Help decide what breed of dog to get my daughters?

Question

Ok, I asked another question about getting a Chihuahua for my 8 and 10 year old daughhter. But, based on some of the answers I'm becoming very hesitant. First, someone said that they do not do well around boisterous kids...my kids are boisterous lol. Second, someone mentioned that they tend to bark alot. My husband would not be happy with that! I'd like some suggestions on dogs that would be suitable for my kids. They want a small dog...they have specifically requested a brown and white Chihuahua, their cousin has one. So, what is a dog comparable to a Chihuahua in size and looks but would be better for them? if any...

Answer 1

OK - one breed not all that well known (which may well earn novelty points with your kids) is the Schipperke (or Belgian Barge Dog). They are very similar in size and build to a Pomeranian, but well suited to kids of all ages. They are one of the very few small breeds which lack both the high-strung nature of hereditary problems common to almost all other small dog breed. Highly intelligent and full of energy, they make an extremely loyal and loving companion and a fantastic addition to any family. Think of them as a big dog (such as a Labradore) in a small dogs body.

My fiancée and I first discovered the breed early this year and since getting one would NEVER HESITATE to get another. They are the sweetest, most loving little dog you could ever hope to find, and would make a new best friend for your daughters - far and away a better choice than a little rat-dog like the Chihuahua.

Answer 2

You need to research your breeds very carefully and get the breed that best fits the personality of your family and the space you live in. Most have breed characteristics/personalities but like people are individualistic. If you already have a vet I would consult with them first. If not there are several good sites out there like www.akc.com. They have a listing of all their registered breeds and connections to most breed specific websites. Have you considered a mixed breed? Usually healthier and can be obtained from local humane societies. So you are giving a pet a second chance. Depending on your time, you may be able to get a little older puppy and not have to deal with house breaking issues. Plus they usually help you with the cost of alteration.
And after all that, are you ready financially for a puppy. In the first year depending on where you live you should expect to spend $300 to $500 on it's vaccine series, deworming, spay or neutering and flea/ tick prevtative etc. And are you prepared if it should get sick, while not counted on can occur and most emergency clinics will charge $250 to 500 for a 24 hour care period. So there is a lot of decisions to be made when bringing home a new companion animal. I wish you luck in your choice and many happy years with the pet you choose.

Answer 3

Have you thought about taking your daughters to a local shelter and looking there-TONS of great small dogs need homes and they would be saving a life--Also many shelters can tell you alot about the animals there and how well they will fit into your home and lifestyle--Its a great way to get the kids a pet that they really want and save a life in the process--Other wise I would say just research the breeds your interested in and ask questions of the breeders of those breeds and see what their thoughts are on the breed with young active kids--I have two kids as well Ages 9 and 10 BOTH very active--My choice of breeds for kids is the Boxer But they are far from small--GREAT with kids--very gentle--don't bark alot and all around hearty dog that can handle kids all over them--also not for a first time dog owner IMO--But I also have a Bulldog *again good with kids, dont bark alot NOT as sturdy as the boxer IMO though* Good luck in your search and I hope you find the perfect family pet--- BTW a good place to search for shelter/rescue pets is on petfinder.com *I think the site is updating tonight though so might have issues searching it*

Answer 4

Personally I think if you really want a dog that will be good with kids you should get an old english sheepdog. It's not quite the same size as a chihuahua,lol, but they have a great temperment. Their very social dogs and don't mind all the noise and shinanigans that kids bring along with them. I had one the entire time I was growing up and he was great. Also, despite popular belief they don't shed as much as you think they would. They really shed very little. They only time i notice some hair was when the seasons were changing from winter to spring and his coat was thining out.

Answer 5

Browse www.petfinder.com with your girls. You will find hundreds of dogs in your area that need a home. You can search by size, sex, age, breed, etc. There are pictures of each dog and usually a description of the personality.

Most times mixed breeds are the absolute best dogs to get. They usually get the best traits of the breeds they are mixed with, they are usually healthier and live longer! Almost all of these dogs have their shots and are fixed, many are already housebroken. The resuces usually place dogs in foster homes so they are already tested with children, for temperment, etc. When you go to a breeder and get a young puppy, you never know what you will get.

Most Chihuahua mixes I have met are wonderful! Most times the breeds they are mixed with calm them down a bit. Im sure your girls would have a great time searching the site and looking at all the cute dogs that need their love and attention.

If you are not an experienced dog owner please dont get a jack russell terrier! They are highly intelligent, sweet, fun dogs but they are super, super high energy and many times get destructive and nervous when they arent exercized properly. They can be a lot of work.

One other thing, I know this dog is "for" your daughters but you are the one who is going to be feeding it, taking it out, caring for it, etc. Many times people get animals for their children and then resent it when the kids lose interest. You seem to be doing your research though, thats a lot more that most people do before taking on the big responsibility of an animal.

Good luck to you and your new dog!

EDIT: Here are just a few examples of the wonderful pets you can find on petfinder..

Cute Chi mixes in my area
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7313094
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7308307
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7308837
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7307254

I was able to find MANY child friendly Chi's on there. Im sure if you searched in your area you would too. Petfinder wants to make sure these dogs go to the correct home so they tell you if a home with children is good or not. Its so easy!

Answer 6

I would go talk to the folks at the local shelter. Not only can they tell you about the dogs there in the shelter, they can usually talk pretty intelligently about most breeds of dogs. It's nice to have that face to face contact with someone who can get to know your kids and talk to them about what they want and what will suit their needs.

Some breeds to consider:
Corgis
Westies
Cairn Terriers
Dachshunds

Chihuahuas, in my experience, can go either way: either be really good or really insane. My personal preference is a mixed breed, but I only rescue shelter dogs and I spend a fair amount of time talking to the shelter staff about the temperments and the needs of the dogs before making any decisions. I also don't make the decision that day. I meet all the dogs, pick my top 2 or 3 favorites then think about it overnight. It gives me a chance to put emotional reactions aside and make a rational choice about the right dog.

Answer 7

I just left a reply to your question about chihuahuas. It is rather long, but you should read it. i agree that chihuahuas should not live in a home with preschool aged children, but with kids the age of yours they should do fine. We had chihuahuas when my kids were the age of yours and they all did well together. Your kids want a chihuahua and as an owner of chihuahuas for 30+ years and breeder of these loveable dogs for almost 9 years, I feel the chihuahua would be just right for your home. Just don't get one of the really tiny ones. good luck!

And contrary to the answer below me, chihuahuas very often live to be 20+ yrs. My husband's ex who loved her chihuahua more than her kids, owned one that lived to be 26 yr old.

Answer 8

I like the Papillon. It is similar in size to a chihuahua, but less tempermental. They have longer hair, though, like a long-haired chihuahua, so be prepared for that.

I have a rat terrier / chihuahua mix. It's less tempermental than a chi, but not big. She's about 12 lbs, and she loves playing fetch and running around after my kids (we got her when our kids were 7, 8, and 12).

Lots of smaller breeds can be skiddish around kids

Answer 9

Check local shelters, many small dogs, that are mixed breed and great with children, come through them. If you are intent on getting a purebred, then the small breeds I'd suggest researching are:
- Poodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Schnauzer
- Norwich Terrier

Someone mentioned a Papillon, and I would not suggest that, due to the fragility of the breed.

Visit AKC.com for more information on Toy & Terrier breeds. Scan through them all, and make your decision after you have the information.

Answer 10

How about a beagle? They're more robust than a Chihuahua, although i've met a few that were a pain in the butt, like an extra kid. I guess that goes for most breeds though.