[nurser914]

Ok...we have owned dogs before, but now we have two young children and want to make sure we pick a dog that will fit our lifestyle. So here are some things we are looking for, maybe someone can help us find a good pure/mixed breed.
Must be good with children (3 1/2 and 5)
We have a fenced yard
We are not a very active family, but playing ball and chasing the kids around will be daily
We are looking for a family pet, someone is home all the time.
We aren't too concerned with grooming or size.
most important to us is a friendly, children loving dog and not requiring a ton of exercise (even though we could use it LOL)
Any ideas recommendations??

[Lara's mom]

I'd say a lab or a golden retriever. They're both good with kids. The smaller dogs sometimes have problems with the excitement and noise of small children.

[nurser914]

I was thinking of both of them. My younger boy is loud, not rough, but definately loud and high energy. So, I agree that a small high strung dog would be out of the question. Which do you think would be calmer...a Lab or Golden?

[Lunareclipse]

I may be biased, but I think Saint Bernards are great family dogs. We have 3 of them. They are so careful around the baby. They are lazy inside the house and romp a little outside. They only like about 15 minutes of exercise at one time. They move slower than other dogs because of their size. So unless you find an extra zoomie saint, playing frisbee is out of the question. Tug-of-war is what my dogs like. They do shed twice a year. Saints are supposed to slobber a lot, but none of mine do. Guess I got lucky. They put up with the baby sitting on them, pulling their fur, trying to stick her finger up their nose or poke them in the eye. I don't allow that, but they they put up with it if I don't notice right away. They are great for giving the kids a ride in the wagon if you train them to pull one. They are truely a gentle giant.

[sandyh]

i agree with lunar, saint bernards are great kid friendly dogs.

[CorkyMax]

I agree with the Golden Retriever! I have a cross and he is a happy dog and loves people---very friendly. Easy going.

[Lunareclipse]

I would agree with both a lab and a golden, but they want a dog that doesn't require much exercise. My dogs' idea of exercise is getting up long enough to come over and find out what you are eating.

[Lara's mom]

Did Buster steal the computer and write that post? Gotta love that boy!!!

[CorkyMax]

Found this just now on the net:What is the best dog for kids? This is a common question, but there is no solid answer. In theory, almost any dog has the potential to get along great with children. One can speculate about which breeds might be best for kids, but you just never know how each individual dog will turn out. There are many factors that affect a dog’s ability to get along well with kids. Here are several things that you will need to keep in mind before you get a family dog.
Training
Obedience training is absolutely essential! Make sure someone in the home can spend a lot of time training the new dog, especially if it is a puppy. If a child wishes to participate in training, it should be done under the supervision of an adult. In addition, the children in the household will need to be taught how to conduct themselves around dogs.
Age and Size
Think about the ages and activity levels of your children. Toddlers can be knocked over by an awkward, gangly puppy who does not know his own size. Bigger kids could crush a small dog if they are not always careful. You may wish to consider getting an adult dog that has been around children - a puppy needs a lot of extra attention.
Personality
A family with kids ideally needs an intelligent dog with a good temperament and moderate energy level. Certain breeds may be naturally good with kids. Here are just a few of many dog breeds that tend to do well with children:
Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever: These breeds are usually great with kids and pretty smart, but they can be very hyperactive if they do not get enough exercise.
Poodle: Believe it or not, the Poodle is extremely smart and has a great temperament. Plus, you have a size choice – toy, miniature, or standard. Regular grooming is necessary.
Bichon Frise: This little cotton-balls breed loves to play, but is not usually too hyper. It is also a small dog, which is perfect for your little humans. Regular grooming is necessary.
Beagle: These dogs are friendly, clever and not too big, making them very suitable for kids. Though some can be a bit high-strung, they typically respond very well to training.
Collie and Shetland Sheepdog: These are both very calm, gentle and tolerant breeds that often do well with children of all ages and sizes - kind of like Lassie.
German Shepherd Dog: This breed is extremely loyal and protective, but MUST be well-trained. The GSD does have a playful side, especially at younger ages.
Mixed-breed dogs: Mutts are typically well-balanced and intelligent. Overall, they are truly amazing dogs! Plus, you can save a dog from life in a shelter.
Finding the Family Dog
When it is time to look for a dog, try visiting local rescue groups. Ask about dogs that have been in foster care. Their foster "parents" know and love them. Since they want the dogs to go to the right homes, they tend to be very honest about the dogs' personalities and temperaments. You can ask the rescue workers to guide you towards dogs that fit your kids' lifestyles. If you want a purebred dog, go to a reputable breed-specific rescue. Otherwise, you can go to a general rescue group with a good reputation.
If you choose to get a purebred dog from a breeder, thoroughly research the reputations of multiple breeders. Ask for references and talk to fellow dog lovers in your community. Your vet may also be able to advise you. Once you choose a breeder, spend a lot of time talking about the temperament and socialization history of the pups. A good breeder will know the pups and parents well and share information freely.

Home at Last
Congratulations, you have found a new dog for your family. Having a dog is a wonderful way to enrich your child’s development and create beautiful memories to be treasured for years to come. The bond between dogs and kids can be magical. Remember, though - your work is not done. In fact, it will never be. Training your dog and your children together is a life-long project. Responsible dog ownership goes hand-in-hand with responsible parenting. Good luck, and enjoy!

[natalie265]

Lab or golden retriever are both potentially good choices, but both require a lot of exercise. I totally agree that it depends more on the individual dog and the dog's training than what breed you pick (and EVERY dog, regardless of breed is going to need daily exercise). I like the St. Bernard suggestion and agree that you should avoid small breeds. I'd also avoid herding breeds who tend to need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation and can be nippy w/kids (again, just a generalization). A greyhound could be a good choice. They tend to be quite lazy, friendly dogs. Or, how about a mutt? Good luck w/your search!

[Lunareclipse]

A rescued greyhound would be a great idea too. They really are lazy inside the house. Talk to greyhound rescues. You may even get one that is fully house trained. That would be a bonus and one less thing to worry about.