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The doghouse

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Original poster

Best big dog with kids?

143 replies

SnotRags · 25/01/2022 20:14

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.

OP posts:
Shmithecat2 · 26/01/2022 07:17

@BeautifulBirds

Boxer
The OP said nothing too excitable or energetic 😂😂
SkiingIsHeaven · 26/01/2022 07:24

Borzoi

User48751490 · 26/01/2022 07:24

I can locate breeders for Newfies but not Leonbergers or Bernese Mountain Dogs..... some great dogs mentioned here but it could take some time to find a reputable breeder. Just be aware of this if not going for a popular breed like Lab or GR.

Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 07:26

@Leonberger

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 Grin

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.

Leo’s sound absolutely perfect for us in that case. I want a dog that doesn’t need to be exercised all day but can still pull off a 4 hour walk if required.

Also, I knew a 20 year old Yorkshire terrier, it had heart failure for the last 8 years of its life, I swear I often wondered if that dog was a robot, it just carried on year after year. By the time it died I was coughing every few seconds and looked a bit of a state but never once lost its friendly nature and his tail would still wag when people went to visit. He’d shuffle along to greet them coughing and spluttering the whole way. It was heart breaking, he probably lived 6 years longer than he should have done but the owners refused to PTS while his tail was still wagging ❤️ He was eventually put to sleep at the age of 20. He’d probably still be here otherwise!

Regarding Rottweilers - according to the USA statistics of dog fatalities Rottweilers are the biggest cause of human fatalities after Pitbulls. Over 50 people were mauled to death in America over a 10 year study. Compare that with Dobermanns (which I also wouldn’t want) the figure was just 7.

OP posts:
User48751490 · 26/01/2022 07:26

@rooarsome

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.
❤️❤️❤️
Perfectlystill · 26/01/2022 07:27

Why do you want a massive dog - I am just curious!

I would go for a flat coat or a Labrador. Both total softies and adorable and easy to train, if greedy beyond all measure!

User48751490 · 26/01/2022 07:27

@Anotherhill

Why giant breed? Why not something with a longer lifespan?
Temperament for us was why we chose a giant breed dog. That was more important than size of dog.
Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 07:27

Every boxer I’ve ever known has been absolutely batshit crazy 😂 lovely dogs but I don’t have the energy for that 😂

OP posts:
Flakjacketon · 26/01/2022 07:28

My labrador is so patient and gentle with children.

Rapunzel91 · 26/01/2022 07:29

Newfoundlands! They are the absolute best with children. They are so gentle and patient, mine would let my daughter do anything when she was a baby/toddler. Our newfoundland has passed away and he has left a massive whole, best dog in the world ♥️

Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 07:30

Why do I want a giant dog?

Temperament - they all seem to have the best temperaments

Wrong ‘un deterrent - nobody is going to break into a house with a giant dog stood there, they don’t know the dog is soft as shite 😂 (this is tongue in cheek but with an element of truth to it)

OP posts:
User48751490 · 26/01/2022 07:35

@SnotRags

Why do I want a giant dog?

Temperament - they all seem to have the best temperaments

Wrong ‘un deterrent - nobody is going to break into a house with a giant dog stood there, they don’t know the dog is soft as shite 😂 (this is tongue in cheek but with an element of truth to it)

My Saint would kiss an intruder - that's it. And then probably carry on sleeping 😂

Tbf, her size alone has made folk cross the street who don't know her. Not everyone is a fan of giant breed dogs, just be aware of this.

Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 07:41

@User48751490 that’s exactly my point, they look the business even though they’re just giant teddy bears 😂 I’m not a people person so having a big dog that is secretly a softie would be perfect for me ☺️

OP posts:
Henry176 · 26/01/2022 07:47

We have a Newfypoo (Newfoundland standard Poodle cross) puppy, she is very bouncy, but is gentle and absolutely loves everybody and other dogs. She seems to know to treat children more gently, but did once collide with my grandson and cause a few tears. I think that the problem with giant breeds is that they can accidently mow smaller kids down whilst playing and puppies like to play. So I would recommend a Newfypoo and lots of training and supervision. Another plus is that they don't drool unlike newfoundlands, but do need quite a lot of grooming.

CoverYourselfInChocolateGlory · 26/01/2022 07:56

I would be nervous about sending my child to play where there was a Rottweiler. I know they can be great family dogs but can't be quite territorial. And we have big dogs at home (Lab crosses).

Howmanysleepsnow · 26/01/2022 08:02

Another vote for a Leonberger here! Ours has been really chilled even as a pup and is really keen to please so easily trained. She loves the kids too

ShellB21 · 26/01/2022 08:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Huntswomanonthemove · 26/01/2022 08:12

Golden Retrievers ❤️

NandorTheRelentlessCleaner · 26/01/2022 08:17

Goldens are pretty bomb proof and huggable

Personally I love deerhounds and wolfhounds, they look like they mean business but are very soft with people/kids

My youngest deerhound is 9 months and a lot of work though! I have an older girl who is super chilled, but hounds are challenging adolescents Grin (but so are most pups)

I've had a few workmen scared of my dogs (who don't even bark) just from how they look though. I feel a bit protected by them (though they'd probably go and chase a rabbit or cuddle my assailant if I were ever attacked Grin)

Ylvamoon · 26/01/2022 08:18

SnotRags - I haven't read the whole thread, but what about a giant shnauzer?
More lively than some of the giants suggested and should be great for obedience... although my experience is limited with the breed.

Stellaris22 · 26/01/2022 08:24

@BlueSkyeThinker

Basset hounds, all the way.
I have a basset hound and absolutely adore her, they are absolutely fantastic with children and was going to recommend. Ours is very energetic but not the breed I'd think of for obedience training! Not untrainable, just different.
Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 08:26

@NandorTheRelentlessCleaner

Goldens are pretty bomb proof and huggable

Personally I love deerhounds and wolfhounds, they look like they mean business but are very soft with people/kids

My youngest deerhound is 9 months and a lot of work though! I have an older girl who is super chilled, but hounds are challenging adolescents Grin (but so are most pups)

I've had a few workmen scared of my dogs (who don't even bark) just from how they look though. I feel a bit protected by them (though they'd probably go and chase a rabbit or cuddle my assailant if I were ever attacked Grin)

I love Irish Wolfhounds but not sure what they’re like off lead, I want a dog I can have a nice off lead stroll with in the woods - do they have much of a prey drive?
OP posts:
Original poster
SnotRags · 26/01/2022 08:28

@Ylvamoon

SnotRags - I haven't read the whole thread, but what about a giant shnauzer? More lively than some of the giants suggested and should be great for obedience... although my experience is limited with the breed.
I LOVE giant Schnauzers but I’ve looked into them and they need an experienced handler or can be a danger. I’m experienced with dogs but not so much the highly strung breeds
OP posts:
Derbee · 26/01/2022 08:31

Absolutely a Bernese Mountain Dog

Beamur · 26/01/2022 08:38

Friend of mine had a Newfy. Very good with kids but very dim and quite stubborn.
Quite a protective dog and was good at loud woofing when people about at night.
Quite a few of the kids were nervous around her though just because she was so big (and horribly drooly)