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Original poster

Dog breeds that won't turn on children

253 replies

Chickpearocker · 21/05/2017 19:52

I really want to get a dog but with having a toddler I'm terrified of getting a dog that would bite it seriously hurt him. Are there any breeds that are safer than others, or less likely to turn. I've been told that surprisingly smaller breeds can be quite viscious even though they look small and innocent. Please help!

OP posts:
GloriaV · 28/05/2017 06:04

The dogs left the house unknown to the owner. Attacked the sheep.
As did the dog who attacked my DMILs little Yorkie. It died several days later from its injuries.

tabulahrasa · 28/05/2017 08:47

"The dogs left the house unknown to the owner. Attacked the sheep.
As did the dog who attacked my DMILs little Yorkie. It died several days later from its injuries."

Dogs with a high chase drive or issues with other dogs are no more likely to be unsuitable to have with children than any other dog, they're completely separate things... and dogs don't get out by themselves unless you leave them somewhere unsuitable.

Ylvamoon · 28/05/2017 09:55

^wisteriainbloom

Why do people come on here with the sole purpose of putting people of rescue dogs?

I find that really strange, are they breeders or puppy farmers?^

I'm none of the above... but did have a few litters in the past,
(have to say dog breeding is fun but bloody hard work!)

I have met so many people who struggle with their rescue dogs behaviour. Some of which is outright dangerous.
3 examples from the last 8 weeks: inexperienced dog owner, rescue greyhound on expanding lead: dog went for small dog (also on lead) & took a big chunk out of smaller dog. Children and adults around....
Next cute little collie cross type: history unknown - snapping at his owners feed because he moved in the wrong way (this happened at dog training class) comment: Oh she is a lot better and only does this on the lead... needless to say we have a few children / teens in this class who are petrified of this dog.
Last one: nice lady I walk dogs with, fostered a medium size terrier cross from a well known charity... bit her while putting on his collar... she needed serious surgery. Rescue would rather take dog back tan put it down!
That makes me think, that the whole do goody rescue thing has big flaws... you can't deny this. Of course it's never the dogs fault Hmm
It bloody well is! The dog is unfit and unable to function in our environment. Training can only correct so much - sad but true fact.

fannydaggerz · 28/05/2017 10:45

My son is growing up with 4 dogs, he loves it.

Like pps have said, any dog can bite. Even the friendly ones.

Do you have time to exercise a collie properly? They are lovely natured dogs and naturally herd so would protective of your children in a non aggressive manner.

Orlandointhewilderness · 28/05/2017 11:14

I have a springer spaniel and a terrier. The terrier was 5 or so when DD was born, she isn't good with children. To be fair to her, she has NEVER shown signs of aggression but she has flagged up warning signs a couple of times in the past (taking herself away, not looking happy).

The springer arrived as a puppy when DD was 18 months. He has been a complete joy, temperament wise he is faultless. He is however a very energetic dog! Luckily they come with me to work (i work with horses) and he has a good few hours of exercise a day to keep him happy.

My dogs have never been left anything other than closely supervised with DD. Now she is 6, she is at the point where she can work the springer and has a good relationship with them. It is vital you teach the child to respect them, to generally leave them alone and that they are not toys to be fussed over. It can work very well with the right care and attitudes in place.

Ours don't live in the main house, they are separate most of the time. They come in occasionally in the evening if it is a cold night etc but get plenty of interaction through the day. They have never been expected to share the same living space as DD as I know if that happened I couldn't guarantee that I could always supervise.

Dogs to avoid? Probably say collies, small and nippy, dalmations. Personally I'm not keen on labs, I have known a few lovely ones but I have also know a fair few 'adult only' ones. As someone who was raised with Collies, don't get one. They are very high demand dogs and can be aggressive without proper stimulation.

robinia · 28/05/2017 11:19

Agree with the above about collies. They need a huge amount of stimulation and exercise. Friend had one who didn't do this and eventually had to rehome it as it was biting other dogs.

tabulahrasa · 28/05/2017 11:46

"I have met so many people who struggle with their rescue dogs behaviour. Some of which is outright dangerous."

The thing is, I can say the same thing about people who own dogs bought as puppies directly from their breeders...

There are so many factors that go into getting a nice bombproof pet, breed choice (as in appropriateness for your household) where you get them from, not allbreeders are equal, not all rescues are equal and then what you do with them.

The most important thing anyone can do is the research beforehand, on all of those things.

