What small inside dog is the best for a 1 year old & 3 year old, both boys?

Question

We are looking for a inside pet, that will be good for our children. We have a 1 year old and a 3 year old, both boys. They are both VERY rambunctious (sp?). We need a dog with a good personality and that will not snap or bite easily, since both children are very young. I also don't want a dog that sheds alot. If you can help I would GREATLY appreciate it!!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Your best bet is probably to wait on getting a dog. Any dog will bite or snap if given the correct stimulus, and two "rambunctious" children are certainly a recipe for that. It is not the responsibility of the dog to ignore anything your child should do to him, it's the responsibility of the parent to supervise the children with the dog, and not allow them to do things which may cause the dog to bite.

Answer 2

1. I had a girl dachsund and a boy, the girl was the better dog. A real sweetie. 2. Get the short hair version, it's a classic look, and you don't have to worry about burrs and stuff. 3. The big hurdle you have to overcome here is, at 16 you'll be going to college in 2 years. The dog is going to last for 14 years at least, probably more. So face it, it's only going to be yours for 2 years, then it'll basically be Mom's dog for 12 years. So you're going to have to sell her on the idea of having a dachsund. That shouldn't be too difficult, but you have to look for things that *SHE* wants in a dog, and sell her on those. An 11 year old lab/chow is nearing the end of his life span. It'll be sad & all, but if Mom is a dog person, she'll want another. 4. No idea about the races, but they are a hoot. 5. Your older dog will not want much to do with the puppy until it is a little older, maybe 8 months or a year, then he'll be pleased to have an apprentice. He will teach the puppy everything he knows. 6. Dressing up a dachsund is a bad idea because their back is so long, that when you start manipulating their legs and lifting up their front end or back end or whatever, and they are squirming around because its uncomfortable for them, it's just way too easy for them to get injured. I'm not saying they aren't tough little dogs because let me tell you they are fearless! But when you try to flop them around like other little dogs, well, they can get hurt. 7. Provide her shelter from the sun and water, don't make her walk on hot pavement, the usual precautions for a city dog in hot weather, she'll be fine. But look, before you go through with it, you should understand that dachsunds are actual dogs, I mean they are hounds -- if its a fashion accessory you want, there are plenty other dogs, recently invented, that are perfect for the part. Just think about it.

Answer 3

An English Cocker Spaniel (not American, English, although we've always had good luck with Americans too). A Springer Spaniel. Welsh Terrier. A Shetland Sheepdog. All of these require some grooming and brushing.

Just remember that all dogs, if tortured by young children, can turn mean. Running and playing is A-OK, but agressive play is not. You'll have to judget for yourself.

Answer 4

Little dogs DO bite and have the capability of breaking the skin and or worse. Try taking the boys to the shelter and have them play with a few. You should be able to see the dogs personality and tolerance. If the dog is to be a surprise - let them know that these are only to 'play with' and then have a second adult claim the dog you want -- this can be prearranged with most shelters, that way the pup can be a surprise. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

Answer 5

I would recommend a Mini Schnauzer, they don't shed a lot (they do shed, but not like most dogs). They do have to be groomed though (if you want the "look" then I suggest ever 4-6 weeks...if not, shave them down every 3 months, just leave the face). Or a Boston (also known as a screw-tailed bulldog). They have no need for grooming, only nail care every 6 weeks or so, and maybe a bath once a week.

Good Luck with your choice.

Answer 6

dont get a small dog they feel threatened very easly and may bite a bigger dog may be better. I have a 3yr old boy that is also ramy and a 2yr old lab and it is not a walk in the park for the dog I am reminding him to be gentle every 2seconds and he still manages to hurt the poor girl I am wishing that I had waited to get a dog for that reason and I think it might just be easier to wait till your boys are old enough to understand how to treat a dog if you are really set on a dog try to get one with short hair it will prevent hair pulling which really hurts dogs due to their sensitive skin

Answer 7

What have you got against dogs. Rambunctious toddlers will most likely torture the dog and when the dog defends itself he will be the one punished. Wait till the kids are older.

Answer 8

i have a one and a half year old son who i recently bought a bichon frise x poodle for. we have 2 cats and my son gets on really well with them but they dont reeally play back with him. He and the puppy get on well most of the time but my son will often hug delilah (puppy) too hard, when she will nip him a bit. sometimes i regret buying him a puppy because they both get hurt but more often they are running around in the backyard together gettting along really well. she also doesnt shed alot..infact i dont think she has?

Answer 9

My suggestion would be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I have one and he is the most wonderful dog I have ever owned. He LOVES children and loves playing chase. He is as active as you want him to be and then rest or naps with you when you are tired. They are very adaptable. Read up on them...I promise you will be impressed!!!

Answer 10

Please do NOT get a dog until your kids are older. The first thing that will happen is they will get nipped by a dog due to your boys being hyper as you said. Then you will get mad at the dog and hit it or get rid of it. Your boys are truly too little for a pet...they cannot be responsible ---just get them a swing set instead. And ignore the one who said...get a small dog...that would be disaster !!!!!!Your kids would tortue the poor dog. A cocker spaniel and jack russell would be a terrible choice as they are very nippy and yappy. PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT GET A DOG UNTIL THEY ARE OLDER !!!!!Think about the dog's welfare,