Breed Recommendations

[Leah82]

I'd recommend a big black standard poodle, they are lighter than similarly sized breeds so easier for kids and yourself to handle but with all that fur you can definitely make them look tougher if you find the right groomer

[Hunbun]

The biggest issue is the walking on the days I have no help, as I would have the kids in tow and they are not very fast... On those days I could take the kids to the park and exercise the dog next to the playground, or find a dog park next to a playground or arrange to meet someone at a park that will watch my kids while I walk.

When the kids stay at their dads I would have all day basically.

Also the kids would run around with the dog, play fetch etc a lot too.

I think I would be fine being consistent with rules, but that's a good point about other people not following the rules.. I know some of my friends think I'm a bit harsh with dogs, making them do stuff like sit/wait for food... But none of them have dogs either..

The kids have been pretty good with our fosters, they are still kids though so I would be supervising constantly. I think the bigger one would like to do some training too, just a matter of teaching him how.

[Steph M]

I would be looking at a breed that can be quite forgiving of mistakes, there are certain breeds that absolutely take a mile when shown any weakness or inconsistency.

[The Spotted Devil]

The biggest issue is the walking on the days I have no help, as I would have the kids in tow and they are not very fast... On those days I could take the kids to the park and exercise the dog next to the playground, or find a dog park next to a playground or arrange to meet someone at a park that will watch my kids while I walk.

When the kids stay at their dads I would have all day basically.

Also the kids would run around with the dog, play fetch etc a lot too.

I think I would be fine being consistent with rules, but that's a good point about other people not following the rules.. I know some of my friends think I'm a bit harsh with dogs, making them do stuff like sit/wait for food... But none of them have dogs either..

The kids have been pretty good with our fosters, they are still kids though so I would be supervising constantly. I think the bigger one would like to do some training too, just a matter of teaching him how.

Just remember that if you are getting a puppy, the first 18 months is a lot of work in terms of training recalls and supervision with kids - I'm not big on young kids racing around with puppies and young dogs as it often causes over arousal of the young dog, they start nipping, the kids squeal etc etc - it's much easier with a mature, trained dog. Similarly keeping your eye on your dog at the park and your kids simultaneously won't be easy. A lot of the time I leave my adult dogs in the car to train and exercise my pup and give her my full attention. My adult dogs have good recalls but they all disappear in different directions and it's difficult to watch them all at once. Not saying it can't be done but that it's good to have realistic expectations.

[Hunbun]

Steph M, what would be the breeds that are more forgiving?

Spotted Devil - it's very good to have realistic expectations! I wouldn't do off leash stuff until I was confident the dog has great recall and I can work on that when I don't have to take the kids. That's a good point about the kids&running around squealing etc, I have to think about that more.

I definitely won't get a dog until I'm certain I can handle it, but I just want to narrow it down a bit, because of my allergies I will have to meet the breeds before I even consider them further.

[Steph M]

I'm working on it! My brain isn't quick today...let me think about it!

[Tassie]

I would think Bernese Mountain Dog would be a bit easier to manage than some of the breeds you have mentioned. I see there are some breeders in Queensland, so you should be able to ask some questions, and maybe see them at shows. They are happy to try their paw at all sorts of things - there was one performing at the top level in the recent Dances with Dogs comps in Brisbane . and he also does obedience, but they are also happy just to hang with the family.

As far as protection goes, most good family dogs will be protective of their people when need be, and having a dog with a big bark in the house at night is good protection. Even my BC boy can give a really good Rottweiler imitation if there is a strange noise outside.

[RuralPug]

I suspect that you have your hands full with two little ones, and bear in mind that a puppy needs just about as much time and training as a crawling baby.

Ideally if you could source an adult dog that has been reared with young children and has already learnt his manners, then you will probably be best off.

The plus there is the the dog's temperament is already known, and you won't need to wait three years to find out if it has over-the-top drive for its breed or is more laid back. If you can source one from an ethical rescue or a good breeder looking for a retirement home (showdogs can be retired as ealry as three or four) you will probably have several weeks trial and a lifetime advice line!

If you want a scary dog to feel safe, anything large and black or dark in colour for some reason puts people off.

I know it's hard to find the time with littlies but if you can get out to an obedience club, or dog sporting day or dog show it will give you an idea of what's out there.

