Just wondering if there are any dog informed mamas out there who can give me some suggestions on what types of dogs are best suited for a home with 3 boys under 7. Sadly, we recently had to put down our almost 11 year old family basset hound due to an abdominal tumor and we are just reeling around here. I'm not sure about another big dog, and I'm not sure I want to run right out and get another dog, but we will probably get another one down the road a few months. I'm thinking either a poodle mix or something similar. Any suggestions, info, experiences, etc? I'm not having a whole lot of luck on my web searches. Thanks in advance!:)

Dachaunds are great! So are jack russels.

We have two Boxers and they are incredibly patient with our three kids. They were also relatively easy to train. Since my kids can be on the rough side, I tend to stick with the smaller the child, the bigger the dog theory. I'd be paranoid my kids might fall or step on a small dog and hurt it.

I havea mini pin.and hes great with brent:heart:

I have a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix and he is great with my 10 month old nephew and my neieces who are 2 and 9 and my 7 yr old nephew. Growing up I had 2 Beagles and they are great with kids. At least mine were. If I were getting a dog with kids, I'd get a Beagle, poodle, or Golden Retriever/Lab. They are all great dog. At least in my experience. Some people may say this dog or that dog can be snippy or energetic but honestly ANY dog can be that way. Go with what YOU think would be good. You know how your kids are with animals. My neighbors little boy is extremely hyper and I wouldnt think of getting a dog around him lol but they have a boxer and shes great with him. Good luck! :)

Originally posted by maryalene
We have two Boxers and they are incredibly patient with our three kids. They were also relatively easy to train. Since my kids can be on the rough side, I tend to stick with the smaller the child, the bigger the dog theory. I'd be paranoid my kids might fall or step on a small dog and hurt it.

This is how I feel also, which is why we have 2 Newfoundlands. :)
If we had been looking for a smaller dog, we would probably have gone with a Bichon Frise.

We have miniature dachsunds also. They have been wonderful with James! My very good friend also has a mini dachsie and her's has always been very good with children.

We also have had 2 boxers that were awesome! We also had a min-pin that adored the kids & had as much energy as the kids! My in-laws have dachsunds. The kids have pulled the ears & tails on all of the dogs & none seemed to care. They've laid on them as well without any problems. And we've had the dogs through all the different stages of childhood (newborn, infant, etc) & non seemed to mind the crying, crawling or curiosity of the babes!

I am sorry to hear about your beloved dog's passing! :(

My brother and sil have a boxer and he has been an awesome dog with the kids...so gentle and loving and easy going. A very fun dog. I am a believer in mixes....we had an english springer spaniel growing up and she was the BEST dog ever. I miss her still.......

Thanks so much mamas for all the info!!! I'm more into thinking of adopting a mix breed of some sort this time, but would also be interested in dachsunds (sp?) as well. My next door neighbor has boxers and hers are extremely friendly, but also rather hyper. Her male can almost love you to death.... KWIM. Are there smaller boxer versions? Thanks again for responding to my questions!:thumbsup:

We have a Sheltie and he is wonderful with my kids. Great Danes are also wonderful I had some growing up, they are super with small kids.

my fav. small dogs when grooming for temparments were maltise and bichons. I also liked pugs alot but not many came in for grooming.

personaly I like larger breeds - I want a pyreaneese or a newfoundland. dh wants a mastiffe

I cant stand the smaller breeds barks and some have WAY to much energy for me LOL (but they could keep up with the kids I am sure)

mixed breeds are best to avoid health problems that pure breads are prone to.

some of the best dogs I have meet were rescue dogs- they just seem to sense that you saved them and usoly are greatfull.
you can find alot of purebreds in the pound aslo.

Beagles are really loyal and loving. They're also calm and don't get big. The only minpins and dachaunds I've been around have gotten snippy in their old age. Jack russels tend to be hyper until they get "fixed" then they calm down, I babysat two for several days while my aunt was moving and I was VERY thrilled for her to get settled in and come back for them. Bigger breed dogs tend to worry me around kids because they truely don't know their own strength. It's easy to knock down a little kid with their tails or jump on them in excitment and that can scare kids bad enough they'll remember it for life.

Originally posted by deb215
personaly I like larger breeds - I want a pyreaneese or a newfoundland. dh wants a mastiffe

Well, if you go with a Newfie, you won't be sorry. Ours are the most loyal and loving animals around. They are fantastic with the kids too. The only concern with small kids is that you have to remind them to steer clear of a happy tail wag. When Christian was younger, Maggie could knock him off his feet with just a tail wag.