Breed Suitable To Be Owned By Child

[lanabanana]

Good points totally.

I am of the opinion that any dog can turn out to be "defected" even with health testing and temperament testing or good breeding.

I always recommend puppies (not because I am against adopting adults) but yep, probably should have specified I was specifically referring to a pup.

However, I admit I do agree somewhat with the posts as when we got our boy Barney from the SPCA we had looked at a number of shelters and pounds and my OH was very keen on a large entire adult male from a pound who resembelled (sp) the dog we had just lost, but twice the size. He was a beautiful looking boy but I said no for a number of reasons 1. The dog licked his hand through th ecage but looke dmore like he was "tasting", 2. there was not one hint of a tail wag and 3. Our daughter was only little and the dog very large and with his non-tail wagging I wasn't sure about him.

Instead we went down to the SPCA and got Barney as a 10 week old puppy and while he is one of the most annoying dogs I have ever owned, we love him to pieces lol

So yep, know what you all mean. ButI still stand by a shelter adoption or a foster adoption or whatever you want to call it.

[Greytmate]

There is a huge difference between adopting a dog from a good organisation that users foster carers and other assessment, and one that does not.

It is a more reliable way of getting a dog of the right temperament than getting any puppy. Because the 'finished product' has been accurately rated. Puppies will always have an element of surprise, and puppies of unknown breeding will always be a lot riskier than a properly tested adult dog.

Lanabanana, your experience of buying one dog doesn't really apply to everone. You rejected a dog with no idea of what the dog was like, with some very amateurish observation, and a lot of assumption. Your puppy got lucky to get an owner that doesn't mind 'annoying'. So many similar dogs are rejected for that reason, and nobody sets out to adopt an 'annoying' dog. It would be best if you didn't make comments about the suitability of adult dogs adopted from foster programs, as you don't seem to understand how fostering or testing works.

K9nev, you are right. But we need to spell out to people more clearly what the likely consequences are of getting the wrong dog.

Lanabanana your comment about a dog killing three boys was far-fetched and ridiculous.

There are so many bad consequences that are far more likely to occur with a dog of unknown breeding or untested temperament. Dogs that end up with anxiety problems, dogs that escape, dogs that bark constantly, dogs that are too highly driven, dogs that attack neighbouring stock, nervous dogs, dogs that snap when approached, high-energy over-boisterous dogs, and dogs that are beyond the training capabilities of their owners. Then we have all the dogs with severe medical problems that have subtle early symptoms that wouldn't be noticed until they were living in a home.

A puppy or adult dog adopted directly from a shelter or pound with no testing could have any of the above problems. Where as if somebody was to adopt an adult dog that has been observed and assessed and trained for weeks in foster care, they have the best chance of getting a dog that is exactly what they want in a dog.

[Guest DBT]

i have just skimmed over this thread playing catch up, but my #1 recommendation for a purebreed would be a Border Terrier. Also as a Koolie owner, i agree that 'some' Koolies would be ideal, while others would not. My own Koolie ,Dottie, is quiet, calm, agreeable etc and would make a perfect childs companion. Either of these 2 breeds would excel at obedience if the boys were interested in joining a club.

My own life long love affair with dogs began when my father finally relented to my pestering for a dog, and we purchased a puppy from the RSPCA.He was a Dobe x ACD (looked exactly like a foxhound!). The condition was 'as long as i train it' so at 10 years of age my dad drove me down to the local obedience club every Sunday and i did my homework during the week. My bond with that dog was unforgettable and since the age of 15 i have worked full time with dogs!

Of course i would also never rule out a rescue dog in the right circumstances.

Good luck !

[dee136]

I would personally recommend adption from a shelter as I am sure there will be some gorgeous mix down there who will match the family perfetly.

I would never recommend that a family with young children adopt a dog directly from a pound or shelter. A responsible, knowledgeable foster carer from a rescue that does extensive temperament testing is the way to go.

A child's safety needs to be guarded by obtaining as much information about a dog BEFORE it enters the family. That can only be done by adopting a dog that has been observed for some time in, and in a home environment if possible.

This is true.

Also, it seems that these people have a pretty free and easy approach to training and supervision of the dog with the kids. There would be some great dogs in care that would fit right in. But to take a random dog and expect it to be the stereotypical 'child's playmate on the farm' and they could end up with no end of trouble.

There is no breed of dog where every individual will suit being owned by children. If they are suitable to own a dog, the right dog can be obtained by either going to a responsible breeder that carefully matches pups with owners, or by getting an adult dog that has been in foster care with a reliable organisation.

Dee136, I would probably be discouraging hugs between a three year old and an adult dog of any size. It isn't about being gentle, it is about how a dog would interpret and possibly react to a hug from such a small person, combined with the close proximity of the toddler's face.

I understand where you're coming from with discouraging hugs but I strongly disagree with you. The husky is 2yrs old, small for his breed and is very gentle and AMAZING with the children. He LOVES cuddles, leans into them and wags his tail. Not to mention that he is MY dog who I know all these things about. Knowledge of the dog, showing the child the appropriate way to do it and supervision are what I view as being most important. My idea of supervising this kind of interaction is not standing nearby. I kneel right next to the dog so I would have the best opportunity to stop anything unexpected happening. Children and dogs can have these kind of interactions which can be beautiful provided they both enjoy it. I would NEVER let any of the children hug my mal however because he is still unsure of the 2 smallest kids, which is why he is always on a lead when the kids come outside. Children and dogs are going to interact, it is about making decisions based on each individual child and dog and managing risk. I feel it's not about stopping what they are likely to try while I'm standing a bit further back and not in the best position to manage the risks.

