What type of dog would you recommend?

I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but if you are looking for a good family type dog, the golden retreiver is probably the best. They are the most friendly and loving, and they are great with kids. The larger "guard dog" types like rotts and pit bulls are great as well, but can be somewhat tempermental. They don't take as well to roughhousing from small children. They are however, if raised propperly by loving owners, just as protective and good with their own "family" members as would be a golden retreiver. My personal favorite breed is the Australian Cattle Dog also known as Red or Blue Heelers. I love their dedication, as well as intelligence and protectiveness. I have two, one red male, Grady who is now 16 years old, and one blue male, Skeeter who is just a year old. These dogs are highly trainable. They are very territorial, and what they consider is theirs, is most definitely THEIRS!!! Another option for you would be the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. While they have a medium sized body, similar in size to that of say a cocker spaniel, they got shorted in the leg department. They are, I can say without a doubt, a happy, loving, playfull, albiet sometimes mischeivious dog. They do best if they have a playmate. These dogs are full of facial expression and usually appear to always be smiling. I used to raise this breed, and I have found they are a joy to be around. One thing to keep in mind with middle to large size dogs is that they generally require alot of exercise. This will mean you need to take the dog out daily for exercise, or they will become extremely hyper. I guess it kind of boils down to a few main points: 1. The age of your children or any children the dog will be in close contact with. 2. The size of your home and if you intend to allow the dog in the house or if it will be an outside only dog. 3. Do you expect the dog to double as a guard dog or just a family pet. 4. The amount of time you have to spend with the dog exercising it. Keep in mind that with the pit bull, although they have a bad reputation, their behavior is greatly determined by the type of owner they have. If the owner is heavy handed, the dog will be more aggressive. That can, however, be said about ALL breeds, but seems more prevalant in the "dangerous" ones like Rotts, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans. Take your time, find one that suits your lifestyle, and enjoy your new family member.

Have you had dogs before and just how experienced are you in training them? Rottweilers and german shepherds are not dogs that are really suitable for a first dog. If you do not know exactly what to do and how to train a dog of either of these breeds or any of the other big 'guarding' breeds, he/she could become dangerous. I'm not at all saying all of these breeds are dangerous, but they can become dangerous if not handled properly. They need a firm hand (no hitting, smacking the nose or anything like that as that teaches a dog nothing, but definately need clear rules on what they are allowed to do and not, like a NILIF program) and lots of training and exercise. If you really do have the time (count on at the very least a few hours every day for the puppy) and are able to provide all the training, exercise, puppy classes and things like that to socialize and make a happy dog that gets along well with everyone, then you can consider one of those breeds, but if you have less experience dealing with breeds like that, then I do suggest a golden retriever instead. Goldens are way easier in temperament than a german shep, rottweiler or great dane is. Btw, another thing you should consider since you are getting a puppy, if you have a full-time job, then 8 hours is much too long to leave a puppy alone. You would need to arrange daycare for the puppy or a dogwalker to come in a few times every day to let the pup out and play a bit.

well if you are looking for a big dog that is family friendly I would go with a retriver. those dogs are big, and very family friendly. I like big dogs too, but i have a little yorkie now becuase i live in an apartment, once i get my home i am going to treat myself to a retriver

I am definitely a Doberman and Rottweiler person myself. I love those two breeds and have had several of each. They are so sweet, yet they look so intimidating that it's great to have them around. I wouldn't recommend any other, but like i said i'm very partial to those two breeds. I don't really like the pit bull but it's only because i have heard such awful things about them and i really don't find them to be pretty dogs, but they definitely look like they could hold their own and probably would keep a lot of people away that you don't want there. LOL! God bless

I like pit bulls, if they are treated right, they are so sweet, and can protect you and your family. So can other big dogs though so if you just don't like pit bulls I wouldn't get one. great danes are nice. Maybe a huskie? they are good looking dogs and pretty big. I wouldn't want a dog you can carry in a bag either lol.

I have a German Shepherd and he's the best dog I have ever owned! He's great with children, very loyal and a good guard dog. He's also my hearing dog since I am deaf. They are very smart and easy to train, but if you do get one make sure they are socialized during their puppy years or you will have a problem aggressive dog on hand. I would not trade my Ozzie in for any other dog, since I trained him myself we have such a bond that is so strong! He's going through training right now to be a service dog for me, (hearing dog) and he's doing excellent, I also have a 3 month old baby girl and he just dotes on her so much. German Shepherds really do protect you and are extrememly loyal!!! Ok all dogs are extremely loyal lol

I would suggest a Lab, as they are good natured, smart, friendly, and a wonderful dog. They are also very loyal to their owner. I wish I could have a dog where I live, I'm just glad for my cat & bird, as they are a wonderful comfort to me.