Good dogs around kids?

Red Hawk · 01-19-2003, 05:22 AM

I know that Labs are good around kids but are weimarners, brittneys, and German Shorthair Pointers good around kids ranging from newborns to 3? I am curious because i am thinking about getting a dog sometime within a few months and the girl i am currently dating has a very young daughter and if it actually works out for us around the time i get a dog, i figured i might as well ask for what these dogs are good around small children because i am considering one of the dogs i just mentioned. That and i am asking on my own terms anyway. Thank you in advance.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quotequote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Live to hunt, hunt to live, be the eyes of the hawk <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

seattlesetters · 01-19-2003, 09:21 AM

While most Shorthairs are good with kids, I have an 8-month-old daughter and I would not trust one around her until she is 10, maybe 11. I have been around just too many that bite.

Brittanys are kind of nervous and are more than likely to leave the kid alone. Most of them will be more afraid of the girl than vice versa.

I don't have experience with very many Weimaraners, but the few I've been around have been really good with older kids. Remember, with this breed you're looking at a 70-80 lb dog. It doesn't have to be mean to hurt a small kid.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Edited by - seattlesetters on 01/19/2003 22:55:05

Edited by - seattlesetters on 01/19/2003 22:56:32

IrishJig · 01-20-2003, 02:52 PM

I have had a Brittany for the last 8 years around my daughters and their friends. He has proven a great dog with young and older kids, and has taken a fair amount of playfull abuse without ever showing any sign of aggression. When he has had enough, he will just find a quiet place. I bought a Brittany because I expected it to be a good kid dog and I have not been disappointed.

Bo Nose Birds · 01-20-2003, 04:33 PM

I have been around birddogs all my life.When I was a baby
just after the ice age my father had 3 Brits all in the
house. My father died when I was 3 but mother kept 1 dog
Pat Featherfoot. He was with me for 15 years as a kid he
was my protector, he waited at the bus stop every day for me.
When I was in my teens just after the civil war I had a Brit
and a Shorthair but no kids. Marriage came in my 20's with
a Wiem. what a protective dog!If my girls were outside without me
nobody but nobody got out of their car. Doc would sit and watch
my daughters all the time, and would take any abuse they gave him
he just loved the girls.Now I have Bo and a 11 year old boy
Bo likes to lay with one leg around John next to the stove
he is the most friendliest dog I have ever seen,,,soon my oldest
daughter Jamie will be coming home with a new baby..this June
I am sure Bo will be fine.And now you can call me PAPPY

Red Hawk · 01-20-2003, 08:23 PM

Thank you for the replies so far, and congrads. to both seattle and Bo "pappy" big nose on the little ones

I was looking up some infomation on Weimaraners because I have heard great things about them and when regarding small children i hear mixed reviews about this and it seem that each review is varied so i am asking upon people who have or known someone who actually have owned Weimaraners. What was him/her like around small kids? I heard about the breed regarding cats and other small mammals but that isn't my concern, just small children.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quotequote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Live to hunt, hunt to live, be the eyes of the hawk <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

OhioDuckHunter · 01-20-2003, 08:42 PM

This is all good advice. Also remember that a puppy is more than a handfull! Any dog can be good around kids, but a dog bred from good hunting stock can be hyper. I have a 4 year old Lab that lays next to my niece (1 year old) and the worst thing the dog does is lick her. I had to put my 14 month old Lab in her kennel when our niece was here, the pup is a good dog, however she is very excitable. Research to find the breed that best matches what you want and keep in mind that a puppy will be a puppy.

Red Hawk · 01-21-2003, 01:11 AM

Yeah that is very true as well. I realize puppies will just be that as well *l* I am also considering that i work mainly night shifts (mainly 6p-3a) so he/she wouldn't be left alone for long periods of time so i am also considering a breed that would be okay if it does in fact have to be alone (unless i can find a doggy sitter) or whatever. Last puppy i had a roommate and she would watch him but i was working the day shift. As you can tell i am studying/reseaching the type of breeds i am considering before i get a dog, even if it'll probably be about 4-6 months. never hurts to be prepared <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Getting good advice and information on here, keep it coming <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quotequote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Live to hunt, hunt to live, be the eyes of the hawk <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

iluvfish2 · 01-21-2003, 08:11 AM

I have a Weim. and my neighbor has a german shorthair. Both have been great around kids. My weim (full grown @ 52 lbs) is actually a little skittish around kids, most likely due to the fact that she hasn't been around any on a regular basis ( so far we haven't been lucky enough for ). Both are very hyper though, Weims require good training, however I think the effort is highly rewarded.

drgildy · 01-22-2003, 04:44 PM

I had a Weimar when my kids were little. If I was around the dog would always keep an eye on the kids if I was not around (ie work) I did not have to worry about anyone touching the kids he would be there to watch and protect them. He was the greatest family dog as well as a great hunter. My son has one now and he too is watchful of my grandkids bbut adores them also.

SpyroAndes · 01-22-2003, 07:06 PM

If you want a pointing bog, get yourself a nice brittney female... All should be good from there.

I have owned gsps, brittnies, a couple of labs and a couple of chessies. My father has had Pointers and a couple of labs.

Believe it or not, from my experience, the absolute best hunting dog breed around kids has been the chesapeake bay retriever.

Quite strange too... both of my males chessies are HORRIBLE with adults but adore children and are EXTREMELY protective of them. They will not listen to anyone but me and any young child (unless they are asking the dog to disobey me).