Pitbull

The posts about how you train them are probably right, but we used to live in an area where pit bulls were very common, and it seemed like they were always in the news having attacked some little kid. I would never have one around my kids. Actually, we have agreed we would never have any dog that is known for being a good guard dog, just because of their guard dog tendencies. Labs and golden retrievers, and the friendlier kind of dogs are great for families. GL!

I'd get a lab, they are great. pitbulls come with so many bad repercussions and attitude problems from friends and neighbors I'd hardly want that hassle.

I think you've gotten a lot of good advice from other mom's but I will say that if you choose to look for a different breed I recommend staying away from the Lhasa Apso. They can be very sweet, but they find loyalty with ONE person, and then will tolerate a little but not a lot from the others. My mother's dog Kuma is very loyal to me, but has bitten three little kids, my cousin and two of my sons. They are not a child friendly breed.

Pit Bulls are powerful dogs. I would find a breed that is cute AND smaller and from a more family-friendly breeds. Labs though larger are family friendly. I have heard Jack Russell terriers are OK. But ultimately, it is really really important to know the history of any dog. Some of those puppy mills are churning out expensive but ultimately genetically bankrupt animals.

BTW -- This is totally just me, but getting a dog is akin to having a baby. Why do that to your family when you already have your hands full with a newborn?

I have not read any of the other responses but I can say, as a veterinarian, I think a lot of pits have gotten a bum rap, are owned by the sort of people that have no business owning a dog, and much of that is fueled by the media. Any dog that is poorly socialized, poorly treated, potentially abused or neglected, and trained or encouraged to fight is not going to be a good family dog around kids - they just have too many issues. That being said, many of the pit bulls that were owned by Michael Vick and trained for fighting, then removed from that environment, have been successfully rehabilatated and placed in good homes, and are doing well.

Pits can be fabulous pets and wonderful family dogs if they are raised correctly from puppyhood, well socialized and trained appropriately. I have seen many pit bulls as patients and I have never had one give me a hard time - and I am a stranger in a white coat who is doing things to them they probably would rather not have done. I've had some I have muzzled as a precaution, but in those cases, they are more apt to bite out of fear than anything else. On the other hand, I once had to euthanize a golden retriever because of severe aggression issues. Go figure.

That being said, some pits do not get along with other dogs, some go after cats, etc. So do lots of other dogs. If you raise a dog properly and teach it good behavior from day one, they can be fine. However, your homeowner's insurance may feel differently. Some companies will not insure you or will make you pay higher premiums if you own one of the dogs on their "dangerous breeds" list (which can also include German Shepherds, Akitas, Dalmations, Rotties, etc.). Also. many communities have bans on owning pit bulls - if you are caught with one, you may be forced to give the dog up.

Before you get any dog, research the different breeds out there, do your homework, and make your decision on your life style and what would fit bset with your family. Be honest with yourself - many dogs (including pits and others) are high energy and can be a lot to handle. If they are not exercised enough and not trained properly, they can get very destructive. Don't get any kind of dog just because your friend, neighbor, etc. has one and you think it's cute. Too many people get a puppy only because it looks cute and they fall in love with the cuteness - then when it is a huge half-grown out-of-control adolescent knucklehead of a dog, they decide they've had enough and the dog ends up kept in the back yard all the time, or taken to a shelter, or worse. Also, there are expenses involved with keeping a dog, including preventative care (vaccines, heartworm prevention, flea control, spay/neuter) as well as taking care of them when there is an accident or they get sick. I am getting on my soapbox a bit here, but I've seen it happen too many times - people get a pet that they are not prepared to be committed to or take care of and it is the pet that suffers as a result. Getting any pet should not be a spur of the moment decision.

If you are looking for more information specific to pit bulls, I would try to find out if there is a pit bull rescue group in your area and talk to them. Breed-specific rescue groups can be a great way to adopt a dog that is the breed you are looking for and is in need of another home (rather than going through a breeder or pet store - plus, all pet store puppies come from puppy mills and you don't want to be supporting their business). You can also visit some of the local animal shelters in your area and see the dogs they have available for adoption. There are also plenty of mixed-breed dogs out there that need good homes and will make wonderful pets - including pit crosses (pit + lab, pit + boxer, etc.).

