What is the best breed of dogs for toddlers?

1. 60

   Leaderofmanyposted 12 years ago

   What is the best breed of dogs for toddlers?

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2. 93

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   You might find this hard to believe, but I'd choose the Great Dane. I've owned nine of the gentle giants over the years, and they're amazing with kids - including babies and toddlers. I've written several hubs about Danes and kids, with photos. My two huge boys adore my grandkids!

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3. 0

   oldandwiseposted 12 years ago

   By far would be a medium sized dog, maybe a beagle. At that age a small dog can get injured by accident when the children try to pick it up or fall on the dog. A large dog can injure a child by accident by jumping on a small child or even falling on a small child.

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4. 60

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I don't think any breed of dog is good for a toddler unless they are closely supervised.  Toddlers don't have the understanding or compassion to know that a dog is a living creature and can feel pain.
   
   If the dog is going to be a part of a family and get a lot of attention, the I would choose a dog that is known to be easy-going and tolerant.  With exceptions, the smaller breeds can be very tempermental and snapish.
   
   I think habee is right, Great Danes and some of the other gentle giants are ideal kids dogs.  The Leonberger is a good watch dog, loves families and children. Labs are great but might be a bit hyper for really small children. 
   
   The gentle giant breeds tend to move slowly, and seem aware of the size and fragility of a small child.  Our Leonberger loves our grandkids and dialed everything back when he was around them as toddlers.

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5. 60

   Marie V Eposted 12 years ago

   I agree about the Great Dane.  They are very gentle, calm dogs.  Although, if you are looking for something a little smaller and doesn't shed I would reccomend a miniature schnauzer.  Keep in mind that they are terriers and can be quite boisterous, and are assertive dogs.  They are very trainable.
   I own a terrier.  He is a mutt, but appears to be something along the lines of a wheaton terrier mix.  He is great with kids, but it is very important I being very strict with him otherwise he will think he runs the show.  Please keep in mind that your dog will need a lot of attention otherwise he will become destructive.  Ideally someone should be around the house with him most of the day and take him out for walks.  For example, I used to work a job where I was gone most of the day.  Benji (my dog) would get bored/lonely and get into whatever he could. (for instance, the temperpedic mattress topper).  Now I work at a pet store where I can bring him to work.  It made all the difference.  The attention from me and customers turned him into a different dog. 
   Good luck with your search!

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6. 80

   Becky Katzposted 12 years ago

   Any kind but a small one. Toddlers do not realize that they are rather fragile. I have a friend whose grandson broke her chihuahua's leg. Not intentionally but it still happened.

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7. 84

   justateacherposted 12 years ago

   My daughter got her son (18 months at the time - now two and a half) a dachshund beagle mix and he is the best dog in the world for him. The dog is hardy and loves to play and can take my grandsons rough play. They run and chase each other all through the house all the time. The dog is awesome! I think that either a beagle or a dachshund would do great, but the mix is something special.
   I also agree with everyone about the Danes. They are great and gentle dogs. My nephew has one and he has a six month old daughter. The Dane is very gentle and caring with her.
   Good luck with your search!

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8. 62

   Prophecy Imageposted 12 years ago

   I've owned two Boxers in my lifetime. Both times I've been amazed at how gentle they are. I've got many nieces and nephews that come over from infants to adults. Many instances the kids would try to ride the dog, poke her, pull her ears, steal her chew toy, get into her food dish while we was eating, and nothing. Not so much as a growl, a snarl, or gritted teeth. Now thats what I call gentle. They are loyal, protective, affectionate, and loving pets. Hands down the best breed of dog in my opinion.

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   34th Bomb Groupposted 12 years ago

   Please don't take this as being "snippy," but you really have to do your research yourself. Only you know the details of your daily life, where you live, how you live, etc.
   I have a Schipperke now - under NO circumstances would I recommend him for a toddler's dog. He has far too much energy and he'll chew anything that falls to the floor - with a special taste for metal. (I know - don't ask me!)
   Against general belief, when I was a toddler we had a Weimeraner. Yes - he could knock me over, and did - but he always "helped" me get up and guarded me around the clock.
   When Little Brother was a toddler, Toby had gone and we had a Staffordshire Terrier a/k/a PIT BULL. Terrific dog. Rocky was so gentle and loving to both of us. That's the way they're meant to be. The evil homo sapiens have turned the mere sight of one to throw a neighborhood into panic.
   Check the websites. Bigger is usually better and make sure you introduce your child to the dog in the proper way, i.e. Dad takes child's hospital clothes home before you get home with the infant.
   It all boils down to what works best for your family. GOOD LUCK!!

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10. 56

    consentinoposted 12 years ago

    I really am not an expert at this.  We had an English Cocker Spaniel, that was a wonderful dog with our kids.  I have heard and read some articles that say, larger dogs are better around small children than a small dog.  They don't tend to get hurt as much when a toddler steps on their tail as a smaller pet would. So, the smaller dog may snip at your child
    
    
    www.petsareagift.com

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11. 70

    billy sidhuposted 12 years ago

    Oh a golden retriever - for sure. They are the gentlest most beautiful dogs on earth and your toddler can even lie down on him!!

