My son just turned a year old and he just LOVES dogs. I was attacked by a dog when I was a teenager and so I am afraid of strange dogs. The only dogs I still trust are Somoyeds and Huskies, but we are building our house in the mountains of SW PA and I am afraid that a huskie will run away, and we were also hoping for one with more protection instincts for our son. I know nothing about any other kind of dog, and am still afraid of what could happen. If someone could help me find out what breed would be good for my families situation PLEASE let me know.

Sincerely, a concerned mother looking for the perfect dog for he son

I'd say the majority of dogs are dog friendly, go to a dog show and see breeds in action, get to talk to the breeders and see what you think. Buy some books and read up, you may have an idea of what you want but when you see themi n reality they may be totally wrong for you so the only good sound way is to do above! Apart from having a good time at shows you will hopefully find a breed that suits you and your son.
Good luck! :D

I would suggest you start small :D not that I am biased of course but a well bred healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel small enough for you to have no fear of & big enough to not be hurt by you son when he toddling

They are very clever little dogs with usually super temperaments that do not need too much exercise or grooming

I've only got 4 so I am not biased of course:D

Hi,

Well I agree with you about Samoyeds!  I have a 4 1/2 year old female and she is the most loving dog in the world!  I too was attacked when I was younger by a rough collie so I can understand your issues.  Samoyeds are great family dogs, albeit slightly hyper!  They are very good with children and with other dogs.  I'm not sure about the protection as Samoyed's love everything but I do know of one male Sam who is very protective of his owner.  My girl will just lick the person to death!  Husky's are also good family dogs but they do have the tendency to run off.  It's just in their nature.  I also own a Malamute which are also great family dogs.  They are larger than Siberian Husky's and more laid back.  Malamutes again, don't really make good watchdogs as they are real people lover's but the sheer size of a Malamute is enough to scare people away!  They can reach 100 lbs plus.  But again, they do run off.  If you are going to own any of these dogs you really should invest in a dog area which is fenced in with at least a 6 foot high fence as these dogs are like kangaroo's!  Most of these breeds love being outside but they also love being with the family.   I live in Canada also in the mountains and so far my dogs have been fine.  Please go to a reputable breeder of any dog you wish to purchase.  You may see a cute pup in a pet store but you never know about their history.  You will want to see the parents of the pup's.  It gives you a good idea what the temperament will be like.

I hope this has helped you.  If you have any further questions about Samoyeds or Malamutes, please feel free to email me.

Kind regards

Charlene

Me personally I would wait till your son is older....I never sold any of my pups to people with children under 3-5. I feel at that age children can bond with a puppy and learn with the puppy and also help teach a puppy things and be more involved. A child is alot of work and adding a puppy is like having another baby.

Sorry Just my own personal opinion :)

But if set on a puppy how about a smaller breed that is closer to your sons size, I do agree with looking at all your breeds and narrowing down which breed will suit your life style (exercise, grooming ect).

Good luck and do hope you find the breed for you :)

Boston's are very good with children, short haired, don't shed much and are protective....I'm biased as well since I own 4 of them :)

I think the suggestion to goto a dog show or 2 and talk to breeders is an excellent one.

I own up to being biased too heh... previously a 'big' dog guy I am now a total cairn terrier convert. Fantastic temprement, heart as big as a lion, tough,  mischievous, intelligent, fantastic with all ages and thinks thinks its a big dog - and is protective in an early warning way. Choose a breeder carefully, read up on the breeder - read up on the breed - Cairns will chase off as well its in their nature! I know in the US they do earth dog trials, not sure about Canada - they are also real fun for agility once they reach a year plus and have developed their bones.

Whatever your choice I wish you well, choose right from the right breeder and you will have a wonderful addition to your family. We feel like our 8 month old pup Jack has always been with us, and it was the best decision we ever made getting him!

Regards Dave

As you are already familiar with the Spitz breeds perhaps a slightly less primitive one than the sled dogs may appeal.  Any dog should have access to a fenced garden (Yard) and fencing should be at least 6 feet.

