Dog lovers - what is a good, calm, small dog suitable around a four year old boy?

Answer 1

You need to look for breeds that are good with kids, but the kids also have to be good to the dog.

Most of your hyper, high strung, high maintenance dogs are out of the question, especially if you plan on the only exercise they get is with the children.

I don't recommend herding breeds as they tend to want to herd the children, can nip and scare them, and need to be worked.

Dalmatians are another breed not recommended as they are hard headed, need to be worked and are hyper.

Bulldogs are great, but are somewhat of a high maintenance dog. They are prone to skin problems, upper airway problems (stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, etc). Otherwise, great dogs and wonderful for kids.

Pugs are good doge to have around children, playful and very hardy!

Chihuahuas are the WORST dogs to have around kids! Mostly because they are small and fragile and break easily. I own chi's and love them, but them and children do not mix well. They cannot take some of the rough handling child may use.

Yorkies are somewhat the same as Chihuahua - small and fragile. I would avoid.

Beagles and bassets - great with kids, playful, hardy little dogs. I remember as a kid just laying in the sun with our Basset. Best dog ever!

Dachshunds - bad idea, especially if you plan to send your kids to college. Why? Intervertebral Disc Disease. Many dachshunds suffer from ruptured discs and this can cost 2-3000 to fix and recovery can last months! Plus, they can be nippy. A hardy, yet somewhat fragile breed.

Pomeranians - another fragile breed I would avoid. Like Chihuahua, we see a lot of these for radius/ulna factures because the kid dropped the dog.

Bichons and Shih Tzu's are great little dogs, very active. They do require regular grooming and although not as prone - we do tend to see these dogs with disc ruptures. But not at all as often as the dachshund.

Cocker Spaniels - the only reason to own this breed is because you truly really love the breed. As for owning this breed and raising a family - bad idea. These guys are prone to a plethora of skin problems, glaucoma, etc. You'll again end up spending your college savings on allergy injections, ear infections, grooming, bathing, special shampoos, and the $2000 total ear canal ablation. These dogs are best owned by those with plenty of money to divvy out, a lot of time on their hands, and no children.

Bostons - another brachycephalic breed that is great with kids. They are hardy dogs, prone to some upper airway problems but not as much as the bulldog. This would be a great candidate.

Corgis - we see these guys seldom for health problems. Can be nippy but not so much as other breeds. Very active dogs that like to play. Wouldn't be a bad choice.

Poodles - the miniatures can be great playmates. Teacup size is a little too small and easily broken by kids, but miniature and standards can be great with kids. Just make sure you don't get one that was raised by an old blue haired lady that never went or took it anywhere - get it as a puppy. They do require regular grooming, but can be fun to dress up, shed extremely little and since their hair is like ours (continuously grows) are good for people with allergies. They can be prone to a genetic disorder called Progressive Retinal Atrophy that causes them to go blind at 9-11 years of age - but my two blind poodles get around great!

Answer 2

If you want purebred dog and go through a reputable breeder your probably aren’t going to find a low cost one. Unless you got your dog from a friend you aren’t going to find any dog that will cost you only 30$ whether from a breeder or shelter. Even if your get a free / low cost dog from the paper it could turn out that the dog will cost you immense bills medically. Really the majority of people if they think they can make some money aren’t going to give a dog or puppy away for free or low price. The ones who honestly would will (just want to make sure the puppy/dog finds a good home) probably go through other means to find their dog or puppy a home other then going through the newspaper or criags list. You can always check out your local shelter there are plenty of good dogs available for adoption and they do sometime get in small breeds both purebreds and mixed. You also need to think about your lifestyle and get a dog that fits your lifestyle. If you are a low active family then a high energy dog/breed is not going to be a good match. Then again if you’re a very active family then a low energy dog/breed isnt going to be the best. Is your son rough if so then a small dog might not be ideal or at least you would want to make sure the dog can handle rough play. Also consider that the purchase/adoption fee is most likely going to be the cheapest part of owning a dog. There is food, dog supplies, toys, vet visits (at least once a year) heartwarm/flea medication that must be given once a month you can buy a package that lasts for 6 months Here are some dog breeds (small but most aren't toys) that are said to be good with children - American Eskimo, Pug, Basset Hound, Boston Terrier , Beagle, Bichon Frise , Jack Russel Terrier, Springer Spaniel , Bull dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel , Welsh Corgi.

