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Readers Respond: What Makes a Good Family Dog?

Responses: 33

By , About.com Guide

From the article: The Best Dogs for Kids
Just like no two families are quite the same, no two dogs are either. Many of us have fond memories of family dogs from childhood. Additionally, many of us are living with the perfect family dog right now. Tell us what makes your favorite family dog (or dogs) so special. Is it about a specific breed, special training, a lucky find, or something else? Share Your Story

Bullet the Wonder Dog

I have a GSD who we've had as part of the family for over ten years. He's a great dog, smart, easy to train and great with kids. Even at his more advanced age he's a character with the neighborhood kids and still loves to play. But he never fails to let us know if someone is at the door. German Shepherds are simply awesome.
—Guest Dad

Doberman & Great Dane

My doberman Moxy was a great family dog, she was kinda like the nanny dog in Peter Pan, lol. She was very protective of my kids. My Great Dane Lilly was also a great family dog. She would get very upset if someone got hurt or was in any kind of distress. I think any dog you love and who loves can be the best family dog.
—Guest Joann Rogers

Loving Chihuahua! :)

I have a little 3 pound toy Chihuahua named Donut and he is the most caring dog in the world! I have 3 baby cousins who love to be around him. He may be kind of small, but he makes a great pet because he's alert, he doesn't scare kids, he loves to go on walks, and meet other kids and dogs. When my little baby cousin fell down and hurt himself, Donut came over and licked all his tears away...he also started snuggling my cousin and whimpering. Isn't that sweet? Well, in my opinion he is a good family dog.
—Guest Viviane

Sweet and Smart

We adopted a Lab/German Wirehair Pointer from a shelter over two years ago. She was a stray. We can't believe anyone would ever let her go! She is the sweetest and smartest dog you could imagine. While she likes to be active, she also is a great calming influence in our house. Our son is ADHD and her ability to calm all of us down is amazing. As someone once said, the best therapist is a dog licking your face!
—Guest Mike

Roxy the golden retriever

The sweet disposition of the golden retriever I believe makes it the best candidate for a family dog. Roxy has her own personality, is absolutely the smartest dog I have ever met, and yes, she is spoiled.
—Guest Paola Brooks

Loving, intelligent and smart

My American Pitbull Terrier was the best dog I will ever have. When a robber opened my window, she stayed there keeping him out and our many cats in. She mothered all the rescues we brought in and loved playing with my neighbor's children. I have never met a smarter dog and miss her every day.
—Guest Cat

Bull Mastiff

We have a Bull Mastiff. He is so gentle with our 2 yr old, and has been since she was born, She can climb on him, ride him and stick her fingers in his mouth and he doesn't mind a bit! He is the most loving, calm dog I've ever met.
—Guest astin

BOXERS

I agree that Boxers are great with children. I have 7 siblings, who all have children now. We had two boxers growing up without a single problem. We have had a total of seven since then. I don't have children, but my two watch out for the children who live near us. If kids are outside, they must be out to watch them!
—Lyn2

favorite dog

Our labradoodle Carl is 5 mos old and is very sweet. He is great with children, even with the smallest he is so gentle. He loves to ride in the car and is my constant companion.
—mustangsmedic

GSD

We had a German Shepard when I was growing up. He was the most intellegent and loving dog ever. He would whimper & whine when anyone would yell. If we yelled in anger, he would gently grasp your hand with his mouth. He was the easiest dog to train.
—Guest Jesi D

Buster

We had a mixed breed dog that was black lab and Springer spaniel. He was the best dog. We called him our babysitter because when ever the kids were out playing he was right there. No one was going to touch his kids. He was a wonderful friend and we loved him dearly for 8 years. RIP Buster. We miss you.
—Guest Amy in Cheney, WA

great dogs

my daughter has a golden retriever and we have a black labrador retriever and both are excellent dogs! luv them!
—Guest kimmer

What about boxers?

I am very suprised that boxers are not on here. About a year ago we purchased a boxer pup for our daughter who was 3 at time, He has been the most wonderful companion for her. He loves playing with her, follows her around, and has to be in the same room with her. Even after he had his rear leg amputated, he still insists on running and playing with her. He is so good with her, he even listens to her. He is never mouthy with her and she can do almost anything she wants to him including take his food away. He is almost like an extra child. We also have an older dog who is a chow-lab mix, he is not for children. He doesn't like a commotion and prefers to hang out with me most of the time which doesn't mean we love him any less, it just means he isn't the right dog for a child.
—Guest Beth

all around dog

Standard poodles are wonderful for kids. Very tolerant, patient and silly. Also no shedding so little crawlers don't have dog hair all over them..Super easy to train and very clean...Mine tolerate my grand daughter very well although neither had been previously exposed to small children.
—Guest linda

Malamute!

My wife and I bought an Alaskan Malamute, as we had known a few examples of this breed, and they were all very gentle and calm. Our Blizzard is now a member of the gentle and calm club, and great with our kids. He is a ham, and loves attention, but is never hyper, and only knocks the kids over out of clumsiness, never out of anger.
—Guest garand

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