Still Trying To Choose A Breed

[Guest Maeby Fünke]

I would get a black Pug, a pied Frenchie, a chocolate Lab and a Newfy.

[Staff'n'Toller]

Choose a dog that is going to be good with your kids and easy to have indoors, take on holidays etc.

I don't want to sound negative, but you have four young children, which means in a short while, you may have four kids doing four separate sporting activities, music, and if they will be private schooled - weekend school sport. There are only two days in the weekend. :)

I'm just saying...choose a breed that suits your lifestyle first, and your dog sport aspirations second.

[YOLO]

Wow thanks for all the info every one.

I am worried about the kids hurting a small dog but also worried about a larger dog doing the same thing to the kids.

That’s why I would recommend a gun-dog, especially a retriever. They are soft-mouthed and generally have excellent temperaments. They are smart and easily trained with a sustained effort.

I would not recommend a working dog, as their natural instinct CAN sometimes be to herd young children.

Please understand, I have seen Rottweilers with beautiful temperaments that made excellent family pets. The difference is that if something goes wrong and your dog “snaps,” some breeds can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time, a retriever generally can’t.

However retrievers can be very boisterous if not properly trained, and can remain “big puppies” for most of their lives. They can be easily trained to behave, but if you don’t put the effort into training they could be too much for a small child.

[curlyretrieverclub]

Of course we are biased but a curly coated retriever is an excellent choice. Low maintenance coat - doesn't need to be clipped or brushed - and excellent with kids. A fantastic family dog with a unique look. Very gentle with a soft mouth and very patient. Happy to play ball or lie around the lounge room watching tv... just love to be with their family.

Good luck with the search :)

[PuddleDuck]

Would a Nova Scotia Duck Toller be suited here, are they as active as a Border Collie,,They are such pretty dogs ! !

They are very pretty, but are pretty full on and are just as active and intelligent as Borders. Sounds like the OP wants a quieter more relaxed dog. Couldn't think of anything worse than 4 kids so young and a Toller puppy, they generally aren't an easy pup/young adult. :)

Except my toller! I think she's broken-she's smart but impossible to get off the couch! She is amazing with our 18 month old though! Bear taught herself to use the girlchild's slide in the backyard so they can take turns :laugh:

[smisch]

Can I throw in an out the box suggestion for big dogs in small packages and go Lowchen. Why you may ask I have had BCs and I have had lowchen and I found my two to be similar in nature. and charateristics. our Lowchen are not as intense though happy to play, train and go whatever but if you stop throwing the ball they're like "sweet righto I'm done too" (unless your Ella who will continue to amuse herself) they are about 5-9kg Low/non shedding. Intelligent my girl does agility and LOVES it, she can do just about anything she wants but I have to put in the effort.

They are great family dogs, active but also snuggle bugs,Hardy,intelligent, make good guard dogs as well!

Just an alternative there if you're thinking something smaller, ours hang out with our nieces and nephew who are 2-10yrs and love them, their only downside is they can live up to their names and be little lions around other dogs with food. but we find you give them space they are fine to all eat in the same room.

may not be your cup of tea but if you interested send me a PM and I can answer as many questions as possible

[Scarlet]

Of course we are biased but a curly coated retriever is an excellent choice. Low maintenance coat - doesn't need to be clipped or brushed - and excellent with kids. A fantastic family dog with a unique look. Very gentle with a soft mouth and very patient. Happy to play ball or lie around the lounge room watching tv... just love to be with their family.

Good luck with the search :)

I had a curly with 4 small children. Yes she did do zoomies, like most dogs, and the boys learn't to lay on the ground as this was the only time she would possibly knock them over. They actually thought this great fun.

She was destructive as a pup but I think most retrievers are-or they have been in my experience. The kids learn't to put their stuff away!

BUT she was so loving and gentle and very smart. She LOVED water and we were lucky to live near a great recreational lake, where we lived in summer. Her recall was fantastic-though it was hard to get her out of the water! She could certainly take all the attention and rough play from 4 very boisterous boys. A great family dog.

[GomezAkita]

I know this suggestion is not quite in line with your parameters for a puppy but you should consider an English Bulldog.

They are very docile and tolerant, do not need a large area or big run everyday in fact a short to medium brisk walk is all.

Very family friendly dogs although they do tend to be a little gassy :)