My son is 11 years old, kind hearted, diligent, responsible and basically makes all the other mothers jealous. My husband and I have decided that he's proven over the last year that he can more than adequately care for and train a dog (with a little help and guidance from his loving parents.)
Our sticking point is breed. We'd like to see him with a dog that is a manageable size for his size, that does not require excessive grooming (or in a pinch can wear a puppy cut in order to keep up with an active boy child), that has an energy level that is on par with his (active but not hyper active), has a long healthy lifespan and also willing to cuddle. My son likes coton du tulears, however they are a little too laid back and a bit too small and fluffy for his liking.
He also wants a dog that will play tug, fetch forever, and do tricks (which makes me lean towards a miniature schnauzer for all but the cuddly bits.)
I'm very open to suggestions, we want to make sure his first dog owning experience is a positive thing for both him and the dog.
Dogs and children
Moderators: emmabeth, BoardHost
Cotons are way too high maintenance IMO. That coat........you will pay the groomer's mortgage.
I can only speak from a UK perspective as I know the same breeds are different in different countries, so I may not be much help. Min Schnauzers are lovely over here, just right, but I would get a boy a terrier every time. I don't know if you have good terriers available -we are spoiled for choice, and a nice Jack Russell doesn't cost a lot and will last about 16 years.
Other than that, cocker spaniels are great boys' dogs but our cockers again are very different from American cockers. Or have you thought of a whippet? Not much in the ball-fetching department but real fun dogs and easy to have around.
Whatever you get, check out the parents and breeder very thoroughly. A child's first dog is sooo important. This is no time to get an unknown dog from a dodgy background.
I can only speak from a UK perspective as I know the same breeds are different in different countries, so I may not be much help. Min Schnauzers are lovely over here, just right, but I would get a boy a terrier every time. I don't know if you have good terriers available -we are spoiled for choice, and a nice Jack Russell doesn't cost a lot and will last about 16 years.
Other than that, cocker spaniels are great boys' dogs but our cockers again are very different from American cockers. Or have you thought of a whippet? Not much in the ball-fetching department but real fun dogs and easy to have around.
Whatever you get, check out the parents and breeder very thoroughly. A child's first dog is sooo important. This is no time to get an unknown dog from a dodgy background.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
I love Lurchers, they can be very active especially with children, are easy to train and will sleep all day when needed.
I have a Whippet/JRT, he is an old dog now but when younger he was ideal for an active boy. Was easy to train, had the terrier energy but was also very laid back like the Whippet.
Lurchers come in all shapes and sizes depending on which breeds are in them, but they are lovely faithful dogs that adore cuddles.
A word of warning, the do take over the sofa, far more comfortable than their own beds, or that is what they tell us.
I have a Whippet/JRT, he is an old dog now but when younger he was ideal for an active boy. Was easy to train, had the terrier energy but was also very laid back like the Whippet.
Lurchers come in all shapes and sizes depending on which breeds are in them, but they are lovely faithful dogs that adore cuddles.
A word of warning, the do take over the sofa, far more comfortable than their own beds, or that is what they tell us.
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Nethertumbleweed/PIXIE.jpg][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Nethertumbleweed/th_PIXIE.jpg[/img][/url]
Personally, I have always been a big supporter of getting a dog from a rescue facility like the Humane Society or the SPCA. Every dog I've ever owned has come from one of those facilities. In my opinion, they are the best dogs because one, you have saved them from that place and two, I've always thought that mixed breeds have the best temperament. I mean, obviously, don't go in and get the first puppy you see, look around, ask about the dog's health, what they know about its history, etc. Maybe that way, you could take your son in, and let him choose which puppy he likes best (within your restrictions) and that way he'll feel a closer bond with the dog because he was able to choose it. Anyway, that's just what I think. I've never thought there was any breed better than a good ol' mutt. =D
I'd also like to add to Bellezza's post that you could find rescues that foster out. Then you have a better idea of how they behave in a home setting. Also, if you go for a purebred dog, besides rescues, you could also talk to breeders. Sometimes they will have dogs that have come back to them for various reasons (sometimes, the person just moves and cannot take the dog with them). So, they will sell those dogs at companion prices. Usually this comes with a contract that you must give the dog back to them if you cannot keep them. You will also probably have to get the dog altered as well (depends on what is stated in the contract).
I wasn't going to reply again, but I feel I must.