Think it through carefully, and good luck with your decision. As a side note, I have 2 pugs and I think they are some of the best family dogs one could ask for. They are small and easy to handle but sturdy and with awesome personalities. They are happy romping in the back yard or sleeping on the couch. Their exercise requirements are minimal. And their temperments are just the best.

ADD: Just read through some of the other responses - and I tend to agree that if you have a baby at home, you are best off waiting until the youngest kid in the house is at least 5 years old before getting a new puppy or dog. A baby or toddler is a lot of work of course, and getting a new puppy during that time just doubles the load. Not in every instance, but often the puppy does not get trained properly just because the kids take up so much more time. When the kids are older, it's easier. I had a client once that had a 3 year old, a 2 year old, and a 6 month old baby and decided to get a Lab puppy. It was a nightmare every time they came into the clinic - the puppy was out of control, the kids were out of control, and the parents could not listen to anything I was telling them about the puppy. Granted, there were probaby other issues going on with discipline, etc. and it's hard to manage all those kids at those ages out in public anywhere, but I could just see that it was not a good situation for anyone (puppy included). I could only imagine what things were like at their home.

Personally, NO, I would not own a pitbull with young children. It is not how the dog is with my children, it is how the dog would react to my childrens friends. Pitbulls are territorial. If you have a dog that is protective with your kids, and your kids friends start wrestling, the dog might think they are being attacked and go after the friend.
I used to be a vet tech. We always had the belief in our office that it is not the breed, it is the owner. Then we had a dog come in, that lived with a family with small kids (a 2 and 6 year old). One of our other techs was dog sitting for this family, and had for many years. The dog always seemed friendly. She had left her house for a couple of minutes and came back in to her dog dead and torn apart all over her house. Just think if that had been one of the children, or a friend.
Do you want a pet you can trust with kids or one who you always have to keep an eye on. Just another thought too--most homeowners insurance goes up with pitbull owners.

I wasn't going to respond until I saw you lived on ase.
Most bases won't allow you to have pitbulls.
I would do a little research on dog breeds and get one that is easy to train, and manageable. Also one that is not likely to be aggressive.
Pits, Shepherds, Rotties are all very good dogs but they are best left to the more experienced dog handlers should there be any aggression issues.
Do not get something that your children will terrorize, like a chihuahua, pomeranian, etc.
Something like a lab or Golden is a good first dog. A standard poodle, any spaniel, retriever types.
You might go to the pound and see what they have. They may have some mutt that just needs a loving home and is already housetrained.

We have a 12 year old lab mix that I would trust with any child/animal/thing in the world. In fact he is home alone with our pet bunny who hops around the house right now and while he seems to like the bunny he mostly just ignores him. I know people say all dogs are unpredictable, but some are much, much more unpredictable than others. In my opinion why risk it when there are dogs out there with much better dispositions naturally? I've never "trained" my dog to be nice, or to be gentle, it's just in his nature to get off the couch when the cat wants to sleep on it. Of course, his tail is another story--it seems to have a mind of it's own and has destroyed numerous lincoln log villages and lego towers which is a source of endless frustration for my 3 year old!

I have seen the sweetest pits turn violent, it only takes a moment of frustration. Even those who don't aggressively bite, if they nip at all in the slightest, which they will when they play, can cause severe ripping of skin that can require stitches.

I worked in an animal clinic and was friends with an owner of a pitt, and she was an amazing owner and the dog was grest too. When a tech that the dog liked very much went to feed it, the pitt jumped up and playfully bit him on the face, and the tech needed several stitches in his face from that.

Don't play into the whole bad owners+bad pitts... it's not true. (yes, bad owners can create very aggressive dogs) but even the kindest dog will have jaws of steel and crazy sharp teeth, even if it isn't aggressive. A terrier or lab or any breed of small dog that bites will never inflict the same kind of wound as a pitbull that bites.

So yes, pitts are not the only kind of dog that mauls or attacks, but compare a pitt attack to a poodle, and it's no contest. That is why you hear more about pitt maulings, is because they are so much more dangerous, and with little children especially, fatal.

I have not read any of the other responses as they would probably just piss me off. I can imagine a majority of the responders are calling you crazy for wanting a pitt bull.

