New Born Baby...Taken by family Dog

United States
July 22, 2009 8:15am CST
I just saw the news and a baby that was born 3 weeks early was just brought home, his first night home. Mom gets up and goes in to check on the baby and he is gone...this starts a frantic search of the house the area outside and they find baby...the dog that they raised from a pup has the baby outside about 150 yards from the house in her mouth. You panic...of course. Many would ask why? Some would say that people should not have animals with a new baby in the home. I was told this as I had a poodle a miniature one and he and I were so close. I was told that before I had the babies that I would have to get rid of my beloved pet. He was also my baby. I had him from a baby and he was part of the family. When I brought home my baby he watched over her. If she moved or made a sound he made sure that I checked on her. He would whine and go back and forth between us until I checked on her. I would check on her as soon as he alerted me to the fact that she moved. But it was just not quick enough in his mind to check on our baby. Many times we bring toys, even stuffed animals for our pets, we get them "their" babies, even baby dolls. So when something is brought in the home they think it should be there's. That is what happened with this dog and the new baby. You should always make arrangements and prepare the family dogs for the new baby. This little baby suffered a cracked skull, broken ribs, and two collapsed lung. They had been punctured by the teeth of the dog. Always give your dog, his/her own new baby to play with. Let them know that the baby you bring home is your baby. I let my poodle smell the baby and be included in what we did. He was a constant companion for my daughter, he stayed right with her no matter what she did to him. I could not get him to stay away from her because she would pick him up by the hair of his head. Fonzie did not care what "his/our baby" did to him, he would not leave her side. He protected her. To make this a discussion... Do you know someone that had a problem with a pet when the new baby came home? How did you show your dog or cat that the baby was not "their baby" to play with? Thank you in advance for responding.
6 people like this
27 responses
• United States
22 Jul 09
Well I have a dog but no kids, but when I do have kids I would probably did what you did. Let my dog smell the baby..etc. I dont think you should get rid of your animal when you have a baby unless the animal has shown some kinda behavioral problem towards children in the past.
2 people like this
• United States
22 Jul 09
Right. I know what you are saying. I have never had a problem with any of my animals when I had the children. I had 3 pregnancies and never a problem. I took things as they were and I always addressed the issue of the pet and how they felt with the new family member.
1 person likes this
@agv0419 (3022)
• Philippines
23 Jul 09
I also agree that animals should not be allowed in you have a new born baby because they can harm the baby. If you have dogs or snakes it should in the cage or outside your house. There's an incident here that rats bitten the new born baby because there house are full of garbage and very messy. That's why the rats attacks the baby because of their uncleanliness.
• United States
23 Jul 09
eewww that is gross and just so awful. That poor baby. Anytime you are having a baby or have children in the home, it needs to be clean. I don't mean spotless, although that would be nice to have it as clean as possible. But that dirty and nasty, no way. Even adults should not live in that kind of filth. Animals, dogs and cats can be in the home. But they need to be shown what they can and can not do. They also should not leave a baby alone with a big dog as they won't mean to hurt the baby but they can. I have had animals most of my life and I've certainly had them with all of my children.
• United States
22 Jul 09
I always let the cat be with me when I had the baby. I spent time with the cat when baby was taking a nap with the door shut on the bedroom. I never left the baby in a room alone where the pet had access to the baby. Most important, I don't think a newborn baby belongs anywhere except close to the mother in a small crib or bassinet or next to her in bed with the pet left outside of the bedroom with the door closed. As an adult, we need to think through how pets and children may not have the same understanding and take action accordingly.
• United States
22 Jul 09
That is wonderful It seems that you are doing all of the right things. As pet owners we sometimes forget that when the baby comes things can not be the way they were always with the pets before the baby comes into the picture. I always had my baby with me and her crib was moved to the dinning room during the day so she would be closer but not in the same room as me, just outside the door though. There was no way my poodle could have gotten in her crib. We did not have anything but a crib as we had not much money at that time.
