what breed of dog is friendly (family dog) but is small?

Question

i want a family dog like labs or golden retrievers, but cant accomodate large dogs. Any suggestion for small ones but as friendly as the retrievers?

Answer 1

Boston Terriers! they are awesome family dogs..easily trained, love to learn tricks and show off..always clownish and they stay cute all their lives..they are patient with children and are very forgiving..they are good sports, and love to go camping, etc..http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-18,GGGL:en&q=boston%20terriers&sa=N&tab=wi
what's not to love!!

don't feed corn or soy, as it causes excessive farting!

Answer 2

A beagle or toy collie! They are very fun affectionate dogs that are smaller than a lab or retriever. But I have to say that labs can be pretty small too, especially if they are only 1/2 lab and were bred from a smaller dog. I have 3 dogs and one of them is 1/2 black lab, 1/2 coon hound and she is really small. One of my other dogs is full blood lab and she is pretty small too. Compared to most other labs they are so tiny! You just have to shop around. Jack Russell's are very small, and tend to be friendly, but be prepared because they are extremely hyper animals!!! Lots of work, but worth it. Especially if you are a person with a lot of energy and life! Hope you find the right dog for your personality!!! But if your not planning on showing your dog or breeding it for the big bucks...check out the pound 1st because mutts truly are unique and can be the best dogs! All of these breeds are in general great family dogs, but again, their are many exceptions, every dog has his or her own personality. Their is much more to it than just selecting a perticular breed. Good luck.

Answer 3

I've always heard that cocker spaniels and pomeranians can be a bit nippie with little kids, and chihuahuas are kind of "one person" dogs, but terriers like scotties, westies and yorkies are friendly and active, and even miniature poodles are kid friendly. Poodles also are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed too much. If you are looking for a pet, consider adopting one. The shelter will be able to point you in the right direction, and will have checked out the animal for behavior issues. A great place to look is www.petfinder.com. You can plug in your location, the dog size, and other specifics you may be looking for, and it will pull up available dogs that fit the bill. It also will note clearly any animals not suitable for families and small children.

Answer 4

I reccomend a Shih-Tzu. I have one and I also have a young son (1 year) and our dog is so sweet. She is patient with the baby and never barks, at all, at anyone. She is the most loving dog I have ever encountered. The only things she barks at are squirrels! I have a runt and she is an adult dog, 10 years old, and she is full grown at 11 pounds. I do believe this breed can be up to 16 pounds though. She doesn't shed either, which I LOVE.

Answer 5

Mutts are the best and you can usually get them for next to nothing at your local animal shelter. If you want a pure bred Beagles are good family dogs too.

Good luck with your new family member and like Bob Barker on Price is Right says be sure to get your dog or cat spayed or neutered....

Answer 6

The Maltese is real energetic.. a great watch dog by nature, and especially great with kids if you're going for that.

Doesn't matter if they're male of female. They're great little dogs..

Pomeranian I've found to be more standoffish like cats as they mature, and dachsuns are too irritable.

Chihuahua's are just ugly.

Answer 7

I have a mini weiner dog. Its the BEST dog ever. I've had labs. My dog now by far exceeds the labs breed. It has a great personality. The whole family loves him!

Answer 8

your best off getting a mixed breed (mut) from the pound or free in the paper or rescue orginazation. They are good dogs with generally less health problems than a purebred dog also you would be saving the dogs life and they come in all sizes and shapes.

Answer 9

Bichon

They are smart and lovable and fun.

They do not shed AT ALL. They must be cut frequently, but I learned to do it. I do not go for the poofy hairdo, just a short cut.

Do not even consider a Jack Russel unless you learn more about them. They can be nightmares if not entertained 20 hours a day.

Answer 10

any dog can be a family dog, but smaller dogs tend not to do as well with young children. Check on petsfinder.com in your area, and you can select small dogs, even male or female, and you can see what shelters or rescue groups have to offer for adoption

Answer 11

There is no one real good answer to your quaestion since individuals within the same breed/same litter can vary.Also a lot depends on training & socilaization. I would suggest checking out local rescues/shelters..you just might find that perfect family companion.