My own breed are great with kids, and running off isn't as bad an issue as with Huskies, but being hunting dogs they are still apt to go after scents and their idea of recall is to come when they are ready so good training and common sense as to when and if they can be let of lead has to be used.  The plus side is that they are usually good with other dogs, and make good watch dogs, (though are not naturally suspicious, just alert), but with their Wolfie good looks would look the part.

On the smaller side had you considere Teh German Spitx (or the more easily available in USA American Eskimo). 

The Eurasier is a breed descended from Samoyed and Chwo with I think Wolf Spitz, and they come in various colours and am told have a nice disposition.

Finnish Laphunds and Keeshonds are also nice freindly dogs.

Whatever breed you decide on first go to the AKC websitre, then find the Breed Clubs for the breed (most have regional clubs too) and ask them for a reputable breeders list.  They will also be able to tell you who to stay away from.  Do expect to be put through the third degree and to have to sign a contract to spey/neuter your pet.

From my experience the best dog to have with a child is definitely a Staffy.  They absolutely adore kids, that's why they're called the 'nanny' dog.  My 2 have never ever shown any agression towards anyone and definitely not a child, all they want is a cuddle! 
Unfotunately, to disagree with someone else, I was brought up with a cavalier king charles, and he despised me and my sister and any other children.  I assume this was just a one off, but he put me off for life!

Well I adore Staffys as everyone will know and agree they are brilliant with children - sometimes a bit exciteable but my own children have always had a Staffy in the family from when they were tiny babies. No problems what so ever but I think a Staffy may need a more experienced owner not someone who has previously been frightened of dogs?? I say that not because of the breed itself but sometimes I think to a new owner their actions can be misinterpreted ?

Also to an American a Staffie would be an American Stafford, definately nto for an inexperienced owner.  I don't think ENGLISH staffords are that common over there????

Never realised the poster was not in UK either :rolleyes:

I was only suggesting a breed that I personally have found get with children & other dogs that to me is very important when there were children involved. I have only met one Cavalier that was not good with other dogs & now knowing about the dogs owner explained why

I cannot sadly say that about a lot(not all or most)of Staffordshire Bull Terriers having had one of my Cavaliers attacked by a very young SBT whilst my dog was minding his own business I would not recommend them as a first dog for someone who has a fear of some breeds of dogs

I have never had any problem with training the SBT brought for retraining with me but it takes a lot of time & effort to make sure they are 100% with other dogs all the time

No offence meant sorry!
But agree that a Staffy may be a little hard work for an inexperienced dog owner.  But then any dog is likely to be, unless you go for something like a greyhound or whippet, which doesn't sound like it fits the bill.

Well I think a Border Terrier would fit the bill perfectly.....

Geoff :)

As you are not sure about some dogs, i would recommend really researching not just what breed but what training requirements and input a dog may need in your household. For example, if you want a puppy, i would highly recommend Ian Dunbar's "Before you get your puppy" and "After you get your puppy" , both of which are excellent books and do really help to prepare the family for the puppy onslaught.

Remember too, you will get shoes eaten and puppy poo in the house and that sort of thing :D

Then after maybe looking at some breed books and talking to breeders, why not make a short list of requirements ie short hair or long, bouncy or quiet, active or laid back couch potato, and so on. Then you will hopefully end up with a few ideas as to breed and can go from there. Oh - do make sure relevant health tests have been done as these differ from breed to breed :)

Lindsay

border terriers, i have six that have grown up with my two small boys and they are great together..

Hi

I have Eurasiers and they are brilliant with children, If you like Samoyed's and Huskies I think you should contact some breeders in the States of Eurasiers and have a chat with them, I don't think you will be dissapointed they are a wonderful breed for a family.

If you would like some breeders contact details in the states you can email me privately.

I am curious, why do you want a dog with protection instincts for your son?  What does he need protecting from and how will your dog fulfil this function?

I too agree about a Staffy not being an ideal dog for a first time, inexperienced dog owner especially if you yourself are scared of dogs. While the staff is the most wonderful, friendly and safe with children dog I have ever had the pleasure of owning, they do require a firm hand or they may well lick you to death!!!

They love attention and will do anything to get it which can be daunting sometimes if you have a problem with boisterous dogs.