Looking for a family dog

[cantdrv55]

My wife and I are in our fifties and we have a 10 y/o active son with Down Syndrome who's very high functioning. He has been asking for a dog though he is very scared of them. I think if he we had a puppy, he would get over the fear.

When my wife and I were in our twenties and no kids, we had a fantastic Border Collie/Aussie mix named Spunky . We had time to play with Spunky everyday so he got his much needed exercise. I would like a breed with smarts like Spunky but family friendly and doesn't need as much exercise. I have a large-ish house and yard in Northern CA and we would have time to play with the dog on the weekends mostly but it would get its daily walk. The dog would be an inside-the-house family member.

What breed would you recommend? Money is no object for the right dog. Thanks!

[dewolf]

Greyhound. Everybody overlooks them but they are super friendly and just like a big cat. They like to play but love to sleep. My son adopted a small female ex-racer and she is beautiful. Very loving and very smart. Sadly a lot get put to death early in life because they no longer win races.

[KFC911]

Labrador Retriever....(female imo)

.....can your son throw a tennis ball ?

[rfuerst911sc]

Please at least consider rescuing one from your local shelter , it will do your son and the pet some good . We are partial to daschunds but have owned the gamut of breeds over the years . In my opinion picking out a dog is like picking out a car , you just know the right one when you see it . Good luck .

[hughc]

Originally Posted by KC911

Labrador Retriever....(female imo)

.....can your son throw a tennis ball ?

I have to second that.
We recently rescued a male black lab from SPCA. He's older and very gentle.
Loves to go for walks and is satisfied to carry a stick around, is a good sleeper, and loves his new, secure home. Unfortunately he kicks me out of my bed occasionally but that's a small sacrifice for the pleasure he gives us.

Being older he is beyond chasing a ball for hrs at a time.

You could do a lot worst.

[Chocaholic]

Nuff said...most affectionate, friendly, easy-to-live-with dog on the planet...and protective when she needs to be.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Nuff said...most affectionate, friendly, easy-to-live-with dog on the planet...and protective when she needs to be.

....might want to start with a small puppy....for a child that's intimidated . Dawgs are amazing critters imo....

[john70t]

Along with greyhounds I've seen some amazingly calm rescue airdales and surprisingly even poodles. Probably the owner.
They are a bit standoffish and not the rolly polly fluffy loving meathead type like above though.
(But easier to keep clean and a bit more hypoallergenic.)

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by KC911

....might want to start with a small puppy....for a child that's intimidated . Dawgs are amazing critters imo....

The good thing is, they start out small and grow gradually

[stevej37]

English Springer Spaniel...female
Great with kids.

[unclebilly]

We had a pit bull-rotti-husky cross that was about the best dog that ever existed. She was a rescue and lived to 15. She was awesome with kids and was a true member of our family.

We now have what I think is a standard poodle - American dingo cross. This dog is friendly and great with the kids but about as smart as play doh. She has not learned not to chase our cows and she goes ape sheet when the school bus comes for my son. She is a good watch dog however.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by stevej37

English Springer Spaniel...female
Great with kids.

We had a liver and white female springer for almost 15 years she was a good one . She loved our two boys and was protective . Just keep in mind this type of dog their fur/coats will need grooming . We always gave her a summer cut in the spring . Great water dog also .

[Danimal16]

I have had many ESP's and love the bread, but for kids a yellow female lab is the best choice.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

I have had many ESP's and love the bread, but for kids a yellow female lab is the best choice.

Yellow OR black....everyone know's that Choco's are dumb

My last Lab was yeller...no bias here though....
I was actually looking for a Chocolate...

Females are typically smaller and just seem better suited for for the OP imo....
Nothing wrong with an alpha male...just different imo.

[Nine, Frau!]

Female Golden Retriever.

[ckcarr]

Hey, there was a thread here a few months back and five deaths ago with some people trying to defend Pit Bulls. You could get one of those... and name it "Face Off."

Labs are by far the number one family friendly dog. Or Golden Retrievers.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Nine, Frau!

Female Golden Retriever.

Another great breed....

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by KC911

Labrador Retriever....(female imo)

.....can your son throw a tennis ball ?

This or a golden retriever, get a female dog whatever breed you settle on. Look for a rescue organization that is local to you.

[recycled sixtie]

Labs are good but need lots of exercise. Off leash my old lab was like a bowling ball knocking down people like bowling pins. She needed obedience lessons and was close to bottom of her class.

Loved to dig holes in the garden and would poop in the evening and get me up in the middle of the night so she could go out and eat the recycled frozen food. A Winter specialty!
I don't miss that sh-t. RIP Sally.

[Tobra]

Springer could be like that too. Any high energy dog

Have a Dutchie pup that is about 8 months, I need to take him out to my sister's place and run his ass