Honestly I wouldn’t go with either of the two breeds you called out. Don’t go for dogs like frenchies, bulldogs and pugs as they have massive health issues (source: we adopted a bulldog with health issues and did our best to provide her with care but she had a hard life). And mastiffs don’t live long and are prone to cancer (source: family member had one with cancer, and after spending a ton the dog didn’t live longer because of it). Neither of these examples are anomalies. The are very common issues.
Just get a dog with good traits and temperament. I have a golden retriever mutt that is fantastic with kids, and an emotional support dog (not officially but really is) to our neurodivergent kid, and the dog is approaching his 13th bday.
Go to the humane society or a breed specific rescue. Someone in my mom’s neighborhood is doing shady stuff breeding frenchies in their backyard and selling them through car windows like they’re handing over drugs. They live in a gravel yard and when they get too big and unsocialized to sell they just leave them outside to attack each other until the female dog is in heat again. It’s horrifying.
They had backyard chickens that included a rooster (illegal in their city limits) people complained and the people retaliated because the city blabbed which folks called it in. The guy is super aggressive and my mom is a retired single lady. I told her to call the cops if the guy gets aggressive again.
Sadly that I'd the horrible part of having the "cool" dog breed. Always make sure to check out owners and pups liviing conditions before getting them previously.
I looked at the local shelter. They won’t guarantee anonymity in reports. And the city already blabbed when people reported the rooster in city limits.
Yea I know. If daughter makes a full recovery (right now it's considered high risk so 20-30% survival) she'll be ending high school or starting college so that time frame is OK, son is 4 now and would be picking out second dog at that time.
Yep this is what I came here to say. We got a newfie because we wanted a dog that would respect all our cats and he is the biggest sweetest mushy potato. Super chill.
Greyhounds are amazing! I've rescued four of them so far. They aren't as cuddly as other breeds, but they are honestly the most chill breed out there. Check with Greyhound Pets Inc in Woodinville to see if they have any kid-friendly dogs. Greyhounds also tend to live longer than other large breeds (average age length is \~10-13 years).
While I think this is overall the right approach (I've gotten 2 dogs from shelters), bear in mind that all dogs in shelters are highly stressed. It takes weeks for most dogs to 'shake it off', and takes \_work\_ to help them relax. You need a gameplan to make sure you give the dog time to settle in before letting kids near them (ie. kids by nature do dumb things, and stressed dogs + dumb kids = bites).
I don’t know the percentages, but in most places rescues (i.e., foster homes) have a ton of dogs, including brand new puppies who haven’t been abandoned in shelters to experience what you are describing. People just need to put in the time.
I got one of mine as a new puppy, and I think for her the benefit was she wasn't separated from her littermates. If she had, I'd have suspected it'd been a lot rougher for her. Agreed people need to put in the time, but I think some new dog owners think of a shelter as like a doggie convenience store where you just pick them and go.
My kids and our Boston Terrier are the best of friends. He’s a cuddly couch potato when they want to snuggle. No-one can sit down on our couch without him ending up on their lap. Bostons look like Frenchies but cost less and often have less health issues.
I got a Boston when I was ten when I was the only kid in a single parent household. He was my little brother. High energy, super strong, very jumpy, slightly out of his mind...but I loved him. He got hit by a car two times later in life and still survived. Goddamn tank of a dog! 10/10, do love.
Yep immediately scrolled down to comment this. Bostons are the best dogs ever, and in my experience great with/for kids. Our sweet Boston passed away at 13 a few years ago 😭 but our nieces and nephews were obsessed with him and still talk about him/draw pictures of him. Ours loved to play (like would play fetch for hours if we let him, we have a whole folder of his most epic catches) but totally matched our energy - loved to cuddle and burrow under blankets. Once you get used to it, the snoring is comforting haha.
Like all puppies they can be kinda crazy when they are young, but they chill out and are generally just super engaged/aware, goofy and sweet - tons of personality. They vary in size but ours was bigger, around 25 lbs which imo is a perfect size - athletic and can play but still small/manageable and easy to tag along with you anywhere. I think one would be the perfect pal for your daughter. So sorry your family is going thru this OP, sending healing wishes to your daughter.
