I want to make sure I don't have a repeat of a problem. I just had to give my dog to my mother as he nipped my 2yr old son just below his eye. I don't want my son to be afraid of dogs, especially considering how much both he and I love dogs. I just need to make sure I get a breed that is more relaxed and is known for ability to be patient with children - especially young ones as we're planning on having about two more babies.

I've grown up owning dogs and so I am no stranger to them. Additionally, I've done considerable research and been using all the various "breed selectors" on the internet but each gives different answers. So I'm hoping someone with an authoritative and extensive knowledge of breeds can help.

Here's what I'm looking for in a new dog:

1) MUST have excellent temperment with children (especially toddlers and younger)
2) Medium to Large (25-80lb)
3) Highly trainable
4) Preferably no to low grooming maintenance
5) Intelligent
6) Moderately active (occasional jogging, usually take at least one 30 minute walk per day, and have large fenced yard)
7) Not dominant
8) Compatiable with existing pets (cat)
9) Bark when someone at door but not necessarily a protection dog
10) Not a "yippy", howling or braying dog

Breeds I DO NOT want -
Beagle
Bassett Hound
Cocker Spaniel
Corgi
Collie
Pit Bull

Labrador Retrievers are excellent dogs, they do shed but they dont need excessive amounts of grooming. They are great with children especially small ones, they are large sized dogs usually 75-85 pounds. very trainable. Boxers are also great dogs, they may look tough but they are actually great with children :) (i have a lab and a boxer and i have 4 children) Good luck! i hope this helps

***Edited By: Luvmypooch on 7/29/2005 4:02:29 PM***
Reason: .

Have you considered an english springer spaniel or a welsh springer spaniel? What breeds tend to show up across all lists on the breed selection?

The thing is, in yoru criteria it's so stringent you are really limiting your options. Low to no grooming.. do you mean grooming for you or professional grooming? Do you just want a short coated dog then? A well bred labrador retriever or golden retriever may work. So may a weimaraner, a vizsla, a brittany spaniel. You specifically listed the collie.. have you ever seen the 'smooth collie'? A whippet is a great dog but you have to teach them that the cat is NOT for chasing. Most breeds will get along with cats (especially if the cat is 100% indoor). If the cat is an outdoor cat, anything goes.

You just described the Labradore Retreiver!!!

I have a miniature schnauzer female that I would consider a baby sister! She is so good with my one year and 3 year old. It's kind of like she comes and tattles on them sometimes. Schnauzers are a wonderful breed. They do have to be groomed, but if you have them groomed short with no skirt, you can get by a while without any grooming problems, just keep mustache brushed. They have wonderful personalities, and they make a wonderful doorbell. They are mischivious though, but I find that great...it just goes to show how smart they are, and yes they are very easily trained. The average size is 12-14 inches tall. They are a small-medum dog, but they are very sturdy, I personally think they are the number dog for children, they aren't too, nor too small. Just the perfect size, and they are delicate dog either!

i have a lab we got him when he was three so was my youngest son, purfect match!!! My son was around our lab when they were both younger also, he was my mother/brother in laws dog.

Go to a lab rescue and get an adult dog that is tried and tested "kid proof". YOu also may want to wait till he is a little older so he can understand what is and is not appropriate play.

Go to a shelter or rescue and check out what they have and please consider a little older dog as well. Don't take the kids at first but if you find a dog you like ask if they could hold it a little while, a few hours or so so you could get the kids and bring them down and see how everybody gets along.Unfortuantely kids and pups are about the same height and if the child does something and the dog nips or bites the face of the child is right there. I am not saying your child did anything, this could happen even if they are just playing, it is a concern everyone should be a ware of. I have a question, what type of dog did you have? If you mentioned it I have forgotten and I am sorry for that. This could happen again no matter what type of dog you get and are you ready to chance that? I wish you luck in finding the dog for you, I would hate to think that you get a dog and then have to give it up because it nipped and then get another dog and so on and so on. Believe me, I understand not keeping a dog that nips or bites but please keep this in mind and maybe it would be better to wait till you have all your babies and the youngest is older before you get a puppy of your own. Since you gave your dog to your mother the kids would still be in contact with dogs right? Good Luck!

a chinook is a great breed of dog too. Wonderful with kids and only bark when they need to.

I am in the same situation!