Dogs with young children

[lisa1979]

Hi

I would love to get a dog, however I have a 18 month old daughter. I'm just wondering what you would recommend as a good age to intoduce a dog to the house. I would be looking at a small dog like a westie.

Thanks
Lisa

[kathyhinsh]

IMO if u'r getting a v youmg dog, or puppy, there should be no prob wot dog u get as u'll be bringing it up with her.....my big bro was a black labrador, & my dd had a lurcher 4 her big bro

[lisa1980]

i have a collie cross so a mediun dog and i introduced her too dd when sje was 2 she loved her and they get on so well so a little dog should be no problem she will love it

[madmum]

We`ve had Defor since a pup, my youngest was only 4 months old, he was fine. If you decide not to get a puppy, I would suggest that you go to the RSPCA rather than local papers as they will not let a dog go to a family with young kids unless they`re sure of the background.

[Ravenfire]

Personally I would say with a child as young as yours you really do need a puppy and you need to see the home it comes from. I went around the RSPCA and the puppies there are usually older than the ones you would get from a litter and also normally mixed pedigree and you have no idea of their background. We researched this throughly when looking as our DD was 3 and we went for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as they were recommended to us as one of the best dogs to have nature wise, particularly with young children

[caroline01031961]

I agree with Ravenfire you really do need a puppy, at least the puppy could grow with your family.

We have a springer spaniel this time we have had him 5 years his name is tobbie and is very friendly with children and adults, i would say that spaniels are good dogs for the family.

Before tobbie we had bruce and he was an english spaniel had him also from a puppy and lived till he was 16 years old.

so good luck with finding a dog for your family

caroline

[mariesmummy]

I agree a puppy would be best, but not so sure that a small dog would be the greatest idea - some small dogs are excellent , my grandfather had a jack russell who loved being dressd up and put in a pram by my sis- but in general medium to larger dogs are more obedient by nature, and less likely to attack .

My family's dogs ahev been attacked 4 imes, all by little dogs. fortunately my very large weimaraner thinks that they are playing :laugh:

[Azzi]

We had two westies when my eldest was born, and they both baby sat him would sit around the basket and every single time he made the slightest noise would come and nudge me or my mum to see to him. having a dog from a puppy is the best idea but never leave them alone together, 18mths is a bit of a funny age and she may pull ears and tails making the dog snap at her

Westies are generally good natured dogs but beware of overbred ones they can be snappy , look for one with a shorter back and make sure the dealer is a good one

[katiesmum]

I agree a puppy is best. We have 2 dogs. Jesse is a Springer Spaniel X Staffie and is a year old. Katie was nearly 18 months when we got her and they are so good together. We now have a new puppy, a 14 week old Staffie called maisie who is a nutter but all the kids are great with her :D

[lisa1979]

Thanks for all your replies!