know if they would make a good pet for a toddler?
thanks---we had a wesh pembrooke corgi when she (my daughter was born, but he passed away when she turned 2 years old) and she has missedhim ever since-----thanks for any info in advance
2006-11-13 09:11:17 · 20 answers · asked by darkangel1111 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
My mom has a chihuahua and it has a temper, it snaps at people, even children. Of course, she adopted it from a shelter, and it was likely abused by it's former owner, so it may not be a good example.
2006-11-13 09:14:13 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin P 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I also think that a Chihuahua is not really a good pet for a four year old & can be snappy & grumpy ... though I'm sure not all of them are like that.
If you're looking for a small dog then what about a Border Terrier?
They're just a little bit bigger & more robust & very much on the plus side they said to be "especially affectionate with children and wants to please, so it is relatively easy to train". The site (listed below) also says "The Border Terrier sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers."
There's other good things mentioned on the site too - the negative seems to be that they like to dig & that they may not be trustworthy with small pets.
I've found another site too on living with a Border Terrrier - hope that it helps you to make up your mind whether or not to consider one of these.
If you've room for a large dog then I recommend an Irish Setter. The ones that I've had over the years have been wonderful with children - from babies up to teenagers.
But remember any puppy that you get will need supervision & training ... all puppies have teeth & tiny claws & some like to play by chewing & jumping up until they learn not to. Unless you're willing to dedicate the time to training it may be better to consider an older dog ... I believe that most of the rescue centres do behaviour tests & they'd be on hand for advice & support during the settling in time with you & your family.
Hope this is helpful to you.
2006-11-13 20:44:06 · answer #2 · answered by Solow 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahua's are a very timid breed. They can make good pets but they generaly take a lot more work to train. I go back to Corgies or I would adopt an animal from a shelter. A great site to find dogs that need homes is www.petfinder.com. Good Luck!
2006-11-13 17:59:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahas probably aren't the best choice.If you are looking for another small dog,try a pug or another pembroke welsh corgi.If you have the space for a bigger dog,my personal choice would be a golden retriever.They are mid-sized,and all the goldens I've met have been even-tempered,smart,friendly,and trainable.I own one,and she's the best dog I've ever owned,hands down.Pugs are also friendly and kid-safe,if you need something smaller.Chihuahuas are snippy and can be very vicous little things,and definitely aren't recommended for little kids.Of course there are exceptions,so happy dog-hunting,whatever you choose to do!
2006-11-13 18:31:11 · answer #4 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try a Boston Terrier. I have 2 children (girls, also) they were age 2 and 7 when we got our Boston Terrier and she is a great family pet. Loves attention, likes to play and pretty tolerant with children.
BTW, boston terriers are small indoor dogs, like chihuahuas and don't get much bigger than 20 lbs.
Good luck finding a pet for your girl.
2006-11-13 17:23:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mrs. Wizard 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My parents got a scottie puppy when I was around 5 or so. He was fab with my brother and I. Scotties are small so if your looking for small it's good. They also don't shead (You get them clipped instead). Anoter good breed with kids is a beagle. Though if your going to keep them indoors you'll have issues. They need outdoor activities (our old beagle would get loose and get into other peoples trash). I hear Labs are good, but they are big, and can be a little dopy at times, and they shead ALOT.
2006-11-13 17:38:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not get her a chihuahua I got my son one when he was about 2 1/2 years old and we had to get rid of him they can not handle small kids very well. We now have a lab and he is the best pet we could have got for him. He is now 10 and they are the best of friends.
2006-11-13 17:15:34 · answer #7 · answered by Purplepassion9126 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Iam sure there are a hundred opinions on this. However I would say no to a chihuaua. Those little buggers are mean. Not good with children. A small terrier type dog would be better.
2006-11-13 20:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chi's are too small and fragile for a child, which puts both the dog at risk of serious injury, and the child at risk of getting bit as the dog tries to protect its self. No toy breeds are recommended for small children, if you want a dog, choose something a bit larger, and a bit more Even tempered... check out this site, answer the questions, and see what is recommended for your situation. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
2006-11-13 17:19:48 · answer #9 · answered by think_about_this_gr8_1 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We have a chihuahua and we love her. However, I do not recommend them for a 4 year olds pet because they are very highstrung creatures. Their energy level is way to high for them to be a petting puppy so I would recommend a different bread that is known to be calmer.
2006-11-13 17:21:09 · answer #10 · answered by She-ra 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