Here's my stance:
Pitt bulls are GREAT dogs. They are truly amazing animals. However, I wouldn't have one as a family pet until your boys are older. Pitt bulls love to play. They love human attention/interaction. However, not a lot of dogs can handle the kind of attention small children give (Ear pulling, playful hitting, ect.) and considering the power behind a pitt bull's bite I don't know if I would want to test the limits. Also, pitt bulls are needy... In a cute sort of way. They crave constant attention. They are the type of dog to follow you around the house constantly because they want to play. I think that a pitt bull could easily get jealous if you were giving your attention to your children rather than him/her.

So... Although Pitt Bull's are amazing dogs and in no way deserve the bad rep that they have... They are not good family dogs, unless the children in the family are older.

Maybe get a beagle or lab now... And later (When your boys are older) get a pitt bull :)

Well, I don't think you will receive a warm welcome of the Pit here, but they can be normal family dogs. A lot of it depends on how they are raised and socialized. However, they are strong dogs and are known for attacking children, but all dogs bite.

I have a Rottie and she was here first. When the baby came, she was curious, however, we never left them alone together. Now the baby is 5 and the dog is 10 and they love each other. The dog puts up with the 5 year old even when she is eating. The 5 year old hugs her and kisses her right in the face and the dog loves it.

I suggest you find the best trainer in your area and train the dog good if you want a good relationship with the dog and children. That is what I did with my dog because I didn't want a large dog with a bad reputation to be in my home with bad manners.

Rescues are often better family dogs than purebreds because some of the breed traits are "diluted". We have a siberian husky/lab/boarder collie mix (we think) who's great even though she sometimes does herd the cats (a boarder collie trait) but she's never tried to herd the kids. Labs and retrievers are often good. French bulldogs are supposed to be awesome while poodles tend to be bad. Get in touch with a local dog trainer and ask their recommendation. The above is based on my own experience as well as what our trainer told us. As the pp said, a lot of a dogs demeanor depends on how they are raised and socialized. If you go to the humane society, they can usually tell you which dogs are good with kids or are inappropriate for a home with kids.

I have heard so many horror stories about pit bulls, I wouldn't own one. You don't need the liability unless you are independently wealthy and money is no object.

I have had puppies since I was in the 3rd grade. However, my last two dogs were almost a year old and just over a year old and I rescued them from an animal shelter. They were both small mixed breed dogs with a majority of terrier and poodle in them. They were great around kids. After having that experience I'd not go back to the bother of a puppy again.

If the dog is going to be an inside dog, then I'd wait until your youngest is at least 18 months old and I'd get a small dog, 12" to 15" high at the shoulder.

We've had two prue bred dogs. I'd rather have mixed breed. Fewer problems. Breeders of pure breed dogs breed for looks and have to watch out for bone and disposition problems. In mixed breed, intelligence, disposition and health are the most important factors. If a mixed breed dog has a bad disposition or a bad hip, he doesn't survive. If a pure bred dog has those things he may get medicine and a hip operation to cover up or correct those things.

Good luck to you and yours.

I actually did my senior thesis on this sort of subject in college. How funny! I am a big advocate for pit bulls. I worked at a vet for many years and found the pits were actually the sweetest (chihuahuas were the worst, in case you were curious).

Basically the main thing is that a dog's behavior is usually directly related to how it is raised (as mentioned many times here); however, there are always exceptions to the rules. I will be the first to admit that not EVERY pit bull (or any breed of dog for that matter) that is raised in a completely loving home and trained by the best trainers will turn out to be perfect. Unforseen health issues can affect things too.

The best thing to do is if you do get the pit bull, start training early, and SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE.

Some other great breeds that I personally love are the rottweilers, mastiffs, st. bernards, and great danes. Love - love - love great danes. I know that these breeds are bigger, but they are also the most laid back when it comes to getting pounced on by kids :-).

Good luck!

My first thought, H., is that unless something has changed, you are living on an Air Force Base. Having an entire family of Air Force folks, I think you should start with asking what types of dogs you are even allowed to have. Pit bulls may not be allowed on the base, in which case, there's your answer. No pit bull. I'm kind of surprised your neighbor has one if also on the base, to be honest with you.
Many places will not allow pit bulls. Homeowner's associations and most landlords strictly forbid pit bulls. It might not seem fair to those who are responsible pet owners, but those who aren't are a huge liability for everyone.