• United States
22 Jul 09
yes, absolutely...on both counts.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 09
We spent a total of $100 for our baby twenty years ago. We were blessed enough to have others donate used items to the baby's needs. As our baby grew we taught the cat and our child to be together but they were always supervised. By the time we had a child that walked, the cat trailed everywhere with our child and they had a very good relationship. When our cat disappeared one evening when our child was nine years old, our child was devastated and so were we. It takes work to work a pet into the family even if they have been there before the child but it also takes a watchful eye always for the child's sake as well as the pet's sake.
2 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I don't think you have to get rid of your pet when you have a baby but I do think you have to use more common sense when having the two in the same house. I would make sure the babies bedroom door is always kept closed so that there is no chance of a cat or dog jumping on top of them and smothering them. I'd be weary of cats claws and puppies toenails...they can easily seariously injure a baby. I'd also make sure to always be in the room when they are together. Animals are normally very protective of their families including babies but they can also be very jealous and can hurt or even kill a baby unintentionally. [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]
2 people like this
• United States
22 Jul 09
You are right on all counts. The reason they are usually jealous though is because the parents don't include them and show them their bounderies. They must show their pets what they can and can not do with the new babies. Also closing the door is a good thing, because they will always make their rounds checking on everyone throughout the night. if the door is closed they will sniff under it to check on the baby.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169965)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I had cats when my son was a baby they were fine with him. The other thing is that if children are exposed to animals when they are young they are less likely to become allergic to animals as they get older. I think in general the animals have more to fear from babies and children than the babies do from the animals.
2 people like this
• United States
22 Jul 09
I do agree, as the children have been so mean, not meaning to but they are to all of the animals. The choke them pull their hair, hit on them, kick them. You just have to take care of ALL problems as they arise if it's the child with the pet or the pet with the child. Pets have to learn too and they DO UNDERSTAND everything that we say. Some people don't think they do, but they Do. They are around humans and their speech from the time they are born. Just because they can not say what we say the way we say it, they still know what we are saying. I had told my son-in-law that I was going to take Ninja in today to get his weight and his pain medicine (this was yesterday) and when we got ready to go out the door there he was all excited that he was going. The problem is that he was not going yet, we were but he would have to wait. He did not know that because I did not say that. I said he was going today so he thought he was going when we did. I had to tell him that it was not his turn yet. Now mind you he never goes to the door to go out it unless he knows that he is going or is asked to go.
1 person likes this
@jessi0887 (2788)
• United States
22 Jul 09
We have had pets come and go throughout the years. When my son was born there wasn't no animals in the house at that time so I can't relate. My sister though had plenty of dogs around when her son was born and they didn't act any different. I wouldn't get rid of an animal just because of having a baby. You can change and adjust your lifestyle rather then getting rid of an animal.
2 people like this
• United States
22 Jul 09
I totally agree and if you treat your animals with respect as a family member and give them the time they need there is no reason to "get rid of them". They just need to be included. And as anything else coming into the home, teach them that this is not theirs.
1 person likes this
@phyrre (2317)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I haven't actually known anyone that's had this problem and basically all of my family and family's friends have pets and children. When my little sister was born, we had a big black/chocolate lab mix named Koda. He'd been with us for probably 5 years (with our Uncle for 2 before that) and we never worried for a second that he would hurt my sister. We drew boundaries. He could sniff her and whatever, but if he tried to lick her we gently pushed him away and made sure he knew that sniffing was fine as long as he didn't do any more than that. And after the first several times of being put out and not being allowed to spend time with the rest of us around the baby, he learned quick enough to just lay down next to her crib and sniff every once in a while. He was great at protecting her while she was a baby and even during the night made routine "checks" on her in her crib. :)
2 people like this
• United States
22 Jul 09
I think what was going on with your pet and the baby was a normal thing. That is the way most do when taught what is allowed and not allowed for them to do. I have a rottweiler that is the German Rotti and they are huge. He checks on everyone throughout the night and the kids are "his job" to look after, or so he thinks. He even does the same thing with the smaller dogs.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Jul 09
