Wanting small dog

[kd2777]

My wife wants a small dog for the house, but I've been reluctant. The last couple of times I?ve been over to my good friends house, my two year old has had a ball with his Chihuahua. It is about 4 or 5 pounds I would guess and doesn't make hardly any mess at all.

I would like to know some breeds to consider that would be good with kids first and not too big (would like to stay under 10 lbs) If any one has a favorite please let me know.

thanks

kd

 

[Colt45]

Pomeranians own.

I wouldnt let a kid play with a little dog though, as they WILL fvck it up sooner or later. unless your kids aren't idiots.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: Colt45
Pomeranians own.

I wouldnt let a kid play with a little dog though, as they WILL fvck it up sooner or later. unless your kids aren't idiots.

My parents have a black Pomeranian and she's a blast. She's a lap dog but loves to play and ride in the car. She does bark a lot and her bark is extremely high pitched.

 

[skim milk]

maltese or yorki

 

[imported_brad]

we've got 2 mini-schnauzers and we love em. They're about 15 lbs, dont shed, crazy personalities.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Japanese Chin's are the best ever! Rarely bark and are about 8 pounds. I have one by the way. They are a lap dog and love attention and to snuggle with you. Puppies love playing tug of war, etc.

The down side (true of almost any small dog). Small bladder. You have to let them out every 6-8 hours. If crated, they will hold it longer. up to about 10 hours. Something to remember when considering a small dog

 

[vi edit]

I don't really think lap dogs and young kids mix well. Kids hurt the dogs too easily. Lap dogs are typically high energy and high strung and don't put up with kids as well as the larger breeds.

I've seen shepards, labs, and retrievers just lay there while kids abuse the crap out of the poor things. Little dogs are either going to get injured or aggressive.

Just my take. As always - there are exceptions.

 

[edro]

Whatever dog Wishbone is... some dude had a pic of his dog, but I forget the name.

EDIT: JACK RUSSELL TERRIER!

 

[aphex]

My fiancee wanted a small dog but i wanted a big one... We compromised and got a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier... He's 37lbs of teddy bear

 

[Gurck]

Shih tsus are laid back & affectionate dogs, definitely not the typical high strung, bark-loving small dog.

 

[Arkitech]

Is it true that smaller dogs live longer than the larger breeds?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

great with kids
small
good for apartment and house living
do not shed!

 

[globalcitizen]

Originally posted by: Gurck
Shih tsus are laid back & affectionate dogs, definitely not the typical high strung, bark-loving small dog.

My cousin has a Shih-Tsu and generally is a quiet guy until he wants some food. Then he barks the hell out of everyone.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
Is it true that smaller dogs live longer than the larger breeds?

Pretty much. Bigger dogs have 10-12 year life spans, smaller dogs, depending on breed can live upwards of 14-16 years.

 

[ragazzo]

Aibo? No mess whatsoever

 

[DeMeo]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Japanese Chin's are the best ever! Rarely bark and are about 8 pounds. I have one by the way. They are a lap dog and love attention and to snuggle with you. Puppies love playing tug of war, etc.

The down side (true of almost any small dog). Small bladder. You have to let them out every 6-8 hours. If crated, they will hold it longer. up to about 10 hours. Something to remember when considering a small dog

I second the Chins.
we have 4 pekingese and 2 Japanese Chins. The chins are the youngest of the bunch. The chins are much smarter and they don't bark. Well, one barks occassionaly. The other one (he's 3 or 4 now) never barks. I think he's barked 3 times in his life. The pekingese will bark a lot though.

One of the chins is about 10 pounds, the other is 16 pounds.

 

[Mill]

Toy Breeds are not a good idea with small kids.

 

[rhino56]

do not get a beagle whatever you do.

 

[atiyeh]

better off going to the pound. seriously save a dogs life by adopting it.

 

[biostud]

We need a pic of Bruno

 

[royaldank]

Just about any dog can be trained not to bark. They also make bark collars that work similar to invisible fencing. After some proper training, you can just about eliminate any barking problems.

I just got a Dauchund/Chilhuahua/Sheltie mix. Not as long as a regular weiner dog, hairier than chihuahuas, and doesn't shed as bad as shelties do. Good lap dog that loves to snuggle.

I would highly suggest obedience school for yourself, dog, and kids after getting the dog. If properly trained, you kids and dog will know how to get along and become great friends. Most big pet stores offer this sort of training. I'd suggest starting this as soon as you get the puppy. Plus, it makes the hobby of owning and teaching a dog fun for everyone involved. Helps to eliminate problems from the get-go.

I'd also recommend crate training. This way your dog always has a safe place to head if your kids are going crazy, and vice-versa.

 

[datalink7]

Bulldog.

 

[Steve]

Bull Terrier

 

[rh71]

another vote for a Pomeranian. :thumbsup: 2nd choice would be a Westy.

 

[DougK62]

Originally posted by: Mill
Toy Breeds are not a good idea with small kids.

I agree. They get hurt too easily and are much more likely to bite.