A new dog but what breed?

November 19, 2009 4:15am CST
My 6 year old son keeps asking me if we can have a dog. I would like a dog myself and the kids now my partner has moved out, but am unsure what breed to get as i have also got a 1 year old daughter and 3 lovely cats. I did go to get a jack Russel at one point until i was told there no good with children under 6 and cats. I am doing my research but wondered if anyone had any ideas that could help me make my choice. Thank you all.xx
2 people like this
13 responses
• Canada
23 Nov 09
I don't know WHO told u Jack Russels r not good with children under 6 or cats, but they don't know what they r talking about. My daughter has children under 6 and a cat and no problems. She had the dog before she had the children also , dam there goes that mith to, don't u just hate when that happens. As far as what breed to get , in canada there r 296 Purebred breed of dogs listed in the CKC. ,there r also many many mix breeds. First u have to ask 1 Size of dog 2 What do u want in a dog (hunting, working etc.) 3 Puppy or older and u can list forever... When u get a puppy and raise it in your home with children and other pets they tend to blend in like any other part of the family... REMEMBER ALWAYS LUV/ CARE FOR YOUR DOG/ PET, THEY WILL ALWAYS LUV U..
1 person likes this
@Merioles (12)
• Philippines
20 Nov 09
I personally like the larger breeds - Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Danes. But seeing that you have small kids, I advise you to get small breeds. Toy Poodles, Princess Type Shih Tzus are always good choices.
@xzvzion (133)
• Singapore
20 Nov 09
Saint Bernards are like Dog Horses!! I would like to ride on one!! And personally I like Labradors, they (or just my Labrador) like running alot.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
22 Nov 09
I used to take some Jack Russels out for walks when I was a teenager. They are fast and like to bounce around. I know they wouldn't be ideal around children under 6 years old. I have got a teenage son, a disabled toddler and a five month old baby. I also have two dogs called Secret and Magic. They are miniature poodles. They are a superb breed of dog perfect around children under 6 years old. I suggest breeds like cocker spaniels and toy or miniature poodles. Large dogs like labrodors can make wonderful pets for children under 6 years old. They are gentle despite their large size. Good luck choosing a dog that will be perfect for your family.
@HansonFan (1653)
• United States
22 Nov 09
I have two shih-tzus that are just absolutely amazing with kids. Patches is so protective of my 8-month-old niece. He even growls at the bird when it startles her! It is so cute. He and Ringo lick her and let her pull their ears and tails without a sound from them. If she starts to hurt they just pull away and then come back later. A couple years ago one of my cousins who was about 3 was dressed up as a cat and Patches pulled her around by the tail. Presley was just squealing with laughter! It was so precious. Shih-tzus are very loyal dogs and very very sweet. They are great with kids and cats have never been a problem with mine. I had a cat when Patch was a pup and they played together and everything.
@bignik (272)
• Italy
21 Nov 09
Hi to all , i am a dog lover and have always had and have a dog or two , i have had three german sheperds over a period of time and all 3 female ,they are very attached to the family and have never ever harmed anyone they can be a bit difficult to handle when they are small because the will chew shoes socks and all other things they find , but if brought up in a correct way they are adorable, you could also go to adopt a dog , but i suggest it be less than 8 months old or even 1 year , check out , i now have adopted 2 small mixed breed dogs and they are also fantastic , greetings bignik
• United States
20 Nov 09
I would recommend going to your local human society and adopting a mixed breed mutt. There are too many quality dogs sitting in shelters waiting for someone to love them. In my opinion, mutts are the best.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Nov 09
Hi Honey The best breed to get that is good with Children and no doubt your Cats is a Labrador or retriever as they known to be the gentlest Dogs and get on with Children I know that it can be hard to decide this when you have Children and Cats but that is your best bread They are also very protective over People they love Good luck
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
20 Nov 09
Personally I think when it comes to children and cats Labs are really good. We had labs throughout and they are really good. I would get a pup thou so that they can grow with each other and have that bond. Good luck, hubby wants to get a puppy for our family again and our kids 17, 14, and 2 want one but so far I just havent "seen" the one!
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
19 Nov 09
I have collies- and I think collies or collie mixes are great with children and they are good with my cats- if they are raised with them - i don't think there would be a problem. Although I did adopt my collie as a 2 year old and he has never tried to chase a cat or anything. In fact he would rather not have them near him.. while the dog I got as a pup- lets the cats climb on him and knead on him- it is really the cutest site. I think Collies are just a generally Gentle Breed. I wouldn't get a dog that was too small because I think those would be a little more hyper and more apt to nip children. I think because they are tiny sometimes they just try to prove they can protect themselves. I could be wrong- I am sure some small breeds are good- I just don't know (personally) many.. We have a chihuahua mix that I wouldn't wish on anyone.. hehe.
• Philippines
19 Nov 09
Disney - our cute dog
Hello littlehoneymonster. That's funny cause our dog's name is honey. She's a lhasa apso/ shih tzu breed. For your dog, i think it's better if you get also a puppy so that they will have their bond. I personally advise toy dogs as they seem harmless than those big ones. But i am not sure.. I am sure you could get one with your research. Here's our other dog, Disney.
@agj619 (6)
• India
19 Nov 09
I've got a labrador retriever and he's as good as gold with children and other pets, even cats. He's extremely patient and is rarely aggressive. I highly recommend labradors and/or golden retrievers. They're both easy to train, are patient with children and other animals. You could also check out the website of the american kennel club Here's the link:http://www.akc.org/I hope I've helped you.
@goo5ey (7)
19 Nov 09
The first thing you must realise is that a dog is a dog and size has nothing to do with it, the dog has no concept of size. The breed you get will, to a greater degree, dictate the temperament of the dog and you really should get a puppy so that it is brought up with your daughter. That will remove the issues that could possibly arrise from rehoming an adult animal. Research the breeds, there are sites on the internet that will inform you of the breeds temperament, we have a dalmatian, very demanding dog, great with kids but can be a handfull and needs a firm hand or it will dominate the family. Labradors and retrievers are a favourite because they are so docile but I say again, get a puppy not an adult dog, you do not know how it has been treated before ariving to you and this will dictate the animals behaviour. One last very important thing. Never leave a dog alone with a small child.
@xzvzion (133)
• Singapore
20 Nov 09
I would recomend buying a chiuaua. It is of low height and has dwarfish legs. I don't know maybe if it is nice towards kids and other animals. That's all I know about dogs of this size.