And the other 300 breeds
Chihuahua as a family pet has one problem. The story of the lady who wanted a mexican hairless dog and her friend bought her a chihuahua. So she went to the chemist to buy a strong depilatory and explained to the chemist that she needed to get rid of all the hair on her chihuahua. The rest of the story isn't a family story....
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Oooh, I know this one! The best family dog is MY dog (but you can't have him). Here he is (photo attached)...
This little beauty is one year old and goes everywhere with me (except to see the sheep, who he is terrified of). He's nearly fully grown now, only about another 10KG to go.
Of course, a Newfy is not for everyone. There is a lot of hair. Really, a LOT of hair. I don't notice the drool myself, but do carry several towels in his "go bag" to keep him presentable when out and about. He is quite big and I did have to buy a different car as he didn't fit in my old one. My wife was walking down the lane the other day and said "oh look, the neighbours have bought a dog just like Barney!" On closer inspection, they had in fact bought a new pony. On the plus side, he is the gentlest boy in the world, he quite simply has no aggression at all, and would literally die for my two little boys who he loves more than you would believe possible. He had to have something nasty and very painful done to his undercarriage by the vet, who insisted that he be muzzled in case he bit her (I explained he would be more likely to start reciting poetry than bite anyone). Of course the largest muzzle they had barely fit over his nose and fell off almost immediately while she was messing with his bits. I said nothing and carried on holding him down. Not only did he not bite anyone or even growl, he was most apologetic for all the fuss and gave me (and the vet) a big lick afterwards. Without a doubt, the gentlest of giants and ideal for a family with small children.
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he is beautiful. What breed is he?
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Newfoundland.
Love! I have always loved massive dogs, just a bit too much hair for just now, and not going to fit in car too easily! Would be worth getting a bigger car one day just to have one though! I love the look of greater Swiss mountain dogs too!
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I agree that dog rescue centres aren't always as diligent as they should be. A local lady (small and quite elderly) was matched with a large greyhound that hated all other dogs and would attack on sight. That story did not have a happy ending.
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I agree that dog rescue centres aren't always as diligent as they should be. A local lady (small and quite elderly) was matched with a large greyhound that hated all other dogs and would attack on sight. That story did not have a happy ending.
I love my greyhound and would recommend them for a lot of people but you have to be careful with them. Our girl wouldn't hurt a fly. She actually watched a random cat come into our house 3 times and just lay there unconcerned. However, she can get jumpy and excitable and then she needs a strong arm to hold her.
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Rescue centres .... I have experienced the good and bad and have a dog here from each type! I got my collie cross from Wiccaways (a collie rescue centre) and they insisted they met me, all the family and any other dogs before they would consider letting you have one of their dogs ... in fact they had turned down a family wanting the one we came home with.......... and we came home with one I hadn't specifically gone to see ............. but they were right and he was and is a great family pet.
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Late submission here...
:dog: WHIPPET! :dog:
When people hear I have a whippet or see Willow for the first time, they say, "But she's so thin. She must be cold. She must need so much exercise."
And then they fall in love! Whippets are gentle, affectionate, loyal, playful. Our dogs (other one is a Border Terrier) have two half hour walks per day and this includes some time off the lead. At this point, the whippet dashes round in big circles and it's absolutely stunning to see her at full pace. Otherwise the dogs follow me about as I'm footering about, in case I do anything interesting. And for the rest of the day she'll curl up, preferably in her master's arms. She seldom barks. She keeps herself very clean. She doesn't drool. She fits in the car nicely.
Downside? Gas!
We originally wanted to rehome a dog from a rescue centre. Unfortunately, time and time again we read 'not suitable for a home with children', 'not suitable for a home with cats', 'cannot be separated from this other dog'.
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I would second a whippet, but not with small children. Most will not tolerate being pulled and poked or fallen on. They are very elastic about exercise and will happily join you on a 10 mile hike or, especially if it's raining, just as happily stay in bed with you for a day.
I'm down to six now and can't imagine a life without one!
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We have Irish Terriers - these are ideal family pets. Good size, low / shedding, brilliant temperament with people and as long as socialised well no reason not to get on with other dogs out and about. They are not like small yappy / nippy terriers like JRT / patterdales. But they are terriers and need consistent training and patience as pups to learn nipping not acceptable. I have had 4 - my husband has grown up with them and they are lovely. Ours live on our smallholding along with chickens, goats, sheep etc and as long as trained are ok with stock. If you want rescue / breeder details pm me.
I would recommend an Irish Water Spaniel if you can dedicate time and energy to training and exercise - I know all dogs need this but my IWS very busy - but excellent with people.
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another few breeds to consider would be Springer spaniels, labrador, golden retriever and a cavachon. All very nice tempered animals. personally I would go for the golden retriever, mostly for the soft coat.
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i have been asked this many times over the years. Truth is any dog can bite. Its owners that cause the problems. Children left to poke and tease, never give the dog any peace. People who want their dog to be butch so make the dog fearful so it attacks first. Then they are the bunch who have to have what is in fashion. I feel for all the wee dogs who get carried everywhere. Who are now being dumped because their owner has moved onto something more fashionable . My answer is, don't buy a dog for very young kids. Wait until they are old enough to understand the pup is a living thing and not a toy. Would you bring a new baby into your house without making sure everything is safe for the childs well being !
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I've got a springer spaniel and he's the gentlest soul and fantastic with my son. I asked my vet friend this question the other day and she said not to bother thinking about it - she'll find me a dog when old Toby gives up the ghost. She had a LOVELY golden retriever the other day that had needed rehoming, my son seemed to get on with him really well too, but she'd already sorted a new home for him and I won't get a new dog while I've still got Toby.
Sabrina, please don't assume that my idea of keeping a dog/parenting is to let my child poke a puppy it till it bites him. Does anyone in the world think/ask for the dog breeds that don't bite??? :roflanim:
Toddlers and animals mixed together aren't safe but I want my kids to grow up with animals, this means he sometimes gets tripped up by the dog, pushed by the goats, and bitten by a Shetland pony the other week but I'm ok with this. He also delights in stroking, feeding and playing with them, and him learning to run as part of a very motley pack (two kid goats, cat, dog, son and I, scampering down the farm lane) are just some memories I will treasure forever :sunshine:
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we got our gsd when my kids were 4 and 1, and before my other 2 were born. she is perfect and 13 now.
we waited until my youngest was 4 before we got a parson russell terrier and he very much my dog.
Labs knock little kids over but are v forgiving.
our beardie is v loving, loves the kids and also protective of our family which is a bonus. she is v energetic though but a family favourite because of her humour.
the dog who has bitten my kids and is the most dangerous out of our 5 in terms of bites and in starting fights is our lhaso apso.
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We have always had retrievers ..... Labradors and Flatties.
Any breed will have good and bad points I think but our retrievers have been brilliant with our children. Good natured, loving and always ready for fun.
Flatties can be hyper, particularly the males and are not for everyone. They do need a firm hand but absolutely love children and are just full of life and silliness. Even at 11 years old, our boy will go dashing over if he hears laughter ... just has to be in the middle of everything.
We have working line labs. They can sometimes be a little sensitive ....ours is a little wary of strangers but have all loved our children.
They can be boisterous but ours have never knocked the children over even when they were toddlers. They seemed to be very aware of them.
All ours have also been very biddable around other animals and stock ... with appropriate training of course!
Good luck finding the right dog ..... our teenagers adore their dogs and always have.