What breed or breeds do you think make the best family dog?

• What breed or breeds do you think make the best family dog? Firestorm Posted : 3/15/2006 2:25:31 PM What breed or breeds do you think make the best family dog? LIKE 25 REPLIES 1217 VIEWS LAST POST DAMIAN HINDS Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• sooner Posted : 3/15/2006 3:09:09 PM Depends on the family composition, activity level, and habitat. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Lisa Riley Posted : 3/15/2006 3:34:21 PM I have a Cairn Terrier, they only require once a week grooming and must be in an enclosed area for play (ie. fenced back yard or leash for walks) I keep mine indoors and take her out potty in an ex pen.  My Cairn is very good with my 3 year old son, he is also good with her, he knows not to be mean to pets.  Some kids haven't learned this yet so that is a consideration, the age of the children.  I also have a Golden Retriever that is good with my son, we had her before he was born, she is now five and they are very good with kids. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• sillysally Posted : 3/15/2006 7:44:41 PM I think it depends on the family and the lifestyle.... 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• spiritdogs Posted : 3/23/2006 11:16:15 AM Yup, I agree - to each his own.  I like Aussies, but they would drive most people nuts.  I usually tell people to visit a local trainer and describe their home (fenced yard, sixty acres, condo), lifestyle (work 9-5, kids within the next fifteen years?), and preferences (can you deal with hair? drool? odor?) and get some suggestions. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• garrettandpaul Posted : 3/23/2006 11:39:35 AM I would definately say it depends on each family or individual. I personally have a GSD and a "foster" Pointer. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• tashakota Posted : 3/23/2006 12:03:21 PM A mutt from the local shelter.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• spiritdogs Posted : 3/25/2006 6:13:28 PM Even mutts have identifiable breed mixes LOL. But, aside from being an Aussie freak, I like the mutts, too, and four of my five dogs are rescues.  I like to send people to shelters that have good behavioral evaluation departments.  Sometimes that means the big kill shelters or SPCA's, and taking a dog from there means you are not only getting a great dog, you're saving a life. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• shawn vaillancourt Posted : 3/25/2006 9:29:40 PM If you are talking family as in with children. I would say a Boxer. From a pup. We bought our Boxer at 3mths old. Our kids were 5yrs, 4yrs, and 11mths. She is awesome with the kids. Boxer 's can withstand alot from kids, well ours does anyways.  BUT to each there own. As just a reminder, I think any dog can change if the situation changes quick. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• glenmar Posted : 3/26/2006 8:35:58 AM With small children I prefer larger breeds.  But no matter the dog, no child under the age of 10 should EVER be left unsupervised with a dog, and children need as much training as the dog does....they MUST know that this is a living, breathing creature and it is NOT ok to poke eyes, ears, pull tails, ride the animal, etc.  They MUST learn to treat the animal with respect. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Jana Shepherd Posted : 3/26/2006 11:28:33 AM I'd have to say German Shepherds. Large Mellow Dogs that are sensitive. Unlike most smaller breeds they arent ankle biters.   But any dog can be a great family memeber. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• huskymom Posted : 3/26/2006 12:09:28 PM I love GSD's too but I'm not sure they are great for a first time dog owner.  Labs are sweet but do require alot of exercise to remain well mannered.  I own huskies but I would never recommend them to most people.  They require a ton of exercise and dicipline.  You need to know how to make yourself a great alpha. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• lorib Posted : 3/26/2006 4:41:17 PM My sister's Smooth Fox terrier has beena  great family dog for a personwith a small home and kids.  They live in a manufactured home of about 1000 sq ft. When she got Jonathon, there were five people and two cats living there. He has fit right in.  He loves a good romp, but is content to lie in his open crate or his bed and just snooze.  He shows cats the proper respect and loves to play with other dogs. My Am Staff is an awesome dog for a family, but this breed is NOT for the first-time dog owner. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Jana Shepherd Posted : 3/26/2006 5:18:34 PM German Shepherds are pretty easy dogs to train, they bond easily to and stick like glue. There sensitive so it doesnt take much to get a point across.   But yep I agree with you on the Husky thing 100%!! lol 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Sumer Hills Posted : 3/26/2006 7:39:27 PM I personality love ridgebacks! If you get one as a pup and teach it right it is the perfect family dog![sm=smile.gif] You do need patients w/ them though.. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login