Best cur for kids

[GAhunter]

Which cur is the best with small children? I'm just getting started hog dogging and have 2 boys (2 year old and 3 month old). My oldest loves being outside and loves playing with the dogs. I am limited on space so keeping pet dogs and keeping separate dogs for hunting is out of the question. Obviously I want the best hunting breed/cross I can get. My wife is good with the hunting dog aspect but wants the dog to be laid back and very gentle with the boys as well as a protector. I need a dog that knows when to put it in gear but also knows when its time to just hang out around the house. From reading and talking with a few older dog men, BMC's seem to be a good breed. What suggestions do you guys have?

[uglydog]

Not about the breed as much as an individual dog. That can be predicted on temperment of the bloodlines the dog is out of, but I owuld not reccomend choosing the dog becuause of the "breed" to be good with kids. most of my bay dog are great with kids they know, my catchdog had better love all kids (small people), no matter what.

[SCHitemHard]

looking for somethin small get a jagd terrier or a patty, also think of energy level with the kids in mind

i got a dachsund small, perfect energy level but will swith into high gear when needed

[YELLOWBLACKMASK]

Not about the breed as much as an individual dog. That can be predicted on temperment of the bloodlines the dog is out of, but I owuld not reccomend choosing the dog becuause of the "breed" to be good with kids. most of my bay dog are great with kids they know, my catchdog had better love all kids (small people), no matter what.

Agree.

[UNDERDOG]

looking for somethin small get a jagd terrier or a patty, also think of energy level with the kids in mind

i got a dachsund small, perfect energy level but will swith into high gear when needed

I myself would stay away from a jadg or patt for a pet. Also if you are getting a dual purpose dog as in pet and family dog ? remember that when you turn them loose everytime could be the last time...if for your kids consider a dog for only at the house.

[dub]

All of my dogs have to be good around kids. Together they are a problem because they jump more. But BMC's are good for the most part. But it comes down to the individual dog. Had dogs my whole life and was never surprised by a dog. I do recommend a kennel so the kids can play without a dog bugging them.

[rdjustham]

All of my dogs have to be good around kids. Together they are a problem because they jump more. But BMC's are good for the most part. But it comes down to the individual dog. Had dogs my whole life and was never surprised by a dog. I do recommend a kennel so the kids can play without a dog bugging them.

Im the same way.. My kid comes first and its my opinion he can do what ever he wants with the dogs from feeding, petting letting them out of the pens etc.  Now i am teaching my son proper handling off animals, but the first one who snaps etc is CULLED on the spot.  I have sent a few dogs down the road due to them thinking they come first, so i agree who heartedly its not about the breed, its about the dog.  Good luck and remember kids get attached (just like wives) and each time out could very well be the last..

[GAhunter]

I know the individual dog and/or line will have more of an effect than the breed but I was just wondering if there was a breed in general that tends to be best. My kids come first as well and I'm in a hard spot right now getting rid of a pet/show dog that I've put a lot of time, money, and effort into because he has no "off switch" and is very rough with my 2 year old. I realize he just playing but I'm not even going to allow rough play. Like rdjustham said, I want my boys to be able to feed, pet, play with, and handle the dogs (with supervision) without being trampled on and knocked around. Hope that makes a little more sense. 

[kader-curs]

Not about the breed as much as an individual dog. That can be predicted on temperment of the bloodlines the dog is out of, but I owuld not reccomend choosing the dog becuause of the "breed" to be good with kids. most of my bay dog are great with kids they know, my catchdog had better love all kids (small people), no matter what.

x2 if i were you i'd just get a pup of your likeing and let him grow up around the boys... i bet he'll grow up being more loyal to them boys than you..

[arrowbar]

Our plotts are perfect with our kids ages 1,2 and 8. I can leave all three alone with them in the backyard and the only thing I have to worry about is them accidentally knocking down my youngest. They are laid back in the kennel and only bark when the cat is considering suicide by hanging out close to the kennel or some one is in the front yard. Our pups are handled by all of us since day one and work great in the field. Check with the breeders of each of the pups that you plan on getting one from. Watch the dogs interact with the kids and the kids with the dog, this is your best bet.

[jkcasey]

Just do what I do. Get the ones you want for hunting and let the wife and kids get the house dogs they want. Last but not least, go get a second job to feed them all.  

[Reuben]

I know the individual dog and/or line will have more of an effect than the breed but I was just wondering if there was a breed in general that tends to be best. My kids come first as well and I'm in a hard spot right now getting rid of a pet/show dog that I've put a lot of time, money, and effort into because he has no "off switch" and is very rough with my 2 year old. I realize he just playing but I'm not even going to allow rough play. Like rdjustham said, I want my boys to be able to feed, pet, play with, and handle the dogs (with supervision) without being trampled on and knocked around. Hope that makes a little more sense. 

