Dog

[manders8]

I think it all depends on what type of environment the dog will be living in. For example if you are living in a house vs an apartment. If you are living in a smaller apartment I would go with a small to medium size dog. I love the Akita Inu for that size they are loyal dogs and great with kids. If you want to go for a larger size dog I would go for a lab, husky, or german sherpard. Those are all wonderful dogs. I would go around to the shelters in your local area and see what dogs need to be rescued. You could also look up what rescues are in your area and a rehoming free is only around $200. Good luck in your dog sure. I know that my dog has brought me so much joy and happiness.

[mardukblood2009]

My cousin just got a new dog. My neighbor's dog and my cousin's dog are now best friends. That play together quite often now.

[Lindaroof]

Golden Retrievers are excellent family dogs, very gentle and very devoted to their family.

[swkstudent]

Golden Retriever. I always wanted one, but my dad brought us a Rottweiler, then a pit bull. 

[raven1114]

depends on several factors. The kid's age, temperament, and also where y'all live at. Do you have a yard or will he have to walk the dog daily?

[trafeh]

small dogs are easy to take care off, bigger ones need more attention. with a big dog, you cannot go to your vacation and leave him with someone else cause it might be dangerous.....

[MessiahMews]

German Shepherds are great dogs for family environment very protective if you raise them correctly

German Shepherds were always the kind of dogs that my dad loved, so we always had them.

[RobertMendez]

Boxers are great for kids and playful

[djbt405]

Get a Chihuahua and teach it how to speak Spanish

[gaylasue]

One that is full of energy and will grow up with him.  We have a 10 year old Bichon Frise.  We love him so much.  He is high maintenance, though.  He thinks he's human so he eats pretty much what we do.  He has to have regular grooming to keep that pretty, fluffy white coat looking good.

[SherylsShado]

I think little boys & yellow labradors were made for each other.  Golden retrievers also make a good pal for a little boy.  There are many breeds that go well with kids-it's important to do some research before bringing a pet home.  The bigger the dog, the more they will cost to feed.  (The bigger the dog...the more everything costs for them, period...)  Veterinary care can be costly, (if you're considering a puppy, do NOT neglect to get it ALL of it's puppy shots.  I recently had a friend lose her puppy and an older dog because she didn't realize the puppy needed a 'parvo' shot.  It was so sad and totally preventable had she known.)  Puppies should be tested for worms, should be spayed/neutered when they are old enough, and usually require an annual blood test/heartworm meds annually depending on where one lives...in addition to their regular adult vaccinations.

Check out the prices of pet food, (or even better check what goes into making a homemade diet for your dog) so you are aware of the cost.  See if your pup is going to need to be groomed on a regular basis (nails trimmed, haircut, etc.) and get a price estimate for the breed you're interested in.  Some breeds shed more than others (yellow labs, beagles, pugs, etc. can shed quite a bit).

Check out the dogs excercise requirements and temperment types.  Labradors are excellent "house dogs" when trained, mine is very well behaved...her only fault is the "shedding".  Some labradors can be "high strung" though and those will probably require alot of patience and perhaps some dog training classes.  Labradors need alot of excercise and can be good at "running off", our local humane society always has labradors that have "ran away from home".

Not trying to "scare you", I've just seen alot of people bring home a cute puppy only to have to surrender it a few months down the road because they didn't realize what they were getting into.  I've also seen people have to have their pets down for things the pet would have recovered from---if only the people had thought ahead and saved some money for unnexpected vet bills.

Do alot of research on-line, see what health problems/diseases/ailments the breed(s) you are interested in are genetically predisposed to.

Good luck & have fun with your new dog!!