Decided Against Getting The Puppy...

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

I am only choosing Lab or Golden because I want a breed that is recommended for families with small children. I has a horrible experience with a Rotti, so I want a dog that is great with small children. I have looked into other breeds such as the Boxer, Spaniels etc. But I love Labs and Goldens, I lived with a Golden for 4 or 5 years and he was the sweetest - least hyper dog I knew. It is half and half with labs. Some are hyper, some are calm - it just depends on their living conditions. I could see a lab that didn't get enough excersize becoming hyper, or one that is bored - but not one that is walked and has a job to do.

What other breed am I to choose? I dont want a small dog, almost all of them aren't recommended for small kids. Hounds and terriers are out of the question as I have 3 kitties and working breeds are often 100+ pounds - WAY to big! Can you see where I am getting with this? My daughters safety comes first and lots of breeds of dogs have dominance issues that can be deadly if they're not properly trained.

A lab is by far my best choice for a dog. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't it better to adopt and older Labrador than a young ACD?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Yeah I think it would be better to adopt an adult dog in your situation. If the dog is already trained (like, potty trained for example) it saves a lot of time. However, even if you know the dog is good with kids, no dog is 100% trustworthy. In my opinion, even the best dog who LOVES kids should still be supervised with small children, especially when you first bring him home so you can see how they interact.

Good luck finding the right dog!

[Cookiebaker]

I have 2 labs, and I have to say that I think there is a little misconception on how hyper labs are. My two are very calm around the house -- yes they run and play, but they are happy with a 20 minute walk in the afternoon. Malone is almost 4, and Emerson is 3, and they are both starting to settle down. They are VERY good around children, and I trust them almost completely!

[ramanth]

Yep! Them Aussies are nippers. I'm so happy Kia doesn't have that trait from the ACD in her.

Happy to hear you got to test the puppy on a trial basis. Sounds like an adult dog is definitely the way to go. The one you posted is gorgeous. Hope it all works out!

[JenBKR]

J-Ball is such a cutie! I think an adult dog is the way to go for you. Labs and goldens are usually very good with kids - I grew up with a lab/golden mix who was very laid back (she was already around 7 or 8 years old when we got her though, I don't know if she was wild when she was younger), but she was so good with my sister and I. Maybe try to find one that has already been in a home with kids. Good luck, and keep us updated

[K9soul]

I think you are making a good decision. J-Ball is so handsome! Would you get to meet him beforehand? He looks like a sweetheart. Good luck

[Logan]

As a mom of Golden Retrievers, I have to tell you that my experience is that they are the MOST gentle of all breeds. I'm so happy that there will be a little GR mixed in with your new baby. You are sensible and making good decisions. You have 100% of my support.

Logan