What would be a good house dog, that will also be good with my little boy?

There's lots of breeds that are known as good "kid" dogs. Don't get one too small, like Chihuahuas and tea-cup poodles. Small children can accidentally hurt them. Personally, I have the MOST luck with mutts! I recently got a Corgi/Beagle mix that is wonderful with my 2.5 year old son and 1 year old daughter. My daughter likes to lay on the floor nose-to-nose with her and my son likes to cuddle with her at night in his bed. Just do your research and find the dog that's right for you. Also, try local animal shelters. We got our pup from an animal rescue. It felt good knowing she was going to a permanent loving home. Plus, since she had been with a foster family for a couple months, they had already crate, leash and house-trained her for us! BONUS!

Why do you not have your Maltese now ? Getting a new puppy is a lot of work on top of having a small baby.Maybe a pound "puppy" would be good try your local shelters alot of people have abandoned well trained well mannered dogs because they just can't have them any more.You are going to get alot of different opinions on the right breed. just think of what you want and study up. If you like the Maltese maybe find a rescue in your area and spend a little time getting to know some of the dogs and pick one there.

How about a retired racing greyhound?

They're calm,gentle, and most are good with kids. They're not as expensive as other purebreds, if you go with a group then you get some medical stuff thrown in with the adoption fee(its usually anywhere from $150-400). They live for an average of 12-14 years and are super healthy when compared to other purebreds.

Even though they're a big breed, they take up a tiny amount of space, don't require as much exercise as a lab would.

Golden Retriever! The most people-oriented & friendly dog ever.

As a puppy, it will start as a "small dog," then grow up with your son.

Here is some info from the Golden Retriever Club of America website:

If you want a watchdog, you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Although its size and initial barking might deter an intruder, the typical Golden is adaptable, friendly to everyone, gentle (although physically active), and committed to carrying things around in its mouth... including the intruder's flashlight.

If you are a fastidious housekeeper (or are married to one), you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Most Goldens shed somewhat throughout the year, and quite profusely in the spring, in spite of diligent daily brushings. Also, most Goldens love to get wet. If there is water on your property your Golden will be wet, and possibly muddy, a frustrating amount of time.

If you want a one-man dog, prefer cats to dogs, or aren't home much, you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Goldens are very people-oriented, and aren't happy alone in a kennel.

The website goes on to describe the breed standard, as well as how to choose a breeder, etc.

Definitely not a toy breed, they are too fragile to be around small children. A Boston Terrier would be a good choice. Bostons require little grooming, get along well with children & other pets. Bostons usually weigh 15 to 20 LBS. They are also affordable.

issues to evaluate first! once you're counting on your 9 twelve months previous to guard the dogs, walking, feeding, coaching, are not getting it. understand first that he's a toddler and you will probable be doing a great kind of the care your self. think of of the teenage years forward while he would be busy socially, activities, college events, a job. as long as you're pleased with that, you have settle on despite in case you like to pay for grooming on a popular foundation, that may upload up. in case you circulate to the AKC internet site, they checklist the characteristics of each and every breed and there's a great number of stable suggestion there. stay faraway from web content specializing in purely one breed as they are going to have sparkling comments on that breed and probably no longer inform you the undesirable issues approximately it. no longer understanding your way of existence, i do no longer think of human beings can fairly recommend the final breed for you.

I have a Westie that I grew up with (shes a 9 year old westie) they are great dogs, the bead side about westies or at least mine is she is protective of her family, but now since she is older she has mellowed out. We are thinking it probably because we never let her interact with other children so she became are little watch dog, it aslo could be her personaltie but besides that they are great!

Beagles are small, intelligent, not hyper, and very good with children. They also have a loud and distinctive bark that makes them a good guard dog as well.

http://www.stuffedark.com/indexdogcat.htm

Seriously, it might sound romantic.....but you have enough on your plate right now to bring a puppy into the mix. Wait until your son is older.

Lab pup. To grow up with.

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2nd reply.

Wife & I have a mix - Chow / Lab "Katie". Who is a large part of our family. Very loving, kind and affectionate.

I only wish I could send pictures to show.

Labs rule.

This Old Dawg

: )