Dachshunds or Chihuahuas?

Question

I'm looking for a dog that is "nice" around small children, requires little to no grooming, and is somewhat trainable.

I do not have young children, but live in a neighborhood full of toddlers and small children.

Ok. Now... Dachshunds or Terriers?

Answer 1

If choosing between Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, choose a dachshund. I have a dachshund and also do not have children, but lived in a neighborhood with a lot of small kids. The kids always wanted to pick the dog up or press hard when petting on his back, but if you tell them why this is not good for the dog, they will learn. If you are a responsible pet owner, your dog won't be running around the neighborhood unsupervised--you'll always be with the dog, so you can make sure each encounter with a kid is safe. Teach the kids how to play with the dog safely, don't just expect them to know.

A short-haired dachshund will not require much grooming, and is definitely trainable if you have patience. Dachshunds are known to be quite stubborn and you will find that they won't go potty in the rain and will once in awhile do their business in the house. But dachshunds do learn things and basic obedience school will likely curb a lot of naughty puppy-like behavior that even adult dogs can have.

I would also recommend not getting a puppy; adopt if you can and try to learn as much about the dog's background as possible, even though sometimes not much info is available.

Once you get a dog, introduce the dog to older kids first, then younger kids, and then a couple kids at once. You'll just have to monitor to see how the dog reacts. Also, don't allow your dog to snap at you at home, even in playing, because this is one way that dogs end up biting kids. Dachshunds generally have a good temperament and are not known for biting.

They are also extremely loyal!

Answer 2

Neither of these breeds are particularly good with kids or too easily trainable.

I have a dachshund and my daughter owns two. They will love you and be faithful to you no matter what. But my dachshund is somewhat fearful of children and after 7 years she is 99% potty trained. She wasn't hard to train, but not the easiest breed either. Although I've never owned a Chihuahua I would say it's even a more delicate breed than a dachshund. So, I'm going to guess it would be even more timid around children.

A dachshund requires no grooming except an occasional bath. They have very little doggy odor. If you do decide to get a dachshund please teach your children to be gentle with the dog, and they should do okay. My dog certainly doesn't snap at children or anything like that, but being a small breed, she is a bit fearful of them and prefers adults. If you teach your children to not pick up the dog and to treat a dog with respect and to play gently they should do fine. I love this breed. They are loyal, wonderful dogs.

Answer 3

I would go with dachshunds, chihuahuas can be very timid and well theyre really small and easy to hurt. What ever your childrens age or gender all children play rough with dog at some point and the smaller the dog the more likely it will be that it'll get hurt. I would look for mixed breeds. Anything mixed with a poodle, (that stops the shedding) and you might consider a terrier

Answer 4

As long as you have "nice" children either should be fine. We have very well behaved children so felt comfortable getting a small breed dog. On the other hand if your children tend to tease and play rough a small dog is not what you want. If it's a choice between those two I'd say the Doxie is a better choice. You could go with something a little sturdier and more tolerant of little hands I've found Bichon's to do well with kids. Or a Puggle (pug beagle mix) are really good and tend to stay smaller.

Answer 5

As a boarding kennel operator, I would suggest niether. Dachshunds have many back problems, and tend to get cranky with age. Chihuahuas are very timid and have the ability to snap quicker at things that scare them.
Consider a larger dog, not all shed if treated and cared for. If you have small children, maybe it is best to wait, this way you can get a dog you realy want. Also, consider adopting and not buying.

Answer 6

The temperament of a Dachshund is not as yippy as a Chihuahua. A chihuahua is very mouthy and is also nippy with just about anyone.

I have a Chihuahua and he is fine with my husband and me. If he feels that either he or we are being 'threatened' he will bite and nip. We have to put a muzzle on him when we take him to the vet and to have his nails cut so he won't bite.

The best thing to do is to go on the site for the AKC www.akc.org , and find local breeders in your area for both breeds of dogs. Also on this site you will get a break down as to what a well bred dog should be. Please be sure that you talk to a good breeder and not someone from a puppy mill.

Answer 7

I would be more concerned about small children being around a tinny dog like that. They can be hurt very easy.
All dogs are trainable if you put the time and effort into it.
I would suggest finding a small short haired dog in a shelter and express your concerns with the shelter.
There is nothing wrong with mixed breeds, and you would be rescuing a dog while not supporting a puppy mill.

Answer 8

Dachshund are known for having bad backs. Chihuahuas have very fragile bones. I don't think either one of these dogs are a wise selection for a house with small children. I would instead go for something a little more sturdy such as a pug.

Answer 9

Dachshunds are a very mild mannered dog around kids, but you need to watch their back as they could have spinal problems if not handled properly. Chihuahuas, on the other hand are pretty good, as a small dog, if you watch the bloodline as they could be snappy. I think you would be better off going to a rescue league and getting a mixed breed,small dog. They seem to be much better tempered animals.

Answer 10

Dachshunds are prone to have back problems Chihuahuas are nervous. Small dogs are usually high strung not good around children.