Yes i have!
Poodles growing up.We had a chow chow for 9 years and a newfie thats unfortunately had to be rehomed as we couldn't stop my son eating his fur.we loved him but were worried for dog and my son eating so much fur.that was nearly 4 yrs ago and i feel its not a home without a dog!
i dont mind any amount of grooming and will get a proffesional trainer to do at home training for the family and of course i will take the dog to socialising.we really want a pup as then you know the background of the parents.having a child with autism you need to be extra careful as the child is so unpredictable.not like 'typical kids'

If you don't mind the grooming and you like big dogs, then a Rough Collie is worth thinking about

I grew up with one and he had a wonderful temperament; so calm and friendly and never reacted badly to anyone or anything.

If you are interested in this breed, then check out Collie Net website.

Cavalier?

Hi dougandi, I'm not gonna get into staffies-I'd be here a while & its each to their own.

would you prefer a big dog or a small dog? In all honesty I think most puppies are quite boisterous & demanding..Labrador would be a huge yes from me, as would be a bassett hound or a springer spaniel- like I say personal choice.

Good luck in your search & welcome to Dogsey

Bev

The setters are good with children too, but they are very norty puppies and are not the easiest to train, mostly because they are self willed! They love children though and can be wonderfully patient, but, they are hairy and they drool!

I have an autistic son. I have a few different breeds but my german shepherd has grown up with my son (he's 4) They have an unbreakable bond. My gsd dotes on him and my son dotes on her. She is incredibly patient, loyal and 'mothers' him a little.

Saying that though, there are obviously other things you need to keep in mind when choosing a breed. GSD's arent the breed for everyone.

Whilst i do agree to an extent, hounds tend to be very single minded and selfish. Especially when it comes to things such as food. Just something to bare in mind around young children

I said that Pity about the potential health issues because otherwise they are cracking little family dogs.

If you don't mind grooming, I would suggest a Golden Retriever from show lines. Generally speaking, Goldies are a bit more laid back and sensitive than Labradors. Labs are usually bit more bolshy and can be very excitable (although that is not to say Goldies can't be!) when young, which can be off-putting for young children.

When both breeds are adults, I would say they are on par with each other in terms of 'easiness'. As puppies and youngesters though, I would say Labs are bit more challenging than Goldies based on observation. I know four individual first-time dog owners with Goldens and they have all been very easy dogs.

If you had issues with your son eating the newfoes hair then it would be wiser to go for a short haired dog so that you don't have any possible issue with hair