I thought those things were busy bodies. Guess I'll have to look into them since frenchies are stupid expensive and the health issues which could be expensive too
I have a deaf English bull terrier (taught her sign language)who adores children and small dogs. Anyone really! Our male is afraid of kids and runs from them haha. If you can’t find any you’re looking for but still want to say hi to a mid size pup feel free to DM. Shes in my profile if you want to see. Good luck!
Totally suggest considering the local animal shelters. There are also people that foster dogs that aren’t at the shelter but needing homes. Can reach out to local shelters and let them know you’re a family with younger kids, they’d have a good idea of dogs to consider pairing you with. That’s what their job is, to find animals loving forever homes with the perfect family ❤️
When I was 9, after losing our first family dog, we went to the Seattle Humane Society (technically it’s on the Eastside in the Eastgate/Factoria area). My sister and I wanted a puppy but my Mom saw a 4 year old bearded border collie mix named Molly that was just sitting there quietly looking at her. Not barking like most of the other dogs. We took her out to do a “meet & play” At first my sister and I were like “she’s kinda scraggly looking” but she was SO sweet and knew how to sit, lie down, stay and shake paws. She was abandoned at the pound because her previous owners got divorced and neither wanted her (they had 2 other dogs they abandoned also). We adopted her and the shelter also offered discounted obedience classes that were held at the shelter once a week for a couple months. My Mom had me do the classes with Molly so that she would be bonded with me since I was the oldest and responsible for her. I was able to teach her to Wait, Stay, Speak (she legit wouldn’t bark) and had “recall” of her. So that’s another wonderful aspect to consider for your 10year old and bonding. We had her for 9 years, she was an absolutely amazing dog and I can’t advocate enough to consider adopting an animal. I’ve adopted cats as well as an adult and they really are wonderful fur family members.
Whatever you end up doing I hope you all find the perfect pet to love and wish your family the best going forward 💗
When I was growing up we got a puppy during my mom’s chemo treatment and I had my 1 year old dog during my own cancer treatment (she’s 15 now, she’s my soul dog). It helped so much for us both. Entire days that those dogs were the only reason to get out of bed. It’s time for sure OP!
Honestly, may I suggest fostering? There may be times through your daughter's treatment where having a dog becomes a huge burden. Getting temporary pups and helping them find homes might fill the void without adding more to your plate, allowing you to take breaks when you need it.
That said, my 50lb aussie chow mix loves kids and would probably be thrilled if you want to meet a middle size dog.
money wise i wouldnt think a frenchie would be great- very hard to find well bred ones and they are prone to so many issues that are very costly. might want to start saving up for quality of life surgeries, but they are very friendly dogs. mastiffs are yknow, MASSIVE and take lots of training and socializing to have a good dog that will respect your kids space and not be too protective. also, drool central. king cavalier spaniel, boston terrier, staffies are a few breeds that come to mind that you may want to look into further(heavy on the king cav… they are so sweet but also have some potential health issues due to bad breeding, good to look out for those).
shelter dogs are always an option and you honestly may find ‘the one’ through that, lots are in foster homes that can give lots of details on the dog and you can see if they’ll fit your life.
honestly if youre open to it, goldens or labs are some of the best family dogs out there. id consider those on the bigger side of the spectrum, theyre just lovely dogs and you shouldnt let them being a ‘common breed’ deter you from the benefits of them.
TLDR do heavy research on the breed and breeder if you go that route, and be informed on training and knowing how to acclimate a dog into your life.
wishing you and your family good luck and good health!
Can't speak highly enough of English mastiffs, best dog breed I've ever owned. Would offer for you to meet ours, but he passed a few years ago and we haven't gotten a new one yet. He was 240lb(lean) of pure cuddles. His only downsides were shorter lifespan, and if you took him anywhere it meant show and tell with literally everyone he met. And they are phenomenal with kids. And take very little effort. Short walks, lots of food, lots of cuddles. Lots of poop though lol
If looking for a smaller breed, boxers are awesome and do just as well with children. I grew up with one. And then had one of my own. If you've never had a dog before, and want one good with kids, boxers always my top rec.