For a child's first dog - NOT a rescue without a history and with a lot of unknown issues to deal with and clear up, and only a mutt if both parents are known to the buyer personally and have excellent temperaments. The same applies to pedigrees but at least you have a fighting chance of knowing the temperament before you buy. Only pups from really good breeders should be considered; that is, good because the pups are health-checked, the parents are healthy and the breeder has socialised them often and well.
Second dogs, further dogs - yes they can be rescues and mutts. First dogs for adults - they can take a risk if they want, and they can access professional help if they need. But for a child - no way. First dog ownership is a steep learning curve even with a wonderful dog and the best of people; a child's dog should be the happiest experience not a ticking timebomb.
A dog should not be taken on because it gives the owner a warm fuzzy feeling of having rescued it, or because it is cute, or because the family said awwww when they saw it. A dog should be bought with the head not the heart - the heart will join in as soon as the dog is home.
And in case you think I am being unfair, remember I make a large part of my living from the dogs acquired by people wanting a warm fuzzy feeling or that awww moment, and then not being able to manage the result because they thought love would do it all.
Such a lovely boy deserves a lovely dog. When he is older, he can take on a challenge if he wants to.
For a child's first dog - NOT a rescue without a history and with a lot of unknown issues to deal with and clear up, and only a mutt if both parents are known to the buyer personally and have excellent temperaments. The same applies to pedigrees but at least you have a fighting chance of knowing the temperament before you buy. Only pups from really good breeders should be considered; that is, good because the pups are health-checked, the parents are healthy and the breeder has socialised them often and well.
Second dogs, further dogs - yes they can be rescues and mutts. First dogs for adults - they can take a risk if they want, and they can access professional help if they need. But for a child - no way. First dog ownership is a steep learning curve even with a wonderful dog and the best of people; a child's dog should be the happiest experience not a ticking timebomb.
A dog should not be taken on because it gives the owner a warm fuzzy feeling of having rescued it, or because it is cute, or because the family said awwww when they saw it. A dog should be bought with the head not the heart - the heart will join in as soon as the dog is home.
And in case you think I am being unfair, remember I make a large part of my living from the dogs acquired by people wanting a warm fuzzy feeling or that awww moment, and then not being able to manage the result because they thought love would do it all.
Such a lovely boy deserves a lovely dog. When he is older, he can take on a challenge if he wants to.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Not that I have anything against kids, but kids should not have dogs. This is not saying that the parents cannot have dogs that the kids enjoy, but that the kids alone should not have dogs as pets.
Does you son want a dog? Surprising anyone with a gifted pet is never a good idea and can lead to many problems.
The breed choice should should be left up to the person responsible for caring and grooming. What activities does your son want to be involved with with dogs???Agility, lure coursing, flyball, obedience, etc... The activity you want to do should play a factor in determining breed. If you wanted to compete say in agility, picking a basset hound, while yes they can be trained for agility, they are not the best choice....While a border collie would accel at the sport, I would not recommend one as a "first" dog or even first competitive dog.
JRTs can be a handful and need lots and lots of exercise, as do many of the terrier breeds. Terriers can also present some training issues surrounding small animals like cats, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters.
I also would refrain from getting a young puppy for a first dog. Puppies are a lot of work and a young kid could get burned out rather quickly.
Breeds I would select:
Australian Shepherd....good energy, easy to train, intelligent, moderate grooming needs
Cattle Dog/Heeler......sturdy, good energy, minimal grooming needs
Toy Poodle or Standard Poodle....they are manly dogs...intelligent, full of personality, they do present their own grooming issues
Golden Retriever (field bred). Personality, energy, temperment, moderate grooming needs.
Breeds I would not select:
Labrador (any variety)...too strong and powerful
Border collie....while extremely intelligent they need a tremendous amount of exercise, mental and physical. They do not make good first pets
Belgian Shepherd (any variety) See above notation for border collie.
Does you son want a dog? Surprising anyone with a gifted pet is never a good idea and can lead to many problems.
The breed choice should should be left up to the person responsible for caring and grooming. What activities does your son want to be involved with with dogs???Agility, lure coursing, flyball, obedience, etc... The activity you want to do should play a factor in determining breed. If you wanted to compete say in agility, picking a basset hound, while yes they can be trained for agility, they are not the best choice....While a border collie would accel at the sport, I would not recommend one as a "first" dog or even first competitive dog.
JRTs can be a handful and need lots and lots of exercise, as do many of the terrier breeds. Terriers can also present some training issues surrounding small animals like cats, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters.
I also would refrain from getting a young puppy for a first dog. Puppies are a lot of work and a young kid could get burned out rather quickly.
