What is the best SMALL dog for my children?

Question

I have two girls ages 5 and 3. They want a puppy for Christmas. I am ready and willing to put in the work to give the puppy a nice home. The only problem is, I am terrified of big dogs. So I am looking for a small dog that plays well with children and that is okay with being home while I work and they go to school. Any suggestions? This is only for people who have experience with raising puppies, not those of you who have read about them only. I have a few months to decide, so please give me your input. Thank you.

Answer 1

I volenteered at the RSPCA for a while so I got a good idea of the various breeds. Some small dogs are no good with very young children because unless you are able to supervise them 24/7 a young child could accidently hurt or irritate a small dog. I would say a small to medium dog would be fine. The perfect dog would be a shetland sheep dog. They are small but not miniature, they are good with children, they are hardy but they are obedient, they don't have a huge amount of energy even though they are playful so they don't need excessive amounts of exercise and are great because you don't HAVE to take them out for a walk on a snowy or rainy day as long as they get a good play, they do need grooming because of their long hair. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sh...

Any hardy dog would be fine. the west highland white terrier is also a good dog with children altho as puppies they can sometimes be a bit nippy but as long as you teach the puppy that it's not okay it should be fine. They are big enough to withstand bouncy children but considered a small dog. They again don't need a massive amount of exercise but do need a good deal of grooming, they need their coat stripped regularly.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highla...

A short haired dog that would be good would be a beagle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle.

I wouldn't recommend a breed with long floppy ears with a 3 year old or a dog that's too bouncy. Some of the larger breeds although you are scared of them are actually far more reliable with children such as german shephards and golden retrievers. Golden retrievers are amazing dogs, they are obedient, they are incredibly patient with young children and they are very very gentle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retr...

And apart from the shetland sheepdog I also agree with spanky, adult dog. Raising a puppy is like having another child.

Answer 2

I would recommend an adult dog, rather than a puppy.  I know the girls woudl rather have a puppy, but if it is going to be at home while you are at work, and they are at school, it will be very difficult.  Small breed dogs typically have tons of energy, and your sanity will be hard pressed once you come home and find that the puppy has demolished the house.  www.petfinder.com has TONS of adult dogs (and puppies) that are available for adoption.  Whether you get a puppy, or an adult, I typically would not recommend any of the toy breeds, they tend to not be able to handle alot of the "heavy petting" that kids can hand out.  Breed wise, I would stay away from chihuahuas and poodles, lhasas, and shih tzus.  They can be a little tempermental.  Terriers are typically good with kids because they are so energetic.  A beagle would also be good (a little on the bigger side) but they have great temperments and are very affectionate.  Boston Terriers and Pugs are great, they are very hardy breeds.  Think about getting an adult dog though; rescue groups have lots of adult dogs in foster homes that they know are good with children.  And you also won't have to deal with all the issues that come with raising puppies (like "no that's not your toy that's the baby's toy, and stop chewing on my shoes and the remote control and the cell phone, and oh God please don't p**p on the rug again!") Yes you may have the same problems with an adult dog, but not to the same extent.

Good luck with your search!

Answer 3

Well before you decide what breed, you need to make sure that the dog will not be left alone by itself or even with another dog for more than 6 hours - 6 being a stretch. Also consider your backyard, fencing and cost and time etc. I personally believe that 3 and 5 years old is rather young as little kids don't tend to understand that puppies are not play objects but living beings.....if a young child pulls a tail or pokes the puppy etc etc etc then they are likely to get nipped. However, young children having a dog in their lives may teahc them about loving and nurturing a life. BUT as your questions requires, I will suggest a breed! Depending on what 'small' size you would like (Pocket, tiny/toy, minature oF a certain breed, small and the such) I would still recommend a Beagle as they are not a large breed and are good with children. They are relatively easy to train and are quite affectionate! =] Another thing to consider is maybe adopting a cross breed puppy from a pound or animal shelter? Some have young pups OR older dogs (better in my opnion for younger children) in need of loving forever homes! Oh and one last thing which I think you will have considered: The fact that it's for life (Well the dogs life lol) and that moving etc and having to find your dog a new home is heart rentching! Oh and sorry I keep rambling but make sure you have high, secure fencing which is not able to be dug under as once a Beagle gets hold of a scent - off they go! lol Good luck! =] Do your research and you'll be sure to pick the right dog for yourself and your family....=] Peace!

SORRY LAST MINUTE NOTE: I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH Spanky!!! LOL

Answer 4

Maletese shitzu not a chicawaw o however u speel that

Answer 5

Hi Sweetie

A couple that come immediately to mind would be a miniature schnauzer, and a french bulldog.  2 very different dogs, but both do well with children, and are good family pets.  