Your kids are very young. I personally think it might be a good idea to wait on getting a dog until the kids are older. Puppies and dogs of any kind are a lot of work and they require constant attention. I've been a single mother for years and my kids begged me for a dog. I never let them have one because I worked too much and we liked being able to go stay with friends or be gone on the weekends. A dog would have just been way too hard and frankly, not fair to the dog.

My friend's husband dragged home a pit bull puppy that had been dumped near his work. She was cute, no doubt about that. And she's not violent in any way, she's very affectionate, but she is the biggest pain in the butt you've ever seen. They can't take her anywhere because she won't behave, walks are a nighmare because she tries to chase everything she sees, they can't leave her home even for 15 minutes to dash to the store because she destroys everything in the house. They've had her for 3 years now and they can't go out of town on a romantic weekend or anything because they would need someone to come to their house to stay with her and that's not easy to find. Her being a pit bull has nothing to do with it, she's just naughty. They also had a rottie and I was terrified at the sight of that dog, but he turned out to be the biggest baby you ever saw. He was a really good dog but he was humongous.
Not all pit bulls are violent, they really aren't. I think they have a bad reputation mainly because of what people have done to them, used them for fighting or trained them to be mean. But, they all aren't evil.

Still, I would wait since your kids are so little before making a decision on a dog. That's just my personal opinion.

Best wishes.

H., They may be cute, but you should check with your insurance company to see if you can afford this kind of dog. If you cannot afford to carry the insurance on this breed to cover the very serious harm it could inflict on someone else or on your own family, then don't own this kind of dog. There are so many questions on this site about things that have much lower, almost imagined risk of harm to a child if they are exposed, I would be very cautious about a known risk from a certain breed of dog, espcially when you can get "cute" from so many other breeds that do not require you to inusure yourself for personal liablity. Your home inusrance usually coveres you for a dog bit, but probably not if that dog is a pitt, so check your policy.

I live in a community where it is not legal to own these dogs. You must assume that there is some risk involved. I love how they look, and they do seem sweet, but personally, cute comes in so many choices that do not have this reputation. While it is true that you can be bitten by any breed, the shape of this dogs jaw and the power behind it make it espcially devistating to flesh when it bites. Think about "cute" carefully.

M.

Like any breed, Pit Bulls have good and bad. And like any breed, there is huge variety.
My grandpa raised and bred pit bulls. They can be the sweetest thing out there. But there are also risks. Like with any dog. As many people are bit by Spaniels as by the "meaner" breeds.

I would suggest researching breeds online. Some are very high energy and need lots of attention (I would put pit bulls in this category). Others tend to be more nervous and need a very calm environment. Some need lots of room to run, others are bred to herd (and can try to herd the kids, leading to nips/bites), others are bred to be more of a lap dog.

I do agree with the post that suggested going to the animal shelter. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier and more steady than many pure bred animals (less in-breeding, and more of a balance between different characteristics). Take some time getting to know the dog and making sure it is a good fit for your family.

Also consider, is your family a good fit for a dog? Most bites occur when the dog feels threatened or not in control - a child getting too close or putting a hand near the dog's food could easily end up getting bitten. Are your boys going to be able to remember to give the dog his space and respect him? Are you willing to crate train him, leash train him, house train him, clean up after him, exercise him, etc? (We had several dogs before I finally put my foot down and said no more because I was the only one who was doing all this care and I wasn't willing to do that). Dogs take a LOT of care and attention, so please make sure that you are familiar with everything the dog needs (including breed specific) before you think about bringing him home!

While the dog may look cute , keep in mind that when fully grown they are very strong dogs and need a lot of attention and walking , you have a baby that no doubt takes up much of your time , and as the baby is only 6 months now , he will soon be pulling himself to standing and you will have a boisterous puppy running around that will knock him over. I would wait until your son is 3 or 4 yrs old , and if you still really want a dog then look into it then , and also research the best breeds for small children , I looked it up once out of interest and I think labs and beagles were at the top of the list.