Breeds I would select:
Australian Shepherd....good energy, easy to train, intelligent, moderate grooming needs
Cattle Dog/Heeler......sturdy, good energy, minimal grooming needs
Toy Poodle or Standard Poodle....they are manly dogs...intelligent, full of personality, they do present their own grooming issues
Golden Retriever (field bred). Personality, energy, temperment, moderate grooming needs.
Breeds I would not select:
Labrador (any variety)...too strong and powerful
Border collie....while extremely intelligent they need a tremendous amount of exercise, mental and physical. They do not make good first pets
Belgian Shepherd (any variety) See above notation for border collie.
...and my preferences are sightly different for different reasons for a first dog. So, I'd say do your homework and assess what would work best in your home. Talk to breeders, trainers, etc to get a good idea of what you might want and the challenges you might encounter.
I just wanted to say that in a way I do agree with Nettle. That is why I suggested the rescues with fosters and breeders. The breeders I had in mind do health checks as well as behavior checks. They should know this dog and what you can expect personality wise.
... and while I agree that it shouldn't be a dog just for the kid, the post at the beginning did not suggest that the child would be unsupervised, and his competency had already been evaluated. Just thought I'd point that out.
I just wanted to say that in a way I do agree with Nettle. That is why I suggested the rescues with fosters and breeders. The breeders I had in mind do health checks as well as behavior checks. They should know this dog and what you can expect personality wise.
... and while I agree that it shouldn't be a dog just for the kid, the post at the beginning did not suggest that the child would be unsupervised, and his competency had already been evaluated. Just thought I'd point that out.
Thanks for all the input.
Josey is interested in earth dog training and agility. He wants a dog that he can train to do tricks, one that will want to walk and hike as much as he does, to play games with and that will settle down with him at the end of the day. Josey has been helping with handling and training our dogs, is tending to a litter of orphaned kittens (four kittens at 4 weeks old-- he's been fostering for a rescue all summer, hopefully this is his last litter this year) and has handfed, tamed and clicker trained his parakeets.
He's also home-schooled so after his studies are done each morning, he takes care of his chores, goes to the library with me, and tends to his pets until his friends are out of school. After school hours, they go hiking or play at the park until dinner, and after dinner he usually keeps me company as I walk my dogs. We also go on nature walks with a homeschooling group (part of our local natural sciences program, well behaved dogs are always invited) every third weekend.
His list of breeds that he likes so far are beagles, schnauzers, and irish terriers. He does not want a border collie, sheltie, boston, or JRT (too high energy) and he's nixed maltese, coton du tulear, english bull dog, french bull dog, and shi tzu breeds as being too low energy. Poodles have made it onto his 'maybe' column (I think he needs to meet a poodle that is not ancient and cranky or a poorly bred teacup.)
Nettle, thank you so much. We'll check into the whippets and cockers. I admit the mental picture of my son with a cocker is appealing but I do believe they are somewhat different on this side of the Atlantic (breeders here tend to have periodic bouts of kennel blindness so I need to hunt down a good one.)
Josey is interested in earth dog training and agility. He wants a dog that he can train to do tricks, one that will want to walk and hike as much as he does, to play games with and that will settle down with him at the end of the day. Josey has been helping with handling and training our dogs, is tending to a litter of orphaned kittens (four kittens at 4 weeks old-- he's been fostering for a rescue all summer, hopefully this is his last litter this year) and has handfed, tamed and clicker trained his parakeets.
He's also home-schooled so after his studies are done each morning, he takes care of his chores, goes to the library with me, and tends to his pets until his friends are out of school. After school hours, they go hiking or play at the park until dinner, and after dinner he usually keeps me company as I walk my dogs. We also go on nature walks with a homeschooling group (part of our local natural sciences program, well behaved dogs are always invited) every third weekend.
His list of breeds that he likes so far are beagles, schnauzers, and irish terriers. He does not want a border collie, sheltie, boston, or JRT (too high energy) and he's nixed maltese, coton du tulear, english bull dog, french bull dog, and shi tzu breeds as being too low energy. Poodles have made it onto his 'maybe' column (I think he needs to meet a poodle that is not ancient and cranky or a poorly bred teacup.)
Nettle, thank you so much. We'll check into the whippets and cockers. I admit the mental picture of my son with a cocker is appealing but I do believe they are somewhat different on this side of the Atlantic (breeders here tend to have periodic bouts of kennel blindness so I need to hunt down a good one.)
I agree with Nettle about a rescue dog but many rescues do have puppies and they don't let them go to homes early like many breeders.
