INeed a small pet dog.It has to remain small even as an adult(about cat size)Kind to kidsAny suggestions?

Answer 1

Any pet will be kind to kids if the kids are kind to it. No animals is born with an inbuilt hatred of children. Children themselves cultivate the fear and hatred by being cruel to it and the parents don't help by understanding that animals have rights too and not telling their children to leave it in peace when it is sleeping or eating.
All animals quickly learn that the only way to get any peace is to threaten the children or bite them.
To answer your question more fully. What experience do you have with different species? How much time can you give to its care, exersize etc? Is your home/yard large enough to accommodate the animal's needs? Are you happy to clean up pee and poo? All animals need to toilet after all. Are any of the children allergic? How young is the youngest child? Can you cope with training or vet bills?
What will you do if the pet doesn't turn out just as you imagined or is more difficult to cope with than you thought? What will happen if the animal bites the child? What if it bit because the child hurt it or mauled it and wasn't taught to read warning signs that the animal was unhappy at what was happening?
There is a helluva lot more to consider about getting a pet than you seem to realise. If you are interested in getting a pet to teach your children about caring for animals and respecting other life forms then great. Do lots of research and lead by example. However if you merely want to give your children an amusing animated toy which they can abuse or neglect as they see fit, then please don't get any animal. Bear in mind that when you plan to teach a child responsibility, the ultimate responsibility for the pet is YOURS. You cannot expect a young child to be dedicated and responsible about caring for a pet. You do the main work, they help occasionally and they watch you and learn. If you are lax and not consistant then they will be that way with animals when they grow up. If you are concientious,and put the animal's welfare and needs as a high priority in your life, they will learn this too.

Answer 2

Unfortunately when you've got kids as a general rule small dogs aren't a good option. Most small breeds are highly strung with a tendency to attack more often than bigger dogs.

Having said that it is a generalisation and you do get small dogs that are good with kids but it not breed dependant it purely is all about personality.

If you live anywhere near Godmanchester, Lordship Lane, Wood Green or Heydon you could give Woodgreen Animal Shelter a visit and ask their opinion, they adopt out animals and have a strict criteria with each animal being assessed on the right type of family for it. Their website is www.woodgreen.org.uk

Answer 3

try a pug..they are great with kids they have short hair so they do not require grooming just a bath and brushing every so often(something the kids can do)and they are known to shed..they stay about 15 lbs but do love treats so often become over weight....they are probably my fav. small dog....chiuhuauas and shih- tsu can be nippy with kids ...teacup poodles are good they are smart and do not shed...but require grooming ($30-45 or more) every 4-6 weeks for its intire life....hope this helps some think about adoption..there are pure breed rescue leagues go to petfinder.com thanks for asking before you went and bought the first cute thing...do not ever buy a dog/puppy from a pet shop..(i managed one for several yrs)and NO good breeder will EVER sell their pups to a pet shop EVER....i saw soo many pups die from many different reasons and the owner would not spend a dime more than a $5 dollar shot on the animal and he bought the pups usually for $100 or so and sell the pup for $300-900 and gave a 3 day garantee.... if you feel you must buy from a breeder and not save a like and adopt then find a breeder that has both parents and see them and ask for proof of how long they have breed and refernces of people that have bought from them.....do not breed or buy while shelter dogs die!!=)

Answer 4

I myself never had those kinds, but the kids had a hamster or two..but no I don't think they are waned over the years..for one thing these little creatures just don't live a long life like a dog or cat so maybe that why they are not selling or given away very fast.To some kids they are just not like having a cat or dog and to some is that the kids are too busy with the computer and playing games to take care of the little creatures so the parents tell them no..=)

Answer 5

I have a toy chihuahua and she is full grown.. She is barely 3 pounds. She is perfect around my three girls they are all under age 12.

The key to finding a good dog of any breed is the eyes. You have to look into the eyes of a dog. If you can see love..they are a winner. Alot of dogs you adopt have the word scared reading all over there eyes. You don't want those around your kids. Sadly enough.

People say that chihuahuas are not good around kids and they nip at ankles but as with any dog..its now what breed they are..its how you raise them. Show them love as you would your own child and she will be as she is your own and she will show it to you and your kids

Answer 6

The best way to know what a dog will be like as an adult is to buy an adult dog (2yr old or more).

Go to your local rescue (NOT POUND) and have a look around. A rescue will have assessed the dog's temperament (important if you have children), a pound won't - that's not their job. If the dog has not been assessed yet, don't take it on.

If you're in the UK, look on www.dogpages.org.uk for your nearest rescue. If you don't see a dog that's suitable, no problem.

Answer 7

We have a shihtzu. Coolest dog we've ever had. Wish we would have had him when our kids were small. He is the sweetest thing. Trying to convince my husband that he needs a little brother! 10 to 14 pounds. They have smaller ones 4 - 5 pounds but not really recommended around kids, too fragile. The larger ones better for kids. Not barkers either.

Answer 8

why do you need one? Because you'd like a companion? or you need it to work, or hunt? itis important you get the right sort of dog, other wise you will both be unhappy and doogy will end up in the pound. Not good about the small children either - if it does snap (and it probably will when it's had enough) are you and your partner going to cope? or will it be destroyed?

Answer 9

I have a west highland terrier who is brilliant with kids. In fact she's just like one of my kids! My advice whatever breed you decide on is to go to a private breeder where you can meet the puppies parents take your kids along and see how the adult dogs react to your children.

Answer 10

Scotties are great AND they don't moult. Whatever breed you buy, go to a breeder that goes for temperament rather than looks - far more important if there are children in the house. My two scotties are the friendliest dogs you could hope to meet.