dogs and children

Question
Hi

Our family will be lloking for a dog soon.  I have two boys ages 3 and 7 who are begging for a dog.  I as well as my wife grew up with dogs as kids but we havent had one in like 12 years.

We are leaning towards a older dog age 2 to 4, one that is already trained etc but may decide on a puppy.  I guess what I want to know is what kind of dog is great with children?  That will be the most important factor.  We hear labs are very good but they may be to big for my kids at this time.  Patience with children and a good temperment is what we are looking for.

Thanks

Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,  For the age of children you have, I would go more for a medium size breed of dog.  Labs tend to be real hyper now, so you could have problems with a lab knocking your 3 year old down.  As far as age of the dog, there are pros & cons for both age groups.  2-4 yrs old, odds are you are getting someone elses problem.  They are adults, more set in there ways and whatever bad habits they have, you will have to break.  As far as a puppy, you get to go through all the puppy stages, which can be a pain at times, but at least you aren't getting someone elses problem.  So it really is a decision as far as whether you want to deal with a dog more set in its ways or a puppy who will go through phases, but will mold more to what your family is about.  As far as breeds, stay away from terriers as they can be tempermental especially towards really young children.  Look towards more of your working breeds, sporting breeds can be hyper so you would have to be careful looking into them, toys are good, but they aren't as easy to train, especially the real small ones.  Poodles are really good family dogs, smart and good with kids, but they require grooming.  You should go to the American Kennel Club website and look over the breeds section.  Look at the dogs, find what looks good to you and then read about their traits.  Talking to some professional breeders about the breeds helps too as you can get an idea how good they are with kids, how much upkeep they require etc.  Sheltland sheepdogs are excellent family dogs, easy to train etc., but they also require grooming.  My best advice is to think about all this and look into all the breeds to find one that would fit your lifestyle.  If you like, if you find a breed you are interested in, let me know and I can give you more info on it too.  

Hope this helps,

Dawn