What's a good dog to have with young children?
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  1. #1
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    Default What's a good dog to have with young children?

    We've decided that we would like to get another dog in 2011 - we haven't had one for a few years.

    Now I'm working from home I think it's fairer on a dog but we obviously need to get one that's going to be tolerant of children as we have a 3 year old ourself (and 13 year old twins) and there'll be different children of various ages coming and going (although we will be able to seperate the dog both inside and in the garden when childminding children are here).

    We're thinking of a smaller dog - we'll be able to walk it twice a day but won't be able to go for 2 hour walks each time which is what our border collie needed when we had her!

    My husband has suggested a Cavalier King Charles - he had one when he was younger and all the information says they are good with children. However, a few people have said they can be prone to lots of health problems?

    Any suggestions would be gratefully received!
    Cazz x

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    i agree with your hubby a cavalier without a doubt,

    some do have health issues but if you get a good breeder who does all the health scans and stuff you shouldnt need to worry

    Harry is almost 7 and has no health issues at all

  3. #3
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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    We had a cavalier, he had no health problems until he turned 8 he is no longer with us but so so tolerant of the children, we also moved so many times and he travelled well! was happy with 1/2hour walk or 3 hours

    I am so jealous, I would love another dog!

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rubybubbles View Post
    We had a cavalier, he had no health problems until he turned 8 he is no longer with us but so so tolerant of the children, we also moved so many times and he travelled well! was happy with 1/2hour walk or 3 hours

    I am so jealous, I would love another dog!
    Maybe you could have another one some day?

    That's what my husband said about their cavalier - she would be happy with a short walk or would go out with him walking in the mountains for half the day!

    Sounds like a cavalier would be a good choice then - thanks Ruby and Hebs
    Cazz x

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    I have an adorable chocolate lab who's excellent with all the mindee's

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    Cocker Spaniels are brilliant with children. My dog is 7 years old now and as tolerant and gentle as a lamb. He's a soppy, dozy baby. The only trick with them is the grooming but they are well worth it. Simon goes to the groomer's every 6 weeks or so and does need some brushing.
    Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    I have a Jack Russell and a Whippet X - both are great with the kids.

    I think ANY dog is suitable around children in a very broad sense - providing they have the right upbringing and also the dog is taught to be good around children ! (lol - but you get my drift yes?).

    Providing the dog and the child is taught their boundaries with each other then i think you can have a great family member.

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    I have a Jack Russell that has been great with the kids and a Fox Terrier that is an absolute nightmare, though he is a rescue and has issues.

    I agree with the Cavalier, they are gorgeous and docile and so friendly.
    Come back David....

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    I have a large cocker spaniel who is loopy - gorgeous but much too bouncy around the children she just knocks them over as she is so excitable. We have to keep her separate which is a shame.

    I reckon a cavalier would be better.

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    we have a black lab and she is the best we have ever had, loves children and cats so soft and docile.
    I love my friends who live inside my laptop xx

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    Quote Originally Posted by Helen N View Post
    we have a black lab and she is the best we have ever had, loves children and cats so soft and docile.
    I also have a black lab, complete softy and very gentle with the kids.

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    We had a whippet-Rose, sadly no longer with us, but absolutely fabulous around the kids. I know that no dog is 100% safe with kids but she was amazing, even when a crawling mindee launched himself at her and plumped on top of her she never even grumbled-just looked sad as if to say 'what on earth was that'! (she was asleep at the time!) so it was a real surprise for her. I managed to get to him just as it happened, to lift him but there was no panic. I love whippets.

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    I have a yellow lab. We rescued her and decided on a lab as I wanted a baby as well and having had a rescue retriever, I knew it had to be a lab or retriever.

    My mum had a jack russell and it bit my neice. But like someone said, it depends entirely on the temperment of the individual dog and that children are taught to respect the dog too.

    Mine is old now and spends her days asleep in her bed with her legs in the air

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    Thanks everyone - I like Labradors as well but do they need loads of exercise being a larger dog?

    We're more than willing to give a dog 2 walks a day but just haven't got the time anymore to go walking for hours on end!
    Cazz x

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    we have 2 dogs a black lab fantastic with kids and a boxer very bouncy and boystrous ? loveable but not with little kids

    piccys please when you decide xxx
    One life live it

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    When I was looking after my DS's pugs I had no problems with them and the little ones, we didn't get to go many walks altogether though as I needed the double buggy most of the time then and I found it very hard to take two dogs as well. The dogs were content with any walks that they were given, long or short.
    We were all very sad when the pugs went to live in Spain with DS.
    Teacake2

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    We have a schipperke who is great with children ( old and young) she is quite old now - but is still very tolerant. Our cross rottie is slightly mad ( but he is rescue and a pup still) but very tolerant with my children - although due to his size is abit too boisterous when he plays for little children.

  18. #18
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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    Any breed of dog can be great with children. A couple of breeds I have experienced though and would recommend are Golden Retrievers, Cavaliers, Whippets, Chihuahuas Pugs and Staffies. These all seem to not mind having a short walk. A lot of people think whippets and greyhounds need a lot of exercise but they are just as happy having a 10 min walk.
    JoJo x

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    really depends on how you bring them up, children need to respect animals, sometimes dogs need to be left alone for some peace, people need training as much as an animal does,

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    Default Re: What's a good dog to have with young children?

    we have a brilliant cocker spaniel who is extremely tolerant of the children and they all love him. He never touches their toys even when left on the ground and is trained not to take anything (esp food) out of their hands.
    Like my ideas on Facebook 'Play, naturally'

 

 
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