We got a miniature pinscher in November and he was so cute. Well last night he bit ds, and dh said that was it, we couldn't have a dog biting ds, so luckily we found a good home for him and got all but 10.00 for what we gave for him. I was really attached to him though.. But better to be safe than sorry!! He went to a good home and we are looking for more of a laid back dog. Anyone have any suggestions, we have thought about a Pug or Basset Hound. I can't have a long haired dog in the house because of allergies.. We are going to miss Herbie!! But maybe we can find one that gets along better with ds!!

By Cat on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:54 pm:

I'm so sorry your little four-legged friend had to go. We had a mini-pin when I was in HS. She bit all of us at least once until she got used to us. Then she bit all my friends or anyone else that came to the house (sometimes that wasn't a bad thing! lol). I was told once that they were all the attitude of a full size pinscher at a fraction of the size. I also read they were bred as watch dogs in Europe where most people lived in apartments and couldn't have a big dog because of lack of space. Don't know how much of that is true or not, but from the few I've know, they've had attitudes. I can't give you a reccomendation for a good family dog, but I'd just suggest you research different breeds. I'm sure lots of people here will have reccomendations from what they have. Good luck and Hugs.

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 10:03 pm:

That's too bad. I really feel for you and your family. It doesn't take long at all to get attached to one of our little fur friends!

Well, my best recommendation would be a cocker spaniel, but in order to keep allergies at bay, you would have to make a trip to the groomer's every few months or buy yourself a set of clippers.

But I couldn't name a better dog to have with kids. They are definitely one of a kind. Very laid back, sweet natured, and they are very loyal dogs. It is said that you should not have a cocker spaniel as an outside watch dog because they are very friendly dogs, and someone could work with the dog for a few days, and they would consider that person a friend... Wonderful companion dogs.

I have wanted a cocker all my life. We had a minature doxy for several years and he was not the best for the kids. He was a sweetie, but he was not playful with them, and was more competitive for my attention than a friend to them. So when he died, I insisted upon getting a cocker. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old and she is now 8 months old and we feel like we have had her for a lifetime. She is training very well, and has such a sweet natured personality. She loves to be cuddled and the kids (4 and 7) play and romp with her all the time. Our biggest problem with her is she likes to chew, but so many puppies do. She does well as long as she has her chewie.

These are a small-medium size, long haired breed, but if you shave them, they are just as cute, and their hair is smooth as silk and they don't shed badly.

Well, I could go on and on and on about these dogs, but I'll hush up now! But just wanted to say this is one breed that is great with children and you can fall in love with immediately.

Good luck and I really am sorry about your other pup!

By Shellyg on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 11:33 pm:

Number one most reported human bites according to the S.P.C.A. is the Cocker Spaniel.

By Tyaustinsma on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 11:41 pm:

I have to agree, from experience I have had being a vet tech and also a animal shelter worker,cockers, Not so good to have with kids. Beagles are a good choice for family, also labs, golden ret. As far as a small dog, I have a pom and she is wonderful with my dk's but it is really all in how they are breed and she came from a bloodline of very gentle loving dogs. Good luck it's very hard to have to get rid of a dog but better off for your kids safety

By Jennln on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 02:04 am:

We have a beagle and he is a doll! He's only 5 months old right now so we are still battling a lot of the "puppy" behaviors. In comparison to our other dog, I would say that he is a little more hyper (could still be the "puppy" in him though) and was a little more stubborn when it came to housebreaking. He is awesome with the kids too (8, 4, 3, 1) One thing I would say though is that although he has shorter hair, he is a heavy shedder - just something to think about because of the allergies ;)

By Mrsclark on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 08:07 am:

