In choosing a dog for the family, it’s a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.
By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient.
No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating.
A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.
Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly.
They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.
The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them.
Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.
Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they’re known for their stubbornness.
They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They’re great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.
The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children.
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It’s best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful.
The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare. This dog needs companionship from humans.
The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs.
Then there’s the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.
The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie’s tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.
Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.
In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.
Colin Philips
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breeds-but-which-dog-is-suited-for-you-117786.html
Which breeds of cats are best suited for people with slight allergies to cats?
I have slight allergies to cats. i get runny nose and watery eyes. I love cats though and I’ve heard a lot about certain breeds of cats that are naturally hypo allergenic or at least cause less of an allergic reaction due to carrying less dander. Can anyone tell me which breeds of cats are best suited for people with slight allergies.
Hairless!! No pet dander and they’re so darn cute…in an ugly way!
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Normally ppl that are allergic to cats but no dogs are actually allergic to their saliva. That is why a hairless cat will not do much good for an allergic person, bc they still groom and there is dry saliva floating around.
There is a new breed that was genetically engineered and supossed to be hypoallergenic. I’m a little wary about what the health and longevity of these cats is, coming from a small genetic pool and genetically altered, etc…
Another option is to give a medication that changes the chemistry of the saliva. Is called acepromazine and is given in very small doses. You may want to ask your vet about it and the proper dosage.
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here is the website for the hypoallergenic cats: http://www.allerca.com/
The hairless varity, like the one on Austin Powers.
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People are actually not allergic to cat hair. It is the dead skin cells that cause people to have allergic reactions to cats. There are no such things as hypoallergenic pets. Except pet reptiles or fish. Even a Sphinx (which is the breed of hairless cat) has skin and will produce allergens which will affect you. I don’t think you’d enjoy having a Sphinx anyway. They are truly beautiful only to some people.
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Bengal Leopards! They are a Hybrid between an exotic Asian Leopard and a domestic tabby. So they don’t have the regular fur and dander that upset the allergies. They have whats called a pelt, and it is very tight and soft and sheds about 98% less than the average cat. Teagrei has been here for 2 mos and i still haven’t found any hair!
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experience. a friend slept with Teagrei curled around his neck all night and woke up with no reactions and he’s pretty badly allergic….
A hairless cat like a sphinx cat (i think they are ugly myself and not the same to pat , feel the cold and must be indoors).
Like some have said are you allergic to the hair? or skin? or salvia?
Or otherwise a toy one (doesnt cost much to feed) LOL
try this site about pet allergies..i think you will find it useful…
http://www.allergyescape.com/pet-allergy.html
Good luck!
**** I have a bengal and she sheds just as much as my Australian mist cat (my bengal is 3 years old)***
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ALLERCA has produced the world’s first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cats. These cats allow some of the millions of people with feline allergies to finally enjoy the love and companionship of a household pet without suffering from allergic symptoms.
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http://www.allerca.com/
I’ve heard the Siberian or Abyssian cats the best…but, you’re right, I’ve been told it’s not the long hair but the dander off their skin. You might talk to a cat "Fancier" or kennel or shelter where there’s an Fancier & ask about it. (Aren’t Scottish Folds supposed to be without the problems you mentioned?). Brushing a cat daily with a good brush from a petstore helps…but do it outside.
When done, use a fabric softener "sheet" & rub their fur down, to take out the static and make them smell nice. It might help the dander too! ;o)
I’ve read with interest the suggestions for the scientifically studied ones who are hyperallergenic that have been bred; this might be fine if you can afford $1,300 to $2,000 for it!—PLUS airfare! My son says, they’re cute (the Muffin ones) but before he’d pay that, they’d f***ing better be able to mow the law, wash the dishes, vacuum the rug, keep the house clean, and cook his fav meals — & he says that’s just for the FIRST HALF!
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http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pets/msg0715443729295.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&q=Non-allergenic+cats&spell=1
We have two colorpoint shorthair mixes and my sister is also allergic to cats. She seems to be fine with them as long as she doesn’t pet them then rub her eyes.
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experience
I also have allergies same as you describe. I take antihistamines to help fight the symptoms and keep one room in the house — the bedroom — where there are no cats. I vacuum the rest of the house often and have HEPA filters in every room. They help a lot. I also keep a window open slightly to bring in fresh air and that helps a lot, too. As far as "hairless" cats are concerned, you’d still be allergic to them because it’s the dander not the fur that makes you allergic. I’m fine with most cats, but was most allergic to our Sable Burmese, and I don’t know why. If I resist kissing kitties, I’m a lot better, but it’s hard — sort of like an addiction.
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Cat breeder with 6 cats in the house.
OK. My husband has allergies to the Cat saliva. We used to have a Male Persian and he was SO allergic, always sneezing, his nose was running and his eyes Bloodshot. we got a female tabby and he doesn’t get any symptoms of allergies. I have read that the females saliva doesn’t have as much of the Allergic stuff in it as the Male cats. My Husband can cuddle our female and put his face on her belly and he doesn’t have any allergic reaction…
When we had the Persian My Husband had to take the allergy medicine all the time. He hasn’t taken it in months now and had no allergic reaction…So I would say, Get a female cat and your allergy’s won’t really be effected by it….And if they are I doubt it Will be that much..
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The Allerca cats are no longer being produced, and it came to light that they were not genetically altered, but only selectively bred.
The breeds which are suitable for mild allergy sufferers are as follows;
Sphynx (hairless cats like the one in Austen Powers)
Peterbald and Don Sphynx (two other hairless breeds which are rarer)
Devon Rex and Cornish Rex (both have very short wavy or curly fur)
LaPerm (another ‘rex’ breed with curly fur that comes in both long and short coats).
These rex breeds have a smaller volume of hair to hold the allergens (which are dried saliva flakes) and do not shed in the normal way because of the curled structure of their coats, so allergens are not widely deposited around the home, but mainly limited to their sleeping, grooming areas.
They are not nonallergenic, but are only hypoallergenic, meaning less allergenic than normal cats. It all depends on the level of allergic response in any individual human.
Allergic reactions can be kept to a minimum by use of antihistimines, anti-allergen grooming lotions and wipes which can be bought from pet shops, anti-allergen sprays for soft furnishings (Febreze does one), air filters, vaccuum cleaners with hepa filters, floorboards instead of carpets and no cats in the bedroom. There is also a theory that neutered cats are less allergenic, but all cats should be neutered anyway unless part of a pedigree breeding programme.
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The Siberian is a good bet , forget about hairless cats , check out our site siberiancats4u.com , we have had a very good success rate of placing these cats in home that the owners have allergies .
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I have allergies only if I pet my cat and forget to wash my hands before I rub my eye. you could get a hairless cat I think it is a Egythin Spink.( not sure how to spell it sorry)
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