Dogs! - Columbia,SC

We love labs!!!! Puppies are LOTS of work!!! and they jump on and scare and scratch little kids. You might want to wait a few yrs - like when they are 3 and 6 or 4 and 7 would be better. Do you have a cat? If not, that might be more appropriate to get right now......

I wouldn't get a dog with kids that age. That's just me. Dogs are LOTS of work.

We have a wonderful border collie/Brittany spaniel mix. She's super smart and has TONS of love and energy. She requires time, training, more time, and money.

Please do lots of research before you get a dog.

DONT get a wiem as a pup They are great adults though... I have learned my lesson lol. Try getting a calm breed. Goldens are nice. Labs are kinda pushy as pups. You can also go to puppyfind.com to view details about all akc registered breeds.

I personally do not believe one special "breed" is just automatically good with children. I've always had mutts. Mixed breeds. Goldens/Labs/Shephards/ even (gasp!) Chows..... just everything mixed in. I've always had great dogs. The key is picking the puppy with the right tempermant ..... I agree, go to the shelter, find a NICE dog... If you are worried about it getting along with your kids I would recommend a puppy. Currently I have a Golden mix and a German Shepherd mix and they are both great with kids. They both have partially blue tongues as well so I'm guessing they have Chow in them.

Go to the SPCA or local shelter, let the dog pick your kids.

We have had Poodles in the house but don't get a small dog, they aren't as good with kids usually, get a mid size like a miniature. We had a miniature Poodle given to us when our 7th child was 6 weeks old and I was not happy about it at all when my husband came home with her. She turned out to be the best family dog ever and sat by the baby and got me if she cried, etc. She loved the kids and vice versa. They don't shed much if at all, and she lived to be 17 years old. She was 20 months old when we got her so she was housebroken and we didn't have to do that part. I strongly recommend that breed for people with children and allergies either one. Our dog was 12 lbs so on the small end for a miniature but just don't get one smaller or the kids could hurt the dog even accidentally.

Rescue dogs! Especially ones that have been fostered. That way, you can talk to the foster about the dog's experience with kids and make sure the dog is a good fit for your family BEFORE making a commitment.

Depends on what kind of traits too, not just if they are good with kids, because a lot of breeds are good with kids. Some breeds are extremely active, others kind of lazy - each has a lot of distinct traits; these are things to consider.

For example, I currently I have a minature Australian Sheppard that is very good with kids (they are very loyal, family oriented) - but she is very high energy, needs a lot of space to run, doesn't like being indoors - takes a lot of time and attention over all. Do you have the space and time to devote to a dog like that even if they are good with kids? That isn't the perfect fit for everyone.

We always grew up with Doberman Pinschers; they are extremely good with kids and very loyal. My first dog Ginger actually got tore up pretty badly protecting my little sister when a stray dog jumped the fence and went after her. Once again the issue would come up that they are not small dogs and wouldn't be a good fit for an apartment.

I'm not a big fan of them, but Shih Tsu can be really sweet and loving dogs as long as you are careful to train them correctly. I know a lot of my friends and family own them.

My point I guess over all is that there are a lot of breeds good with kids, but its not fair for you or the dog if you overlook what time, attention, and care the dog will need too.

Labs ~ best dogs ever! In my opinion, of course.
We just had to put down our lab, Daisy, 2 weeks ago. Hardest thing I have ever had to do. She was the kids' best friend and my baby girl. Amazing family dog who was loyal, patient, protective and loving.

We had the dog first, but our pug is amazing with our 3 year old and 10 month old twins. They often "torture" him and he just takes it. He is super protective of them. We have dozens of pictures of the dog sleeping next to the kids, watching over the kids as the sleep, playing with them etc. He is also the most snuggly dog ever. He is so much fun for grown up too. I would never get another breed ever again. My pug has never ever come close to snapping or hurting the kids. He does get jealous from time to time and if I sit on the floor to play with the babies, he'll come and try to sit on my lap. Pugs do need attention, but he doesn't lack it one bit.