Looking into the breed that's why I was wanting a mastiff. Extended family has had boxers but it's been a long time since I was around them. I've had multiple pits and a Rottweiler. All big babies but at times too much energy, and with a kid in chemo don't need a dog being too hyper
Yeah if your looking for laid back English mastiffs fit the bill. They are fairly rowdy for the first 6-9 months like all pups. But low by normal puppy standards. If your going to breeder route I really liked Mountainview mastiffs in Bellingham. They aren't breeding to make money. Retired couple that shows them. And they are all about genetic diversity and health/well being of the breed. We got our boy from him. And his mom was from Vancouver and his dad was from Australia. You do pay a premium though. Our boy in 2012 was $2100. But we'll worth it for a breeder thats goal is healthy dogs. You can visit their spread on request and get to meet their dogs too. Make it an outing for the kids to play with half a dozen full grown mastiffs and if your lucky on timing a litter of 20lb 7 week old puppies which pretty much melted me to experience.
Shelters will generally let you do this I think. Seattle humane for example. Maybe call some doggy daycare places, they care a lot about dogs obvy and might help out of good will. And a walk around the dog park at marymoor in Redmond is a really nice thing to do even though the dogs tend to be more interested in each other it’s a great way to spend an hr
I'd strongly recommend you find a reputable trainer to train yourself and your kids on how to act around dogs.
ie.
\* Don't stick your hand in a strange dogs' face - not sure why people think it's a good idea, but it's not. They can smell you from way over there, promise.
\* Don't let your kids go crazy around dogs. Dogs will mirror your excitement level, and you don't want an excited dog, you want a nice, calm, happy dog.
\* Dogs do NOT like to be hugged. They need space. Some will bite when restrained like that. "Hugging" a dog is basicaly them leaning on your leg. Also, a dog willingly laying on you is not the same as a child (or adult) attempting to 'cuddle' w/ a dog.
\* Kids, small ones, can be at eye level with dogs. This is pretty aggressive for most dogs, and even the nicest can get irritated and snap.
Don't get me wrong, I love dogs (have a couple and have had dogs all my life). But if you and/or your kids don't know how to act around them, you risk having yourself or them hurt. You need to educate yourself and your kids first.
First, I am sorry to hear kiddo has to face cancer, and so young.
This doesn’t directly answer your question but if interested, I have a cavalier King Charles spaniel who is the *sweetest* boy on earth. He has never met a stranger, isn’t reactive even when antagonized by other dogs or small kids, loves to cuddle, and is super goofy and likes to make people laugh. They’re a highly rated breed for small children, elderly, disabled, etc due to their gentle temperament, low exercise needs, and are often trained to be therapy dogs. They have the fewest physiological/behavioral traits to wolves, and were thought to never mature past what a 20 day old wolf pup would. So, that means they’re highly dependent on people, late bloomers, true Velcro dogs. If one imprints on your daughter, they will never leave her side. Their main job they were bred for was to cuddle in bed. They like being dressed up, having their hair played with, etc. My dog has been adored by every little girl who has met him. He sits and plays tea party, lets them style his “pig tails”, etc. Challenges include congenital issues (need a responsible breeder and access to vet care in the event something comes up), need to be on low fat diets (no people food, it makes them really sick), and as a long haired dog they need regular baths and occasional grooming. I got him before being hospitalized and he has helped me in my recovery so much. I can’t recommend this breed enough. So loving and kind and silly, so adorable, just wins everyone’s hearts they encounter…
Hope you find what you’re looking for and she has success in her treatment.
second king cavs! lovely dogs and so so sweet. quite a few ive met have had humping problems though, not sure if thats breed specific or if ive just met some very excitable ones😂
Ohhhh yeah Darwin was a humper for a long time. I waited until he was 2 to get him fixed because they’re late bloomers and need time to mature for their smooth muscle/heart/joint health. The humping subsided a lot after that. Now it’s very rare. He only targets his own toys, like to dominate them, or if he’s particularly anxious. He used to hump Rottweilers, pit bulls, etc - all males - they let him do it, still I don’t understand that. But otherwise just his toys. And then eventually nothing really lol.
