I need a small, inside dog that would be a good match for an 8 year old child. Any suggestions?

Question

My son really wants a Mini Dachshund however I am not convinced of this choice. I'm sort of interested in a Mini Pinscher or a Jack Russell. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated. Happy Holidays!!!

Thanks for all the great answers!!! I should have wrote that I was definitely considering a "Pound Puppy" for ethical, emotional and financial reasons. I am genuinely looking for a good family dog and not just a cute Christmas photo op. I want the dog for myself also and realize that after a week or two of pet ownership 99% of "Doggy Duty" will rely solely on me. Fortunately my son is very respectful of animals and is not at all aggressive (I would not even consider a pet if he was anything but loving towards any animal). I definitely don't want any breed that is extremely hyper and/or will resent not having constant attention during the day because I do work full-time. Please keep the suggestions of different books and websites coming. I have a lot of research to do in the next few weeks!!! Once again, thanks for the awesome suggestions and keep them coming, please!!! Happy Holidays (again)!!!

Answer 1

Get a shelter mutt. They make the best pets.
They are inexpensive, temperment tested and you get lots of "extras" for one low price.
Talk to the shelter attendants. They spend lots of time with the animals and can show you the perfect pet for your family.

Doxies have trouble with their spines. Ask the breeder if any of their dogs have had trouble. Min Pins and Jack Russels are very smart and very stubborn. You have to be very firm when training them. They turn everything into a battle of wills. Don't get me wrong, they're sweet and make good pets, but if it was me, I'd want to know all this.
Happy Holidays right back at you! Have a good one!

Answer 2

Actually a mini dachshund or even a longhaired dachshund would be a better choice for a inside dog than a Jack Russell-who is a high energy dog and if not givn the exerise it needs will turn to being destructive out of boredom. It is not a good choice for a inside dog but needs a place,even a small yadr enclosed to run and use up its energy. A Mini pinscher would be a better choice than a Jack Russell but for inside living with a daily walk for alll dogs need to be taken for walks-exercise and a bonding activity with the owner. Its important when getting a dog for means responsiblity for many years that you get a bree that fits in with your living aarrangement and lifestyle. Dachshunds are very loyal and family orietated and make great pets for kids-had one when I was younger and was never aggressive but friendly, loyal, and tolerated me and sister dressing him up and even using him to learn dancing with. There are though many great dogs available for adoption from the Humane Society,local Pound and the Rescue organizations that are at Petsmats around the country on SAT and SUNDAYS( Many of the dogs trained to help the disabled ,blind and so on are rescued from pounds and rescue groups.) The advaantage is that they havae all been checked by VET and declared healthy(if needed treated before placed for adoption)current on required shots and all other treatments. They have also been evaluatd by a Animal Behaviour Specialist and have been cleared of aggressive behaviour traits-any sign of even latent aggressiveness and they are Not put up for adoption- so it may be worth it to check these options out for usually these dogs make the best pets(somehow I think they know their lives are saved and are so happy-my dog was rescued by me and although in bad shape very healthy now and always looks(-a very good dog).as if he is smiling-a Yellow Lab mixed with Husky-has 1 blue eye.and 1 brown Hope you find a loving pet

Answer 3

I've had 4 dachshunds now you have to remember they can hurt their spines real easily. A Jack Russell is a very hiper dog and can jump as high as you son probably. Take in consideration do you have a yard and is your son going to take care of this pup? That is the main question or is mom? If you know that you will be taking care of it and not your son then I would consider it. Kids want but they don't usually finish.

Answer 4

Beagle Beagle Beagle Beagle.I can't say enough good things about Beagles and kids.Min-pins and Jack Russells can be snappy ,and Dachshunds are prone to back problems.But Beagles-They're the perfect dog for a child;cute;smart;playful;sturdy;loveable,and if your child ever gets lost,the Beagle can track him down!And the shelters are full of Beagles given up by hunters because they are gun-shy or don't have a good enough nose.Check 'em out!

