Hello
I am new to this site. I have two young babies (18 months(1 and 1/2) and 33 months(2 and 3/4)) Both of my babies love dogs and every time they see one they go absolutley nuts. Both myself and my husband were brought up with dogs. We have discussed this at great depth and would love for your children to also have a dog. We feel like we have a small bungalow, however 2 very large gardens, we also live in a very small village surronded by large open fields and a forest (44 houses and lots of fields). dog fpr children.
After contemplation I think I would like my children to have a PUG. Could anybody please let me know if this is a good  dog for children.I would prefer to get a puppy so that they all grow up togther.

Any advice would be great appretciated.
Thanks

Contact the Kennel Club and ask for the details of the breed clubs an then contact them. they will be able to tell you what health tests the dogs need to have and put you in contact with a reputable breeder.

Thanks ever so much Polly. I know that they say that Pugs are great with kids. I was just hoping for some personal experiences. However many thanks for the reply and the advice.

Thanks again
Kathryn

At least you are not choosing a breed with a high prey drive or too energetic. :-)

However, pups chew, bite, scratch, chase and tug. Children have high pitched screams, squeeze too hard, chase and very often smack and hurt pups. Pups and children can both hurt each other and frequently do, often the pup being the one to be chastised, pups and childrenboth need lots of attention and one to one, having a pup isn't just about room and walking areas it is about constant play and training, from toilet training, to socialising, puppy classes and teaching commands, but mostly like any baby needing someone to install confidence, time and love. Often people buy a pup as a friend and playmate for a child, when the pup actually needs just the same amount of attention as any child does.

Most children do love animals, their eyes light up when they see cats and dogs but that doesn't always mean that they will treat an animal right, they don't understand.

Which is why I very and extremely rarely will home a pup to a family with children under 7.

So firstly, think very hard about what you can offer a pup/dog, do you really have the time to give as this will be like a third child? Think as to whether your children are going to be well supervised around a pup/dog at all times and will you teach them to be gentle and caring, they can not treat a pup like a toy.

Personally, I feel your children are too young, (why is there a rush to have a dog now?) I was brought up with dogs too (with 5 brothers) but the dogs were there first already adults, already well moulded solid characters and we were taught to be respectful from the moment we crawled.

If you know you have well behaved, respectful children and lots of time then it's up to you to convince a breeder that you are the right home for their pup, enquire via the breed club there you will find health tested dogs from good breeders, who will know their breed inside out, from anywhere else who knows what you'll end up with temperament or health wise.

I'd wait until the children are a little older and in school, but it's up to you. :-)

Thanks Carrington
I am more than fully aware how much work a puppy is but thanks for reminding me.
Both my children are well sociallised with dogs and have been from a very early age taught to respect not just dogs but all things. However I really appretciate all of your points.
I am also fully aware that this is not a 5 minute decission or choice to make, hence starting my research and looking into my choices now. It will be months if not years before we find the puppy for us and us for it. I am really not trying to make this decission lightly or over night.

Thanks for your reply
Kathryn

So very refreshing to hear, (too many people get a pup for the wrong reasons and when the impulse hits they want one now!) It's very refreshing that you are about to do your homework and think of all the pluses and negatives of puppy ownership, you'll end up with the right pup and impress the right breeder. **thumbs up**

We do have a few Pug breeders on the site who will hopefully be along to tell you warts and all about Pugs, but don't be surprised if they too think your children too young at the moment, the most important thing is to get through the vetting process and then be on the waiting list for a good quality pup for when the breeder feels the time is right.

It's worth it's weight in gold to have the right breeder, I waited 2 years for the pup I eventually chose.

Best of luck, your home and surrounding area sound lovely. :-)

Thanks
Hopefully I will get a couple of responses rom Pug breeders then. Then hopefully if it is the right bread for us. I can then get in contact with a kennel club registered breeder who is willing to spend time with us ensuring that we are as right for the puppy as it is for us. We don't mind waiting for the right one either. I have pleanty of time as you so rightly pointed out.

Thanks again, hopefully I can update you with progress in a year or two. hehehe

Kathryn

hi,i had 2 pugs before my children were brought into the world,they are very very gentle dogs,you have to be very carefull of their eyes with kids,also around the house and garden as their eyes are easiely damaged,also make sure the kids dont pick up and drop puggy,or sit on him etc etc,my girls are brilliant with the one pug we have now,we also have a 15 month newfoundland,my children are told and learnt to respect animals,how to behave around them etc,they also know not to approach other peoples dogs as not all dogs are like their pug and newfie,i never ever leave the children with the dogs alone,for both their sakes,you will need to invest time in putting up baby gates etc,i often take my pug to get the girls from school,also,get one from a good breeder,really research the breed and dont be afraid to ask hundreds of questions and expect the breeder to do the same to you,plus get insurance as with any dog,vet bill are so expensive.You probably know not to walk far whilst puggy is growing,also to be carefull with hot weather,my pug which died used to love sitting in a paddling pool in the garden,whilst my other pug sat under a sun umbrella in the shade,they are lovely lovely kind dogs,good luck
jo