Dog recommendations for family

[RAre]

Me and the wife thinking of getting a dog for the kids for Christmas. The wifes wants a dog that’s protective of the kids. She was thinking of a German Shepard but was wondering any other good family dogs that may shed less and little smaller then a GSD.
If you have any recommendations please share and post pics if it’s your current dog.

 

[Eman]

I had a labradoodle before my current dog, which is a lab. Great dog. He was very protective, hypoallergenic, demeanor of a lab and even looked like a lab except the fur was more wirey.

The lab I have now is great but she sheds like a mother fucker. I won't get another because of it... Labradoodle was slightly more calm too.

I considered a German Shepherd but I wanted a dog I could control if it got out of hand. I'm happy I didn't get one because of the hair alone...

 

[ickyrica]

Pitbull

 

[mjf]

We have a golden retreiver. Good family dog, but the tile floor is never clean even right after cleaning it. We also have a boxer that's a great dog but he's the reason for the tile floors after ruining my wood floors one year after I installed them. He was super hyper and when the kids did anything he would start this crazy running in place thing, not getting any traction and gouging up the wood floor.

Mine are inside dogs and the only way I'd have it. Unless I could have convinced the wife to go pet free, but it was 4 to 1 on that vote.

 

[Eman]

He was super hyper and when the kids did anything he would start this crazy running in place thing, not getting any traction and gouging up the wood floor.

We had a golden retriever growing up... Same thing, those wood floors still bear the mark of that dog.

 

[Cash43]

Boston Terrier. Smart, great with kids, no real health concerns, no big barkers. Small/med size so not worthless like a little shit toy dog but not going to take up the whole couch. Our going and playful but chill too. We’ve had 2, they’re great dogs

 

[RAre]

I had a labradoodle before my current dog, which is a lab. Great dog. He was very protective, hypoallergenic, demeanor of a lab and even looked like a lab except the fur was more wirey.

The lab I have now is great but she sheds like a mother fucker. I won't get another because of it... Labradoodle was slightly more calm too.

I considered a German Shepherd but I wanted a dog I could control if it got out of hand. I'm happy I didn't get one because of the hair alone...

My mom had a golden retriever, and I always heard labs and Golden’s are alike, and the hair was over whelming (my fear with a GSD) and he wouldn’t hurt a fly ever, which is why I haven’t considered one as of yet.

 

[pitbull]

I am going to second the pit bull, if you raise them from a puppy you wont find a more loving loyal dog. I cant believe how mine just wants to be petted and sat with. Talk to pit owners and find out how much they all recomend them

 

[RAre]

We have a golden retreiver. Good family dog, but the tile floor is never clean even right after cleaning it. We also have a boxer that's a great dog but he's the reason for the tile floors after ruining my wood floors one year after I installed them. He was super hyper and when the kids did anything he would start this crazy running in place thing, not getting any traction and gouging up the wood floor.

Mine are inside dogs and the only way I'd have it. Unless I could have convinced the wife to go pet free, but it was 4 to 1 on that vote.

How was training, shedding, with the boxer? He’s currently on my list of dogs but I’ve never got to meet a boxer that wasn’t just a caged dog.

 

[Burrr]

I'd avoid huskies and chows.

I like the idea of a laberdoodle, not so much hair.
My next dog will probably be some sort of cattle dog, like a heeler or border collie

 

[RAre]

Pitbull View attachment 78486

I am going to second the pit bull, if you raise them from a puppy you wont find a more loving loyal dog. I cant believe how mine just wants to be petted and sat with. Talk to pit owners and find out how much they all recomend them

The more research I’ve been doing on pits I would also agree they are probably my 1 choice, but my current home owners insurance won’t cover it and I would have to do a lot of convincing to the wife that there not what the media and statistics make him out to be.

 

[Burrr]

I am going to second the pit bull, if you raise them from a puppy you wont find a more loving loyal dog. I cant believe how mine just wants to be petted and sat with. Talk to pit owners and find out how much they all recomend them

Reports on temperament from pit owners is so varied, I've heard guys talking about pups being so aggressive they are killing each other before they are weened. Obviously, plenty of sweet and gentle pits out there too, but how do you know what pup you are getting?

 

[pitbull]

If you get one from a reputable breeder, that isnt hard. A breeder who really loves thier dogs will be able to help you find the right one. With mine it is easy to see, when a small child aproaches you can see how they interact right away.

I am sure this will also carry over to whatever breed you decide on

 

[Xlgx]

French bulldog. Great family dog

 

[Evom1]

Get a pit, and ask your vet to put his breed as a mix on his rabies certification and same when you go to the town hall. Just mix breed. I know many many people who do this with theirs and the insurance company is fine.

The pit bull absolutely is the #1 choice I'd say

 

[pitbull]

this is the way mine is registered

technically it is true even since she has a little bit of king corso in her

Get a pit, and ask your vet to put his breed as a mix on his rabies certification and same when you go to the town hall. Just mix breed. I know many many people who do this with theirs and the insurance company is fine.

The pit bull absolutely is the #1 choice I'd say

 

[RAre]

I’ve been reasearching the America Staffordshire terrier which sometimes is considered a pit bull. I might plant a seed in my wife’s ear and see if I can get it to grow.

 

[ickyrica]

I am going to second the pit bull, if you raise them from a puppy you wont find a more loving loyal dog. I cant believe how mine just wants to be petted and sat with. Talk to pit owners and find out how much they all recomend them

We got ours at 4/5 weeks old from a guy off the street. We raised him to be a gentle giant. He is such a lovable dog. All he wants is to lick the crap out of you, and play. He loves jumping for stuff. His vertical is pretty impressive hitting around an even 6'.

My goddaughter Ava is under constant protection when she is over. The pit goes from a chill dog without a care in the world to on guard. It's amazing. He follows her around like it's his job. Damn 4 legged babysitter lol

 

[hurricane]

My mom had a golden retriever, and I always heard labs and Golden’s are alike, and the hair was over whelming (my fear with a GSD) and he wouldn’t hurt a fly ever, which is why I haven’t considered one as of yet.

We have two Golden's. They're both great with the kids. Can't think of a better family dog(although I'm very biased). I know you wanted a little protection but that's why I taught the wife to shoot. lol.

 

[Sp2.0]

We have a lab and although they're not known as protectors the one opportunity he's had to be he was. Someone tried walking up on the wife while she was walking him. He put himself between her and the guy growled with his fur up. The guy quickly decided to go the other direction. Ime most dogs will protect if it comes to it.
I'm obviously bias because I've had multiple labs over the years.