Answer 5

I own 2 mini doxies so I may be a bit biased but they are very loving with my 4 kids they play hard when the kids want them too but they are just as happy to cuddle with us on our laps. Some info on doxie's temperment: The doxie is bold, curious and always up for adventure. It is independent but will always join its family's activities when given a chance.It is good with children, most are reserved with strangers.The longhaired variety may be quieter and less terrier-like, the wires more out going. here is a little info on a Jack Russell's temperment:This is a dog that thrives on action and adventure. In the process it often finds itself in the middle of trouble. It is a true hunter and will explore, wander, chase and dig when it gets a chance. It is playful and intellengent, it gets along with children and strangers, but it can be scrappy with other dogs. It may tend to bark and dig. It makes an ideal companion for an active person with a good sense of humor who wants a lot of entertainment and mischief in one dog. Here is some info on min pins temperment: Among the most energetic of all breeds, the min pin is a perpetual motion machine. It is busy, inquisitive,playful, bold and brash. It retains terrier-like traits and tends to be stubborn and independent. It can be scrappy with other dogs and may chase small animals. It is reserved with strangers. All the info is from the dog breed encyclopedia and from all I wrote it seems a miniature Dachshund is the best choice. I think you should do further investigations to see which breed is right and will fit you and your family, because your son would be very upset if you get a dog and then you have to get rid of it because of behavioral problems. Any breed you get will need socialization with other people of all shapes,sizes, color and with the world the pup will live in. with proper socialization your pup will adjust fine to all situations. Good luck with your search and happy holidays!!!!!
Edit: I have to say yes the doxie does have problems with the spine and it could be hereditary but a lot of times it is due to the dogs being overweight. I have a friend who has been breeding doxies for 32 years and she has only had 3 with spine trouble. Her doxies are very energetic and run jump and play.

Answer 6

I would highly suggest a poodle or cock-a-poo. I have a 7 year old, 4year old, and 3 year old and our miniature poodle is a great match. I originally considered several other small breeds including dachshunds and mini-pinchers and the deciding factor was that poodles shed very very little. (There is more of my hair around the house than the dog's) They are excellent with kids and other family pets. I hope this helps.

Answer 7

Take a look at http://www.petfinder.com with your son and look at the dogs at shelters in your area. If you have a specific breed in mind, you can look that up too, and it will show you the ones in your area. I'd be worried about a min pin being too small and delicate for what an 8 year old boy would want from a dog, and dachshunds are more delicate than they look with their elongated backs. I'd consider a poodle mix (cockapoo, labradoodle, goldendoodle, etc.) for their intellegence, friendliness, and lack of shedding.

Answer 8

Pugs are excellent dogs for kids, and they do well in just about any environment. Jack Russells are really neat little dogs.
Go to a dog show, if there is one near you. You can see tons of breeds and talk to their owners and breeders to find out all about them. Kids like to go to the shows too because they see so many dogs they have never seen before.

Other good choices..
yorkies
chinese cresteds
some terriers
mixed breeds

Answer 9

i have both a miniature pinscher and a jack russel.
the miniature pinscher is great with my nephew (who is about to turn 3), better than the jack russell (this might be b/c he's from a shelter, but...)
i'd say overall, jack russells aren't that great w/ kids... they can be nippy.
as for a beagle, they can be hard to train, and really need a 'job,' which min pins do not.

Answer 10

A JRT is a good choice if it has plenty of room to run in a back yard or can be played with ALOT. We have one and he is the funnest animal I've ever owned. He makes up his own games, makes up the rules as he goes along and if a BLAST to have. Somone once said a JRT is a tyrant in clowns clothing. One minute you are shaking your head, wondering how they did that, and the next your laughing your rear off as the comical expression on their face. If you think your son is old enough to take care of a JRT then I would recommend it. They are loyal, loving, comical and energetic! Just like 8 year old boys are!