I had a German Shepherd cross Labrador, when I had my Son, the Dog sensed before I knew that I was Pregnant he was very protective over me and would always put his head on my Tummy When Mike was born People told me to I should get rid of the Dog, well I was brought up with Dogs and I knew exactly what actions where to be taken, like you I let Sultan sniff the Baby, he layed his head on the Babies Legs, from that Day on he protected Mike like anything, they loved being together I would for the first few Days watch him but I knew he would never hurt Mike The Mistake that People also make is the Dog gets pushed aside and the poor thing is not used to that, he looses his security, he feels not loved, never treat a dog different, when you have a new Baby, never say, get away from the Baby, do not touch, do not go near the Baby as of course the Dog then thinks the Baby is an enemy and taking the love away Do not push the Dog away all the time involve the Dog and still show him the Love and affection you did before the Baby came along as that matters more then anything Yes having a new Baby is the most precious moments, but do not forget about the other Baby as they have feelings to It is like having another Baby and pushing away the first born
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
23 Jul 09
And that is because you treated her no different, Sultan was like that to with Mike because he knew I still loved him just as much as I did before, I would let him lie with us and again like you say involve them They are like a First Born, you can NOT push them away and forget about them
• United States
23 Jul 09
you are absolutely right on both counts, lol. I do love my babies and anyone will tell you that they are treated like a child.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 09
gabs you are so right. What some people do not understand is that a dog may and will grow in size and years, but they don't grow in their mind, yes they learn and learn a lot... but they are still like babies. They need to be treated as they have been from being a baby on up through the years. They have feelings and you can hurt their feelings. They only understand what you teach them or what they see. My little dog slept at my babies feet. No matter how hard I tried to get him to sleep elsewhere, he felt that was his place. That she was his baby and his responsibility.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jul 09
This is so sad. On the day I ntook out first child from hospital we were given the present of a dog. They grew together and when my son was learning to walk, the dog was her for him to cling on to. Likewise with his two brothers who came in the bext 2 years. No sranger could go near by children or even near the pram she proteted them all so well and she was so patient with their roughness. We all adored her and she slept under the latest babies' crib. To answer your question, I do not know of a baby story but when a girlfriend of mine got married she had 2 vwry large shepherds. She wnet to the u.k. for her honeymoon and had to come home early becausee the dogs would not eat. Then when her husband tried to kiss her ion from of the dogs they would not let him. Need;ess to say he built a large kennel for them!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 09
That I believe is because it was allowed by the mom to happen. Also the guy never gave them a chance and he did not try to get close to the dogs. It is strange that all of the dogs did this. My rotti especially when my husband comes home won't let my husband get near me...he has no problem with my husband just the opposite. He wants his loving and attention and will block him from getting to me for a kiss or hug. We laugh it off but we do tell him that daddy and mama love each other as much as we love him. My husband is gone for long periods of time. Just lately it has gotten better, he is home every 2 or 3 months. But there have been times when he was not home for a year to 3 years at a time. So the rotti and the others just miss him so much and they see me everyday. I think it's sad that the guy did not get close to the dogs. They could love him and be just as close to him as they are his wife.
• United States
23 Jul 09
My dogs have been like that too they are there for the children and protect them. I'm sorry that the husband put the dogs in a kennel. When all he had to do was to get them use to him and for her to tell them that he is daddy now and that it is okay for him to kiss mommy. Dogs are nothing but kids, they have to be treated like them. They learn what you teach them. Putting them in a kennel is a harsh punishment, way too harsh. He needs to bond with them and that is not the way to do that. It would not have taken long mush less time than it did to build that kennel. That is sad.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jul 09
The ending was that he gave his wife the ultimatum - him or the dogs in the house. She chose the dogs. I guess that there was something else going on too but the dogs would not let him go near his wife in the house.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
I have had all kinds of animals and not one of my animals have done that to my kids or grand babies. That is very sad what happened to that little baby. My dogs have come over and new there was something new in the house when my daughter had her first baby and she lived with me. So I would talk to my dogs and tell them its a baby and you can't jump on her because you will hurt her. And they never hurt her just sniffed her. They always liked seeing her. And they liked following her when she first started walking. My 4 dogs were mini dachshunds.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 09
I also have 4 fur babies. A rotti, and 3 min-pins. My rotti is very protective of anyone that comes into this house. He is very very protective of children and babies. He also considers any dog small than him a baby. They are all my babies. I have always had dogs and or cats in the home. They are family like my children and grandchildren are and are treated as such. If you read most of the responses to this post you will see that most people feel the same way. Their babies are a part of their family. I enjoyed reading their stories. I thank you for sharing your story with me too. Welcome to the lot, I hope that you enjoy it here as many of us do.
