What Kind

[Doglover_151]

What is the best OUTSIDE dog? One that will get along with a cat (sometimes) and children! Also do muts get along with children?

[jakesbride110]

If you get a puppy to raise with your family it should do just fine with kids or a cat. Make sure and teach it though starting immediatly that the cat is not a chew toy, most pups willl want to play with the cat. The cat might not like the dog at first but give them time. I've seen cats take up to two months to get used to having a dog around, and likewise with the dog learning how not to be rough with the cat. Dogs have been around a very long time and their ancestors lived outside. If you have any type of winter even a short winter make sure it has adequate shelter. A dog with real short fur probably wouldn't be best if you have long winters. I would get puppy though unless you know the dogs history because it might not like cats or children. Do your research. Alot of breeds are stereotyped like the boxer or doberman. I've never met an agressive boxer or doberman personaly, infact i've seen dobe's good with toddlers and I've owned 2 boxers who loved kids and didn't mind cats. It depends on your preference of breed and how you raise and train the animal. If you do get an outside dog though make sure you can devote plenty of time to it. And make sure it is either fenced or trained with a shock collar so it can't get hit by a car or wander off on an adventure. I am 100% against chaining a dog up though. I don't see the problem with having an outside dog as long as it's kept safe, healthy, and has a good sturdy dog house to keep warm and dry. I haven't had an outdoor dog in a long time, but when I was a kid I spent 90% of my time outside so my dogs always where well taken care of and played with. After thinking serously about getting an outdoor dog try www.dogbreedinfo.com. It even has a test that will help you choose the right breed. I'm at the moment looking for a husky and that is where I did my research. Pick a breed that fits with your lifestyle. Hope all goes well in finding your forever friend.

[LL7970]

No dog should be an outside dog

[April2]

It really depends on the breed. I wouldn't get a cattle type dog because they'd want to be "rounding up" the cat and kids all the time! Golden Retrievers and Labradors are good family dogs who can probably do fine outdoors but if you live in a very cold climate you probably wouldn't want to leave any dog outside too long. I had a friend who had huskies and cats and they all got along. The huskies also had a thick enough coat to stay outside a lot. She also had kids and they all got along. But she got them as puppies and I think that makes a difference too. When you get them as a puppy you can train them and get them used to the kids and cat. Sometimes an older dog will have issues or behavior problems.
You might want to read up on the different breeds and educate yourself on the different  types before you get one. Muts can make wonderful pets and often times don't have as many health issues as purebred dogs, but again it depends on the different breeds it may have. I know some people would disagree with me but I wouldn't get a pit bull or rottweiler (I know I probably spelled that wrong!)
The best way to check on temperment is to see how the parents are. You can do that when you go to a breeder to pick out a puppy. See what kind of temperment that mother dog has and preferably the father dog too. This will really help determine how the puppy will probably be.
Like I said, if you get the dog as a puppy you can get it used to cats and kids from the start. It's easier that way. I grew up with toy poodles and cats and they all got along. I have a maltese mix and two cats and my dog gets along with other dogs and cats real well, however isn't real good with small children (pulling on his ears, hugging too tight, etc.) I have to really watch him around small children. He has snapped and growled but not bitten. That's why sometimes the larger dogs do better with small children. The children can be rougher with them and can take it better than a small dog who can get hurt easier.
I wish you well in your hunt for a new dog! Best wishes!