Need a smart, protective family dog for first-time owners with kids?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I need a dog that is smart,friendly,a good family breed that is also big and will make a burglar intimidated or make a bad guy think twice before approaching us. I am also a first time owner. I will be happy with excercise and cost. There are also young children in the house. I am happy to do what ever it costs to take care. If you have an ideal breed,please answer my question Thank you
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 15th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your potential dog. I recommend a labrador retriever. They are wonderful family dogs, highly trainable and very loyal. They have a high energy level so will require a considerable amount of exercise. They are happy go lucky dogs, but can be protective of their families. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 17th, 2018
Hi there. I would suggest looking at a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever from a good breeder. Both of these breeds, in general, are tolerant and easy-going with kids, but are large enough to be intimidating to strangers.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
New Pet
Hi we have decided to get a puppy we are a family with kids and would like a good protective breed for first time owners and also a family dog. A dog that is large enough to intimidate by looks is enough. I also want a dog that can handle being left
Hi there. I would suggest looking at a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever from a good breeder. Both of these breeds, in general, are tolerant and easy-going with kids, but are large enough to be intimidating to strangers.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Suggest several dog breeds plssss: First time owner Large breed Guard breed Family with kids and teens Will live outdoors when adult.
For purposes of looking after children, the first breed to come to mind is Great Pyrenees. They are flock guardian dogs, are known to be loyal and protective, and are large and robust enough to live outdoors if given proper shelter. As a thick-coated breed, they do require regular brushing and grooming to keep from getting matted. German Shepherd/Alsatians are also excellent family dogs, very loyal and protective and highly intelligent. Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, confident and intelligent. Rottweilers are also a good breed as they are very loyal and protective. Some people are put off by their reputation but they are a product of their environment, as is any dog. As long as the children are taught to respect and properly treat a dog, there is no need to worry.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My family is looking for a family dog. We would like for it to be a calm pet that doesn’t have chewing tendencies and can be a protector if needed. I was wondering if you have any breed recommendations? Thank you
My favorite breed is a Golden Retriever. They are truly the best family dogs ever, great with kids. They do need exercise daily, but don't tend to have chewing tendencies. I had a Golden Retriever for 12 years, best dog ever, and she was protective as needed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I would like to know what good guarding breed is good for first time owners for a family with kids. The dog will live outside but we are active like 7 hours a day and get back by around 7. Please suggest a popular breed as i have been suggested breed
I do not recommend a Rottweiler or Bullmastif for a first time dog owner. These are very strong willed dogs, and are not ones that should ever be owned by someone who has no experience with dogs. A great family friendly dog is a Golden Retriever. While they aren't a guarding breed, you need to know that the typical guarding breeds are not suitable at all for first time owners. They can be aggressive if not trained and handled correctly, and that is not safe at all for your kids. A Golden Retriever is very smart, friendly to the family, but they do bark and can look after a family. I also don't recommend keeping a dog outdoors all the time. Best of luck, I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello! What would be a good guard dog breed for a small woman living alone in an apartment? I'm a novice dog owner too, so it can't be difficult breeds. Must have: low barking level, not aggressive with small animals and humans, loyal/obedient, be ab
Great question! This is a bit of a tough question in that a number of breeds of dogs who are good guard dogs are also difficult. For example, a German Shepherd. Good guard dogs, but require a lot of training and are not for a first time dog owner. If you don't know how to handle them, they can be aggressive to humans and small animals. They are also high energy dogs. Personally, I would recommend a Golden Retriever. They are absolutely lovely dogs, extremely loyal, very easy to train, excellent with humans and small animals, and if need be, could defend the owner. I had a Golden for 12 years, and she was honestly the best dog I have ever owned. So sweet and caring, but I knew that if I was ever in trouble, she would defend me. Goldens are a large breed dog, and large breed dogs can be intimidating to strangers. My Minnie would bark if someone came to the door and knocked, but otherwise didn't bark much. Sometimes a bark is enough to scare someone off. I would look into get
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
What are some dog breeds that I can persuade my father to get me, they can’t she and have to be good with cats and other dogs, I know that depends on the dog but some dogs are known to be peaceful and I need that.
One of my favorite breeds is a Golden Retriever. A very intelligent dog, loyal, easy to train, and tends to get along with other animals. I had one, and she got along great with my other dogs and my cats. A Labrador Retriever would be another good option. I would see about getting one of those breeds. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I want to get a dog for my family that's is comforting for my sister because she gets lonely very often and sad ,athletic for my brother who like to excersise and calming and clean for my mom who isn't a fan of dogs because of there dirtiness
I personally recommend a Golden Retriever. They are very intelligent dogs who are athletic and easy to train, as well as being an excellent family dog. They aren't overly messy dogs, and their upkeep is not high. They are also extremely loving. I hope this helps :-)
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I am planning on buying a puppy. I originally wanted a Siberian Husky, but as I did my research I found that they are generally not good with small animals and they tend to run away. We have cats, ducks, and a rabbit. I really would like a dog about
Based on your desires I would recommend a Labrador or Golden retriever. They are eager to please dogs and so easier to train than huskies or hounds and tend to stay close. They also have less of a prey drive than some of the other breeds so less of a risk to your other pets though every dog can be different, I had labs growing up with rabbits and birds and little creatures and they did not harm them.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hey! So my family and I are looking for a dog to adopt and love. Are there any suggestions for large dog breeds that are calm, lazy, and good with small dogs and cats? Thanks!!
Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. This is not an easy question to answer, because every dog has the potential to be a great family pet. The only breed that does come to mind & having all the characteristics you want, is the Great Pyrennees. You get the size, & temperament you want. But all breeds can grow into the dog you want. It is a matter of love, socialization, training, & lots of patience. If you do go for a puppy, choose one that is relatively calm, will allow you to gently hold down on his back &, is not shy. The rest is up to you! All the best for your new addition. Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi i am a first time owner, when the dog is a puppy, i will give it all the attention it needs and take care of it well, but i go to school and i have younger siblings and my parents go to work , so i need a dog with low seperation anxiety, a large d
It sounds like you have done a good amount of research on getting a dog, which is great. In terms of separation anxiety, that isn't something you can determine by breed necessarily. Some breeds do tend to be more high strung than others, particularly if they are dogs that are high energy and a working breed (such as a border collie or aussie that is stuck in a house with no activity). Personallly for families with children I am a large fan of retrievers and retriever mixes if you are wanting a large dog. Meeting the dogs and the dog's parents will give you a better idea of temperment and if they are a calm, relaxed dog. You can also look at the AKC website to help decide the breeds good for you based on your lifestyle. You can read about separation anxiety at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951949 and on how to help prevent it at https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/developing-separation-anxiety-will-the-learn-to-earn-program/ . I highly recommend the
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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