[Marilyn j. Jordan]

I am familiar with most every breed of dog through dog shows. I have my personel favorites, but it seems that more people are happiest with a Golden Retriever for a family with a young, active child. Goldens are very gentle with kids. They have a lot of energy so they can keep up with active kids, but they are also very gentle. It would be best to get a puppy that is already house broken.The only down side I can think of is that their fur is a bit long. The will need to be bathed about once a month and brushed about one a week to keep out tangles. But any breed of dog will need brushing and bathing!

[Sandy C]

When I was growing up, my mom had toy poodles - from the time I was a baby until one year ago. My mom doesn't have patience to train a dog with tricks - but they are easily trained regardless. Never once did either of the three dogs we have nip or hurt me as a child. They don't require a lot of walking and are happy playing in the house most of the time. Just something to consider. Plus no mess with shedding hair. I wouldn't say you shouldn't get a dog if you can't train them. It depends on what type of training you are talking. Potty training or training to do tricks? Toy poodles are very obedient and learn quickly no means no.

[blueeyes21a]

i would sugest a great pyrenees as they are wonderful with kids to not need alot of work and are not hyper dogs they are also great gard dogs all they need is to be loved labs are good to but are very hyper and do need to be trained . as they will run a muck if not

[queenie]

My advice to you is to buy a dog that is already trained. Our first two dogs were already trained when we got them and it has been a breeze. If you do not have time to train a puppy, do not get one! You are only setting yourself up for alot of work and an unhappy dog.

[alynette84]

This may sound a little odd, but a greyhound might work. Retired racers are all usually trained before you get them and racer rescues will be able to line you up with one that is good with kids. Contrary to general belief, greyhounds sleep most of the day and have a couple short bursts of energy, good for a long walk a couple times a day. Be careful though, because if they get bored, they do doggy things like chew.

[jennarose_505]

A female Keeshond. In case you don't know what this is, it looks like a small, long-haired husky but with none of the husky traits. I recommend a female because the males I've been around have gotten grumpy around age 7. Our female never did. Keeshonds try hard to please and learn very quickly. They are very protective of the family, especially children. They can "rough and tumble" or be very gentle, according to each family member's preference. Purebred Keeshonds only shed spring and fall. Get one from a good breeder. A friend got one from a pet store that turned out not to be purebred and sheds daily. We lived in the country where people dumped dogs. We placed at least a dozen dogs in loving homes according to their personalities. Each was either too docile for my boys, or too active for me. (I like calm and quiet.) The Keeshond we met at a friend's house was docile around me yet could "outromp" the boys. We found a good breeder and got a dog that fit our family perfectly.Labs would be my second choice. They are sweet, protective dogs. But the lab we rescued and my daughter's roommate's lab shed constantly and were easily excited, especially when visitors came. I don't like being jumped on when entering a house. Or having to physically restrain a dog in my care while I'm welcoming visitors. Labs are friendly but too exuberant for me. Be sure you are ready to give attention and care to whatever breed you decide on. They all require lots of love and discipline such as you would give your children.

[Katie T]

Get an older dog from a shelter or pound. I promise you will find some of the best dogs in the world there. They are ALWAYS grateful too. Most people think they need a puppy, but don't realize how much effort a puppy is. I think you should really check into a dog that is already a couple of years old. By then they are usually past all those bad "puppy habits"