The easiest dog I have had is Tilly, she is a Greyhound cross with a GSD, she is willing to learn and please, has plenty of energy but is happy to sleep when I need her to. She would have made a very good dog for a boy to have.
There are quite a lot of boys about your son's age round here with Lurchers, were the boy is the dog is, they are unseperatable. Boys with other breeds usually have their dogs on leads because they will run off even though they are quite well trained, the lurchers don't.
I also have a Whippet cross JRT, again was always full of energy and ready to go but when I needed would sleep.
There are some Lurchers that are not as good, Saluki crosses often have selected hearing which the Greyhound or Whippet corss doen't. Having either Greyhound or Whippet in them they are very fast, really good for agility and flyball.
A Staffy is also a good companion for a boy but they do need to be well socialised with other dogs but as you have others, there shouldn't be a problem. They are also easy to train and want to please, most love agility but are not fast dogs.
The easiest dog I have had is Tilly, she is a Greyhound cross with a GSD, she is willing to learn and please, has plenty of energy but is happy to sleep when I need her to. She would have made a very good dog for a boy to have.
There are quite a lot of boys about your son's age round here with Lurchers, were the boy is the dog is, they are unseperatable. Boys with other breeds usually have their dogs on leads because they will run off even though they are quite well trained, the lurchers don't.
I also have a Whippet cross JRT, again was always full of energy and ready to go but when I needed would sleep.
There are some Lurchers that are not as good, Saluki crosses often have selected hearing which the Greyhound or Whippet corss doen't. Having either Greyhound or Whippet in them they are very fast, really good for agility and flyball.
A Staffy is also a good companion for a boy but they do need to be well socialised with other dogs but as you have others, there shouldn't be a problem. They are also easy to train and want to please, most love agility but are not fast dogs.
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Nethertumbleweed/PIXIE.jpg][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Nethertumbleweed/th_PIXIE.jpg[/img][/url]
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Chloe&Atlas'smom
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:22 pm
I hope you end up with the right dog for you. Make sure you do your research and the breed and if needed the breeder. We found alot of questionable breeders after Bandit passed in march. I have APBT I would not say that they are a bad choice for a boy but they are high energy and need tons of training to stay stimulated. Don't get me wrong I have 2 boys, a 13 year old and a 14 month old, and the 2 puppies 6 months and 3 months, we go on lots of walks and take training classes at our local group.
My first dog was a cockapoo and she was the best when I was little but I was 3 when we got her I think. She lived until I was 16 and was the joy of my growing up years. This propably made no sense sorry.
My first dog was a cockapoo and she was the best when I was little but I was 3 when we got her I think. She lived until I was 16 and was the joy of my growing up years. This propably made no sense sorry.
Well I can only suggest one breed which is the one I've owned for over 24yrs, I have weaned 3 children and 7 grandchildren on them.
They love children if brought up along side them correctly and most love a good game of football and long walks, there loyal and very protective of there own, no heavy coat so very little grooming and a standard size female is around 32 kilos which is a nice size for a young lad growing up to handle, the breed of course is a Dobermann and contray to disbelief they don't eat small children.
They love children if brought up along side them correctly and most love a good game of football and long walks, there loyal and very protective of there own, no heavy coat so very little grooming and a standard size female is around 32 kilos which is a nice size for a young lad growing up to handle, the breed of course is a Dobermann and contray to disbelief they don't eat small children.
Bilclarie Dobermann's
If it's not a Dobermann it's just a dog
www.bilclarie.com
[img]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p244/bilclarie/untitled.jpg[/img]
If it's not a Dobermann it's just a dog
www.bilclarie.com
[img]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p244/bilclarie/untitled.jpg[/img]
I have a dog for you, pappillion...
I was 8 when I had mine, and I wanted to take classes but my mom could never afford. So it's not too young as long as you know he is sincere, I took full care of my pup after my knowledge with walk, training and brushing (as you can see Im here and never grew out of it). However I do wish that my parents could have afford the obediance and agility classes I wanted to take... If he really IS serious about it, he will be devastated if he don't get to do it.. THAT I can guarantee...
However, they are tough little dogs, without being over the top, easy to brush, don't require exess grooming and they are VERY cuddly.
Mine was a bit umm too defensive however, I tugged with him and let him win ALL the time, my mother was very unfair to him and harsh. So when he turned two she couldnt enter my room without him attacking. However that was her own fault meanwhile me and my small sibblings could toss him everywhere he'd NEVER do anything.
They are highly intelligent, very adaptable, fast, good energy level, not too big, but very durable small dogs...