Would have to agree with one of your other answerers.  If your schedule is such that no one is home during school, and working hours, it might be wise to consider an older pup or young adult.  Little pups need lots of attention, and training.  You can just google these breeds, and find good descriptions of temperment, habits, energy level, ect...  

Best of luck to you in finding the perfect dog.

Answer 6

i have two shih tzu's and they are terrible with children!!!!!!!! they get jealous of kids and can't handle being handled roughly. here is a quote from a website about it...

"Although he is generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely has an attitude that cries to be spoiled. If you need help in realizing this fact, the dog will steer you in the right direction with his self-assurance that he should be treated like a king. Indeed, his strong sense of self makes him a poor choice in a household with babies or small children. He is often jealous of babies and toddlers and may snap if bothered by rambunctious children. However, he is a fine companion for older children, particularly those who enjoy combing his hair."

Answer 7

http://www.akc.org/breeds/cavalier_king_...

Answer 8

I think Westies make great little family dogs.  They're playful dogs, not really cuddly guys, but they're amusing as can be.  They're sturdy little dogs too.  So you're kids can actually play with them.  And they'll want to play.  They're a little hard to train because they're pretty independent thinkers, but they love being part of a family.  Pretty low maintenance on the grooming too.  They stay increadibly clean for being white dogs.

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/breed/a...

If you're looking for something to cuddle that doesn't have a lot of brains, Bichons can be cute as can be.  I haven't met one yet that I didn't think was a little slow on the uptake though.  They're just not the brightest dogs I've ever met, but ... they may be the happiest.  Not as sturdy as the others I'll mention, and you do get into needing to have them groomed or learning how to do it yourself with them.  But they don't shed.

http://www.bichon.org/InfoStandard.htm

Another option for a smaller active dog is American Eskimo dog.  They're bright and a little easier to train than Westies.  They're often used as little trick dogs because of that.  But also sturdy for their size and very active.  They would require more grooming and probably shed more than the others I mentioned though, not as much as you'd think by looking at them.

http://www.americaneskimo.com/NAEDA/

Corgies - Cardigan Welsh or Pembroke Welsh, are good family dogs too.  Very trainable, sturdy, love to play.  They do shed though and need good regular brushing, especially when the seasons change.  They would be the only dog out of the herding group that I'd recommed as a family dog though.  

http://www.cardigancorgis.com/

http://www.pembrokecorgi.org/

Check out a few of those webpages.  It's hard to tell people which breeds are best because it all depends on what you're looking for in a dog.  But, what you're looking at is my short-list of breeds I'd want for a next dog.  I haven't raised any of these guys, but I do dog shows, obedience, agility and all that ... and am around dog people all the time.  You get a good sense of all the breeds doing that and get to watch them in training classes ...

Answer 9

west highland terrier!!  

there are some dog quizzes you can google to find your perfect pet.  it matches you with what you want.  

Answer 10

Beagles are great with children and they are very nice.

Answer 11

Shitzu are small dogs that are wonderful with children and families.  They are very strong sturdy little dogs and have a wonderful temperment with children.  They actually have hair, not fur so they are great for families with allergies.  They do require trimming and lots of brushing because their hair needs to be brushed daily just like ours to prevent tangles. They are not yappy, and they are wonderful with other pets.  I have two close friends who breed and own a couple of these dogs so I have been around them for many many years now.  You won't be sorry, and your children will love their shitzu puppy.  I promise....Enjoy your new baby!

Answer 12

According to me pomeranian is the ideal choice. Your children will definitely enjoy cuddling them. They are cute and harmless as well.

Answer 13

Shih Tzus are really good dogs.  I personally don't like small dogs, but I have met a lot of nice shih tzus.  Avoid terriers, they are yappy and high energy.  Chihuahuas have temperament issues.  Pekingese have respiratory issues.  

Answer 14

I would avoid yorkies, I've had them for years and they are very good with kids BUT can be difficult to train and as a parent you never have enough time as it is.

Answer 15

hi,

try this quiz to know which breed best suits your lifestyle and your children's personality as well:

http://dogtime.com/matchup/start

hope this helps.

Answer 16

hey, are you near me?

i've got 2 small guys that could use a nice home.

course, you gotta like a l*****g now and then.

and they really want to join you in bed.

they'd been abandoned, and i took 'em.

they're great, but my hands are such that it's become harder and harder to care for them.

i might suggest that you go to some place that rescues dogs.

not having to deal with potty training sure is nice.

and you see what you're getting -- you don't have to wait a year.

and you get to teach your children a good lesson about taking care of something.

my "sisters" are a terrier and a Lhasa Apso.

(yep, you read it right -- i asked the vet, "what are they?"  he said, "What would you like them to be?")

i'm not going to show them, and they seem happy.

personally, i often think mutts are better.

they're not as subject to inbreeding problems.