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What Kind of Breed of Dog for Us?

I have a one-year old son that ADORES dogs. As a matter of fact "dog" and "Osgo" (for Rosco, my mom's dog) were two of his first few words. We would like to get him (and us) a puppy. We had an outside dog before the baby that we gave to a new home, because we didn't spend enough time with her. We would like a small, short-haired dog that doesn't shed too much to have inside. Any ideas on a breed? Thanks!

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I used to work in a vet's office and was involved in rescuing homeless dogs for years, and I would strongly recommend that a) you buy an adult dog rather than a puppy and b) you get at least a medium-sized dog rather than a small dog. The reason for these recommendations is because puppies are not only very time consuming and messy (with teething on furniture, potty accidents etc.) but also fragile when young, so your son could accidentally hurt a puppy (say if he tripped on the puppy, for example.) The reason I'd recommend a medium-sized dog is because they are first of all less fragile than a tiny little chihuahua for instance, and also because very small dogs tend to be very nippy with children (because they are worried that the child will harm them, which is a very real possibility with an animal so small.) As for dog breeds, I would recommend medium-sized spaniels, or maybe a miniature (but not toy) poodle (they don't shed at all!) Labs and Golden retrievers are usually very good with kids, although they are quite large. If you buy an adult dog you will also already know the dog's personality (a puppy's personality often changes once they mature) and how well the dog does with young kids. An adult dog is also more than likely already housetrained, and more gentle with kids than a boisterous puppy. Good luck!

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I also LOVE bishons! Don't get any teacups or minitures though... these dogs are very fraile and although their temperment works with kids... they end up with a lot of injuries from simple horseplay. I worked in a vet, so I have seen a lot. http://www.mydogsbreed.com/
this is a sight that has a breakdown of breeds and choosing the right one for your family. I personally get pound dogs... I feel like I am saving a life that way, and they seem to be more appreciative. If you get a puppy- obediance training is a must! Older dogs that need adopted are usually great with kids because they are more relaxed.

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Do a seach on the web, under choosing dog breed, or dog right for you.
There are many sites that have questionnaires you can take that can match what things are important to you in a dog to dog breeds that match your intrest. (like good with certain ages of kids, big yard small yard, how many hours will dog be home by it self a week, grooming needs ect.)

Take a couple of diffrent quizes. Focus on breeds that show up on your quiz list answers repeatedly as dogs that would be a good match for you. Then do so reseach on those breeds. Good luck in your search.


http://www.wonderpuppy.net/choose.htm
http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

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I would like to suggest a Boston Terrier. I am kind of partial because I have had them for years. They are very low maintenance, short haired, don't shed much, sturdy (you wouldn't want to get a very fragile dog with a one year old), good with kids, they don't have a history of biting, etc. I could go on and on. They aren't the prettiest dogs in the world (I always say they are so ugly they're cute or a face only a mother could love) but they have the most wonderful personalities and dispositions. They aren't big but they are muscular.

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We have a ShihTzu that we have had for 5 years now and our son is 2. He has been wonderful with our son, especially after all of the stuff that our son has done to him. He is considered a hypoallergenic dog b/c he has hair instead of fur and therefore does not shed. He is wonderful and well behaved and was never too hyper as a puppy.

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I have a mini poodle. He doesn't shed at all and is really sweet natured. He is only about 16 pounds full grown.

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Hi,
We have a basset hound. My daughter(14months) sits on him, pulls his very long ears, pushes him, you name it she has done it to him and he just lets her. He has NEVER shown an ounce of aggressiveness toward her or any kids. In my opinion, he is the best dog ever around kids. He is so laid back(as an adult, but as a puppy he was sometimes hyper!). He sleeps a lot, and loves to cuddle. He likes to play chase, and fetch. Bassets are very friendly, passive dogs. They are small in the sense of height/tall, but weight anywhere from 50-60 pounds. If you would like, you can email me with any questions and to see pictures of what he(Bassets) looks like.
~A.~
____@____.com

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I have alwyas had poodles growing up and still have one now for my daughter. They dont shed and are very kind natured dogs. They are also calm. All of ours even as puppies havent really jumped or scratched or ate up toys so theyare awsome in thaT aspect. They also like to bond with one person but will with the whole family too. If you have your child feed and let it out it will bond w/ them really fast and follow them around like mine does w/ my daughter. We also have a maltese (toy) and he is a bit wilder and more playful, He is only 6mo old and I really should have waited to get him until my daughter was bigger she isnt used to a dog being that active since our other one isnt and this one jumps on her and shes not to happy about that. Well good luck choosing a puppy.

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