If you make sure you find a good rescue, with a realistic assessment or fostering process and training back up if needed, you're way more likely to end up with what you want than if you buy a puppy from a dodgy breeder, or a breed with traits you're not equipped to deal with or any puppy that you're not prepared to put the work into.

It's nowhere near as clear cut as x breed good, y breed bad or even rescue bad and puppy good.

Wolfiefan · 28/05/2017 11:54

I have struggled with puppy biting and separation anxiety and loose lead walking and recall and and and!
She's a pedigree pup. I'm working with an excellent trainer and she came from a wonderful breeder.
Any dog can have issues. It's about asking the experts and gaining the skills and working bloody hard to resolve them.
I will get there. But puppy doesn't equal easy!

CowParsleyNettle · 28/05/2017 12:05

Maybe take heed from the fact rescue centres wont home to homes with children under 5.

Better to get a dog a year too late, than a year too soon.

fannydaggerz · 28/05/2017 12:09

Not all rescues have the under 5 rule. One of my dogs was rescued when my son was 3 and another when he was 4. It depends on the dog and the history they have on it.

Original poster
Chickpearocker · 28/05/2017 17:57

Well the centres I've checked mostly state no under 5s.

OP posts:
Costacoffeeplease · 28/05/2017 18:41

For good reason, children under 5 are unlikely to be able to understand how to 'be' with a dog, especially a jumpy, bitey puppy (which they all are)

Original poster
Chickpearocker · 28/05/2017 20:02

Costa are you saying a puppy breeder should not sell a dog to a family with children under 5 ?

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 28/05/2017 21:29

Oh god the puppy biting

She may be tiny but those teeth are sharp

Luckily she tends to bite me more than the kids so they aren't being hurt but it's hard work too.

ilovepixie · 28/05/2017 21:56

I have a Lhasa apso who loves kids, we got her from a family friend as a pup who had small kids so she had been used to children from the start. But as others have said it's the way the dog is socialised that will determine how good it is around children.

Wolfiefan · 28/05/2017 21:58

@Soubriquet
I actually had to keep mine away from the kids or have her on a lead. I have holes in ALL my clothes, one wall and I'm missing rubber bits off the corners of my non slip mats! Here's the laughing culprit! Grin

ChristinaParsons · 28/05/2017 22:26

Border collies and jack Russell's are top of the list for biting every year. I have had collies all my life. I also have had 2 children. Collies are not pets, and show that pretty quick if you try to make them one.

ilovepixie · 28/05/2017 23:05

Op I'm from NI too. We got our dog from a family friend. I would also say get a pup so they can grow up together yes it will be hard work but worth it. I would also recommend getting a pup where you can see both parents from a family you know or has been recommended from someone.

Justdontgetitatall · 28/05/2017 23:08

Miniature Schnauzer!! They are such loving funny dogs!
Here is ours with my 2yr old! They're the best of friends x

Dog breeds that won't turn on children
Original poster
Chickpearocker · 29/05/2017 08:56

Aww lovely photos guys now I want a dog more than ever!!

OP posts:
TheBrandNewBLUE · 29/05/2017 09:07

are you saying a puppy breeder should not sell a dog to a family with children under 5

Actually it should be hard to get a puppy from a good breeder, if you have young DC. Some will outright refuse and others should be quizzing you intensely on how you will safely manage both. My pups breeder also picked which puppy we could have, so it was the right one for us temperament wise (with young DC it's extra important you get the one who is not nervous or timid but also not too confident or bolshy).

Costacoffeeplease · 29/05/2017 10:42

Yes

Original poster
Chickpearocker · 29/05/2017 12:11

Well I think that's a bit harsh, lots of families have dogs and children under 5 and are perfectly happy.

OP posts:
Costacoffeeplease · 29/05/2017 12:22

Have a look at some of the threads on here from new puppy owners

TheBrandNewBLUE · 29/05/2017 12:24

chick it's because DC can be very hard for dogs to live with and it is easy for either dog or DC to get hurt if the adult isn't careful enough.

One breeder I talked to used to allow her puppies to go to homes with young DC, if the parents were used to having dogs around the DC. However one puppy she let go to a home with DC (where she believe the parents were responsible enough to handle dog and young DC together and had previously had a dog) had both his back legs broken in the first week. She took puppy back and nursed him and kept him. I think it's very understandable that she never wanted to risk it again

The breeder I bought from had DC of his own. He grilled me on how I'd manage it and assessed my DC around a number of his dogs. He was satisfied so let me buy.

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