need help finding the right breed for my family!
- Thread starter sadpuppy
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A small dog with a toddler may not be the best idea in the world, since it might be small enough for a toddler to pick up and possibly drop or hurt. Lots of supervision will be required (I have 3 kids, 7, 4, and 2) and lots of learning for your toddler to be nice and play gently.
Larger dogs, for the most part, aren't as sensitive and definitely can't be picked up by a curious toddler, so they seem to be more tolerant. What size were you considering when you say small to medium? 25-45 lbs range or smaller?
Larger dogs, for the most part, aren't as sensitive and definitely can't be picked up by a curious toddler, so they seem to be more tolerant. What size were you considering when you say small to medium? 25-45 lbs range or smaller?
are you looking for a purebreed, or are you open to a mixed breed? a pug sounds like it might work for you--but you would probably want to find someone with experience with them as there are some health issues you would want to avoid in a poorly bred one.
Shelters often have medium sized mixed breeds that could easily fit your needs. Or a rescue group--could help you to find the right size, and temperament dog for your household. Many rescues may not adopt to families with young children, but some do.
Shelters often have medium sized mixed breeds that could easily fit your needs. Or a rescue group--could help you to find the right size, and temperament dog for your household. Many rescues may not adopt to families with young children, but some do.
Where will you keep the dog when you're gone?
What's your climate like?
What's your budget for normal dog stuff and savings for vet bills like?
What training methods are you familiar with?
Do you mind shedding?
These are all things that could help us better direct you to a suitable breed if you're interested in a purebred. Especially if Pugs are on the possibilities list.
What's your climate like?
What's your budget for normal dog stuff and savings for vet bills like?
What training methods are you familiar with?
Do you mind shedding?
These are all things that could help us better direct you to a suitable breed if you're interested in a purebred. Especially if Pugs are on the possibilities list.
I have a few suggestions based upon what you wrote so far.
#1 Don't get a small dog below 20lbs. They are far too breakable with small kids. This eliminates the working group and pretty close to all of the toy breeds.
#2 You want a dog of exceptional temperament to be calm enough to put up with your kid and low enough drive that a couple hours tooling around in the yard will be enough. This pretty much eliminates all the herding breeds.
#3 You want a dog fairly easy to train with not a ton of special grooming requirements.
So... Here's a list to look into
Standard (non mini) longhaired dachshund (yes coat type matters)
Basset Hound
Pug
Larger size of Boston terrier
Tibetan Spaniel
I know someone mentioned pits. I don't recommend pits for first time dog owners who don't have training experience.
#1 Don't get a small dog below 20lbs. They are far too breakable with small kids. This eliminates the working group and pretty close to all of the toy breeds.
#2 You want a dog of exceptional temperament to be calm enough to put up with your kid and low enough drive that a couple hours tooling around in the yard will be enough. This pretty much eliminates all the herding breeds.
#3 You want a dog fairly easy to train with not a ton of special grooming requirements.
So... Here's a list to look into
Standard (non mini) longhaired dachshund (yes coat type matters)
Basset Hound
Pug
Larger size of Boston terrier
Tibetan Spaniel
I know someone mentioned pits. I don't recommend pits for first time dog owners who don't have training experience.
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I would absolutely not recommend a puppy. I would recommend a young or even an older adult dog (2-7 or so). You say you're getting this puppy for your son, but since your son is two, it really only matters what YOU want in a dog, as you'll be doing all of the work with it.
I'd call your local shelter and ask if they have any dogs that would be good for a home with little experience and a toddler. A pit bull would be a great choice, if you're getting one that's 2 years or older and you know the temperment, one that's a little bit calmer and more suited as a pet than a working dog would be good.
Hounds are also a good choice, but can be difficult to train. If you get an older dog that is housebroken and a bit calmer, that would probably suit your family.
I'd call your local shelter and ask if they have any dogs that would be good for a home with little experience and a toddler. A pit bull would be a great choice, if you're getting one that's 2 years or older and you know the temperment, one that's a little bit calmer and more suited as a pet than a working dog would be good.
Hounds are also a good choice, but can be difficult to train. If you get an older dog that is housebroken and a bit calmer, that would probably suit your family.
Actually I don't know something about breed of dogs, but Are you thinking of getting a dog? You probably already know that some dogs have more energy than others. A dog’s activity level is often determined by breed, but it does not mean you can rely on breed alone to determine how energetic your dog could become. Every dog needs routine exercise. What's your choice?
I'd suggest a Lab. I know, I know...but there's a reason they are so popular. 
I agree you should go with an adult dog, or at least an older puppy, 8-10 months or so. Especially with a toddler and not a lot of dog/puppy experience, it would be easy to get overwhelmed with housetraining etc.
As for choosing the dog, try Lab rescues in your area. Also breeders will often have older puppies / young dogs that they were raising as show prospects, but turned out more 'pet quality.' Or were returned to them for some reason (not necessarily the dog's fault but maybe the owners moved, etc.) My aunt got one of these dogs, she was getting a puppy actually, but the breeder also had an 18 month old dog and she knew my aunt (an experienced Lab owner) would be a good home, so she got a good deal on the both of them.
Anyway that's my suggestion. And look for English labs, as they tend to be more mellow and laid back in my experience, while American bred Labs can have a lot of energy. My aunt's English Labs are constantly exposed to toddler grandchildren and cousins, and they are totally bombproof dogs.
If you have any dog shows near you, attending one can be a great way to see the different breeds in person and talk to breeders.
I agree you should go with an adult dog, or at least an older puppy, 8-10 months or so. Especially with a toddler and not a lot of dog/puppy experience, it would be easy to get overwhelmed with housetraining etc. As for choosing the dog, try Lab rescues in your area. Also breeders will often have older puppies / young dogs that they were raising as show prospects, but turned out more 'pet quality.' Or were returned to them for some reason (not necessarily the dog's fault but maybe the owners moved, etc.) My aunt got one of these dogs, she was getting a puppy actually, but the breeder also had an 18 month old dog and she knew my aunt (an experienced Lab owner) would be a good home, so she got a good deal on the both of them.
Anyway that's my suggestion. And look for English labs, as they tend to be more mellow and laid back in my experience, while American bred Labs can have a lot of energy. My aunt's English Labs are constantly exposed to toddler grandchildren and cousins, and they are totally bombproof dogs.
If you have any dog shows near you, attending one can be a great way to see the different breeds in person and talk to breeders.