Good dog breed as family pet with toddler?

[Fi from West Dulwich]

Hello, we would like to get a puppy and have an 11 month old little boy, so we are keen to choose a breed that is as bomb proof as possible with young children. Does anyone have any experience of Miniature Schnauzers or Airedale terriers as family pets? Or any other breeds that they would recommend?

On a separate note, does anyone want to start meeting up for walks, with babies and with or without dogs, in Dulwich or Brockwell Park regularly?

Thank you very much in advance, Fiona

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Airedales will probably be fine with your own brood, but I was bitten by two Airedales as a young teenager, so it's a breed I particularly hate and wouldn't trust them with other people's children.

Temperamentally, mongrels are your best bet.

Labs are great but will be forever trying to snatch food! Dobermans are pussycats - they only kick in with their inbred instinct when a family member is directly threatened, but you do need to establish top dog status early on. Border Collies are neurotic - again probably fine with your own family but a bit unpredicatable and need tons of exercise.

Of course, all the above is completely subjective, I'm sure others will have different experiences, eg, I instinctively avoid minature breeds, they always seem to be yapping and jumping up.

[Ann]

Have you considered a Spaniel? We have an English Springer (bitch) with a very gentle nature, although some Springers can be quite excitable. Very safe around children and depending on the breeding can be very quiet.

The only downside of having a dog with a young family is other children who visit, who may not be accustomed to dogs can sometimes get easily frightened. Dogs can be quite adapt at opening doors.

[The Nappy Lady]

Hi there,

min snauz. Neurotic in my experience!

We have an Irish Water Spaniel and she is wonderful with children - the breed is well known for being child friendly.

She was 2 when our first daughter was born, has always been lovely with both of them, even through being climbed on, tail pulled etc.

My 16 month old feeds her by hand and adores her.

Agree it can be difficult when other children visit, and also Coco does occassionaly knock baby C over when they are all dashing for the door at once, never intentional though.

You are welcome to borrow her for a walk sometime if you like.

Molly

[Fi from West Dulwich]

Thank you so much for your advice everyone. Still undecided but really useful to get the views of other mothers. Thank you again, Fiona