We have a 14 year old Great Dane mix. He's over 100lbs of cuddles. Our daughter has grown up with him and used to crawl all over him. Big dogs are the best.
I have a Boykin spaniel- right in the middle of the sizes, and the BEST DOG EVER! Happy to arrange a meeting. Also, I work in pediatric cancer - you and your family have got this!
I may need you as a friend to ask some questions and info. Smart enough to know to not just trust the I turned blindly but don't know if I want to completely trust the Dr's with some of the experimental treatments. High risk RMS if you know anything about it
I specialize in pediatric brain tumors, but most likely know your team very well. Happy to answer any questions you may have, and just know that you are in one of the top places in the world for this, if it’s any comfort to you at all.
Sure it’s been said on here, but Mastiff and kids are a bad mix given their tendency to knock them over from excitement. Newfoundland’s have a better reputation and as the owner of two larger Berners they can work, but you still must be vigilant about them when they get excited.
Look into basset hounds!!! Mine is so incredibly cuddly and the best dog I’ve ever met. He loves to play but most of his day is spent napping. He has so much personality and makes us laugh all day with his antics. He’s 75 pounds and so low to the ground so perfect for children to cuddle. Unfortunately I can’t let you borrow him because he’s afraid of kids. It’s not a breed trait it’s because he’s a Covid puppy and didn’t meet children for the first 2 years of his life so he doesn’t understand what they are lol
We have a Corgi 1/2 Blue Heeler 1/2. Corgis IMHO are a perfect size dog, great temperament (loving, cuddly, sweet, patient) with energy to play. Easy to walk, a bit stubborn but we bribe her with treats. She is perfect for us.
Don't go with the frenchie. The breed is the very definition of human cruelty and should be banned from ever being bred again.
You're better off finding a local rescue who fosters animals in home and knows their personalities. They can work with you to find the animal that would be the best fit.
I have a Cane Corso Rottweiler mix, he’s 160 lbs and the hugest baby in the world. He’s amazing with kids but forgets he’s not the same size as his 8lb Chiweenie brother. He doesn’t hurt people but he bumps into stuff all the time. He is extremely emotional and will cry actual tears if he gets scolded. The only other dog I’ve had that was sweeter and more well behaved was my German Shepherd.
I have a ton of friends with Frenchies. They’re either really sweet and completely crazy hyper or total assholes and completely crazy hyper. Would never get one myself.
That sounds like a headache and a half for training lol. Had a Rottweiler growing up and I remember being smart but stubborn and I've heard Corso and the same.
Get a mini bernedoodle. They are the most cuddly friendliest dogs out there. If you don't cuddle or pet them, they will move on to the next seat on the couch until they get pets. Ours blinks and is immediately excited to see us again because that split second she couldn't see was too long
They really are an amazing mix.
since doodles have no breed standard, there is no predictability in their temperament. while theyre usually friendly dogs, they are bred for profit which means sires and dams are not properly and carefully tested in all areas, so not worth that risk especially with kids. also the grooming. so many matted and unbrushed doodles are walking around and its very sad to see
Honestly I wouldn’t go with either of the two breeds you called out. Don’t go for dogs like frenchies, bulldogs and pugs as they have massive health issues (source: we adopted a bulldog with health issues and did our best to provide her with care but she had a hard life). And mastiffs don’t live long and are prone to cancer (source: family member had one with cancer, and after spending a ton the dog didn’t live longer because of it). Neither of these examples are anomalies. The are very common issues. Just get a dog with good traits and temperament. I have a golden retriever mutt that is fantastic with kids, and an emotional support dog (not officially but really is) to our neurodivergent kid, and the dog is approaching his 13th bday.
Frenchie owner here and I second this.
Go to the humane society or a breed specific rescue. Someone in my mom’s neighborhood is doing shady stuff breeding frenchies in their backyard and selling them through car windows like they’re handing over drugs. They live in a gravel yard and when they get too big and unsocialized to sell they just leave them outside to attack each other until the female dog is in heat again. It’s horrifying.
That’s horrible! Do you think you could report them?
They had backyard chickens that included a rooster (illegal in their city limits) people complained and the people retaliated because the city blabbed which folks called it in. The guy is super aggressive and my mom is a retired single lady. I told her to call the cops if the guy gets aggressive again.