• United States
4 Aug 09
I understand completely, as I have the same problem. Or did when I had ones that had babies. Thank you so much for sharing with me.
• United States
26 Jul 09
I do like my lot and I like seeing what people write so if there is anything I don't know I will know it and understand it better from being on here and learning. My 4 dogs are my babies as well and very spoiled. My dogs are my family and even when they have babies I have a had time selling them because I get so close to them and they capture my heart.
• United States
23 Jul 09
You don't have to get rid of an animal if you have a baby. Just make sure your situation is baby proof and that your animals are far from your new born for a while. At least until it is safe for them to be around animals. We have always had animals and our daughter has been real good with them. We are always careful with her and our pets. We have not had any issues. We have a loving wonderful family that includes our pets and we would not have it any other way;-)
1 person likes this
@mrsctb7 (120)
• United States
24 Jul 09
This may have already been mentioned, but I know that dogs are "pack animals", and they want attention, but they also want to care for the youngest of the group. It is such a shame that this dog harmed the baby, but thank God the baby will be okay! When I was pregnant, I should about this a lot, but I lost my pregnancy, and never got pregnant again. My thoughts at the time were that our older dog would definitely keep our other dog "in line", but also we would never allow a dog, who had the ability to open doors to get into the nursery! We were going to put some child protective things on the upper part of the doors to protect our baby. Just an idea ....... Becky
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 09
No this has not been mentioned. I know that this is a well known fact but no one has said anything about it. Most do know that the dogs take serious their place in the home and in caring for their family. That is believe to be the reason most think as to why she did this. The dad and owner of the dog said they thought that the dog thought the baby was a stuffed animal for her. As they had brought home these for both dogs. But "this dog will never be allowed back in their home again", his words. Welcome to the lot, I know you will like it here most do. I love it here.
@Dinu024 (315)
• India
23 Jul 09
Well, I do have a dog, we named her 'RUBY'. Quite smart but very short-tempered, she bit me many times, that was only because I irritated her often. She hates children, that's because once a kiddo(guest) screwed up her ears and I in the right time catch her mouth before she could pierce it into his arms. WOW, they said good catch, only thing they didn't notice, I had my finger bitten. We usually tie her up when we have 'children guest' otherwise she is free to roam. She doesn't even wear a collar, she keeps pulling at it with her paws. Anyways no bad experiences with a baby, she doesn't care about babies, she is only mad at children, thinking they might screw up her earns again. have a nice day :)
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
That's really sad when you think about it. She was miss treated by kids and her motherly instinct never got to kick in or if it did they just messed her up. The thing is she CAN be retrained, it takes time and patience. You would have to slowly introduce her to good children, not more than one at a time. Watch her make sure she is laying down so that you will have more control on her movements. The have a nice child, one that she can sense is a good child start slowly petting her and rubbing her coat. Making sure that it is gentle but that she can feel it. If you worked with her a few days a week or when ever you could...she would come out of that and come to trust a child again. You must do this if you are going to have a child in the future and just in case she comes up on a child or a child comes up on her. The last thing you would want is for something to happen where she bites a child and the law forces you to put her down. It's not fair to her either to always be frightened of children. My rottweiler was formally trained and I found out the reason he could not stand his hands(paws) being touched was he was punished when he did not do what was expected of him by them hurting his hands. I worked with him and so has my husband and when my son is home he does to..Now mind you my husband and my son are very rarely here. But Ninja will allow his hands to be touched now. He would not even allow anyone to hug him and he does now. It just takes time and some patience on your part and obviously you have that. Give her a chance to have the love of a child. As a lady dog she does need this. Thank you for sharing your story with me.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
Thank you and yes it is my big baby. I had forgotten to let you know that it is not good to irritate your poor dog. She has feelings and what you do with her and to her decides just how close you two will be, or she will be to you. You get what you give. Think about it.