I don't know what you will be hunting but since you are on this forum probably hogs. If you like BMC then get one from a good line of hog dogs or hunting dogs. There are some breeders on here but there is Joey Hutson in Louisiana that has some hunting BMC's. I would buy a laid back type pup that is built right from good hunting bloodlines.

I believe some dogs are born hyper and some that are bred that way.

I also believe that most hyper dogs are made that way because the dog is allowed to act that way. We as owners need to make sure the dog acts right  and we must be consistant with this training, and  then we need to teach the spouse and kids to handle the dog in the same manner.  The dog needs consistancy which is what it needs so that it can act this way in a consistant manner.

I have seen dogs that act right around one person and then get all hyper and knock kids around etc. etc. To me this is because the dog is allowed to act this way because he knows he can get away with it.

[GAhunter]

I understand everyone's point. Like I said before, I am very limited on space so keeping pets as well as hunters isn't possible. I live in a subdivision with a 3/4 acre lot. I can keep 2-3 dogs max.

How do catahoulas do with kids? I know they are protective and I know just like any other you have to find the right bloodline that will hunt.

[T-Bob Parker]

I've got one old male Catahoula who is fairly high strung but is a dream around kids, especially my baby and one mature female cat who is very laid back but will avoid children like the plague. When I'm holding my daughter, she looks at us and seems content, but will not voluntarily come close to her. I'm a Catahoula fan, so I like them and think they would be fine with your kids but finding a good line of cats is getting hens teeth rare in this world.

[slckhunter1978]

Its hard enough to find a really good hog dog. u may as well just find u one that can do it all and get the wife and kids Their own dog! Anyway thats what i do! lol to keep them happy. its enough burden that i spend alot of time with dogs and hunting so thats another disagreement i don't have to put up with. only difference is i live in the country with plenty of room. they have dogs and cats and pigs as pets! I have my hunting dogs! good luck in whatever you decide - i would say catahoula just my preference - that doesn't mean anything - like everyone else said it all depends on THE DOG!

[josh hennes]

I totally agree with your line of reasoning, I won't feed a dog unless it performs a job, a pet only dog is not on my radar.  I got bird dogs and plotts, they gotta be good with my boys and hunt hard.  I too am looking for a good cur.

[tnhillbilly]

Ive got the perfect solution, you need one of these catahoula X JRT pups, the dad JRT is a good house dog, and good with people, and the dam is a good catahoula hog dog female, best of both worlds rolled into 1.  LOL and their FREE

Hope you find a good one, I would love to find the right full cat male to breed to this female, if not im gonna breed her to my plott.
good luck

[NechesBobcat]

Sounds like a bunch of over complicated replies. Just get you a good BMC pup and let the boys raise it. A dog will adjust to it's owner. If you put it in a kennel and let it build up energy it's probly going to be rough when you let it out. If it's able to run around and do whatever, probly not. I've got BMCs that weren't raised around kids but they still love them and are as gentle as they can be. A kid can hand them a piece of food and they'll try to take it without touching the kids hand. Even had a little kid ride my old dog and pull his ears and tail and nuts. I would start with a pup and let your kids slap the snot out of it if it ever gets rough. The dog will get the idea.

[mjeane]

bloodline of dogs and way they are bred means everything .ive seen crazy ,mean ,no hunters of every breed.Get a pup from someone that has had long line of dogs and knows what youll get on a cross,what breed is a tough one to answer.Ipersonally prefer bm and mountain curs .

[Oly]

Not about the breed as much as an individual dog. That can be predicted on temperment of the bloodlines the dog is out of, but I owuld not reccomend choosing the dog becuause of the "breed" to be good with kids. most of my bay dog are great with kids they know, my catchdog had better love all kids (small people), no matter what.

X10 yet another DEAD on reply Krystal

---I also contribute it to TRAINING/EDUCATION--- if you put a dog on a chain/pen and pay it no attention and do not allow it to intermingle with kids then you cannot expect it to MIRACULESLY like kids and be trusted arnd them--- one has to put the TIME and effort---

 I believe it is VERY important for children to be very involved in the dogs education/training and I am ALL about basic training no matter what ---the BASICS will not ruin a dogs hunt, teaching them to SIT, STAY and COME when called is a handy tool--- a dog that handles good no matter what is a treasure and that takes time and a bit of effort.

 I HATE chasing dogs in the woods because they refuse to COME when called or a dog that won’t stay put when asked, I have seen dogs SAVED because of these BASIC commands--- they can cross a line where you are not allowed to hunt and if you have a good solid recall then the problem is solved quickly---

In these days we have seen what happens when a dog goes through a fence onto property we shouldn’t be in--- IF we take the time to TRAIN a good recall all you have to do is CALL your dog back and be done could save your dog’s life and a lot of PAIN for one self---


SORRY got carried away and a bit off topic.