My opinion, most dogs, including cockers, are sweet natured unless something triggers them. They all sense "danger" and fear or aggression and react differently. Some kids try to play but pull hair or get too rough and scare the dog with the excitement. (Not saying your child did this at all.) While there are breeds that are naturally better around kids, I have found it is generally the child that has to be taught. As for pinchers, (sp) just the names makes me think they may be little nippers! LOL I also would not have a pitbull or rotwiller (sp) around children. Several dogs I would not advise for kids, they were bred for other reasons. I feel for those dogs, too! JMHO Mine is a spaniel/bischon frise (can't recall the spelling) and he is absolutely the most loving thing you'd ever want to meet. I get in his face and mess with him all the time. He plays back sometimes (not mean) but usually just lays there like, okay, here she goes again, get it over with. HA HA HA Such a silly dog! Very sweet to others always, just loving. So they are out there...just have to research I guess.

By Kaye on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 08:39 am:

WE just recently got a dog. We did a lot of research into which dogs are good with kids etc. Pretty much your smaller dogs tend to not tolerate kids as well, I mean think about how big children are to them and can be so in their face. We ended up with a golden, love her dearly but all dogs bite, part of the puppy phase.

By Newbabysarah on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 09:01 am:

Mrsclark, if you have never had a pitbull then I suggest you not speak of their nature. I am sick and tired of people ready to bash pitbulls because of the news. I have a pitbull and I have NEVER seen a sweeter dog than mine. Pitbulls are the BEST for children. Prime example: I have two ferrets, one of which has napolean complex and the ferret attacked the pitbull! The ferret was biting my dog on the face and my dog just sat there and did nothing but whimper and cry. We are talking about a 1 pound ferret against a 40 pound pitbull. So, please don't get on that "Pitbulls are savage animals" kick cuz it just ain't true. If you don't know already then common sense should tell you that no matter what dog you have, if it is abused and mistreated it will have ill consequences. The only problem with pitbulls reputation is that they are so muscular and strong and when they are badly abused, it is easier for them to hurt someone than a weaker breed. Please lets not bash pitbulls here. I have met several Pomeranian dogs and let me tell you, if they were bigger dogs, I'd be so afraid of them.

By Bellajoe on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 09:48 am:

i don't know if anyone else suggested this. I didn't read the above posts but, Labradors are great with kids. My brother has a black lab and he is great with my kids. So are Golden Retreivers...but you said you don't want long haired dogs...i don't blame you.

Good luck..i'm sorry you had to say goodbye to Herbie. But i agree it was the right thing to do.

By Tyaustinsma on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 09:50 am:

everyone has there favorite breed and experience with dogs, and it really is a matter of what you feel comfortable with, do research, and go visit a pet store and spend time with the animal your interested in and then factor in the history and to make an informed decision. My Pomeranian is by far the sweetest most playful loving dog for my dk's I have ever been around, her entire bloodline has been that way, she deals with alot from my 2 yr old and has never shown any nasty side. As for the pitbull fight newbabysarah, it will never end, like I said I worked as a vet tech and also at a animal shelter and for years pitbulls have been "put down" simply because too many people fear them, Although I found most of them to be extremly smart loving dogs, they are not a dog to have around small children , simply because ANY BREED can turn on there ownwers at any given time and when you factor in the strength and ability of a pit to be able unlike most dogs to kill your child in just a few seconds it is not worth the risk to most people, and it is not the dogs fault, it goes by instinct. Parents are just better off going with a dog that has shown to be good with kids, that is alittle calmer, checking into the backround of the breeders dogs and remembering that when getting a puppy, it will chew it will nip in a playful way, and if you have a small child you might want to consider a little older dog with experience being around children. And believe me I am not bashing any breed my dh and I did animal rescue for the first 8yrs we were married and had anywhere from 5-15 dogs in our home so they would not be killed including, pits and rots

By Newbabysarah on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 10:00 am:

