Advice on Family Dog? (1 Viewer)

[FUBAR]

My wife is on a goldendoodle kick right now since someone she works with just got one. We're trying to wrap our heads around a second dog though, with 3 little kids running around. 

Only 3?  Amateur.  

(We're working on #5 plus one dog - I want another dog too)

 

[xulf]

I have a wife, a cat, 2 dogs, and 2 kids...all female.  I hate myself.

 

[mr roboto]

Thanks everyone. 

Mid we got a dog that wasn't super high energy and built a dog run instead of a fully fenced in yard would that be ok?  Keep in mind we have 2 kids that would go outside and play with it, we take regular family walks and we are both in and around the house all day. 

I've owned 2 dogs (springer and lab) who would both go outside to potty and come right back to the back door to be let back in. 

 

[Chadstroma]

Thanks everyone. 

Mid we got a dog that wasn't super high energy and built a dog run instead of a fully fenced in yard would that be ok?  Keep in mind we have 2 kids that would go outside and play with it, we take regular family walks and we are both in and around the house all day. 

I've owned 2 dogs (springer and lab) who would both go outside to potty and come right back to the back door to be let back in. 

Exercise requirements depends on the type of dog. A working dog like a Border Collie needs TONS of exercise. A bulldog- not so much. But as long as you are giving the dog the exercise it needs a fenced yard or dog run doesn't matter.

 

[FUBAR]

Exercise requirements depends on the type of dog. A working dog like a Border Collie needs TONS of exercise. A bulldog- not so much. But as long as you are giving the dog the exercise it needs a fenced yard or dog run doesn't matter.

 

the fenced in yard is mostly a convenience asset for most breeds. 

 

[Chadstroma]

 

the fenced in yard is mostly a convenience asset for most breeds. 

Agreed. We have a fenced in yard and a dog run. For bathroom breaks I let him in the dog run so as to keep his business mostly there but I occasionally will let him out in the backyard to frolic around (he LOVES the snow) at times for him to get some running in.

 

[Keith R]

Not easy to find but the Norwegian Elkhound is a great dog.  Great with kids, adults, playful with other dogs.  Big enough to stay outside when needed and small enough to be an indoor dog.  Shedding is the downside but no worse than most breeds.  Usually in the 50 lb range (my girl is 60 lbs but she's mized with blue heeler, German Shepherd and Husky).

 

[Keerock]

We have a Wire Fox Terrier.  Dude is a beast.  Sounds size wise like what you're looking for and very low shedding, but be prepared for some high energy times (which can be good for playing/walking/running with kids).  Very intelligent, but can be pushy when he wants something.  Highly recommend for the right type of home/family.

 

[mr roboto]

We are adopting a dog this weekend. We had a yellow lab for 7 years (also adopted her) who we had to put down in 2014. My kids are super excited. She's some kind of lab/springer mix. 

Shes named Jackie but actually responds to Cocoa better. 

http://www.tailsrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=9336580#prettyPhoto

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Beagles really are little Houdinis.

 

[sbonomo]

Boxer FTW.

I will second this - boxers are great with kids and families.  They love attention and to be a part of the family.  Drawbacks are they have a ton of energy and are not the sharpest tool in the shed.  Check out this website (boxerluv.org) to get a feel of the different sized.  The males can be very large.  I have a female that, when in shape, is around 45 lbs.  Super sweet dog.

 

[jb1020]

I have a wife on a second dog kick now and shes dragged me into it.  We have a rescue mutt that's pretty awesome.  Shes 12-13 now...no one really knows.  Had to put down an English Bulldog nearly a year ago.  He lived to be about 12. 

Have kids 6 and 4 right now that just love animals.  I'd like to get them a puppy sometime soon. 

We keep going back to goldendoodles or labradoodles.  Do those things really not shed much?  Thats my biggest hang up.  Sounds like they are good with kids too. 

I don't want anything thats is super hyper like a Collie, but after having an english bulldog I wouldn't mind something that had a little spunk to it. 

 

[johnnycakes]

We have an Olde English Bulldogge...  very good dog that can take rough handling from younger kids.  Shedding is minimal.  Barking is minimal.  They neither need nor want a whole lot of exercise.  Ours knows where the property line is and stays on the property without the electric fence. 

 

[Wooderson]

We love our Jack Russell but never will have another Jack. Great temperament but they are enigizer bunnies

We have two JRT's feel the same way. Great dogs tough enough to do anything you want. But damn they never stop!!!