Answer 3

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RE:
Dog lovers - what is a good, calm, small dog suitable around a four year old boy?

Answer 4

You know, I've never personally encountered a calm, small dog. I've known very calm, downright lazy giant dogs. But all the small ones I've known are just bundles of energy.

And whether or not the dog is good will completely depend on how the dog is trained and treated. It's a stretch for even the best behaved dog to tolerate poking and prodding from a toddler.

Perhaps a basset hound? They're pretty laid back, at least the ones I've known.

Answer 5

For a large dog that is ideal for around small children is a Newfoundland Dog. They are considered the "Nana" dog in reference to the dog in the original story of Peter Pan. The only problem would be how behaved will the 4 year old be around the dog. Most child-dog problems are from the child abusing the dog and the parents neglecting the child.

Answer 6

Cavilier King Charles Spaniel's are small,calm dogs that are good with children,other animals and older people.They are normally easy to train and are very attractive dogs aswell.Get a breed book on them or look them up on the internet and you will see exactly the same advice.Also when there pups they are like little teddy bears very cute.Remember small terrier type dogs are bred for hunting and alot not all do get over excited with hyper children and dont make ideal pets for young families.

Answer 7

Hard Question...You can have Fruit Loops in Every Breed..If you go to a Breeder Demand to see the Mom AND Dad because Your Pup will end up like that! I really Like Beagles for Kids..They are pretty Low maintance and will be your Boys Best Buddy...A Good Shelter will have someone there who knows how to try the dogs out with your Child But I would Suggest an Adult in that Circumstance unless They Know for Sure the Breed(s) I would Aviod Terriers as the are STUBBORN.A small Border Collie, Or Small Aussie Would Be Great They may try to Herd him though..You will have to teach them NOT to do This! Most of the Best Dogs are Mutts.And It seems like the Bigger Dogs IMO do Wonderful With Kids...Retievers and Such.....Good Luck Thats going to Be One Happy Little Boy!

Answer 8

Difficult to choose a small dog as terriers etc can sometimes be snappy, however i have known some really sweet border terriers and patterdale terriers, however if you were going to have a bigger dog there is no gentler dog for kids than a labradoodle! remember that dogs shouldnt really be left with young kids whatever breed they are as they can get over excitable in play and unitentionally hurt the child, also ensure that the child learns respect for the dog! im sure u know all that tho! x

Answer 9

I like the Bichon Frise, it is a very calm fluffy white dog, about 20 lb full grown, does not shed much but will need to have regular haircuts. Or visit the Humane Society, their staff will help you pick a dog that will suit your lifestyle, and you can pick one out that's about 1 or 2 years old, so you know how big it will be and what its personality is like. Go without your son though, then you won't have to worry about him really wanting a dog that doesn't suit your needs.

Answer 10

I would say an English Springer Spaniel, they are a wonderful family dog although a little exciteable!!!
Our family has always had springers and we have had one since she was 6 weeks old she is now coming up to 4 she has grown up with my son who at the time was 4 years old himself when we got her and they simply adore each other. Lola (the dog) follows him everywhere she even sleeps at the bottom of his bed if she gets the chance to sneak upstairs.

Answer 11

A Westie, they are well known for their lovely temperament. I've had one for 8 years and she's always been brilliant with my 3 children. An added bonus is that they barely moult! A female (*****) will generally always be less highly strung than a male (dog) whatever the breed of dog. Good luck!