Breed suggestions for a 7y/o girl's buddy dog

Shananigan

So within the next couple of months we're going to be moving. Not exactly sure where, but we're looking for someplace to rent with a nice fenced in yard in the country. (Already live in the country, but just re-locating). Anyways, my mom would like to get my seven year old sister a companion dog that she can play with and will be her buddy. We already have a male black lab, but he's really not that attached to her. I mean he loves her, and I'm sure if she was in danger from anyone or other animal he'd protect her. You know what it's like though to have YOUR very own dog and my little sister hasn't had that yet. She's getting to the age where we think she'd be able to handle it (of course with lots of guidance from us).

Eli (our lab), is a bit unruly. However, these past couple of weeks I've had my Border Collie (Ace) over at my mom's house because my dad is on a trip helping some friends. (I live 50-50 with my parents and Ace is my dog at my dad's; while my dad is gone, I have Ace with me at my mom's.) It seems though, that having Ace around has humbled Eli a bit and he loves having another dog here. (We had another dog, but this past summer had to put him down due to old age and health problems.) So knowing that Eli would like having another dog around is giving us more incentive to get another dog.

Anyways, I was looking for suggestions for some breeds of dogs that are around the same size as a Border Collie give or take and be something that would make a good buddy dog for my sister. She is an active little girl and very respective of dogs. We do own dogs and always have so I do know the responsiblities of owning dogs, as does my mom and sister. (Sorry, just throwing that in there because I asked this question on another forum earlier and got lectured on owning dogs.) We already have a few breeds in mind, but I'm just curious to hear other people's experiences with their dogs.

Also, I wouldn't want it to be a herding breed. I do know they have tendancy to nip and need lots of excercise and experience in training. A border collie or austrailian shepherd would be a little too entergentic. I own a border collie and he's very well mannered and calm, but he get's TONS of excercise and I have done a lot of training with him.

Anyways, thank you everyone and sorry it's such a long confusing post! Any and all stories/pictures are welcomed and appreciated!

MyValentine

Hi there and Welcome!

So, I myself have a puppy at the moment that is new in my life.
He is a Siberian Husky/Pit bull mix (my two favorite breeds!)

So far, Loekin has fit in GREAT and he is a amazing puppy!
I have had him for 4 days and he is almost fully potty trained already!
He is very smart and very friendly. He is so sweet and follows me everywhere, he is very attached to me and likes to be by my side all the time. Thats were the pit bull comes in. Pit bulls are loyal, wonderful dogs. And the husky shows by how hyper he is! He is so much fun to play with because of how playful and hyper he gets!
In my opinion, he is the perfect mix of breeds!!

But, here are some other dogs that I think would make great companions as well:

Siberian Husky
Pit bull
Boston Terrier
Australian Shepherd
American Bulldog
French Bulldog
Shiba Inu
Lab
Boxer

I like all of the breeds I listed very much, some more than others but they all have very different personalities and temperaments which is not a bad thing and can actually be really good when wanting certain things out of your dog. Makign sure you get a dog with the right temperament/personality is a VERY important thing when choosing a dog.

Hope this helped.

There will be others coming to answer your thread soon also.

In the mean time here is a new thread " Dogs 101: " posted by someone on here to help people like you looking for a dog.

Good luck and keep us updated!!

Shananigan

MyValentine- Thanks! I'm guessing the puppy in your avatar pic is Loekin? He is absolutly adorable!!! You also made another point that I'd forgot to mention and that is I would love to hear about mixed breeds. Mutts and mixed dogs can be the best dogs, and I just wanted to say I'd love to hear about mixed breeds too. We're most likely 99.9% sure we'll be adopting from a local shelter aswell, so it will mostly be a mixed dog! Thank you for your in-put and there are a few breeds in there that I hadn't looked into yet, that I'll be checking into! Also, thanks for the link!!

Sendy

The first breed that popped into my head was Cocker Spaniel. Energetic, good with kids, highly trainable, though they require quite a bit of grooming. A little smaller than a BC, but not too small.
American Spaniel Club Inc. - Home of the Cocker Spaniel - Owning a cocker
The official web site of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America Inc.
CSC/Cocker Questions
Good luck!

kmes

I would adopt a dog from a rescue or the humane society based on their personality and energy level.

As far as kid friendly breeds, maybe consider the following breeds or mixes of these breeds:
Lab
Golden Retriever
Pug
Boston Terrier
French Bulldog
Bulldog
Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Brittany Spaniel
Poodle
Beagle
Basset Hound
Bichon Frise
Boxer
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bloodhound

Of course some of these breeds may be larger or smaller than what you are looking for, but it doesn't hurt to throw them into the mix!

Mikey

I just always think of a good border collie or golden retriever as THE kids dog Both completely trustable and loving and smart dogs. High energy=nees parents to supervise exercise of course but WONDERFUL devoted loving dogs.

alfi

I would also suggest a golden retriever
Also a standard poodle would be a great idea.
A Fox terrier? ...I wouldn't really suggest it but I have seen them with kids and it was wonderful...always a companion to help kids for mischeats
I know it will probably be not a good idea but my Rotties LOVE kids and they are so careful around them...but I know a kid won't have the power to control a dog like this on it's own.

My suggestions would be a Golden or a St.Poodle or a mix of them

Mikey

Golden doodle

MyValentine

Your welcome!

I LOVE mix breeds as well, thats why I got one! I have herd they make very good dogs!
You can check out the pictures threads on the forum, there are tons of pics of full and mix breed dogs.
Loekin has a thread too.


Keep us updated!!!

GSDlover

A beagle would be nice for a kid, as well as a cocker spaniel.

I wouldn't get something too big, since if she's the main one training it... You want her to be able to correct it.

You said you'd probably get it at a shelter which would be good, I probably wouldn't suggest getting a puppy unless you know she'll train it everyday.