type of dog

[herreray85]

Hi, my husband and I would like to get a dog for our daughter. She is 4 years old and needs a friend to play. These are the choices. Boxer, Mastiff, Cocker Spaniel. We were also thinking about the labrador but it sheds. I heard that Boxers also shed. We are confused, we have been researching for about 4-months and are still undecided. Everybody we ask, have a different opinion and we are not sure what kind of dog to get now. I really like the boxer but if it sheds a lot I do not think I am ready for that. Any suggestions ?? Please help ! Thank you :)

[tonyb286]

I know this post is a little old (back to November) but it may be that you are thinking of having a new dog by Christmas, and I couldn't help myself making a comment. You have said that you wouldn't want a dog that sheds ... " if it sheds a lot I do not think I am ready for that". This simple statement means you are actually not ready for a dog at all, so please resist getting one.

A dog is not a child's plaything. It is a vulnerable member of the family that needs lots of love, attention, care and money for vets, medicines, food, etc.You do not choose a dog because of its coat ... size and temperament, maybe, but if you are going to be put off by a dog that sheds hair, there isn't a dog that is really suitable for you, just yet.

I would also just like to add that if you do eventually get a dog, please get a rescue dog - not one from a breeder. There are already far too many puppies being born, and far too many end up in rescue shelters once the novelty has worn off.

Tony

[Woodworth1963]

I myself would say a Labrador, Hands down!!! They are absolutely wonderful loving dogs with great personalities and are great with children! As far as shedding goes, I have a Chocolate Lab, he is 5 and the shedding is not bad at all! I brush him at least once a week because he loves it and because its really relaxing for him and I! Even if I didn't brush him once a week the shedding isn't bad at all! I have an 18 month old granddaughter and she just LOVES him! He loves her too! He lays on the floor and she crawl all over him or lays with her head on his neck or belly! Its adorable! Finnegan, as well as Labs in general are a great bread!!! Just my honest opinion! ;)

[Margot49]

Do you think your 4-year okd is going to interact with a puppy that much?  Are you ready for a puppy and the added work and responsibility?  You will have to kid proof your house with a puppy.  It might be wise to wait a little longer to bring a puppy into your home. Are you ready for the Vet bills owning a dog can bring?  Just a lot to consider other then getting her a puppy.  Have you maybe considered a bunny (which can be house trained)?
Aside from that, Christmas is not a good time to get a puppy unless you have a quiet Christmad, can protect your tree (digs can get sick or worse from broken or chewed ornament).  Not trying to be the voice of doom here, but things to think about.
Most dogs shed.  You are mentioning anything from very large to small dogs.  Large dogs, their beds, etc take up a lot of room which isn't a problem if you have the room.  No matter the size of the dog, they are going to be puppies and be rambunctious, meaning they could easily be too big and too rough for a 4 year old.  I definitely would not get a Boxer.  ACicker might not be bad if you can find a well bred one.  Many can have snappy temperaments.  You might consider a Poodle or Lab but I would shy away from the Toy breeds unless your daughter is taught no to carry them around, etc.
I suggest you go to AKC.org, the American Kennel Club site and research all the breeds and write down a few you may be interested in.  Then look up the National Breed Club for that breed and read some more.  If you get a pure bred dog, you want to only buy from a reputable breeder who should give some health guarantee.  
Of course, there are many dogs in Shelters and Rescue organizations that need homes.  Almost every breed has Rescue groups and the dogs should have been Vet and temperament tested.
If you have any questions, please come back and ask away.
I am only trying to educate you on making a good decision for your family.

[blondee028]

I wish I had a video of it too.  I could have sent it into americas most funniest videos and maybe won some money.

[Melanieparker]

I suggest you get her a poodle instead of a boxer. Poodle is a perfect companion for kids. Plus, poodles are not heavy shedder, they do shed but it instead of fur coming off it becomes tangled in the surrounding hair.Proper care is recommended to avoid matting.

[lindapalm]

blondee028, I know you didn't think it was funny when it happened, but I would have loved to have a video of your dog taking each ornament outside, one by one, through the doggie door. Its easy to laugh when its not your dog, but I can't stop picturing your dog doing that, it had to be something else.  Sorry for laughing.

[blondee028]

If you never had a dog before I would not recommend a boxer,  they can drive you crazy and they can be very destructive .  I have a two year old boxer ( I got as a 8 week old puppy) she has destroyed our house and I keep saying it will get better. I put up my christmas tree good friday.   Well that night when I went to bed I woke up in the morning and every ornament on the tree was outside in the yard.  She took them out one by one thru the doggie door.  Two days later we went out for 5 hours when we got home the tree was on the floor and everything was destroyed. She got all the decorations, stuffed santa's etc and pulled all the stuffing out. Now she's locked in the crate when I go out...Think twice before boxer.  I also have a cocker who is great if you don't mind happy pee. Yeah they grow out of it about 5 years old.

[Jerry_NJ]

Most dogs shed, Poodles are one exception as are cross/designer breeds with them:  Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, and on and on.  

A good HEPA vacuum can handle pet hair and dander which can cause allergic reactions.  Anyone have an allergy problem?  If yes, a dog may on be the best path forward.

A child 4 may have a lot of trouble with a puppy, you may want to consider adoption of a "Rescue" adult dog that has a demonstrated friendly personality.   Golden Retrievers are always very friendly and gentle in my experience, including when crossed with a poodle - but they can be large, over 70 pounds.  But you said you have considered a Mastiff - that is big in my experience.

I'd think a young child would be happier with a "smallish" dog, say under 30 pounds, perhaps a Cocker would work, but again adopting an adult may work best.

If you have never owned a dog it may be best to talk with dog owners you know and perhaps take a dog in from a Rescue organization as a "foster" dog.. these can usually be adopted but are by agreement "returnable".