I'm planning to get a small dog under 20 lbs that will be living with me and my fmaily. We have 2 children 4 and 7, so the dog has to be kid friendly. My kids are well behaved, and do not torture animals.
What is a good dog breed that has a good temperment?
2006-09-10 11:28:47 · 23 answers · asked by chicata25 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Do your research. Tons of websites offer insights as to dog's personalities depending on the breed. In my opinion, dogs are like humans in the sense that it's not a specific breed that makes them who they are,they're all different n unique.Good luck :)
2006-09-10 11:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by *Juicy Princess* 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maltese do have good temperaments, but they are EXTREMELY hard to potty train. I had one for about 15yrs before he passed away, and he never got over peeing in the house, no matter what we tried. However, if you get a mix (usually they are cross-bred with Bichon Frise) they are much easier to potty train and as far as I can tell have the same temperament.
I hear Chihuahuas and pretty much any terrier (Scottie, Westie, Jack Russell, etc) are good people animals.
I would avoid Lhasa Apso - I don't know if it was the environment, but my grandmother had one and he was pretty snippy to EVERYONE except for her.
Really all you have to do is research. Maybe find the type of dog that you are looking for and the breeders/shelters that have them and talk to the people about the dogs. I know some shelters may stretch the truth on some things (even important stuff), but for the most part they are pretty honest about the history and temperament of the dog - especially when it comes to being around kids because they don't want a lawsuit!
2006-09-10 18:46:23 · answer #2 · answered by Ashley C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider a Beagle!
And, there are "small" beagles!
Some folks call them "bench leg" or short-legged
In the 20-25lb range.
Short haired (shedding can drive you crazy!)
Most people are convinced Beagles are "out of their element" if not tracking a rabbit. Not so.
Unlike most small breeds, Beagles have fewer health problems,
are "tough as nails", don't require a lot of maintenance grooming, , don't tend to be "testy" with children, and can run all day with the kids!
When you look on Petfinder.com, at least 50% of the small dogs are marked "not good with kiids".
But, not on the Beagles sites! And, even with your well-mannered 2yr old, you might consider a dog past puppyhood. It's hard for your baby to understand that those razor sharp teeth are "just playing". And, pups can be relentless! Bless their little hearts.
I've formed these opinions watching young families, already with babies get a puppy. Of course, both babies will survive! It might drive Mom crazy, but the kids'll do fine!
Best to you in finding your new pet.
2006-09-10 18:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by OShenandoah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We got an Italian Greyhound when my son was 7. He has been an excellent choice for our family. He loves to run and play. He is very affectionate. He rides in the car with us to and from school every school day. He has never growled or tried to bite any of us or anyone that we have had over to our home. At school he has always let the kids hold him and pet him. He actually loves every single person that he has been introduced to.
I have read that Iggy's should not be in families with small children. The only reason I can think of would be that a small child might hurt the Iggy not that the Iggy would hurt a small child.
Italian Greyhounds love to snuggle. He sleeps with me when my husband works out of town. When hubby is home our Iggy has a bed with a pillow that he likes to snuggle under. He was easy to housebreak and he is full grown at 12lbs.
2006-09-10 18:40:48 · answer #4 · answered by Sister Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Pekingese is a good even tempered dog. He's 11 pounds, a Llas Alpso is also good. I recommend a mutt, pure breeds tend to have mental and physical problems from being inbred. The animal shelter has fully grown dogs, as well as puppies, for children that young, an adult dog is less to take care of. Bandit came to use fully grown, and that dog couldn't love me more if I had raised him from a pup.
2006-09-10 18:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by jadeaaustin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a Cairn Terrier. Like Toto from the Wizard of OZ. I've had two and they are simply the best and they both love kids and are very tolerant to rough handling. They are very sturdy little dogs.
2006-09-10 20:19:07 · answer #6 · answered by I love sushi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a schnauzer that i got when she was a puppy...she is pretty good with the kids...the 4 year old drives her nuts...and she has tried to bite her...only when my daughter tries to take her treat or chew bone does this ever happen...and you have to understand the torture this dog gets...it goes 24/7...and if i was the dog i would bite her too....so i guess my dog has a good temperment...she is smart too...and doesn't shed which is a good point for me...
2006-09-10 18:38:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend the Shelty Collie.
They're small, smart and gentle.
And a good way to teach your kids about
responsibility.
Because the coat will need an occasional grooming.
: )
2006-09-10 18:41:34 · answer #8 · answered by jillian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any small breed dog can be good with kids if you train them correctly. Many ridiculous irresponsible owners pamper their toys as if they were an actual child and the little dogs end up being yappy snappy and crappy. Any dog big or small can be great with children, it's up to you.
2006-09-10 18:37:35 · answer #9 · answered by negrimorenizo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well if you want something a bit different get a Kerry Blue Terrier, they don't shed hair and are great with kids and Irish to boot! lol
2006-09-10 18:35:17 · answer #10 · answered by Fear or Favor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