Best big dog with kids?

[SnotRags]

What big/giant dog breed would you recommend with small children? Nothing too excitable/energetic but with a bit of intelligence and willingness to train in obedience.

I have American Akita's and they're brilliant around kids. Very chilled, lazy. not too energetic, not excitable, family oriented and surprisingly gentle considering how big they are. Kid's and their friends love them and vice versa.

Basset hounds, all the way.

I'd get a newfie if I was to get another dog. I'm just worried id have to paint my whole house brown. Its bad enough when my goldie comes in and shakes or runs against the walls. My hobbie is now trying to wipe down muddy walls. Good luck op.

Rottweiler def... Loved our dc. Loved our dcats.
Well loved ddog for 10 years..

Lost her in 2019..

Bernese Mountain dogs are a really lovely breed and very gentle. We had one when I was young. Can’t get one for love nor money at the moment though! We want one but it’s not possible at the moment so are going for a golden retriever instead.

Every leonberger I have known has been a good natured gentle softie. I only know one Bernese, but she's just thebsame.

And so cuddly!!

Afghan hounds are usually very chill, but do think about coat maintenance!

Rottweilers are amazing family dogs.

Labradors are soppy and lovely, easily trained and mine thinks she is one of the kids! But I'd go for a girl

We had an old English sheepdog for 13 years and now have a Newfie both beautiful caring lovely dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Newfy or Saint Bernard!
Saints can be quite energetic when young and have a real playful streak. I grew up with giant breeds but Saints are my favourite. Sadly our girl is slowing down now and it's coming to that time, but she is still incredible with the kids.

Definitely a golden retriever but be aware of possible resource guarding issues

Our lab is so much easier than any small dog I’ve had, only problem if he thinks he’s small which is a problem when you’re watching tv and he sits on your knee.

He’s been great with all the kids just loves attention.

Why giant breed? Why not something with a longer lifespan?

@Dogdayafternoonz

I wouldn't get a rottweiler with kids on the house. Even if you didn't work about your own kids other people won't let their kids go round to play with your kids if you have a rottweiler.

I'd get a lab or a golden retriever or a lurcher.

This is 100% true. Many families won't allow their young kids to your house if you have a large breed that can be intimidating

My bullmastiff was wonderful. ❤️

Some of these giant breeds being recommended have a lifespan of 6-8 years. Why would you consider that?

Golden retriever could be a good fit for you

People who recommend Rottweilers for a home with young kids seriously need their heads examined! Even if your own Rottweiler is perfectly trained, it's one of the breeds to cause most deaths. It's not a great choice for a home with kids and I would not allow my kid to go for a playdate at a house that had a Rottweiler! (And I'm a dog-lover and own a dog)

Standard poodle

I grew up with Newfies and my parents still have them. They are the greatest dog in the world.

Did you know Nana from Peter Pan is a Newfoundland in the book? All the Newfs we've ever had have been real nanny dogs.

Boxer
They are gentle giants 🐶

I've got a golden - we got him when the dc were 3, 5 and 6 and he has been amazing. We've just got a lab puppy and he is also very good, but the dc are 7 years older now, so harder to know how he would have been if they were smaller.

The thing that puts me off with very large breeds is that they die so young - my sil lost her Bernese when she was only 6 - so I'd worry about the upset of that for young dc. Labs and retrievers average 12, which is much better.

Tip - not sure whether others would agree with this, but it has worked for me - choose the calmest puppy from the litter (hold them all and see which one settles most nicely with you, watch the interactions with littermates). You only get a snapshot when you visit, but you can speak to the breeder about character too. This seems to have paid off for me - my golden is very good and easy around the house, but still plays and is energetic for walks, etc. Too early to say for the lab (he's only 9 weeks), but so far so good and I guess he is learning from our very calm older dog too. Both boys.

I have one incredibly chilled out collie but you need to walk (as with most dogs) and ensure they have "jobs" to do, mine guarded the house from evil cats and herded the kids. He sleeps 20 hours plus a day and his favourite activity is going to the pub. Like all puppies you need to train properly at first, if you can't don't get any dog

Nothing in life is guaranteed. I had 3 rescues before my first Leonberger. Not one of them made it past the age of 4, extremely shockingly bad luck but they were all different breeds (small/normal sized if that matters)
I also work with dogs. I can’t tell you how many dogs I’ve seen die young. Cancer, accidents, random diseases…dogs don’t always just die of old age.
I mean Yorkshire terriers live forever….maybe everyone should get exclusively those

For those interested in Leo’s without judging before research…there are many many living into double figures.

Why a Leo? They are extremely affectionate, dont bark/drool/chase/need 3 hours of running around a day and they prefer cuddling up over all else. They have no prey drive, aggression or guarding instincts. They have no interest in running off or obsessively chasing things.
Everyone is welcomed with open arms. They are easy to train as they want to be with you so badly. They also don’t go mental if you have small children waiting around at parks or going stupidly slowly with small children on bikes etc they are very happy to plod along. Equally mine can happily walk for hours with me and then snooze the day away when we get back.

Can’t think of many other breeds who fit families as well.

@winter12345

I have golden retrievers, they are very excitable and not great for small children.

Newfies and leonbergers are lovely and calmer than goldens.

I agree with you. Labs and GRs seem very excitable dogs compared to giant breeds.