It's just that I hate when people are so quick to say "no don't have a pitbull" because pitbulls are one of the most sweet natured dogs around. Everyone who comes to my house is always so surprised with my dog because she is so affectionate and gentle. I guess other people don't know how to treat pitbulls in order to get the results that I have achieved with mine. Furthermore, my dd has pulled on my dogs ears on numerous occasions and my dog has NEVER even thought of hurting her. I see it with my own eyes. She just cries like a wimp. Oh well.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 10:47 am:

Sarah, my vet tech son would agree with you that pit bulls have a bad rap. However, I would not have them around young children. We had 4 dobies (doberman pinchers) and they were absolute sweethearts, but I would not have a dobie with young children, nor a rotweiler. They all have very protective instincts and that instinct can be a hazard when children are playing. Cockers are lovely dogs but their ears are sensitive, and yes, the largest number of reported bites are from spaniels (cockers and others).

Retrievers, golden or chocolate, are absolutely great around kids (though they are often rather silly, and some will eat anything in sight even if it is not edible). Labs are also great, as are beagles.

In general, I prefer to stay away from small dogs around children as they are more easily hurt and might snap when injured - a natural instinct and I don't fault the dog, but even the best of kids are not as careful as adults and little dogs get hurt more easily.

By Shellyg on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 10:47 am:

Mrs. Clark, if you researched breeds then you would know that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are EXCELLENT with Children, I grew up with both, and so did my children. I can't tell you how many people come to me wanting to give up their "little dog" ie, Cockers, pinchers, shitzu's, Lhasa, Bichons, because they are biters or have marking problems due to them dominating the household. Never once have I had a Rottie or Pit that was human aggressive. I am really tired of people putting down these breeds due to what they "hear". Right on NewbabySarah for having a Pit!
As for small breeds that are good with children, Beagles are usally good as in Jennln's experience, and so are Poodles.
Instead of a Petstore why not try a local shelter or rescue group. www.petfinder.org is a good one to find a rescue group in your area.
BTW, in my profile is a picture of my Pit who passed away last year at the age of 15. He was a dog that was tested products on and horribly abused. He was the best dog that I have ever had or will have. He welcomed each of my kids home as babies and would come and get me if they were crying. Amazing dog!

By Kittycat_26 on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:03 am:

Sorry but I have to say that whether it is a rap or not, I doubt that I would ever fully trust most larger breeds. Simply because they are so large.

I've always thought about it this way. If my small dog bit or attacked Timmy, I could easily simply grab, kick, hit or in some way remove the dog from the child. In a friendlier scenerio, I could simply lift Timmy away from the dog. At best, a small dog could jump to my shoulder and at that I'm talking they would be quite a jumper. A larger dog would be much more difficult to do this with.

It's all in opinions and which dog you know from their breed. I have known rotties and pitbulls that are just wonderful with kids. I've also known dobermans that scared me to death. I know of a pomeranian that used to have to be taken out of the room when we would come to visit. It's not always the size of the dog but a smaller dog is easier to control if something did happen.

By Mrsclark on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:23 am:

Sorry you don't agree. I have worked in law many years and pit bulls and rotwilers may be good dogs for some, but for the most part, they can be vicious more than others. This is a fact. I am glad you have a good one. My comment was not personal and I do NOT appreciate the way it was attacked. I am leaving the board. I've had enough of some people not allowing others opinions.

By Shellyg on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:29 am:

Mrs Clark, please do not take it as a personal attack. Just trying to make a point. Everyone is allowed their opinion, and I take it personal that you think Pits and Rotts are vicious, but I don't think you are attacking me and I would not leave the board because of it.

By Marg on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:50 am:

You all have posted well, but can I put my $.02?

We have had many breeds and mixes over my living years.

A hound dog bit me when I was 5 and I was feeding him. You did the right thing. By showing your child you are protecting them and not the dog. I love dogs but I was bit on the cheek when feeding the dog, he tore a huge hund of skin from my face. I didn't want to get rid of the dog, but my parents said they had to, if they would have kept the dog, I would have been scared to death of dogs.