ETA: I know how my dog reacts to hugs from children which is why I allow it under my conditions and rules.

Edited July 6, 2010 by dee136

[poodlefan]

Dee136

I understand where you're coming from with discouraging hugs but I strongly disagree with you. The husky is 2yrs old, small for his breed and is very gentle and AMAZING with the children. He LOVES cuddles, leans into them and wags his tail. Not to mention that he is MY dog who I know all these things about.

The difficulty with young children is that they tend to generalise what they can do with an individual dog and apply it to all dogs.

What happens if the Mal gets the same treatment the Husky enjoys?

[dee136]

Dee136

I understand where you're coming from with discouraging hugs but I strongly disagree with you. The husky is 2yrs old, small for his breed and is very gentle and AMAZING with the children. He LOVES cuddles, leans into them and wags his tail. Not to mention that he is MY dog who I know all these things about.

The difficulty with young children is that they tend to generalise what they can do with an individual dog and apply it to all dogs.

What happens if the Mal gets the same treatment the Husky enjoys?

This is going off topic and is not what I wanted advice on. As I said it is a decision I have made that I am happy with and works for me. I explain and instruct the children on how to handle and interact with each of my dogs. I pull up the kids or dogs on inappropriate behavior. They know that the mal doesn't like certain things and that they can't do as much with him as with the sibe. Even the 3yr old knows to ask when approaching dogs and his mother makes sure the usual interaction is a pat, not a hug. They are taught that different dogs like different things. But as I said, my choice and this is going off topic.

[K9Nev]

There is a huge difference between adopting a dog from a good organisation that users foster carers and other assessment, and one that does not.

It is a more reliable way of getting a dog of the right temperament than getting any puppy. Because the 'finished product' has been accurately rated. Puppies will always have an element of surprise, and puppies of unknown breeding will always be a lot riskier than a properly tested adult dog.

Lanabanana, your experience of buying one dog doesn't really apply to everone. You rejected a dog with no idea of what the dog was like, with some very amateurish observation, and a lot of assumption. Your puppy got lucky to get an owner that doesn't mind 'annoying'. So many similar dogs are rejected for that reason, and nobody sets out to adopt an 'annoying' dog. It would be best if you didn't make comments about the suitability of adult dogs adopted from foster programs, as you don't seem to understand how fostering or testing works.

K9nev, you are right. But we need to spell out to people more clearly what the likely consequences are of getting the wrong dog.

Lanabanana your comment about a dog killing three boys was far-fetched and ridiculous.

There are so many bad consequences that are far more likely to occur with a dog of unknown breeding or untested temperament. Dogs that end up with anxiety problems, dogs that escape, dogs that bark constantly, dogs that are too highly driven, dogs that attack neighbouring stock, nervous dogs, dogs that snap when approached, high-energy over-boisterous dogs, and dogs that are beyond the training capabilities of their owners. Then we have all the dogs with severe medical problems that have subtle early symptoms that wouldn't be noticed until they were living in a home.

A puppy or adult dog adopted directly from a shelter or pound with no testing could have any of the above problems. Where as if somebody was to adopt an adult dog that has been observed and assessed and trained for weeks in foster care, they have the best chance of getting a dog that is exactly what they want in a dog.

Very nice post Greytmate The information provided I think is an excellent overview especially for the novice potential dog owner to understand prior to obtaining their new addition to the family.

Cheers

Nev

[bigheartfordogz]

You said the dog will mostly be an outside dog- please don't get a Cocker Spaniel. Their coat will get matted/dirty, they'll smell, they'll be too much trouble maintenance wise not to mention they are people dogs and will spend most of their day glued to the window watching you with those sad eyes, when they aren't digging your backyard to shreds because they are so bored and lonely.

Cockers are people dogs, I've never known any to be happy living a solitary life mostly outside.

Have you considered an Akita? They are beautiful loyal dogs who are renowned for their gentle nature with children. They don't mind a more solitary existence as they are more independent than most dogs I've come across- which is not to say you can forget about them in the yard, but they will complain less than other breeds. They are also fairly hardy and a wonderful watch dog.

[dee136]

You said the dog will mostly be an outside dog- please don't get a Cocker Spaniel. Their coat will get matted/dirty, they'll smell, they'll be too much trouble maintenance wise not to mention they are people dogs and will spend most of their day glued to the window watching you with those sad eyes, when they aren't digging your backyard to shreds because they are so bored and lonely.

Cockers are people dogs, I've never known any to be happy living a solitary life mostly outside.

Have you considered an Akita? They are beautiful loyal dogs who are renowned for their gentle nature with children. They don't mind a more solitary existence as they are more independent than most dogs I've come across- which is not to say you can forget about them in the yard, but they will complain less than other breeds. They are also fairly hardy and a wonderful watch dog.

I have 2 spitz and I don't think an akita would be a good match. I don't know that much about them but the children will have the dog off the lead a lot so need a very reliable recall. They are planning on training the dog themselves so I wonder about the independent streak spitz have as far as obedience goes. I have also heard that akita's need to be very well socialised with other dogs as they can be dog aggressive, which would be an issue with the amount of off lead dogs they would come across on all the river tracks etc. Can akita's get destructive if left alone? I'm only going by my own experience with my 2, but they tend to be more destructive than friends dogs if they miss there walk.