Mine looked similar to this:
http://www.thebestofbreeds.com/catalog/ ... illion.jpg
also, I have to agree, avoid the rescues and the mutts due to the gamble in temperament and traits, and jack russel and schnauzer is likely to be TOO energetic and they require more knowledge usually to motivate and how to direct their energy. Paps are much easier on that level, and they can turn it off and sleep for a week as well as run around. Jack russel will need it more non stop.. also papillion is no hunting dog like a jack russel is, which means easier to train around animals and off lead for a beginner.
Good luck
I was 8 when I had mine, and I wanted to take classes but my mom could never afford. So it's not too young as long as you know he is sincere, I took full care of my pup after my knowledge with walk, training and brushing (as you can see Im here and never grew out of it). However I do wish that my parents could have afford the obediance and agility classes I wanted to take... If he really IS serious about it, he will be devastated if he don't get to do it.. THAT I can guarantee...
However, they are tough little dogs, without being over the top, easy to brush, don't require exess grooming and they are VERY cuddly.
Mine was a bit umm too defensive however, I tugged with him and let him win ALL the time, my mother was very unfair to him and harsh. So when he turned two she couldnt enter my room without him attacking. However that was her own fault meanwhile me and my small sibblings could toss him everywhere he'd NEVER do anything.
They are highly intelligent, very adaptable, fast, good energy level, not too big, but very durable small dogs...
Mine looked similar to this:
http://www.thebestofbreeds.com/catalog/ ... illion.jpg
also, I have to agree, avoid the rescues and the mutts due to the gamble in temperament and traits, and jack russel and schnauzer is likely to be TOO energetic and they require more knowledge usually to motivate and how to direct their energy. Paps are much easier on that level, and they can turn it off and sleep for a week as well as run around. Jack russel will need it more non stop.. also papillion is no hunting dog like a jack russel is, which means easier to train around animals and off lead for a beginner.
Good luck
The problem is in the other end of the leash!
I have lots to do with lurchers - one of my favourite types of dog - and I would no way recommend them for a child's first dog. Not because they aren't wonderful - they are - but because of the prey drive. It takes expert managing if the dog is to live a fulfilled life with lots of free-running exercise.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
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NicolaLloyd
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:50 am
- Location: Leeds
Bilclarie 
"contrary to disbelief they don't eat small children"!! The only thing Bruce has ever eaten is a spider, and even then he looked at the remains on the floor as if he was going to cry!
My Dobermann LOVES kids - he would choose to spend all his time with a bouncy kid any day over me I'm sure!
My initial reaction to your suggestion Bilclarie was "hmm, not too sure"... mainly because sometimes people aren't prepared to put in the work to stimulate a dog like a Dobermann, even if they did think they were when they first got him/her. But it is clear, WendyM, that you have good knowledge of dogs and your little boy sounds lovely and like he would put in the time to properly train his dog. Dobermann's are great dogs, with so many quirks and character. They are very intelligent and loyal and so eager to please... my boy Bruce will definately not be my last Dobermann.
All I will say is if you do decide to go down this route, make sure you do a lot of research on the breeders in your area (it sounds like this is something you would do anyway so sorry if it sounds like I'm implying you wouldn't) - there are a lot of bad Dobermann breeders out there who create very high maintenance dogs. A good Dobermann would be exactly the right level of energy you are looking for, and be such a great best friend for your son. Just make sure the heel training is spot on....
"contrary to disbelief they don't eat small children"!! The only thing Bruce has ever eaten is a spider, and even then he looked at the remains on the floor as if he was going to cry!My Dobermann LOVES kids - he would choose to spend all his time with a bouncy kid any day over me I'm sure!
My initial reaction to your suggestion Bilclarie was "hmm, not too sure"... mainly because sometimes people aren't prepared to put in the work to stimulate a dog like a Dobermann, even if they did think they were when they first got him/her. But it is clear, WendyM, that you have good knowledge of dogs and your little boy sounds lovely and like he would put in the time to properly train his dog. Dobermann's are great dogs, with so many quirks and character. They are very intelligent and loyal and so eager to please... my boy Bruce will definately not be my last Dobermann.
All I will say is if you do decide to go down this route, make sure you do a lot of research on the breeders in your area (it sounds like this is something you would do anyway so sorry if it sounds like I'm implying you wouldn't) - there are a lot of bad Dobermann breeders out there who create very high maintenance dogs. A good Dobermann would be exactly the right level of energy you are looking for, and be such a great best friend for your son. Just make sure the heel training is spot on....