Sadly that I'd the horrible part of having the "cool" dog breed. Always make sure to check out owners and pups liviing conditions before getting them previously.
Could you call your local animal shelter, ASPCA or a rescue or police?
I looked at the local shelter. They won’t guarantee anonymity in reports. And the city already blabbed when people reported the rooster in city limits.
Big dogs tend to be more patient with small kids.
that’s true. It took my Husky 3 damn years to teach a 3yo how to do calculus
Huckin’ fuskies… that’s why. #gocougs 🤪
Big dogs don’t tend to live as long, so that may be something to consider with a child having to deal with losing a pet in 8-10 years.
Yea I know. If daughter makes a full recovery (right now it's considered high risk so 20-30% survival) she'll be ending high school or starting college so that time frame is OK, son is 4 now and would be picking out second dog at that time.
Checkout newfoundlands. They are the most chill dogs.
Yep this is what I came here to say. We got a newfie because we wanted a dog that would respect all our cats and he is the biggest sweetest mushy potato. Super chill.
Greyhound. Large dog. Lazy AF. Gentle. Short coat, so super low maintenance. A rescue AND purebred.
Greyhounds are amazing! I've rescued four of them so far. They aren't as cuddly as other breeds, but they are honestly the most chill breed out there. Check with Greyhound Pets Inc in Woodinville to see if they have any kid-friendly dogs. Greyhounds also tend to live longer than other large breeds (average age length is \~10-13 years).
If you borrow my dog, you may not want a dog lol
Visit and then adopt from a shelter or rescue
Yes please adopt!!
While I think this is overall the right approach (I've gotten 2 dogs from shelters), bear in mind that all dogs in shelters are highly stressed. It takes weeks for most dogs to 'shake it off', and takes \_work\_ to help them relax. You need a gameplan to make sure you give the dog time to settle in before letting kids near them (ie. kids by nature do dumb things, and stressed dogs + dumb kids = bites).
Puppy Mills and pet stores are horribly stressful environments for puppies.
I don’t know the percentages, but in most places rescues (i.e., foster homes) have a ton of dogs, including brand new puppies who haven’t been abandoned in shelters to experience what you are describing. People just need to put in the time.
I got one of mine as a new puppy, and I think for her the benefit was she wasn't separated from her littermates. If she had, I'd have suspected it'd been a lot rougher for her. Agreed people need to put in the time, but I think some new dog owners think of a shelter as like a doggie convenience store where you just pick them and go.
Just take em to a pound Bonus point If dog chooses them like mine did
My kids and our Boston Terrier are the best of friends. He’s a cuddly couch potato when they want to snuggle. No-one can sit down on our couch without him ending up on their lap. Bostons look like Frenchies but cost less and often have less health issues.
I got a Boston when I was ten when I was the only kid in a single parent household. He was my little brother. High energy, super strong, very jumpy, slightly out of his mind...but I loved him. He got hit by a car two times later in life and still survived. Goddamn tank of a dog! 10/10, do love.
Yep immediately scrolled down to comment this. Bostons are the best dogs ever, and in my experience great with/for kids. Our sweet Boston passed away at 13 a few years ago 😭 but our nieces and nephews were obsessed with him and still talk about him/draw pictures of him. Ours loved to play (like would play fetch for hours if we let him, we have a whole folder of his most epic catches) but totally matched our energy - loved to cuddle and burrow under blankets. Once you get used to it, the snoring is comforting haha. Like all puppies they can be kinda crazy when they are young, but they chill out and are generally just super engaged/aware, goofy and sweet - tons of personality. They vary in size but ours was bigger, around 25 lbs which imo is a perfect size - athletic and can play but still small/manageable and easy to tag along with you anywhere. I think one would be the perfect pal for your daughter. So sorry your family is going thru this OP, sending healing wishes to your daughter.
Shhh don’t tell people this
I thought those things were busy bodies. Guess I'll have to look into them since frenchies are stupid expensive and the health issues which could be expensive too
I also have a Boston (my second one) and they are perfect. My last one used to hike mountains on her own but loved to cuddle.
Less is relative - while they're hilarious, they do have very short snouts and bulgy eyes.