Over the years, we have gotten dogs from humane societies where you really don't know what their temperament is going to be, they can only warn you. I was raised with cocker spaniels, so we got one. It seemed to love our daughters. One afternoon our then 4 yo walked by this dog laying on the floor, he jumped up and bit her. I took him to the vets and they said coming from a humane society you do not know where they have been or put through. Animals also get a complex with being shifted from home to home. They get scared and defensive (vet said this). I thought about it and I would be the same way. He suggested we put the dog to sleep. This vet worked directly with the humane society and they agreed. Very sad day.

I love all animals. All animals have differently personalities just like humans. I don't believe any perticular breed is down right nasty, I believe it is each animal and sometimes their environment.

Kasey, I hope you can find a loving, small, nonfurry dog. I know it was tough, but you did the right thing.

By Newbabysarah on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:11 pm:

Mrsclark, I think that all opinions should be welcome, however, if you make a statement that is offensive then you should expect someone to feel hurt. I felt attacked when you made your comment about pitbulls because I am constantly trying to defend mine. It's no different than racial profiling because you are basing your comment to what you have experienced. My mom was mugged by a black guy but I don't go around saying that black people are dangerous. To me it felt like you were bashing my kid because that's how I feel about my dog and I may have been harsh but I would defend my dd the same way if not with more passion. I hope you don't leave the board on account of this thread.

For the record, I was there when my dog was born and she has been with me every day since she was born. She has never been moved around and she probably thinks she is human herself. ALL animals have instincts but when it comes down to it, you get out of an animal what you give to that animal. I love all dogs but my pitbull is by far the sweetest one I have ever met, and I am not being biased, everyone that meets my dog thinks so too.

Thank you shelly for backing me up!

By Melanie on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:11 pm:

Since allergies are an issue, let me tell you about the sweetest dog I've ever seen. It is a Havanese dog. They have long hair and most people with allergies and asthma have no problem around these dogs. Dh still reacted to them, though. The first time I saw this dog I absolutely fell in love. They have the most sparkley, happy eyes. They love to run around and play but will also calm down and snuggle up. They don't yip like other small dogs. They are known to be great with kids. I was so heartbroken when dh's asthma kicked in when we were with this dog because this breed absolutely stole my heart. You can do a search for them and I even found several wonderful message boards about them.

I am sorry you had to say good-bye to your friend.

By Boxzgrl on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:14 pm:

I would say Labs are great, even Rat Terriers are friendly there are a ton of breeds, you just have to do research.

I agree Tracie. I worked at a vet and some of the sweetest patients were pit bulls. They only turn out to be bad if they are bred to fight. Or if they are abused etc....
I'd love a Pit Bull or Rotti or German Shepherd but they are banned on military bases (I hate the banned list, I think if an animal is trained and has certification they are fine).

Believe it or not our worst patient at the vet was an Old English Mastiff. They are huge but known to be "gentle giants". Let me tell you, this one was not. He ended up being put to sleep for biting a few of the neighbor kids and then attacking the owner.

When you go to look for a breed make sure to take DS to see how they get along. I would even test the dog out y pulling on ears, tail etc.. a little to see how he reacts. Good Luck!!

By Shellyg on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Speaking of Pits, about two years ago 21 dogs were thrown into a flood runoff in Compton. we rescued the five that were alive, one had a broken back (now in a wheelchair, lives on the beach). All were Pit and or Mixes. My friend (a doctor) who is one of my volunteers,fostered a male, mangey, beat up Pit George. George also had to have heart surgery shortly after being rescued. Anyhow, check out his website www.pitbullgeorge.com See him posed with some of his favorite fosters! George is an amazingly sweet dog, after all that happened to him he does not hold a grudge!

By Newbabysarah on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 03:32 pm:

Shelly, I have a web page with my dogs on it. If you want to check it out it is: http://www.agileauto.com/web/

If you have dial up internet it will take a few minutes to load completely because of the pictures.

