what's the best breed of small dog to have if you've got young kids?

Answer 1

You don't say how old your children really are! Very young children can hurt dogs without trying to! Simply because they don't realise they hurt by hugging them too close, pulling their hair etc.

I think you should teach your children about dogs before adopting/buying one. It would bea good idea to join Dog Trust or another charitable association and sponsor a dog! You can pick a dog close from home and your children can go and visit their sponsored dog.

This would teach them a few things, from ineracting with a dog in a safe environment, also raise their awareness as to why dogs end up in shelters which might happen if your children suddenly decided they were fed up with the dog.

I'd keep it going until your children learnt to know a bit more about dogs, dog ownership and its responbilities.

I know this is probably not the answer you wished for but feel compelled to tell you anyway, simply because i spent enough years volunteering in dog rescue centres.

Answer 2

Small breeds aren't always the best choice with young kids.
The biggest cause of injury to pups is having a toddler fall on them and ending up with a broken limb or shoulder blade.
Chihuahua breeders may not sell you a pup if you have small kids; they are frail and have a small hole in the top of their skull where the bones don't fuse as they grow.
Dacshunds are prone to slipped discs and sometimes have difficult temeraments.
Corgis can be very dominant and snappy.
Long haired breeds need at least an hours grooming every day.

If you're in the UK then consider having a home check from the RSPCA then adopt a young dog. They'll be able to offer you something suitable, personally I'd go for a cross breed. Something like a labrador x collie or GSD usually grows to be about medium sized and is more likely to have a stable temperament and personality; plus tend to be fun loving family types.
But whatever you choose, do a lot of careful research before you commit, and go to obediance classes.

Answer 3

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - from a good breeder, you need to know it is pure Staffie (you don't know exactly what you're getting else). They're not tiny, but they can cope with kids jumping all over them and they've got brilliant natures, even more so when bought up with kids from a pup. Mine is 3 now, and my 7 year old daughter has brain damage - they are best friends. Jazz never gets stroppy with Caitlin, no matter what she does, and we can't tickle Caitlin without Jazz trying to protect her!! They've been known as "nanny dogs" for years because of that, they've just had bad press.

Answer 4

Beagles are very friendly...Yorkie's are very agressive...Actually most small dogs are not very child friendly. They tend to get territorial and don't like to share. I have found that the best dog for a child is a lab, or even a border collie. I realize that Border Collie's aren't really small, but they are family oriented dogs. I know plenty of people who have small children that are very protected with these dogs.

Answer 5

Beagles are great dogs, but they are hounds. That means howling. Daschunds are great dogs too, but they can have personality issues if they are not well bred. Personally, I love Boston Terriers or French Bulldogs. I have a frenchie now, and she is the best with my 8 month old. She shares her chew toys, is very gentle when my kid shoves her hand in her mouth, and French Bulldogs are not prone to barking. Also, they don't require the excercise that a hunting/working breed would.

Answer 6

I know its not a small dog but the best dog for kids is a boxer. They look mean but all they want to do is play alll day and be loved. They are protective and loving and they dont bark much at all. When the kids come to our house and play outside the dog wont leave thier sides. Setiously, i wanted a small dog ecause of the house but im so glad we got a boxer.They are family dogs and will protect you if you are in danger of something or someone. i love my boxer, he;s my best friend ever.

Answer 7

cavalier king charles or cocker spaniel, but we got a parson russell as a pup with very young children and couldn't have asked for more of a sweetheart. He doesn't even growl if they are pestering, he just takes it. Of course I tell the kids off. No kid should be allowed to pestered even the most docile of dogs.

Answer 8

Border Terrier Or Chiwawa Or Yorky Or A Sheep Dog

Answer 9

Each breed has its own unique characteristics AND personalities. The web site below will ask you questions to better determine what dogs would be best for your family. And remember---the dog will become a part of the family. And kids will remember their childhood dogs throughout their life...

Remember to consider a rescue dog too!

Answer 10

Miniature Schnauzer
Beagles