My daughter just adopted a 3-month-old pit bull puppy who was abandoned. I have always been kind of wary of the breed, but that's because they get such a bad rap. My ex is a vet and thinks if they're raised properly they are great family dogs. I actually adore this puppy and I have never been a fan of puppies. I always have gotten adult dogs from shelters.

That said, your kids are way too young for you to be considering a dog. Wait until they are school age and can help. Dogs are A LOT of work.

its so sad that these dogs get such a bad rap!! they are great dogs i've owned them my whole life, it scares me leaving my son around those little yippy dogs then pit bulls! any dog regaurdless of the breed can be vicious, from the smallest to the largest......do your research and get the dog thats best of ryou and your family

Yes, they require training. Yes, they can be sweet. But they have a bad reputation for a reason! Whatever you decide, I would remember two things- one, many cities have banned pit bulls, so if yours is one or could be one that's something to think about (sounds like yours doesn't since your neighbor has one). Second, consider what parents of you childrens' friends may be concerned about. Personally, I won't let my daughter play at the home of any friends with pit bulls or rotweilers. People can say what they want, and I realize any dog can bite, but I have to draw the line somewhere and that was it. But that's my point- if you get one and it is the sweetest dog ever, there will still be people who are concerned and may keep their kids away. Just a thought- hope you enjoy whatever dog you end up with!

With a little baby for one major reason I would reconsider getting any dog right now. It is a lot of work for a puppy and a baby and you would not want to get one and then have to give it away because it was too much.
That being said I am not sure a pitbull is the right dog for families with little children. I am not a pitbull hater. I had one as an older child and several family members have them. I have loved them all and most have been exceptional dogs.
The problem is that when you have a little child around ANY dog there is a chance of them getting bit, or at the very least nipped. Kids pullon, poke at, scare intimidate ect. whent hey are toddling around dogs.
Many dogs in those circumstances no matter what breed, no matter how sweet, gentle, or good may end up biting out of defense of being hurt or harassed.
This does not make them a bad dog at all. Most of the time when family dogs bite it was warrented.
What you have to consider is that a pitbull's strength, amssive muscles, jaws, and teeth are made to do far more damage than most other breeds of dog. A bite form some other kind may just be a little spot, compared to a pitbulls could be severe or permanant injury. Plus many of the bites end up in the face becuase of the height of the child in comparison to the dog.

My brother has a old pitbull. She is so sweet and the smartest dog I have ever seen in my entire life. BUT I do not let my daughter spend time around her. She gets to say hi and then the dog goes in a room for the rest of the visit. My duaghter is obsessed with animals and can not leave them alone. The dog is old with many problems and I do not trust my daughter to not end up hurting her, or catching her of guard. I can not risk my daughter getting seriously hurt, even if it was her fault.
Ultimately the safety of the human HAS to come first, and decisions have to be made based on resonsiblity before anything else.

Before you do check with your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Most have issue with pit bulls. I do have a neighbor who picked up a stray and has two kids. The dog is great with kids but has gotten out and nearly killed 4 or 5 other dogs in he neighborhood. They are lucky no one has pressed charges on them. I do not trust the dog because I think he may have been a fighting dog that was set free. He has literally bent their fence with his head and gotten out to go after another dog. I also have a friend who has two and they are great dogs. So I guess it is how you raise them. Just check with your insurance first. We have rental property and we cannot rent to tenants who own pits. I have a golden retriever and they are great with kids. Lots of hair, but they are great family dogs.

Are you the same person that just posted they have a 6 month old? Having a baby and a dog/puppy is a lot. I would consider waiting until your 6 month old is a little older before getting any dog.
edited: I wanted to add that I have 2 mini schnauzers and they are wonderful. They came with my hubby :) They are older and even though they did not grow up around kids they are very patient with the boys. Our female keeps them in line she thinks she is their mommy (she had a litter of pups and was spayed after that) and our male just loves to be loved and as great as they are I will not leave them alone with my boys they are animals and as good as they are they could still bite if they are being harassed. When we had our apt I had to walk them 3 times a day while hubby was at work and what a pain in the butt that was with two kids in the middle of winter. Now we have a house w/ a nice fenced in yard so I can just let them out and hubby can take them for a walk when he gets home.

