Need some input

[Uabassoon]

I think your best bet is to just take your children down to the shelter and have them meet all the dogs that fir your description until you find the right one. Every dog is different, is also depends on how they were socialized as puppies. I wouldn't suggest a toy breed because as stated above they are very fragile which might not be good idea if you have a toddler. You could easily find a nice mixed breed to fit your specifications. Also don't forget to look at dogs that are out of that puppy stage. Adult dogs are a lot more mellow than puppies which might be a good fit for your household.

[lookin4caninecompanion]

I think your best bet is to just take your children down to the shelter and have them meet all the dogs that fir your description until you find the right one. Every dog is different, is also depends on how they were socialized as puppies. I would suggest a toy breed because as stated above they are very fragile which might not be good idea if you have a toddler. You could easily find a nice mixed breed to fit your specifications. Also don't forget to look at dogs that are out of that puppy stage. Adult dogs are a lot more mellow than puppies which might be a good fit for your household.

That's basically what I'm looking for. A dog anywhere from 5 months to 5 year of age. THey have to be neutered so a puppy wouldn't fit our criteria. Besides there are adult dogs out there getting put to sleep because no one wants a "grown" dog, just a "cute little puppy".

[Uabassoon]

That's basically what I'm looking for. A dog anywhere from 5 months to 5 year of age. THey have to be neutered so a puppy wouldn't fit our criteria. Besides there are adult dogs out there getting put to sleep because no one wants a "grown" dog, just a "cute little puppy".

That's great that you are looking to adopt an older dog! A few months ago my girlfriend and I adopted Payson, a 3 year old Jack Russell terrier mix who is just the sweetest dog I've ever met. We went to several shelters and met many different dogs before we met him and just knew that he was the perfect dog for us.

[beeniesmom]

I have two boston terriers and they are the sweetest dogs.
They are great and very patient with kids.
The only bad thing about them is that they don't care to be left alone.

You can do some research at: www.akc.org to see what characteristics better suit you and your family.

www.petfinder.con can help you find a dog in your area that needs to be rescued.

Good luck and let us know what you get!

[luvofallhorses]

Hello and welcome to Pet Talk!! I don't think small dogs do well with children. I would consider getting a labrador retriever or a golden retriever, because they are very loyal(not saying dogs aren't loyal) and protective of their families especially children. I would go do a search for a shelter or rescue at http://www.petfinder.com ...good luck on your search and please keep us updated.

[lookin4caninecompanion]

Hello and welcome to Pet Talk!! I don't think small dogs do well with children. I would consider getting a labrador retriever or a golden retriever, because they are very loyal(not saying dogs aren't loyal) and protective of their families especially children. I would go do a search for a shelter or rescue at http://www.petfinder.com ...good luck on your search and please keep us updated.

I would LOVE to get a lab, but their not small-medium sized dogs. That's what the agreement said. I have to have a small-medium sized dog.

Of course, unless I can find a lab mixed with somethign smaller.
LIke... a terrier?

I LOVE HORSES too!!!! What breeds do you have?

[wolf_Q]

Have you tried www.petfinder.com ? Just put in dog, small size and your state and it will bring up a bunch of different dogs.

[lookin4caninecompanion]

Have you tried www.petfinder.com ? Just put in dog, small size and your state and it will bring up a bunch of different dogs.

lol yep. Did that already. All of them nearest don't have any small to medium sized dogs. All large.

Can a lab mix be considered a medium dog? I think he's lab/terrier mix.

[finn's mom]

lol yep. Did that already. All of them nearest don't have any small to medium sized dogs. All large.

Can a lab mix be considered a medium dog? I think he's lab/terrier mix.

That's quite possible...I've even seen some full labs that are around 50 pounds...just small girls...but, are you looking for a dog with that kind of exercise requirement and energy level? Labs are extremely energetic and need constant daily exercise above and beyond a walk. And, mixed with a terrier, you may be dealing with a really energetic, stubborn dog.

[lookin4caninecompanion]

That's quite possible...I've even seen some full labs that are around 50 pounds...just small girls...but, are you looking for a dog with that kind of exercise requirement and energy level? Labs are extremely energetic and need constant daily exercise above and beyond a walk. And, mixed with a terrier, you may be dealing with a really energetic, stubborn dog.

LOL Oh oh, better stay away from that kind then. LOL

On petfinder.com, there is a dog named Mike at the Sparta ANimal Shelter that the kids and I were gazing at.

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?act...=0&tmpl=&stat=

[finn's mom]

LOL Oh oh, better stay away from that kind then. LOL

On petfinder.com, there is a dog named Mike at the Sparta ANimal Shelter that the kids and I were gazing at.

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?act...=0&tmpl=&stat=

Oh, he's adorable! He will probably needs lots of training, and, he may be extremely energetic, even as an adult. But, especially being that young, he looks to be quite a handful...

[lookin4caninecompanion]

Oh, he's adorable! He will probably needs lots of training, and, he may be extremely energetic, even as an adult. But, especially being that young, he looks to be quite a handful...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. But he's SOOOOO darn cute!!! lol

What about a boxer? His name is Ranger. Gotta love him.

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?act...=0&tmpl=&stat=

[Karen]

Really how energetic and how good with kids varies a lot dog to dog. And I would consider a lab/terrier to be a medium-sized dog ...

Really visiting the shelter with at least the ten-year-old, then a "trial visit" with the two-year old, to see who appeals to you, would probably be best. So many of the animals featured on http://Dogoftheday.com , http://Catoftheday.com and http://Petoftheday.com start with "Well, I went to the shelter looking for a (fill in the blank, for example I'll use) small black cat, and came home with this big white dog and couldn't be happier" - you never know what will happen until you get there!