What dog breed for a family?

[Bleenie]

I would suggest a Lab MIX or possibly a medium sized mix breed...probably stay away form heelers because they're so energetic and get stir crazy quickly.

We have a Purebred Black Lab and I would NOT suggest one as a family dog. He's bit his owner and brought Lots of blood and has also bitten and tried to bite me more times than I can count. He also lost his sight at about 7years old(due to bad breeding) he's still here and still blind but IMO he should have been put down a long time ago. I have also NEVER trusted him around any of the babies or young children. (no offense meant to anyone)


My Rottweiler that i recently had to put down was *Amazing* with all of the babies and everyone, she was a total sweetie pie & also very smart. They usually do well in smaller home with daily walks of course. mine was a big lazy baby

. I got my girl from a private owner that had a litter, not a breeder but she still developed bone cancer. There are Numerous health issues with purebreeds, so that's something to keep in mind during your search. A Rottie might be bigger than what you're looking for though.

Mutts are generally the best route as far as health goes & they usually do have very good temperments. good luck finding your new companion.

 

[Catstar68]

Quote:
I've never met a mean CKCS either. Wonderful dogs...cute as can be. Boston terriers are a fav but brachycephalics all come with their problems...including being exceptionally gassy

Mine was congenitally deaf but learned hand signals. Super sweet dog that was adorable in a sweater.

I think Rotties are awesome. Some of the nicest dogs but like Dobies, I've seen some fear biters. I think it's almost exclusively how they are raised though. One of my best/most loved patients was a rottie named Max, who sadly died of osteosarcoma.

Portugese waterdogs are nice. Standard poodles are some of the smartest dogs you'll ever meet. And, last but not least....PAPILLIONS! I adore these little dogs. Very smart and lively. I'm not a fan of cocker spaniels....oh, the ear infections! and so many have been overbred into ruin.

A rescue group exists for all these breeds most likely.
Who have we left out?

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
How many Cane Corsos have you worked with?

I ask because I have 5... and been involved with and working the breed over 10 years. I would agree not to recommend them for this family because they require space, an active family, and demand alot of attention and training, and someone with dominant dog experience. However, I disagree that they are prone to biting family or don't have the temperment for it.

All dog breeds have temperment and stability issues in one form or another. My advice would be to do alot of homework, think honestly about what kind of dog they will really have the time, money and patience for. They should honeslty consider their children, how they behaive in general and around animals and go from there.

I've personally worked two of them, meaning I and the owners were sole trainers of the dogs. I worked at a very large training facility and saw and was co-trainer on several more over quite a period of time. I feel I have the experience to give my opinion on this thread and name the breeds I have. You have five of them, thats wonderful. You are probably a great owner.

However Corsos are not a dog that most should have. In my experience if they are pushed into an even slightly uncomfortable situation they will turn aggressive real fast, their stress theashold is much lower than most breeds of dog.

I applaud you for your breed choice and you seem like you've had good exeriences with them. I still don't recommend them for a family with small children on any terms. On a side note: would love to see pics of your pack

 

[SillyChicken]

Quote:
How many Cane Corsos have you worked with?

I ask because I have 5... and been involved with and working the breed over 10 years. I would agree not to recommend them for this family because they require space, an active family, and demand alot of attention and training, and someone with dominant dog experience. However, I disagree that they are prone to biting family or don't have the temperment for it.

All dog breeds have temperment and stability issues in one form or another. My advice would be to do alot of homework, think honestly about what kind of dog they will really have the time, money and patience for. They should honeslty consider their children, how they behaive in general and around animals and go from there.

I've personally worked two of them, meaning I and the owners were sole trainers of the dogs. I worked at a very large training facility and saw and was co-trainer on several more over quite a period of time. I feel I have the experience to give my opinion on this thread and name the breeds I have. You have five of them, thats wonderful. You are probably a great owner.

However Corsos are not a dog that most should have. In my experience if they are pushed into an even slightly uncomfortable situation they will turn aggressive real fast, their stress theashold is much lower than most breeds of dog.

I applaud you for your breed choice and you seem like you've had good exeriences with them. I still don't recommend them for a family with small children on any terms. On a side note: would love to see pics of your pack

I agree they are not the dog for everyone. Here's a couple picts

 

[Crazyland]

How about Staffordshire Bull Terriers? They say in their breed description to be good with children. I have a staffie mix and Wow is she a lovebug! It is the Jack Russel in her that turns her into a little hellion. lmao
http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm

Of course I am biased with my German Shepherds too.

They do fine in apartments as long as you give them the exercise they need. We did it for many years.

 

[kayla_sayswa]

I know I am biased, but I've had a couple of these dogs over the years and I just can't say enough good things about a Boston Terrier. My husband does not like dogs, but he RAVES about ours.

Great with kids of all ages. Little to no grooming needed. super hyper for 2 minutes when you come home and then sleeps under the blankets next to you. Hard to potty train at first but otherwise quick to learn obedience and tricks. QUIET!!! You will not find a another dog that can bark as quiet as a Boston. (in my opinion!!) Great with kids. A perfect size - not fragile, but not so big you need an SUV to go to the park (plus cheaper feed costs, med costs, etc). But...you need to do your homework and buy a quality pup from a reputable breeder because they do have their medical issues, like many other purebreeds.

Here's my chance to really brag now...

The skunk dog!

He goes everywhere with us! Even has his own bike trailer!

Another great kid-dog, but on your "no" list, is a good old black lab. Much more hyper than our boston, but oh soo patient with my son after he poured baby powder all over him!!

 

[amity3520]

I know it may be out of your size range, but I grew up with a female Newfoundland and she was the sweetest teddy bear there ever was. Occasionally she would get a little over excited and knock me down, but mostly she was very careful, always with me in front of the swing set, and she was so good. She rarely wandered off, was never fenced in, and really not very trained since for some reason my family got her when I was 6 mo. and my brother and sister were 3 and 7 years, respectively. They DO love to swim, so if you live by a lake or the ocean that'd be great too, but as soon as I have a family I plan on getting a Newfie. Couldn't have asked for a better dog mother!

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I like bigger dogs,but we have to find a breed that wont mind the small area in the house.
I dont like oure labs,but dont mind lab mixes.
I think Bostons are so cute.
I think my husband is leaning towards a bulldog or a larger breed. He doesnt really like my small dogs.

 

[kelseygirl707]

They're expensive, but there is a breed called a comfort golden, its a mix between a golden retriever and a cocker spaniel, they say it's small and doesn't shed like a cocker, but has the temperament of a Golden.

 

[kelseygirl707]

Also Pugs are fun, and are said to be great family dogs!

Here's my 4 month old.