As a general rule, I think pit bulls are dangerous animals because, despite their socialization, they can unpredictably "turn" and become dangerously vicious. I would not have one around small children. That is true for some other breeds of dogs, too, not just pits. This is not a statistical analysis, however. It is just a conclusion borne of observation, including deciding a few dog bite cases while serving as a small claims judge.

That aside, you cannot get a better family dog than a sheepdog. Border collies and Australian Shepherds are both great breeds. My dog is a cross between these two breeds, and I have never met a sweeter, smarter, more loving, and more devoted dog than her. She is great with children and is a really good companion. She is very, very bright, and understands virtually everything we say, particularly if it has to do with dogs, treats, or walks.

Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are also great family dogs.

I wouldnt get one for the mere fact homeowners insurance charge more or wont even cover a person with a bully breed dog. Call me silly though, also i wouldnt get one because of their mere stereotype, im not the one whos going to set out to prove the rumors wrong or right.

i think it would be perfect then ur puppy can come play with mine, and NO military bases allow pits unless you live on one don't try and tell her that they don't marines dont allow pits but as far as ANY OTHER MILITARY branch they have no problems and will not i have 3 pits and im pregnant with my 3rd kid . . . so we will go find you a pittie make him the sweetest little thing that anyone has ever seen and i wouldnt get a golden, my dad go attacked by his and in survery's the top family dog is a golden retreiver the 2nd is a PITBULL :)

They are great family dogs and many others are as well. Think about what you want in terms of size, activity level, coat maintenance too. We have an almost 7 year old lab and she still wants to chase the ball all the time, I love it, but it isn't for everyone to be outside throwing the ball for an hour or two total a day. Like any other breed, I also know many that are laid back and want nothing to do with a toy and just want attention. Also check and make sure you are allowed to have a pit where you are and with insurance, some bully breeds are excluded from policies or ares, not fair but true. I'm assuming if your neighbor has one they are fine where you are, which is great.

If the pit fits everything you want 99.9% of them are wonderful, just like many other breeds or mixes. No matter where you get one, make sure to meet the dog without the kids first, just in case it isn't the one, and then with the kids. For puppies make sure you socialize and for any dog taking a class or two is great for everyone. If it is a puppy, meet the parents if possible, sometimes they can give you an idea of temperament. Good luck in your search for your new family member, hope you find the perfect one soon!

Pitts can be very good family dogs; they tend to be very protective of your children as they see them as their own family. My brother, who has 4 children from 1-9 in age, has a purebred pitt and is good with them (though large, the worst she has done is be a little overbearing and try to jump on them). Momwithcamera is right in that it depends on how they were raised and trained. Being that you don't know what history you are getting from the pound I would avoid getting a pitt from there, its better to get one that is either properly raised and trained or get a pup that you can oversee the raising of.

Hi! I have had lots of dogs in my life time & the best dog that we ever had was a lab. They are great with kids. I currently have a little sheperd/husky mix and she is great too although my last dog was a shepard/chow mix and attacked a 7 year old little girl in our home. Please be careful with what breed you go with. That was the worst experience my kids & I have ever been through! I'm sure if you do your research & take your time you will find the perfect doggie for your family! :0)

google "pit bull attacks" and see what comes up. also call your homeowner insurance company and ask them what will happen if you get a pitbull and ask their experience with them. It's not worth the risk. Good luck!

My sister in law just got a dog for their family and did a LOT of research online and talking to people who have had various types of dogs before she got one. She said that some breeds that are known for being good with kids are Great Danes, German Shephards, and Golden Retrievers. She also heard (like other people have mentioned) that pitbulls tend to be more aggressive. (I'm not sure where she got this, but I'm sure it can be looked up to verify). Anyway, she ended up adopting a Great Dane/Mastiff mix from a shelter - he is 4 years old and already house broken and he is so sweet and very protective of the kids. He just seemed to be instantly attached to their family and if he thinks that someone is acting threatening to her, her husband or her kids then instead of attacking or barking he'll get between you and them and just push you away - I guess that this is actually very common with this breed that they'd rather hold you back rather than attack. That's just a thought. I also had a pug (sadly had to give him away shortly after having my baby due to moving to a place that wouldn't allow pets) who was amazing with children and very loveable. I would do research, and if at all possible it may save on stress for everyone (dog included!) if you got an older dog that was already trained. There are tons at shelters that need good homes. just know that there are exceptions to every rule, so just go with your gut. Okay, I've ranted long enough - good luck!