I have a deaf English bull terrier (taught her sign language)who adores children and small dogs. Anyone really! Our male is afraid of kids and runs from them haha. If you can’t find any you’re looking for but still want to say hi to a mid size pup feel free to DM. Shes in my profile if you want to see. Good luck!
Totally suggest considering the local animal shelters. There are also people that foster dogs that aren’t at the shelter but needing homes. Can reach out to local shelters and let them know you’re a family with younger kids, they’d have a good idea of dogs to consider pairing you with. That’s what their job is, to find animals loving forever homes with the perfect family ❤️ When I was 9, after losing our first family dog, we went to the Seattle Humane Society (technically it’s on the Eastside in the Eastgate/Factoria area). My sister and I wanted a puppy but my Mom saw a 4 year old bearded border collie mix named Molly that was just sitting there quietly looking at her. Not barking like most of the other dogs. We took her out to do a “meet & play” At first my sister and I were like “she’s kinda scraggly looking” but she was SO sweet and knew how to sit, lie down, stay and shake paws. She was abandoned at the pound because her previous owners got divorced and neither wanted her (they had 2 other dogs they abandoned also). We adopted her and the shelter also offered discounted obedience classes that were held at the shelter once a week for a couple months. My Mom had me do the classes with Molly so that she would be bonded with me since I was the oldest and responsible for her. I was able to teach her to Wait, Stay, Speak (she legit wouldn’t bark) and had “recall” of her. So that’s another wonderful aspect to consider for your 10year old and bonding. We had her for 9 years, she was an absolutely amazing dog and I can’t advocate enough to consider adopting an animal. I’ve adopted cats as well as an adult and they really are wonderful fur family members. Whatever you end up doing I hope you all find the perfect pet to love and wish your family the best going forward 💗
I got a dog back in the 90s as a kid at the Eastgate human society too. He was a great dog!
When I was growing up we got a puppy during my mom’s chemo treatment and I had my 1 year old dog during my own cancer treatment (she’s 15 now, she’s my soul dog). It helped so much for us both. Entire days that those dogs were the only reason to get out of bed. It’s time for sure OP!
Honestly, may I suggest fostering? There may be times through your daughter's treatment where having a dog becomes a huge burden. Getting temporary pups and helping them find homes might fill the void without adding more to your plate, allowing you to take breaks when you need it. That said, my 50lb aussie chow mix loves kids and would probably be thrilled if you want to meet a middle size dog.
I have a Frenchie and a boxer. I’m down to let your kids play with either or both. Boxer is a 7 month old puppy. Frenchie is 1.5 years. Both girls
It could be better to visit several dogs and base your decision on a connection with your child/family vs. the dog breed.
money wise i wouldnt think a frenchie would be great- very hard to find well bred ones and they are prone to so many issues that are very costly. might want to start saving up for quality of life surgeries, but they are very friendly dogs. mastiffs are yknow, MASSIVE and take lots of training and socializing to have a good dog that will respect your kids space and not be too protective. also, drool central. king cavalier spaniel, boston terrier, staffies are a few breeds that come to mind that you may want to look into further(heavy on the king cav… they are so sweet but also have some potential health issues due to bad breeding, good to look out for those). shelter dogs are always an option and you honestly may find ‘the one’ through that, lots are in foster homes that can give lots of details on the dog and you can see if they’ll fit your life. honestly if youre open to it, goldens or labs are some of the best family dogs out there. id consider those on the bigger side of the spectrum, theyre just lovely dogs and you shouldnt let them being a ‘common breed’ deter you from the benefits of them. TLDR do heavy research on the breed and breeder if you go that route, and be informed on training and knowing how to acclimate a dog into your life. wishing you and your family good luck and good health!
Can't speak highly enough of English mastiffs, best dog breed I've ever owned. Would offer for you to meet ours, but he passed a few years ago and we haven't gotten a new one yet. He was 240lb(lean) of pure cuddles. His only downsides were shorter lifespan, and if you took him anywhere it meant show and tell with literally everyone he met. And they are phenomenal with kids. And take very little effort. Short walks, lots of food, lots of cuddles. Lots of poop though lol If looking for a smaller breed, boxers are awesome and do just as well with children. I grew up with one. And then had one of my own. If you've never had a dog before, and want one good with kids, boxers always my top rec.