Have a chat with your doctor about your allergies, nine times out of ten it is not actually the hair but the dead skin flakes (dander) that people are allergic to, and a top notch diet that keep the skin in tip top condition can reduce the allgens released, Having said that, most breeds do shed, the ones that "moult" twice a year I find are usually less demanding on the vaccuum.

Personally, I find the longer coated breeds easier to cope with shedding wise as the hair is easy to sweep or vacuum up. With Staffies and Pugs, the hairs are spiky and hook in everything!!

I think a big black Lab would suit your needs perfectly, except alas, for the shedding....

[Hunbun]

We used to have a black lab as a family dog :) He was a lovely dog, but the hair!!! I can't deal with that amount of shedding.. I don't remember being allergic to him though, couldn't have been an issue as I clearly remember how the cat we had made me feel.

I liked the longer fluffier hair of one of our fosters, it sort of collected into the corners of the house rather than just lying flat on the floor everywhere :D

I'll look up the obedience clubs and shows around here and go visit, that's a great idea. The kids dad is very involved, so I should be fine finding time.

I'm not opposed to getting an adult dog, but I'd prefer a young dog/puppy because of the bonding and also because the dog would grow up with us, be used to the kids, know how our family works etc.

I could easily handle another kid, so I should be fine with a furry one, no? :D

I've always liked the Berners, but the life span is a bit if a worry.. Are they generally sick dogs?

I agree it doesn't have to be a guard or protection dog, a good bark would deter most intruders. And just having a dog here makes me feel a lot less anxious.

I guess my problem is that the dog that suits a busy young family and the dog that I personally would want are quite different. Just have to do more thinking and research.

This discussion has definitely made me think about some things that didn't occur to me before, so thank you for all the responses, and keep them coming :)

[Hunbun]

I should say, what I think I want. I do realise I don't have enough experience to know 100%

[LisaCC]

Because you like labs, but are iffy about the hair I would get you to have a look at the some other retriever breeds that come in blacks and browns "dark, scary", but look carefully at their temperaments and exercise needs as they differ a bit to labs.

Flat Coated Retrievers

Curly Coated Retrievers

[Steph M]

Because you like labs, but are iffy about the hair I would get you to have a look at the some other retriever breeds that come in blacks and browns "dark, scary", but look carefully at their temperaments and exercise needs as they differ a bit to labs.

Flat Coated Retrievers

Curly Coated Retrievers

I did think about a flat coat, but I wondered about the exuberance factor with little kids running about as without a careful eye they can get overwound and knock everyone flying, I know Gus can, while inherently very gentle and very sweet he does get very excited easily, and they're not a dog that will suffer not being part of everything you are doing all the time so that's something to think about. You can pretty much kiss goodbye to any remaining alone time you had before..haha.

They can also err on the sensitive side as well, so training has to be upbeat and fun and not boring, a bored flat coat is one who landscapes and barks and makes his own fun. Punishment is pretty much a non-event in our house, the most effective thing is withdrawal of attention.

OH and one thing we learned very early is that they are big furry people, if you laugh at a naughty FC puppy that is all the positive reinforcement he needs to do it again and again. Many a day have we struggled not to laugh when Gus was doing something ridiculous.

He also does need quite a good run every day, and a swim. I hope you like mud on everything!

And he sheds little black tumbleweeds around the place, not anywhere near a lab and they do kind of seem to bond in balls but if we don't vac all week I certainly notice it. At least black goes with everything?

Having said that ours is just gorgeous, and we are expecting our first baby and I know he will be an awesome canine big brother one day, and he is perfect for us but I do know for a fact they are not perfect for everyone, when he is being a jerk he is 100% jerk. Haha.

ETA basically everything here is 100% fact and a nicer way of saying just what I said!

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/information/flat-coated-retriever.asp

Edited July 8, 2015 by Steph M

[The Spotted Devil]

And that's the thing - every breed has it's particular traits...some of us see those as awesome and others see the same traits as unliveable. If you don't like hair then DON'T get a Dalmatian :D

[Steph M]

And that's the thing - every breed has it's particular traits...some of us see those as awesome and others see the same traits as unliveable. If you don't like hair then DON'T get a Dalmatian :D

And if you like using the loo alone and not having pleading love eyes on you all the time, maybe not a flattie. Hahaha.