Golden retrievers and labrador retrievers can be good with children. As an experienced dog lover, I would encourage you to wait til your kids are older and can understand how to be gentle with a dog and take part in caring for a dog. We had our dog for years before becoming parents and our toddler son would trip over our dog, startling him and causing him to snap at our son. We had to keep them separate for a couple years or at least totally supervised.

none at that age, unless you're not getting a puppy than a golden retriever or lab are on the top of the family friendlydogs least likely to bite list.

my daughter got stitches in her face from being bit by an 8 week old puppy when she was 3. we waited and got a puppy when she turned 6 this year and the puppy can still get too rough with her. i'd wait until they were older or get a dog older than one and not in the nipping/jumping phase if i was you

Bring your kids to your local humane society or animal rescue organization. Let them meet the dogs, see how the dogs react to them. Work with an "adoption counselor" to pick the right dog for you. With small children, I would recommend a larger dog, at least 25-30 lbs or larger, simply because an active child can easily hurt a small dog by accident. Keep an open mind about mutts and pit bulls/pit mixes! Rescues often have dogs that are a year or two old and were raised around children. This would make less work for you on the training front and you would know their track record with kids.

No matter what breed of dog... each dog also has their own personality and temperament.
And not all dogs, "like" children. Children are and can be, loud/rough/too active/unpredictable... for some dogs.

Your kids, are REAL young. I would not have a dog and expect it to behave all the time with a baby... nor a 3 year old.
And certainly you, will have to take care of the dog. Not them. They are too young. So, having a dog... will be like having 3... "children."
Dogs require a lot of... attention and upkeep and walking them and training them and taking the outdoors for walks and activity and to pee and poop. Plus, the costs for dog food and Vet visits, etc.

French Bulldogs are mellow and "lap dogs."
King Charles Spaniels are also regarded as "lap dogs."
Pugs

At the age your kids are... a dog will be a LOT of work.

There are loads of dogs that are good with kids. The question then becomes if you want another baby to tend to. If you get a puppy, there will be tons of training that needs to happen and chewing too. If you get a dog with high energy you will need to wear them out with plenty of exercise and do you have the time and energy to wear the dog out? Another thing to consider is if your kids are allergic to fur. I'm allergic to fur, so I can't have a dog with fur but must have a dog with hair instead. One more obvious thing, big dogs big poop, little dogs little poop. You will be scooping poop.

Great family dogs in general, German Shephards, Collies, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Labradors.

We have one shelter dog that is a Pit Bull and Labrador and one dog we found by the side of the road that is probably an English Terrier and Jack Russell Mix.

Grew up with the following either neighborhood dogs or other family pets, Great Danes, Irish Setter/Labrador mix, Afgan Hound, medium sized unknown mixed breed think Benji type, poodle, Cocker Spaniels, and German Shephards.

I grew up with a Doberman. She was the sweetest dog (LOVED babies and children) and so smart. We taught her all kinds of tricks. She loved to run; Dobies need lots of exercise.

I've also owned Boxers, and would NOT recommend them for young children. They tend to be a very physical breed (they're called Boxers because they jump up and "box" with their front legs, which knocks little ones down), as well as they can be very jumpy (one of ours would bite small dogs, and because of that, we would never allow her around children). Also, I've never had a Boxer that was smart. Pretty dogs, dumber than a box of rocks. Hard to train.

Our vet owns several English Mastiffs, and they've always been extremely gentle with her kids. In general, as a breed they are very calm. (They do get to be 150+ pounds, though.) She says a walk is all the exercise the Mastiffs seem to want. They don't run, they don't jump. So although they're large, apparently they're not as much work as other, more active breeds.

My best friend growing up raised Mini Schnauzers. They are sturdy little dogs who were very good with us, and very protective over us. They knew all kinds of tricks, and were good-natured. Very cute, too.

Look through the AKC website and you can see all the breed traits of different types of dogs, their health challenges, etc. I decided to wait until my kids are old enough to help take the dog for walks, etc. It's hard to care for a dog when your kids are tiny.

English Springer Spaniels. Wonderful personality, great family dogs that are awesome with kids. Are you really thinking of getting a dog now. Your kids are very young.

we rescued a shih tzu and she is an absolute doll. you couldn't get her to bite us if you tried. she has never nipped, growled, nothing. she is playful but not hyper. I found my daughter putting her build-a-bear skates on the dog one afternoon, and the dog just sat there and took it (until I of course, stopped this experiment!).

Good luck!