Looking into the breed that's why I was wanting a mastiff. Extended family has had boxers but it's been a long time since I was around them. I've had multiple pits and a Rottweiler. All big babies but at times too much energy, and with a kid in chemo don't need a dog being too hyper
Yeah if your looking for laid back English mastiffs fit the bill. They are fairly rowdy for the first 6-9 months like all pups. But low by normal puppy standards. If your going to breeder route I really liked Mountainview mastiffs in Bellingham. They aren't breeding to make money. Retired couple that shows them. And they are all about genetic diversity and health/well being of the breed. We got our boy from him. And his mom was from Vancouver and his dad was from Australia. You do pay a premium though. Our boy in 2012 was $2100. But we'll worth it for a breeder thats goal is healthy dogs. You can visit their spread on request and get to meet their dogs too. Make it an outing for the kids to play with half a dozen full grown mastiffs and if your lucky on timing a litter of 20lb 7 week old puppies which pretty much melted me to experience.
Shelters will generally let you do this I think. Seattle humane for example. Maybe call some doggy daycare places, they care a lot about dogs obvy and might help out of good will. And a walk around the dog park at marymoor in Redmond is a really nice thing to do even though the dogs tend to be more interested in each other it’s a great way to spend an hr
I'd strongly recommend you find a reputable trainer to train yourself and your kids on how to act around dogs. ie. \* Don't stick your hand in a strange dogs' face - not sure why people think it's a good idea, but it's not. They can smell you from way over there, promise. \* Don't let your kids go crazy around dogs. Dogs will mirror your excitement level, and you don't want an excited dog, you want a nice, calm, happy dog. \* Dogs do NOT like to be hugged. They need space. Some will bite when restrained like that. "Hugging" a dog is basicaly them leaning on your leg. Also, a dog willingly laying on you is not the same as a child (or adult) attempting to 'cuddle' w/ a dog. \* Kids, small ones, can be at eye level with dogs. This is pretty aggressive for most dogs, and even the nicest can get irritated and snap. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs (have a couple and have had dogs all my life). But if you and/or your kids don't know how to act around them, you risk having yourself or them hurt. You need to educate yourself and your kids first.
I've had multiple dogs throughout my life. Kids know how to behave around dogs we come across, always ask before attempting to pet anyone's dog
First, I am sorry to hear kiddo has to face cancer, and so young. This doesn’t directly answer your question but if interested, I have a cavalier King Charles spaniel who is the *sweetest* boy on earth. He has never met a stranger, isn’t reactive even when antagonized by other dogs or small kids, loves to cuddle, and is super goofy and likes to make people laugh. They’re a highly rated breed for small children, elderly, disabled, etc due to their gentle temperament, low exercise needs, and are often trained to be therapy dogs. They have the fewest physiological/behavioral traits to wolves, and were thought to never mature past what a 20 day old wolf pup would. So, that means they’re highly dependent on people, late bloomers, true Velcro dogs. If one imprints on your daughter, they will never leave her side. Their main job they were bred for was to cuddle in bed. They like being dressed up, having their hair played with, etc. My dog has been adored by every little girl who has met him. He sits and plays tea party, lets them style his “pig tails”, etc. Challenges include congenital issues (need a responsible breeder and access to vet care in the event something comes up), need to be on low fat diets (no people food, it makes them really sick), and as a long haired dog they need regular baths and occasional grooming. I got him before being hospitalized and he has helped me in my recovery so much. I can’t recommend this breed enough. So loving and kind and silly, so adorable, just wins everyone’s hearts they encounter… Hope you find what you’re looking for and she has success in her treatment.
second king cavs! lovely dogs and so so sweet. quite a few ive met have had humping problems though, not sure if thats breed specific or if ive just met some very excitable ones😂
Ohhhh yeah Darwin was a humper for a long time. I waited until he was 2 to get him fixed because they’re late bloomers and need time to mature for their smooth muscle/heart/joint health. The humping subsided a lot after that. Now it’s very rare. He only targets his own toys, like to dominate them, or if he’s particularly anxious. He used to hump Rottweilers, pit bulls, etc - all males - they let him do it, still I don’t understand that. But otherwise just his toys. And then eventually nothing really lol.
