My friend wants a small dog, and she's thinking about getting a Papillon. She has five kids. Two of them are younger than eight, one of them is ten, one is fourteen, and another is 21, but she's not there most of the time so doesn't really count. The three youngest ones are all boys and they play rough. I've read that it might not be good to get a Papillon if the family has little kids. I suggested a Lab, but like I said, she doesn't want a big dog. The fourteen year old really wants a dog. Should she get a Papillon or not?
2007-01-12 01:16:43 · 9 answers · asked by gingi_01 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Small dogs, in general, are bad for families with small kids. Small children can hurt small dogs. This is bad for the dog, and the dog will have a higher tendency to bite. The best family dogs are large dogs. American Mastiffs for low energy and low maintence and great family loyalty. (they have dry mouths). If you want to research breeds, check out dogbreedinfo.com Dogs have tendencies, and dog breed info will tell you those tendencies. People think that large dogs are harder to take care of. It is a major misconception. Small dogs have more energy, more likely to bite, more likely to chew, etc... A low energy large dog will play when you want, and sleep and cuddle when its time. Do not buy a dog because you like its appearance. It is like dating the Highschool QB because he is cute. Eventually you learn that he is a jerk. Research your breed. Another option is going to the pound. Find a young mutt. Be sure to interact with the dog a little bit at the pound to get a feel for its temperment. And just a general rule, DONT buy a MALE. Again, just in general, they are more aggressive and harder to train. I have learned two things in life, I am a man, and for that I am sorry. It applies to all things.
2007-01-12 02:52:56 · answer #1 · answered by lee g 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where I live, Miami, most pet shops and breeders don't sell toy dogs to families with children under the age of 15. I think 15 is slightly excessive, but it really depends on the maturity level of the children. These dogs are extremely delicate and need a massive amount of attention. Not only can things happen to the Papillon if the child is rough, but someone needs to watch the dog 24/7 so it doesn't get stepped on or jump off the bed or couch (both could result in broken bones or death). If your friend feels up to the responsibility and thinks her kids are gentle enough, why not? But otherwise, she should go for a heartier dog like a Bichan Frise, Pug, or a mixed breed from the pound.
2007-01-12 02:08:32 · answer #2 · answered by irock1285 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most definitely not!!! Especially since the youngest play rough. There's no way they could be allowed near this dog. They would turn this papillon into a fear biter in no time unless the mother taught them very strictly how to treat a dog. Toy breeds are never recommended around young kids - if she doesn't want a larger dog, she needs to wait until her kids are much older.
2007-01-12 02:28:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Papillons like to rule the household and demand your full attention. Also, they are a very delicate breed. With 5 kids, this doesn't seem like a correct fit. Mine prefer's to be an "only dog".
2007-01-12 05:21:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt recomend any small dog to people that have childern under 10. I have a 14, 11 and 8 year old and have two Chinese Crested. My 8 year old is ADHD so bad he can not sleep at night (sleeping disorders) It is a constant struggle with him. He is not permitted to pick up either dog and they are not to be on his lap unless I am in the room. He can pet them only. Kids are hell on dogs. My son is going in for surgery to try to correct some of the sleeping disorders that he has and hopefully he will sleep better therefore aleviating some of the ADHD but all small kids are hell on small dogs. Trust me I know about kids with small dogs. Mine is an extreme case, but since she has two young kids it will be about the same amount of headach! How about a medium sized dog? One that the kids can run with and play rougher with?
2007-01-12 01:58:29 · answer #5 · answered by crested_love 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Papillons are a small breed of dogs, so that they fee alot. noticeably when you consider that they are very stylish searching and under no circumstances an overbred breed. so that you're searching at six hundred+ for teach high quality, and four hundred+ for only a puppy style. some people will promote them for far less relying on their reasoning for giving the dogs up.
2016-10-30 21:58:44 · answer #6 · answered by hinch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOT the right dog for her household.
My first instinct tells me she should go to a shelter and get a mixed breed that will be of small to medium size. Shelters are glad to pair up a suitable dog with an owners needs. Most mutts are good tempered and lack the extreme traits of purebeds.
If she insists on a purebred, how 'bout a Jack Russell. A "Jack" will give those youngsters a run for their money.
2007-01-12 01:34:46 · answer #7 · answered by Patricia S 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i don't think she should get papillon. some are great but others are horrible. the thing about toy dogs like that is they will think younger kids are part of the pack and will nip them like they would to other puppies in there pack because the kids are smaller. i would recommend a beagle. they are nice, good with children, smaller. they do tend to bark a lot and they follow their nose so they run off a lot. a shiatsu is also a good dog. good luck!!!
2007-01-12 01:26:04 · answer #8 · answered by momo! 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would try a pug. They are small and wonderful family dogs.
2007-01-12 01:32:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