dog breeds

[aggie49]

my daughter wants a pit bull but i don't like big dogs i was attacked by a rottwieler when i was younger so thats my reason for not likeing big dogs i see so many things aout pits and from what i no they are not good dogs what do you all think about them i told her i would think about it before giving her an answer

[colbtrist]

I do not like bigger breeds of dogs either, they scare me. I prefer things like Pekingese, or Maltese.

[ladavia89]

I worked at an animal hospital for a few years and I was probably attacked by more cats and little 5 pound dogs than any large breeds

How you raise a dog does have a  lot to do with their behavior. I know people who multiple pits that they have just raised along with their children with no problems.

[Nancy5]

I don't have any pits, but I know people who do.  It really depends on how you raise them.  They can be good dogs and they can be child friendly, or if you raise them as attack dogs, that's what they will be.  If you are afraid of getting a pit and she ants a big dog, Goldens, labs, and other big dogs are suppose to be easy, laid back dogs.  I have a lab and a mixed breed (both 80 lbs) and they are the most gentle, easy going dogs.  I would research big breeds for a good match to your family.  Good luck in finding your ne addition!

[texasmom32]

I will always believe that any breed of dog can be mean (or nice), it all depends on how it was raised and trained.  That said, some breeds have traits bred in them that make them more likely to become an aggressive dog.  That's why breeds like Pit bulls are used as fighting dogs and not breeds like labs.  I would suggest going to your local rescue or humane society and finding a pup there. 

[jford87]

A dog's behavior is almost always determined by how they are raised. If a dog is raised and taught to attack, they are going to attack. IF they are raised to be cuddly and sweet, that is how they will be.

[bowrunner]

I have a pit bull and she is fine with people but will attack one of my Corgis if she gets a chance so I keep the Corgi in when the pit bull is out.

[nguzman1]

I have had all types of breeds in dogs since I was a little girl and what I came to realize is that it isn't the dog but the trainer that makes what the dog becomes so if you get a rottwieler I am sure you could make it a loveable dog.

[kqa]

I would get one of the most intelligent breeds, and they come in all shapes and sizes, for they will be easier to train. I have owned German shepherds, poodles, and a Papillon.  Here's a list of the top 10 in intelligence (from "The Intelligence of Dogs"):

Brightest Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: Less than 5 repetitions.

Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
Rank    Breed
1    Border Collie
2    Poodle
3    German Shepherd
4    Golden Retriever
5    Doberman Pinscher
6    Shetland Sheepdog
7    Labrador Retriever
8    Papillon
9    Rottweiler
10    Australian Cattle Dog

[Kay0338]

I've owned a lot of dogs growing up, and the Lab has been the friendliest and easiest to housebreak.

I have no problem with pit bulls, but Labs aren't generally known for aggression which makes them  better choice to me.

[Dynamite2013]

Collie is the best dog for someone with fear. Fear is what makes a dog attack if you show no fear and show that you are willing to fight back the dog will not harm you. I have had many dogs try to attack me and I look at them and tell them "if you bite me I will bite you back" and that makes them stop because I have no fear to animals. They either sit down or walk away. I recently did it with a pit bull dog and we became best of friends his owner didn't like it but that was too bad.

[cwillard1]

Depends on your household and the people and size.  Pitbulls are great dogs. but, very territorial.  They need their space.   I love mine she is wonderful.   

[nmbrown863]

I believe the way dogs behave is mostly based on they were raised and treated. I have had large dogs all my life and they have all been super sweet. Pits have a bad reputation but really it all depends on how they are brought up and trained.