What is a good child friendly breed of dog?

MellyB_2

My dog isn't too bothered about being left - he likes the peace and quiet and sleeps absolutely loads anyway!

foreign_correspondent

geri1965 wrote: »

What about a Cavalier King Charles spaniel? They are adorable, we had one when I was young and he was docile to the point of being stupid.

They are often nice dogs, but have a lot of inherited health problems - cardiac problems are very common in this breed (I belive more than half of all ckcs are affected), and there is also a condition where the skull is too small for the brain (the result of breeding for a 'look' rather than function) which causes terrible neurological problems, so anyone buying a ckcs does need to do their research. They are also not a breed suited to outdoor living.

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/

pixie76

We have a Shih Tzu who has grown up with our four year and she has the most lovely gentle temperament, very placid and docile dog. Whatever dog you get though you definitely need someone to come in through the day and help if you are at work.

cleopatra4485

pixie76 wrote: »

We have a Shih Tzu who has grown up with our four year and she has the most lovely gentle temperament, very placid and docile dog. Whatever dog you get though you definitely need someone to come in through the day and help if you are at work.

Shih Tzu sounds like a good one for me. Ok are we all in agreement that when/if I go back to work the babysitter (my mother) can also take my poochiebaby aswell.

foreign_correspondent

cleopatra4485 wrote: »

Shih Tzu sounds like a good one for me. Ok are we all in agreement that when/if I go back to work the babysitter (my mother) can also take my poochiebaby aswell.

I dunno.. what does your mum think? Does she want the responsibility of an adolescent dog and a toddler at the same time? ...as for shihtzus - find out as much as you can about a breed before choosing - I dont know about breed specific health issues for them, but they do have a flattened face which san be problematic, and tend to smell a bit too doggy which I dont like!

cleopatra4485

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

I dunno.. what does your mum think? Does she want the responsibility of an adolescent dog and a toddler at the same time? ...as for shihtzus - find out as much as you can about a breed before choosing - I dont know about breed specific health issues for them, but they do have a flattened face which san be problematic, and tend to smell a bit too doggy which I dont like!

Oh no, I hate that smelly dog smell. Right, I want a short haired, small docile dog. found this article

• Shih-Tzu - full of infectious, extrovert enthusiasm, these intelligent little dogs are fun companions although they can be independent and wilful too!
• Pug - friendly, affectionate character which may suffer in humidity and heat, due to their short faces. Despite their small size, they are not snappy or nervous like many toy breeds and are low maintenance (minimal grooming and exercise)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - energetic playmate with loving nature who will adapt to any lifestyle but needs regular exercise and grooming of its long, silky coat. Heart disease is a problem in this breed.
• Border Terrier - a compact, robust, short-coated dog that's great for families with active children. Good watchdogs although terrier-characteristics have to be kept in check, such as digging!
• Beagle - happy, sociable, ideal family dogs although not the easiest to train as, being a scent hound, they become obsessed once they pick up a scent trail and will ignore all commands.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier - a powerful, muscular dog which is nevertheless tolerant and affectionate with children and devoted to its family. Highly intelligent and fearless, it can be slightly combative with other dogs if not well-socialised from young.
• Cocker Spaniel - sensitive, affectionate and intelligent little dog which requires some grooming and a fair amount of exercise. They have keen hunting instincts and can be strong-willed.
• Labrador/Golden Retriever - good-natured and eager to please, the Lab's love of water can be a nuisance as it will find any puddle available; they both also enjoy retrieving and carrying things around. Labs are energetic and require a lot of exercise but also adore food. The Golden has a longer coat which needs more grooming.

Pug does sound the best for me personally as long as I don't let him overheat. Oh foreign correspondent my mum has handled 3 kids and 2 dogs at the same time this will nothing to her, plus she will be getting paid.

mrcol1000

cleopatra4485 wrote: »

Oh no, I hate that smelly dog smell. Right, I want a short haired, small docile dog. found this article

[/LIST]Pug does sound the best for me personally as long as I don't let him overheat. .

I think your also find that because of there small noses as well as having a tendacy to overheat they also snore heavily. Not good when you have just got the baby back to sleep.

pulliptears

cleopatra4485 wrote: »

Shih Tzu sounds like a good one for me. Ok are we all in agreement that when/if I go back to work the babysitter (my mother) can also take my poochiebaby aswell.

My Mum has a "little Shiht" as we call him. Willful and snappy with everyone bar my mother. Wouldn't trust him at all and Ive met a few other people with little shihtz the same

I was warned to avoid Scottie dogs, yet mine is the biggest, daftest lump in the world. Incredibly loyal as well. But they are terriers so it can still go either way.

The only dog I have ever been bitten by was a miniature poodle btw

bouncydog1

I don't believe you should think about getting a dog until your child is quite a bit older. Have you thought about the horrible side - dog with nose in potty and child picking up doggy doo - which can and does happen no matter how careful you are with a toddler/dog - you cannot watch both of them at the same time.

You will also have a boisterous puppy at the time your little one is starting to walk and small children can and do pull puppies around - puppies snap back and before you know it the dog is in trouble, for no fault of it's own.

Please wait a while - what happens if your small child is terrified of the dog (and some are) what are you going to do then - become a rehoming statistic?

And it will be you that is left at home to deal with things whilst your OH is at work - having a toddler is hard work - babies are easy - and with a boisterous puppy as well (regardless of breed) you are IMHO not going to find it a bed of roses.

If you are desperate for a dog, why don't you volunteer at your local animal shelter for a couple of hours a week and that way you will see a little more of what is involved.

cleopatra4485

I don't think a snoring dog is going to put me off :rotfl:

and I know what taking care of a baby is like and I know what taking care of a puppy is like thankyou very much, I am finding people very patronising. I am going to get one no matter what self righteous people on here think, who think they are the only people capable in this world to take care of anything. Thankyou for your concern, but no thanks at the same time. I am a completely capable adult, who adores animals like they are people.

So would like to get back to my op.