Would I be mad to consider an18 week old American bulldog x Rottweiler with 4 year old dd

[kitsmummy]

hello all, the background is 18 week old America bulldog x rottie is being rehomed as the older dog does not like having another dog in the house. This is a genuine reason as my sister has been childminding for friends of the owners for the past three weeks and they have been temporarily looking after the puppy to get her away from the older dog.

The puppy is absolutely lovely, amazing with kids, other dogs, great on the lead etc etc, all in all an amazing puppy.

We are looking for another dog and had decided to have this puppy but when I spoke to the vets receptionist the next day she totally warned me off due to the breed mix (primarily being more concerned by the America bulldogn rather than the rottie element. I have now backed out of taking the puppy but I'm not sure if I'm reacting slightly hysterically or just being sensible?

The dog is the loveLiest dog you could hope to meet but the receptionist warned that that breed could get more problematic during adolescence and I think this is too much to risk with my 4 and 8 year old kids?

What do you think? I feel like I'm letting the dog down and part of me thinks it's how a dog is brought up, not what breed they are, however I don't want to risk my children obviously???

What, exactly, is the receptionist's issue? And what are her qualifications in canine behaviour?

Most dogs become more problematic during adolescence.

Bull breeds are renowned for being excellent with children. It's true that issues can occur around other dogs although they normally remain fine with the dogs they are living with, even when they do take issue against strange dogs. Proper socializing can help to prevent this.

We have an am bull cross in our family. Out of all the breeds we have is one of the most gentle and reliable around children. He's also great with other dogs.

I would be extremely worried about rehoming without the support of a good rescue. They will be able to properly assess the dog and be able to advise you if it is suitable for your lifestyle.

I would say this size of dog you really need to think about a lot of things primarily cost everything about this dog is going to be expensive due to it's adult size. Next you are going to need to put a huge amount of effort into training IME this dogs need to be impeccable to overcome people's perceptions of them.

Thank you everyone, my husband has now pretty much vetoed it which I'm not convinced is the right decision but I don't think I can do much to change it. Now back to looking at rescues in the south west. If anyone knows of any large, child and cat friendly dog/puppy in this area please feel free to let me know. Thank you

I wouldn't do it. There are lots of other dogs you could choose.

I think the vets receptionist is an arse. IMHO
How old are your children? Rescue centres/homes are often reluctant to place dogs (esp large breeds) with children under about 7 as they can never guarantee the dogs background.
I think it'd be better to take a dog that's been socialised,lived in a family home and is proven to be good with children than go to rescue where the dog's been kennelled etc.
But then I'm a bull breed lover and would have no hesitation inviting an Am Bull into my home. Adolescence issues are often sorted with castration anyway.