What kind of dog do you have?

HOMEWriter · #1 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 08:33 AM

Someday I'd like to get a dog ... again. A little over a year ago we had a boxer - we had him for about a year, and got him when he was 8 weeks old. We had to sell him because he was too exuberant for the kids, specially the youngest ones. He often stepped on my then-1.5yo daughter.

I want a dog that sheds minimally - that was a plus with the boxer - but I hated the slobbering!

My brother has a Bishon Fries and my kids just love it. Would anyone recommend one of those? How about a Llasa Apso, or a miniature poodle, or a maltese?

Any suggestions?

Kelly H.

**Crafty Amanda** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 09:02 AM

We have a German Shephard pup. She's 12 weeks old and the kids love her. She is very smart too, but I would imagine that shedding will probably be an issue.

I would not recommend a poodle for kids, and a maltese is so small I would be afraid that a child could accidentally hurt, or even kill, the dog by falling or stepping on it.

We have also had a Rottweiler, but they are high maintenance and require a LOT of attention and constant training to keep them stimulated, they are very intelligent.

Have you considered a lab or retriever?

BusyMom5x · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 09:21 AM

We have a 6yo German Shepard, Rebel. Can you say SPOILED????

The only time we have a problem with shedding is in the summertime.

~Samantha~

HOMEWriter · #4 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 10:16 AM

I don't know if I'd consider a mid to large dog again. There's already too many creatures breathing in this house!

When I was about 5yo we got a dog that was half maltese and half poodle. He looked like a LA or a BF. Once a year my mom would trim his hair - just before she did, he looked like a mop! He was the cutest thing!

I won't be getting one for a couple years yet, so I have plenty of time to decide.

Keep those ideas coming!

My neighbors used to have a GS. First there was Streak, then Rebel. Now they have a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Pretty dog!

Kelly H.

**Crafty Amanda** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 07:44 PM

Since we are gloating about GSD's

I thought I would share Angel's baby picture. This was when she was 6 weeks old. She is now 13 weeks

otheila · #6 (**permalink**) 01-11-2002, 09:54 PM

I have a beagle x basset hound. Very funny looking, beagle head & legs and a basset's body but wouldn't change him for anything.
If you are looking for a dog to have around kids with not too much maintence try looking into a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver. Very nice dogs

kimmyo · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 06:21 PM

I have a Black Lab named Sheba and tiny Pomeranian named Mallory. The lab is great with children and very smart. The pom is very high maintenance. I work for a vet though so I get great discounts on vet services, vacs, meds and foods. Recently I received a years supply of Heartworm prevention for both of my dogs for FREE!:D Can't beat that with a stick!!

**Crafty Amanda** · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 06:37 PM

That's definitely a good deal! Working for a vet must be a fun job

I've heard that labs are just wonderful family pets. Chocolate labs are so beautiful, and they don't get huge like some of the big dogs do.

Gary · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2002, 07:53 PM

I have a ten month old German Shepard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this breed. They are very good with children, very smart and easy to train. The only thing is, they do shed a lot. I have never let that bother me. I had my first German Shepard in 1974, and have had no other breed since. As far as I am concerned, they are the only breed that covers all bases.

**Crafty Amanda** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2002, 08:37 PM

I agree Gary, my GSD is marvelous. She is only three months old and is an absolute lovey doll. The kids are crazy about her and she is crazy about them.