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12. 62

    ssgreenlandposted 12 years ago

    We just got a mini dachshund for Christmas for our family. We have a 4 year old, a 6 year old, and an 18 year old. The puppy is 10 weeks old. He is great with all of us. Of course our 4 year old is learning how to play with, pet, and be around a puppy. We absolutely love the puppy and he is a great addition to our family. He is energetic and playful but also cuddly and friendly. I highly recommend a mini dachshund for any family.

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13. 68

    Cat Rposted 12 years ago

    Any dog that was raised right and is only left with the child under supervision!
    
    A more laid back dog, no matter what breed, would do best!

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14. 59

    toddlermommyposted 12 years ago

    Pugs! I have an 18 month old son and a 20 month old pug. They are best friends! Pugs are a great breed to have with small children because they are extremely tolerant of toddler's pokes and prods at them. They are extremely friendly by nature, and don't need much space indoors or out because they aren't a very active breed.

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15. 57

    qtpiedollposted 12 years ago

    First let me say, the best dog is a mixed dog. I would never pay hundreds of dollars on a full breed dog unless you are planning to breed. A mixed breed dog will have a much better temprement and will be alot easier to train. Always make sure you meet the mom dog and dad dog to make sure your not getting a mix of a breed that you do not desire.
    
    I grew up with a german shepard, australian shepard mix in my home, and alot of people find these breeds to be a bit on the scary side. However, as far as obedience and difficulty of training goes I have known this breed to be one of the most calm, easlity trainable, and loyal dogs a family could ever ask for.
    
    If this breed is not an option which I can understand that some people blame the breed and not the owner. Then I would absolutely go with a black lab mix or golden retriever mix. Compared to the shepard they are just as easily trainable and have amazing temprements. With a toddler in the house I am sure you are looking for a dog that you teach to sit, stay, lay down, and heal all within the same day and I stick by my first options of breeds for those needs.
    
    Whatever you do, do not go with a jack russel, min pin (miniature pincher) or dalmation, these breeds are extremely hyper and difficult to keep under control.
    
    One garantee I do have for you is whatever breed you choose your child and that dog are destined to be great  mates all the way through their high school years.

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16. 60

    georgethegentposted 12 years ago

    When I was born my mother got a poodle, medium-sized. He looked after me for thirteen years until he passed away.

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17. 77

    Charluposted 12 years ago

    It's all about who trains the dog and how that is done. You need to figure out several options, such as do you have a back yard, are you going to spend the money for a pedigree or adopt a mixed breed.  I have had boxers, danes, cocker spaniels, mastifs, etc and now have Hienz 57 hounds that I Iove dearly (rescue dogs)
    
    Dogs need love, good food, exercise (especially the big ones) so try to figure out who is going to walk him at 4am if he needs to go out, feed him, clean up the mess if its a puppy, etc.
    
    I have had dogs and numerous other animals all my life and consider them part of the family.  I have pictures of a boxer we had when i was 2 pulling me around in my little red wagon and they are priceless.
    
    I would also suggest making the rules before you get him home, like will he be allowed on the furniture, in the bed, feeding times and what types of food.
    
    My dogs and horses pretty much own the house they just let me live here.
    
    Good luck and take your time deciding, you'll be glad you did.
    
    Oh yeah and if your going for a pure breed make sure you check to see where the dog came from and that it's not a puppy mill.  Please don't support their abuse.

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18. 60

    Ealairposted 12 years ago

    There are a lot of things to take into consideration, the most important one that most people forget about is this:
    
    What are you going to do if your child winds up allergic to the dog?
    
    This question isn't JUST about the toddler. Yes, the toddler needs a protective dog, that isn't overprotective, the toddler needs a dog that can keep up but won't "over-play"  and a dog that is strong enought o let the toddler play with the dog without harmign the dog or the child.
    
    Here's another question for you, this will be the child's first pet, how long is it going to live? Are you prepare to answer questions about illness and death to a child? If not you might want to get a mixed breed dog, their lifespans tend to be longer than purebreds.
    
    Another trick is to make sure you have the toddler WITH you when you pick out the dog. Let the dog pick the toddler. If the dog is too interested in the adult they may become jealous or try to dominate the child. Clear pack ranking is a MUST. This first encounter also allows you to see if your child is afraid of a particular breed of dog AND if there seems to be immediate alelrgies present. You still need to keep in mind that the child may develop allergies and have a plan in place but this is a much better solution than bringing home a dog and having the little one begin wheezing.
    
    In my life mixed breeds worked out best. They lived longer, they had less health problems in old age and tended to be more even tempered (I have NO idea why that is because some breeds are bred for temperment). Working classes did well, sheparding dogs, especially Australian and German were good with children, Collies tended to be a little too high energy and a little too smart, they get bored with a simple task and believe it or not, watching a toddler is easier than watching a herd for a dog.
    
    If you've an active family consider a more active breed, if this is supposed to be a dog that does nothing but play with the baby get one that's more sedentary.

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