About five months ago our neighbor's pitbull mix pulled off his leash, attacked and killed my small dog :(

Dogs ANY dogs are only as good as its owner I have a 7 yr old Daughter and a & year old pitbill and I could not wish for a more loving companion for my child they were raised together & would NOT have it any other Way!!! best of luck Companions to the family are an awesome gift!

I vote golden retriever. They are usually gentle dogs and good with kids. We got an older female golden from a rescue and she is amazing.

I have been attacked by dogs. It's serious business. You really don't want a dog that was bred to be a fighter - there are sweet pits, but they were bred to fight. Most of the people who do pit bull rescue do not have kids and would tell you that they are not "starter dogs."

And, since it sounds like this is a first dog - for at least some family members - I'd steer clear of most of the "working" breeds too (heelers, dalmations, border collies).

If you really think you want a pit, call someone at a local pit bull rescue and ask what they think.

And again, I think golden retrievers are the best 1st family dog. They are rotten guard dogs, but really - what do you want more? A dog that will be a serious threat to intruders? Or one that you trust with your kids? Without a LOT of training, you are unlikely to get both. And I don't know about you, but with little kids, I don't have a lot of time and energy left for dog training.

p.s. Every big dog that attached me was a Rottie. They were all said to be "sweet" and I was doing NOTHING to illicit the attack (walking on a public path one time, walking on the OPPOSITE side of the street from where the dog lived another). That's it. Just walking. Dogs CAN and DO attack for NO REASON.

Dog trainers love Rotties because they are smart, but I will never ever have one in my home. The other dogs that have "attacked" me were so tiny that the attack can best be called annoying (chihuahuas &some other little critter).

I have never been attacked by a pit - and the ones I have been around were not aggressive but they had a ludicrious amount of energy and were often...inappropriate with it. With the pits I have known, my concern would be more that the kids can really get on a dog's nerves and these dog's bites are a BIG DEAL.

hi, i have two and they are good. very friendly with strangers.. and strangers i mean friends. They are very smart dogs, just like the Vet said, train them well, they will be good pets. Good luck

Pits do have a bad reputation. We have a full blooded Cocker Spaniel and a full pit bull. Our pets are part of our family. Both of them were rescued from abandonment (by me) and have been great dogs. However, I trust the Pit far more than I do the Cocker. We have had other Cockers in the past and they have been far more tempermental than our Pit. And like I said, they are both great dogs. But, we are still mindful that they are dogs.
That being said, why not go to your local animal shelter and see what dogs are available for adoption? Find a good dog and train it up right! Don't worry so much about the breed. Just look to find a family pet.

All in all, any dog stands the chance of "turning" on it's owners or family members. Just be sure to take all the necessary precautions when educating your children on dog ownership.

Good luck finding a four legged friend for your family.

ACC

A mixed breed dog that needs adoption is the best way to go. Most adoption places can tell you which dogs have the best temperment.

We are looking into getting a family dog and we are looking at pit bulls! It's a breed of dog that can be exception with children --better than most other breeds!

i have had many of breed dogs threw out my childhood to adult life the best family dogs i ever had was a begal,boston terrier,lab,could not ask for better dogs....i have had twp pits its how u raise them i had one till my ex gave him away:( he was 100 pounds and he was a huge baby:)

I would say they are a family dog and I am very disapointed in everyone's close-minded accusations about this breed. I bet half of the people that have spoke negatively of them has never met nor owned one. Yes they have a bad rep but just because some people are bad does that make us all bad? I personally own a red nosed pitbull and a black lab and can tell you they are both hyper and love our girls. My girls are 4 and 16 months and just love Akira(the pitbull)!! The older one pulls on her ears, sits on her, feeds her and loves on her all the time. Echo(the lab) is more skiddish around them but still lets her love on her. The only thing is they are both very very entergetic dogs and require lots of attention.