Golden Retriever! Mine was our first "fur" baby, and after pouting by not being in the same room as our infant for about 2 months after our daughter was born, she's been perfect. Easy going, obedient, and they love kids. Good luck!

We got Golden Retrievers when our kids were small. AWESOME dogs, very mild mannered! My kids used lay on them, play with them and they dogs were great with the kids!

We got small dogs AFTER the kids turned 4.

In fact, the breeder we got our smallest dog from would not let anybody take a dog w/ a child less than 4 yrs of age.

Our other dog came from a lady who had bred a last litter because her health was not good. This women wanted to meet us and see our children to make sure they were not toddlers.

I would rec a dog who is med sized, not small. All dogs have different temperaments. My dogs are the same breed and completely different.

There are so many rescue dogs now !

Bring your kids to meet them. And do know that a dog needs lots of attention and time and regular vet care, etc...

Honestly, I would wait 2-3 years before adding a pup to the mix. Combining a 9mo & a pup is a nightmare waiting to happen.

That said, avoid the small breeds...they become easily intimidated by kids. I could give you an entire list of the injuries involving little ones & small breeds over the past 30 years. It's not a good thing.

Any form of spaniel, especially the water/springer spaniel, can become aggressive with age. Our vet called it "spaniel rage", & we've seen it 1sthand. Scary with all ages of humans.

Our go-to fav: any form of lab or retriever, especially the mixed breeds. We've owned 3 lab mixes over the last 20+ years. They're great with kids, but do require continuous attention or become very needy. In order to own a lab, you do need to be able to give daily walks & lots of freedom/playtime outside.

We currently have a labradoodle....smartest dog in the world. We know we will never, ever find another dog like him. We also have a pup. He's 1/2 German Shepherd & 1/2 Bouvier. The Bouv in him has greatly mellowed the prey drive of the GSD, & we appreciate this.

Which ever breed you choose, be prepared for lots of work. This is a serious committment. We recently finished Puppy Class, & when we started Obedience Class.....almost 1/2 the Puppy Class had been re-homed. How freakin' sad is that! Sooo hard on the poor pups.

My vote: for your age group, get a bird or some fish!

Updated

Honestly, I would wait 2-3 years before adding a pup to the mix. Combining a 9mo & a pup is a nightmare waiting to happen.

That said, avoid the small breeds...they become easily intimidated by kids. I could give you an entire list of the injuries involving little ones & small breeds over the past 30 years. It's not a good thing.

Any form of spaniel, especially the water/springer spaniel, can become aggressive with age. Our vet called it "spaniel rage", & we've seen it 1sthand. Scary with all ages of humans.

Our go-to fav: any form of lab or retriever, especially the mixed breeds. We've owned 3 lab mixes over the last 20+ years. They're great with kids, but do require continuous attention or become very needy. In order to own a lab, you do need to be able to give daily walks & lots of freedom/playtime outside.

We currently have a labradoodle....smartest dog in the world. We know we will never, ever find another dog like him. We also have a pup. He's 1/2 German Shepherd & 1/2 Bouvier. The Bouv in him has greatly mellowed the prey drive of the GSD, & we appreciate this.

Which ever breed you choose, be prepared for lots of work. This is a serious committment. We recently finished Puppy Class, & when we started Obedience Class.....almost 1/2 the Puppy Class had been re-homed. How freakin' sad is that! Sooo hard on the poor pups.

My vote: for your age group, get a bird or some fish!

My husband and I actually have always had Rotties and they are wonderful with our kids. I know people stereotype them saying that they are mean and vicious. You know what? All the dogs we have had were the most lovable dogs ever. And, they were very protective of the kids. We will never switch breeds.

Labs, but you will be taking on a third child for a while. It's too close to Christmas to adopt a pet. Wait until the new year.

I have to vote for the English mastiffs or just about any mastiff breed. They are the most laid back easy going dogs I have come across. We have an EM and love her dearly. I have older kids but have seen others with younger kids and not have an issue. Ours lets our boys sleep on her,for that matter the other dogs and cats enjoy using her as a pillow. Due to poor breeding we wound up with what I joke as a petite mastiff...she weighs in just under 100 lbs. But they do tend to be large dogs hence the name giant breed. But they also called gentle giants. They are also very protective of their families. Not in an over aggressive way but more of hey I'm here and you aren't getting any closer unless I'm told it's ok kind of deal.