@Dinu024 (315)
• India
23 Jul 09
Great piece of advice on training my dog. thank You friend and is that picture, profile pic, is that NINJA.
1 person likes this
@windymyre (210)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Where did this happen? And what kind of dog was it? I do not have children, just animals. We did have pets when I was growing up. I'm the oldest & my brother is 11 years younger, so I was like a second mom to him. We had a german shepherd & a cocker spaniel/poodle mix when he was born and a cat. We never had any problems. Then shepherd was actually protective of children. One time he was sitting next to my cousin & growled at my uncle when he tried to pick her up. My mom also believed the old wives tale that cats could take a baby's breath away & always kept the cat away from my brother. I didn't believe it & neither did my older cousin that would babysit us & we let the cat by my brother all the time. He turned out just fine.........well, that would be a whole different discussion!! :) Nice rottie picture, BTW! Is that your dog? I just joined Mylot yesterday & my friend that referred me mentioned adding pics to go along with your discussions, so it made me wonder. I've just jumped in here posting instead of really looking around first!
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
Welcome to the lot, I'm sure you will come to love it here as many of us do. Yes, my avatar is Ninja, my rotti. He is my baby and has been with me longer than any of the others. I have no idea where this happened to this little baby. The dad was on The Good Morning Show yesterday morning. I know my cousin lost an eye due to a cat hair getting in behind his eye. So he has a glass eye and has for as long as I can remember. I have been cautious with animals even though I have never had a problem myself. We have certainly never had a problem with dogs and I have a huge extended family. Since you are new, I suggest that you read the bylines and rules for the lot. Some people can get rather snippy if you get out of line with them. Most are understanding and will tell you what it is that you did and explain it to you. Happy MyLotting.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
25 Jul 09
This is absolutely the saddest story that I've heard in a long time. I think it is only natural that there will be some degree of jealousy between dog and baby. This is the same degree of jealousy that I would expect between older siblings and a new baby. We had four dogs when my oldest daughter was brought home from the hospital. She too had been born three weeks early. She weighed just over six pounds. Yes, I did worry about the dogs with the baby, but we introduced Kathryn to them slowly. They got to see her when we brought her home from the hospital. We left a few of the pieces of clothing that she'd worn places where the dogs could get used to her smell gradually. And when it was time to sleep, we never, ever let them have access to where she was sleeping. The bedroom doors were always closed. As she got older the dogs became her first playmates. We've never had a problem between the dogs and the babies.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Jul 09
That is wonderful and thank you for sharing your story with me. It sounds like you did all of the right things when you had your baby in introducing her to the older babies. Welcome to the lot, I'm sure you will love it here as most of us do.
@emskoneko (805)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I don't know anyone who had the situation of a pet and a newborn baby home for the first time. But it makes me wonder about my own dog. He's a small Yorkshire Terrier that my whole family treats like a baby. He gets kisses, hugs, cuddles, treats (human food), and whatever he wants. He seems very timid and shy around people outside my immediate family. But when it comes to my aunt's dog (Max), he can get pretty jealous. For some reason, all dogs love my mom and they all want her attention. So my Yorkie will become a different dog when Max receives attention from my mom. If a baby was introduced to the family, I'm afraid he would be jealous of the attention the baby was receiving from my mom. Like how my Yorkie (Leroy)reacts my mom picks up Max, my Yorkie could even attack the baby if my mom is trying to hold the infant. I'm sure that if a baby was ever introduced to the family, Leroy would need a lot of time and preping for the new family member.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 09
This is also what I thought when people told me I had to get rid of my poodle. He was my baby. I had not had a baby for years even though I tried. I had him. I thought I could not have one, then I got pregnant. He was my baby and he was family. He ate what I ate and slept with me, went everywhere with me. I just showed him our baby, let him smell her. I never told him to stay away from the baby. I never scolded him over the baby. I never had to. He took right to her. He slept at her feet. He insisted on doing this he stayed right by her side asleep or not. Please don't worry about your dog. And your mom will have to be the one to let your dog know that it's okay for her to hold the baby.