I think a pitbull can make a great family dog. I've never owned one but have heard they can be sweet. A good family dog is one that fits your family though. Ask yourself why you want a dog--companion, to play fetch with the kids, jogging buddy, etc. Look for breeds with the characteristics you want. How much time do you have or want to spend exercising, grooming, training? Do you want a dog with lots of energy or one who will mainly lay around the house and be with your family? Use these questions to find the right kind of breed for your family.

I think no matter what breed you go with, you always ALWAYS want to watch them with your kids. I think pits can be loving but have a very short fuse. Personally I wouldn't chance it with my child (or anyone else's) We've mostly had labs and lab mixes growing up and they've always been wonderful. I currently have a 2 yr old lab/boxer mix and she's amazing with my 5yr old. Good for you for doing your research before hand!! It's not something to rush into. Check out www.dogtime.com. There's some great info about dogs plus there's a link on there to "find your match". Good luck!

I love love love Pitts. My mom has one and my brother has one and as soon as is reasonable I plan to get one. They are the best dogs around kids. My girls have grown up around my moms pitt and she is so good with them. My youngest can pull and tug and climb on the pitt and she isn't even phased by it. My three year old even put a glow stick up her nose becuase she wanted to see in side! I think Pitts get a bad rap becasue there are those out there that raise them to be fighters, but I think that happens with every breed. I think if you do your homework and are willing to be a good owner, pitts make excelent dogs. I even know someone that rescued one of the micheal vick dogs, and she is still the sweetest dog, even being raised where she was. The owner has had to work hard, but thats mostly because the dog didn't trust people and was extreamly scared of them, but never has she been violent with the new owner. Good luck!

The stereo typical thought of Pits or even Rottweilers are vicious dogs, unpredictable dogs just drives me crazy! All dogs are unpredictable! I was raised with two German Rottweilers ( bigger than the American Rotts) and they where very protective of us children. To be honest our male didnt like men and our female had issues with people of color! They were never trained that way just how they were! Now I have a 6 year old pitbull/ dalmation mix. And a 2 year old son. They are best buddies! Our dog seems huge and vicious when shes barking at the fence but 9 times out of 10 she really wants to play. She is the biggest baby! Our son can climb all of her and if she is tired of it she will get up and go into the bedroom. But we do keep an eye on her. Because she is a dog. I feel its more how you raise the dog rather than the intial breed itself. Just do research and learn which are best. My parents have a yellow lab and hes the biggest "dumby" around! Hes so lovable and cute! And when I say "dumby" I mean hes still a puppy that grew so quick he practically trips over his tongue! Good Luck!

No matter how cute, this breed isn't for families with kids. Everytime there is another pit bull attack of kids on tv, the owner is surprised and said they can't believe their dog would do that, he never does that. There are even cities in Utah that have outlawed pit bulls and for good reason.

We have 2 and I have a 5 and 3 year old...and they are my kids best friends. Couldn't ask for better family pets. Please disregard ignorant people that believe the media and make your own mind up!

Athena and Ares have never been anything but loving and loyal to my kids.

We had the best most wonderful dog when my boys were born and he was a pit. With any animal or dog it all in how you raise them. I personally do not want another because he cant be replaced he died tragically but if I had to do it over again I would in a heart beat.

We had a full blooded english pit bull. Even though he had never attacked anybody we still didnt let our 1 year old around him with out us right beside her. But he was a good dog besides he didnt like other male dogs and killed 2 dogs when he broke his chain. Also he attacked our girl boxer and i was the only one home and i was hitting him and he wouldnt let go of her but my husband luckily just pulled in the drive way and as soon as he seen my husband he let her go. But i also noticed that when he was 6 or 7 years old i noticed he would give us this look and have his shoulders sproud out head down and would just stare at us so i didnt like to go around him anymore after that. but he has since passed and we wont ever get another pit bull just because they are to much of a reliability. Also you might want to check with your home owners insurance if you own your own home because they might drop you if you have a pit bull.

Pit bulls like any other dog require training. They are amazing with children. I have owned more then one pit. They are really resistant to pain and so they can take children being rough with them.Especially little kids tend to be more aggressive with pets. These dogs just take it. They are really lovable. Not one of my pits became territorial. If you socialize them appropriately then they are great with others. Pits get a bad wrap because the people who mistreat them make them aggressive. Because they are strong they make the news. The small dogs are more likely to become aggressive because they have low pain thresholds.