[The Spotted Devil]

And that's the thing - every breed has it's particular traits...some of us see those as awesome and others see the same traits as unliveable. If you don't like hair then DON'T get a Dalmatian :D

And if you like using the loo alone and not having pleading love eyes on you all the time, maybe not a flattie. Hahaha.

:laugh:

[Hunbun]

Haha see that's the reason I came here to ask, these personal experiences paint a much cleared picture than a lot of dog websites..

I'm not too worried about the knocking kids over, the kids are like that anyway, the amount of bruises they get is phenomenal :D

But that constant pleading love eyes thing... It's not for me.. Any breeds that are less like that?

My house never goes more than a couple of days without vaccuuming, I would drown in cracker crumbs otherwise so tumbelweeds here and there I don't mind, as long as the dog doesn't make me itchy..

[Jemmy]

And that's the thing - every breed has it's particular traits...some of us see those as awesome and others see the same traits as unliveable. If you don't like hair then DON'T get a Dalmatian :D

And if you like using the loo alone and not having pleading love eyes on you all the time, maybe not a flattie. Hahaha.

Both of these, and also if you like being able to stretch out on the couch or in bed, don't get a GSD.

[Steph M]

I have an idea! You have lots of points that you might like, however finding them all in one dog breed might be a bit of a push, how about you write a little list out with a few columns, non-negotiable must, would like and non-negotiable must not traits, perhaps that might help build a clearer picture?

[BullBreedBoy]

Haha see that's the reason I came here to ask, these personal experiences paint a much cleared picture than a lot of dog websites..

I'm not too worried about the knocking kids over, the kids are like that anyway, the amount of bruises they get is phenomenal :D

But that constant pleading love eyes thing... It's not for me.. Any breeds that are less like that?

My house never goes more than a couple of days without vaccuuming, I would drown in cracker crumbs otherwise ? so tumbelweeds here and there I don't mind, as long as the dog doesn't make me itchy..

I seriously think you should have a real look at Bull Terriers. They are wonderful family dogs, love kids, and being around people but also ok with being independnet and like some alone time to. My puppies love games of fetch and tug etc and almost all my babies go to families wih kids. They are also protective of their human pack, but not vicious. Certainly they are big enough to intimidate (one of my boys is 38kgs) if this is your objective. Also despite what some say, they are absolutely trainiable and are very responsive to obedience training (actually think it is critical for their mental health).

I don't know if they'll upset your allergies, but I genuinelly think from what you've said would be a wonderful fit with your other requirements.

Lot's of breeds to choose from!

[RuralPug]

Haha see that's the reason I came here to ask, these personal experiences paint a much cleared picture than a lot of dog websites..

...

But that constant pleading love eyes thing... It's not for me.. Any breeds that are less like that?

...

Yes there are, but they are not generally breeds that I would consider particularly biddable or easy to train. They tend to be breeds that need firm and expert handling. Independence comes at a price. Some of the Spitz family breeds are noted for their strong wills and indepence, as are most of the livestock guarding breeds.

I suspect what you really mean is that you would rather not have an overly clingy or anxious dog that needs constant reassurance, you would like a dog that is confident and happy to be involved but who will occupy themselves on the couch or in the yard when you pop out to the shops or whatever.

In theory this can be achieved with most of the popular companion breeds, given good rearing and good genetics (we say that final adult temperament is 50% nature and 50% nurture). In practice, it is a lot easier and more painless to achieve that with one of the breeds known for outgoing, confident temperaments than with a more highly strung,fiercely goal-oriented breed or aloof and independent breed.

When we talk about this, we are talking about tendencies, that generally a well-socialised and well trained member of that breed is more likely to exhibit that tendency than anything else. But even within a breed, even within a litter, you can get quite a wide variety of temperaments from one end of the bell curve to another. An experienced breeder can often pick the pup that is most likely to exhibit the adult traits that you want, but it is still a little bit of a lottery. A lot less of of lottery than a mixed breed baby puppy though.

The good news is, if you've carefully chosen a breed whose temperament, on the whole, appeals to you and then raised the dog from a baby puppy and nurtured it carefully, if it does happens to be on the wrong end of the bell curve as an adult, well, by that time he or she is an integral part of your family and you wouldn't dream of not having them anyway!!