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hi moondancer,,I don't know of anyone who has had this problem..I have read about what you said about teaching the pet how to act with new baby..You have to show them that you still love them too,but teach them that they have to not hurt the baby..The dogs are very smart..They will learn if you take the time to teach them.. Blessing's to you. Have a good night..
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
I agree whole heartedly mc. Pets love us and if we truly love them we will teach them to handle all situations, this includes having a baby or child in or around the home. Animals are very smart, they know what you tell them or show them. You don't yell at them...this they do not understand. But telling them things they can "GET IT". They understand what we say. If you watch them enough you will see that. Anyone will. I know that you know this but some people think dogs and cats are dumb animals and don't know anything or understand what is said to them. But THEY DO. They have been around us from the time of their birth, they have seen the reactions to certain things said and they learn from us. They understand everything.
• United States
23 Jul 09
Dogs are great with kids, the dog probablly. Heard the baby and was taking it to a place to clean it or take care of it. When I was born my mom had a puppy who just had a false pregnancy. That dog treated me like her pup. She slept under my crib and when I woke up she got my mom. She was there cleaning me through my feedings and didn't let anyone hold me but mom and dad. If I was crying on the floor she would roll me over and move me around. I was never hurt, I don't believe this dog ment any harm. I think this dog was treating the baby like a pup. I agree you should let the dog sniff the baby and also set limits. When I had my kids I made sure I had dogs to help me take care of them. When I had my first baby we had 3 pups and there mom who laid with me my whole pregnancy and when I had her they were with me the whole time. A few slept on the bed with her during naps as a new born and would keep her warm and safe. My second is protected by our new pup now she won't let that baby mov without her knowing.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
That is the way my pets have been throughout the years with the babies and children. My rotti is as mellow as you'll ever find but you let one of the babies get too close to the woods or the road and he brings them back. If they are in a walker where he can not bring them back he runs to get one of us and goes back and forth to the baby until we move them back closer to us. He roams the house at night checking on everyone in the house. Poor baby does not get much sleep at night if there is anyone else in the house with us, especially children or babues. He constantly checks the play pen or crib.
• Philippines
23 Jul 09
I personally have no known stories related to this. I was amazed by this story, i never thought that a family dog could cause threat to the ones who nurtured it. Nevertheless we should really take precautions especially when we have infants/ babies at home.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
That is the thing, the dog was not trying to hurt the baby. He just thought the new tiny little thing brought into the house was like the stuffed animals that had been brought in before and to him it was a toy. Not something to do harm to, it just happened. You must show an animal the baby being very careful to watch every little thing that is done by baby and animal. An animal will protect the baby if they are taught that the baby is part of the family and if they are allowed to have contact with the baby...minimal as it may be it is still contact. Please read the other posts on this.
@grace118224 (1038)
• China
23 Jul 09
It's interesting that a dog plays well with a baby . But this situation doesn't happen at our home because i am afraid of dogs and i never keep any pets .
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
It's a shame really that you don't have pets. They are such a wonderful part of my family. A dog or cat or any animal when treated with dignity and love and respect is a friend for life. They are with you no matter what. My babies are my constant companions, even when no one else is around I have them. They would protect me with their life and they love me unconditionally. I also would protect them with my life and I love them unconditionally. They are my babies and a huge part of my life. You are missing out on a wonderful friend. I know many many people that feel the same way. Just read through many of the responses here that will tell you a lot. Welcome to the lot. I know you will like it here. We have become a special family.
• United States
23 Jul 09
I'm currently not planning to have children but I have a cat and a dog. I think my doggy would be nicer to a baby then my cat. I remember when Banjo "my dog" I know such a weird name.....not my choice, well when he was a baby he would go up to angel: my cat and start to play with her. That girl swiped him and he just started to cry. By the way, this was a very interesting story. What breed was the dog that hurt the baby?
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 09
Thank you, and welcome to the lot. I'm sure you will like it here. I don't know the name of the breed. It looks like one of the dogs here that a friend has. It is a big dog, but they also have a black lab too. This was a beautiful calm and very friendly dog. He just thought the baby was a toy.