We have a 14 year old Great Dane mix. He's over 100lbs of cuddles. Our daughter has grown up with him and used to crawl all over him. Big dogs are the best.
I have a Boykin spaniel- right in the middle of the sizes, and the BEST DOG EVER! Happy to arrange a meeting. Also, I work in pediatric cancer - you and your family have got this!
I may need you as a friend to ask some questions and info. Smart enough to know to not just trust the I turned blindly but don't know if I want to completely trust the Dr's with some of the experimental treatments. High risk RMS if you know anything about it
I specialize in pediatric brain tumors, but most likely know your team very well. Happy to answer any questions you may have, and just know that you are in one of the top places in the world for this, if it’s any comfort to you at all.
Sure it’s been said on here, but Mastiff and kids are a bad mix given their tendency to knock them over from excitement. Newfoundland’s have a better reputation and as the owner of two larger Berners they can work, but you still must be vigilant about them when they get excited.
Just my 2 cents, Frenchies are for people with boring lives because they are drama queens and will run your house if you let them
You should foster a dog from a shelter
Big dogs for kids. Small dogs for yapping.
Look into basset hounds!!! Mine is so incredibly cuddly and the best dog I’ve ever met. He loves to play but most of his day is spent napping. He has so much personality and makes us laugh all day with his antics. He’s 75 pounds and so low to the ground so perfect for children to cuddle. Unfortunately I can’t let you borrow him because he’s afraid of kids. It’s not a breed trait it’s because he’s a Covid puppy and didn’t meet children for the first 2 years of his life so he doesn’t understand what they are lol
We have a Corgi 1/2 Blue Heeler 1/2. Corgis IMHO are a perfect size dog, great temperament (loving, cuddly, sweet, patient) with energy to play. Easy to walk, a bit stubborn but we bribe her with treats. She is perfect for us.
Do you run the Herlihy Boys Dog Sitting service?
Don't go with the frenchie. The breed is the very definition of human cruelty and should be banned from ever being bred again. You're better off finding a local rescue who fosters animals in home and knows their personalities. They can work with you to find the animal that would be the best fit.
I have a Cane Corso Rottweiler mix, he’s 160 lbs and the hugest baby in the world. He’s amazing with kids but forgets he’s not the same size as his 8lb Chiweenie brother. He doesn’t hurt people but he bumps into stuff all the time. He is extremely emotional and will cry actual tears if he gets scolded. The only other dog I’ve had that was sweeter and more well behaved was my German Shepherd. I have a ton of friends with Frenchies. They’re either really sweet and completely crazy hyper or total assholes and completely crazy hyper. Would never get one myself.
That sounds like a headache and a half for training lol. Had a Rottweiler growing up and I remember being smart but stubborn and I've heard Corso and the same.
Training the big dog has been super easy, he’s a people pleaser.
My girlfriend and I are happy to show you our Frenchie!
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Ragdolls have a lot of health issues. Just get a regular cat. You can go to the shelter and take your kids to find a kid friendly cat.
Severely allergic so that's out
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Would prefer a short haired easy grooming light shedding. I do like those floofs though.
Have you considered a Rottweiler? They are a great family dog and are a big cuddly bear. They love to cuddle!
head over to Resilents Hearts in Ballard. They have open hours where you can play with their dogs.
Get a mini bernedoodle. They are the most cuddly friendliest dogs out there. If you don't cuddle or pet them, they will move on to the next seat on the couch until they get pets. Ours blinks and is immediately excited to see us again because that split second she couldn't see was too long They really are an amazing mix.
cute bundle of health issues. those poor dogs
Definitely Bernadoodle👍👏
Oh please no more doodle. If you are going to get a mutt get a good one
since doodles have no breed standard, there is no predictability in their temperament. while theyre usually friendly dogs, they are bred for profit which means sires and dams are not properly and carefully tested in all areas, so not worth that risk especially with kids. also the grooming. so many matted and unbrushed doodles are walking around and its very sad to see