Hi Melissa - When I was referring to the right dog I meant the right temperament in the breed you end up selecting.

My Lab did nip my son a couple of times a few years ago. My Rott never did.

Someone might guess the opposite when it comes to biting.

Actually, I've had good experiences with Rotties. My parents had a huge male that was just lovely.

My biggest problem is how overbred so many breeds have become, and the finding of a good reputable breeder...and then the price tag on the puppy. I've come to the conclusion that we'll end up waiting a year or more and paying a price that makes my husband break out in a cold sweat to ensure that we get a pup from a GOOD breeder. Just too much can go wrong genetically otherwise. So far in my area, I've found 2 really good breeders for Goldens, at least from the references and such I've been able to get.

All I'm sure of is that we WILL be getting a dog, preferably puppy...the rest...well, we'll wait til we find the RIGHT one.

Hi Melissa,

I highly suggest lots and lots of research and going out and meeting people and their dogs. My humble opinion on going lab or golden puppy is not a concrete ideal in my mind of the perfect family pet with children as young as yours. I would very much suggest looking at older dogs and even purebred rescues again. You'll have a much better idea of temperment, any quirks, and can even sometimes get a fully trained dog. If you have your heart set upon lab or golden take a look at an older dog from a seeing eye organization. Fab dogs, fully trained and usually looking for a good home to live out the rest of their days.

I have a lab right now who could easily be a breed and hunt champion, is from some of the best lines in the country and I think if I were to sell her I could easily fetch 1500 or more for her. She is the last dog I would ever consider putting in a room with a young child even though she's had exposure to children her entire life. This could change as she adds some grey to her muzzle but I find that unlikely.

Temperment in my is a little dicey for novices to mess with when dealing with little kids. I usually don't allow my pups to interact with children at all unless I am holding the dog. Of my five dogs the one lab I don't trust with kids at all, one papillon fears children to the point of submission (she just can't handle the random child movements)and will run and hide in her crate when my neice and nephew come over and I haven't crated her already, one spaniel is indifferent and doesn't seek any activities with them but will put up with being doted upon, and the other two papillons love the attention, seek to watch the kids, and want to interact in a safe manner.

I would take a walk around your local akc or ukc show and see if something grabs your attention. For me there are alot of great breeds I'd look to if it were me with kids. Cardigan corgis, greyhounds, newfoundlands, clumber spaniels, bassett hounds, etc have all held places in my heart for being relatively calm around excited children.

Welcome to the board, You're definately in the right place.

I agree how hard it is to find a good breeder, whatever the breed. I definately would wait until the kids are a little older. I also like the idea of a puppy over another rescue.

I also prefer the goldens over labs. We have had both and labs just take too long to grow up. Goldens I have been around have been more trainable and tolereant of the kids and their antics.

Good luck.
The dvd 8 weeks to 8 mnths is by far my favorite.

Funny you mention the guide dog...we've been on a list since shortly after the passing of our pug, but its about 3 yrs + long, and we've really been missing a dog in the family.

I'm nervous about an adult dog. The history issue worries me.

My first dog as a child was a bassett. Ended up being put down before his first birthday because of hip dysplasia (sp). Next bassett was so high strung that he howled 24/7. I do love the breed, but I've heard so much about their hip issues, and difficulty in training when I researched, they kinda got crossed off my list. Newfies are gorgeous, but massive, and a bit bigger than we were thinking of...I love Pyrees too, and their size was the reason we decided not to look into the breed further.

Basically, we're looking about a Lab or Golden size. (Although, if it wouldn't likely mean a 2nd job just for the food bill, I'd love the Newfie or Pyeer, lmao!) Huskies were ruled out because neither my husband nor I are a jogger or cyclist, and the activity level a husky would need to be happy isn't something we'd be able to manage. We've looked at a LOT of breeds, researched, etc before deciding that either a Lab or Golden would likely suit our family best. I've actually leaned towards the Golden because, as Michelle mentioned, they tend to not be quite as 'young' as Labs.

Chances are, we'll wait another year. (Hope I can still hang around the boards, even though we're dogless!)

Adopting a dog from a rescue organization can be alot different than adopting a dog from a shelter.

Depending on what shelter you get a dog from, it can be like getting a pig in a poke.

A goog rescue group will have fully assessed the dog personality (if the dog is good with kids and other animals, and the energy level of the dog)and be looking for a home that is a right match for that dog. They want the dog to have a home for the rest of it's life, so they do take into consideration what type of dog would be the best fit for your family before you get it.

Another breed to consider might be a Standard Poodle. A family I know has one and she is a great dog with their 2 and 3 y/o children.

Thanks for pointing out the difference btwn shelter and rescue! I think we're going to wait for a while...at least until I get the 8wks-8mths dvd, and both my husband and I have had a chance to watch it repeatedly...and then take it from there. (Reminds me, I have to get a prepaid credit card to do that...I normally use paypal, lmao!)

*sigh* We do so miss having a dog in the house. There's something that a dog brings to a family that just can't be really explained, but is sorely missed when its not there. I think hubby and I will have another chat about rescues and an older dog...We're gun shy after what happened with the last dog though. I guess we'll keep options open, and see what happens.