By Kaye on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 05:55 pm:

I'd like to come to mrsclarks defense here. I did not take what she said as a personal attack to anyone. Let's reread this.."While there are breeds that are naturally better around kids, I have found it is generally the child that has to be taught. As for pinchers, (sp) just the names makes me think they may be little nippers! LOL I also would not have a pitbull or rotwiller (sp) around children." This is her opinion, so she..notice where she said "I WOULD not have". she didn't attack the dogs, just her opinion. Where as with newbabysarah's post "Mrsclark, if you have never had a pitbull then I suggest you not speak of their nature.". I am sorry that was a personal attack. We all have the right to our opinion and it will be different from others. kaysey posted on the board to get opinions and thoughts of others. whether they are wrong or not she asked for them. Probably shouldn't post this. But I think it is really sad that someone isn't allowed to think ill of a breed of dogs without getting jumped on. Who knows what her reasons are, I am sure she has them. Her intentions just seem very clear to me, to give her opinion on what dogs she would or wouldn't have. As for the pitt lovers, I took your posts offensively. I might not have if you had just posted, hey I think pitts get a bad rapp, I have one and love it, from my experience...yadda yadda. This isn't about who is right or wrong, this is about being respectful of others opinions even if they are different than your own.

By Newbabysarah on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 06:22 pm:

But Kaye, what if I were to post my opinion for example only "I would not have my child around blacks or mexicans because my child might get hurt." Yeah that may be my opinion but I wouldn't say that on a post. (not that it is my opinion, just making a point) She may not have meant it offensively but I took it personally. I don't think my comment "if you have never had a pitbull then I suggest you not speak of their nature" was out of line. Oh well. The whole pitbull thing is a problem which is exactly why I wish people wouldn't even go there with it. This is exactly why I am so defensive of the breed. I'm not going to post on this thread anymore.

By Kathym on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 07:00 pm:

Good grief people we are talking about DOGS!!!!

By Kaseys on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

I am sorry, I did not mean to start a debate. I was just upset that we had to let our new puppy go and ds was upset as well. But on a better note, we went today and ended up getting a Basset Hound, she is 11 wks old, her color is lemon and white. She is a SWEETHEART!! I wish I could post a pic of her.. She hasn't left ds side since we have had her.. Thanks for all of the great info. Maybe this thread will die down..

By Jackie on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 07:21 am:

Kasey
Im so sorry you had to go through that with a dog biting your son. You did the right thing, that is something I would never tolerate. I know this post started sounding like a debate I was trying to keep out of it. Iam a big dog lover myself, hence, is thats my job I watch other peoples dogs in my house, as well as have 2 dogs myself. I think all dogs could bite a child if the dogs and kids are not trained in how to act with each other.
I think your new Basset Hound is going to be wonderful. PLus getting her as a Puppy you can train her anyway you want to .
I have a Black lab mix(71 pounds)and a Golden Retriever mix(62 pounds)and they have never shown one minute of aggressive behavior with my children and I love them both dearly.
Ive watched Pitbull mixes at my house, and I must admit they have been very sweet. Although, I think the 2 customers we watch (Pitbull mixes)are very sweet dogs and very gentle with my children, I personally wouldnt own one. I dont think they are all killer dogs, I just prefer a larger breed dog.
What did you end up naming your new puppy?

By Colette on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 08:08 am:

The basset hound sounds cute. Dh's aunt has had two. The first one just died this past summer and she recently got a puppy. She is adorable. I hope she works out for you and your family.

By Kaseys on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

Jackie, ds named her Floppy.. He said because her ears were so big!! lol Thanks again for everyones opinion. Ds loves her and she seems to already love him. They even slept in the same bed last night, and I have always said "No dogs or cats in the bed" I have learned never say never!!

By Kittycat_26 on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 02:47 pm:

What a cute name for a hound.

We're due to bring home our puppy in about a month now. It's so exciting.