Can you give suggestions for a family dog?

[jnjw2001]

Hello again. Another quick question. The kind of dog we are looking for is a medium to large, not a big shedder, not a drooler, or much of one. Needs to be family friendly and not overly hyper. Can you please give me any suggestions on a breed. Mixed or not is fine. Thank you so much :)

[dogmom192]

Lab or Lab mix are excellent family dogs, but are quite energetic and need exercised.  Not a problem if you live on acreage. If you have time to socialize the pup, exercise the dog, and don't mind picking up dog piles,  (things kids don't think of when choosing a dog) then you can't go wrong with a lab or lab mix, (fun, energetic) even in the suburbs.   Just really think about your lifestyle- are you committed to walking several times a day, every day...is there someone who will clean up the piles...do you have room in your car for a big dog with the kids, or will you have to board the big dog every time you take a long weekend?  You want your dog to be part of your family, (to take on vacations, on errands, etc...) so, just make sure the size dog fits in with your schedule/lifestyle. Too many dogs end up in shelters because folks don't consider the commitment- often dogs are part of your family for 12-14.5 years.  (don't get a Bassett Hound, for example, if you live in the city-  your neighbors won't put up with the houl)

[Lucey12]

I find Labs are the best pet and friend. They are also very easily trained. My old lab could open and close the door and knew her right from her left paw. She was mixed with a spaniel. My new puppy is just over 2 months and knew nothing when we got him 2-3 weeks ago, not even come. He knows stay, come, sit, laydown and no longer goes potty in the house, and doesnt chew anything other than his toys when were not home....anymore. He is a lab collie and mystery breed. Labs are good, or crossed with anything like cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, collie, etc.

[ginger899]

Take a look at this site:  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

It provides a lot of information generally about dogs and dog breeds, which dogs are good with children, good with other dogs, etc. The information seems well-researched.

[dogmom192]

Probably smaller than what you're thinking about, but Boston Terrier's are excellent family dogs.  Big enough for kids to play with, and energetic enough as well, but not hyper.  Also not aggressive or a worry with neighbor kids. They do well with a good yard for exercise, as well, (get a doggy door put in so dog can go in and out on his own) so not so much of a time commitment as with larger dogs that have to be walked.  Also easy to take in the car, on a trip, etc.. because don't take up as much car space as larger dogs.  An excellent choice for a busy family.

[dogmom192]

My neighbor has a lovely female Doberman.  Very sweet, and plays well with my Cheasapeake, Great Pyrenees, and with her chiwauwa, and good around horses.  Definitely no hair problem.  You'd definitely want to spend a lot of time with any dog you get as a puppy because its very very important to socialize them- any dog who is not properly socialized as a pup will be a problem.  My neighbor got her Doberman at age 2- from a military family moving overseas, so the dog was already properly trained/socialized.  If you work a lot, you might consider getting a 2 year old rather than a pup.

[April2]

Wow, Ghilly, I never knew that about collies! I've always heard that Golden Retrievers or Labradors make excellent family pets. They're gentle, loyal, playful and loving. However, they can be a bit hyper for probably at least the first 2 years until they reach maturity and calm down a bit. They do need a lot of exercise so that they don't get bored or distructive but then I think most breeds need that, don't they? They do shed, too, so they'd need a lot of grooming.
What about a Greyhound? I heard they make good pets and I know a lot of them are let go or even put down once they're past the age of being able to race. I think it's awful. They have that here and have a rescue group just for Greyhounds. I heard they're real sweet dogs.

I'd just keep looking around and learning about the different breeds. I'm sure there's one out there that will be perfect for you and your family! Good luck! :)