I've always had a big dog, but am thinking of a smaller breed. Which one is good with kids, easy to train ?

Question

Our family dog died on December 31. We loved her so much and she is irreplaceable. I've heard you should get a different type of dog so we are thinking of a smaller one. Our old dog was a mutt which is all I've ever had. We recently got hardwood flooring and my husband is worried about scratches. I want a dog that won't mind being home alone for 6 hours while we're at work, is good with kids and protective all in one. I was thinking of a Westie, but my husband and son don''t think a Westie is a "real" dog. I actually prefer a bigger dog, but my husband will make it stay on the tile in the kitchen if it is going to harm the floor. I like to have the dog be one of the family...I'm in a bind. HELP!

Answer 1

My condolences on the loss of your pet, it leaves a very large void in your family when you lose a pet. I am a big believer in the idea that you get another breed of dog after the loss of a pet; this helps you (a bit) to try to not compare the old pet with the new.

I have been involved in the "dog world" all of my life. I have always owned larger dogs - Beagles/Hounds, English Setters, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels and am very familiar with many other breeds (Shetland Sheepdogs (shelties), Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriors, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles to name a few). Currently, I have an English Springer Spaniel. They are a great medium sized dog that is awesome with kids (I have a 4 yr old and 7 neices/nephews). They do have a LOT of energy when they are young (up to 2 yrs old), so you have to be good at exercising them but they most definitely keep up with kids... if you do not stop them, they'll play until they drop from exhaustion :-). They are energetic outside and cuddly companions inside the house.

Regarding your hardwood floors... we've been in our house 15 years with oak hardwood floors with up to 5 large dogs in the house at one time (we doggy-sit on occasion), scratches happen no matter how careful. But I can say we (adults and kids) have put just as many scatches, dents, scuffs, and wear on the floor as the dogs have. Once you've crossed over from the "new" floor stage into the "lived in" floor stage, it will not be so bothersome.

People will recommend the hundreds of breeds out there but ultimately it will be up to you and your family to investigate each breed that you are interested in (http://www.ckc.ca/ (Canadian Kennel Club) or http://www.akc.org/ (American Kennel Club)). I always recommend that people go to a dog show (search the sites above for one near you) and meet the breeders and the breeds that they are interested in, ask the breeders questions... they LOVE to talk about their dogs, so they will tell you all that you want to know... or maybe MORE then you want to know (lol).

When you finally decide on the breed for you, please check out the rescue sites for that breed, many times a loved pet has to be given up due to allergies, sickness or some other misfortune. Give these unfortunate souls a second chance at a loving home.

Okay now that I've written a book....Good luck to you in your seach for a new family friend :-)

Answer 2

I would recommend a Boston Terrier if you want a small dog. Kids like to pick up puppies if you get a smaller dog like yorkies, poodles, and chihuahuas they tend to break easier. Not to say that the boston won't, but I have seen many smaller breeds owned by people with small children come in with broken legs because the kids dropped the dog. Toy breeds are not for children. They will get broken or severely injured on accident. I realize there are people out there that have toys breeds and children and they will sing praises. I would also not recommend a pug. Their eyes are too easily injured. There are also 10 year olds who hunt and shoot and have their own gun in their room. Its still not something I would suggest for some one with out the proper reasoning capabilities of an adult. At least if the dog is bigger its less likely to get stepped on, dropped, or shut inside something.....
Most responsible toy dog breeders are going to tell you no-way as well..unless of course the dog is grossly oversized and therefor "kid safer". However then its no longer a toy sized dog. Also check out the dog breed selector on Animal Planet website link below. It will help you in deciding. Good Luck, and have fun! :)

Answer 3

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMRqb

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 4

I have a boston terrier (1 year old) , excellent with my kids (a 1 year old and 3 year old) , a REAL quick learner, barks only when someone is at the door, really friendly, especially with children. Not all dogs from the same breed are the same, you have to look at the temperment of the pup. My pup is really hyper though, he runs circles around my American Bulldog. He thinks he is a big dog because he plays with dogs twice his size. Try looking up a dog breed selector on the internet to help you find the breed that would suit you and your family. My husband and I work during the day but I come and play with my dogs at lunch time. So they are in their crates while we are gone to keep them from getting anything when we can't watch them and for housebreaking purposes. Good Luck in your search.

Answer 5

I'm not sure if you should consider a terrier if you plan on leaving the dog alone in the house for any long period of time. They do have a tendency to be high-strung and nervous dogs. I think the best thing you should do is go to your neighborhood animal shelter, and ask some questions there. They also might have your future family member waiting there for you.
Have a good day, and good luck on your search.

Answer 6

There a good small breeds and then good medium breed with children. For small I like the Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spanial, Yorkie, Lhasa Apso. For Medium breeds I like the Cocker Spanial, Beagle, Sheltie. But please to ensure that you are getting an excellent quality, only buy from an ethical breeder. You don't want to risk bad quality with kids....Or try rescue groups. Of course check out your local shelter for another one of those mutts :) They make wonderful pets and are thankful!
But also if you'd like to go a little larger...the Labrador is AWESOME with kids,...but you have to buy from a breeder and get an English Lab.
Also if your kids are older and more active the border collie and Aussie are good dogs, just need lots of attention and be kept busy.

Answer 7

I'm a fan of Pugs. They're comical, tough little guys, but they do have some troubles due to their pushed-in faces. They can't handle the heat, and they are very friendly so won't be worth much for protection. They are, however, great with kids and don't need much exercise.
Westies are great little dogs but be prepared for skin issues--they are probably the number one breed for allergies!
Beagles are great small-to-medium sized dogs and are wonderful with kids. You have to watch their food intake, though, because they'll eat everything in sight and can get seriously overweight. They are friendly but usually will at least sound a warning that a stranger is around.
Another option, of course, is to check around at your local shelters. You might find the perfect small mixed breed waiting there for you.

added: ooh, I forgot about Boston Terriers. Very nice dogs. I also like French Bulldogs, tough little sweethearts and very fun. Don't hesitate to check out rescue groups in your area. They can really educate you about their breed, and will have dogs of all ages who desperately need homes. This is one of the best ways to get a purebred dog. Many of their dogs are from good homes whose owners passed away or just couldn't keep them, and they are often housebroken and trained, or at least have manners. They are very rigorous about checking out any potential adopters, it's like adopting a child! So be prepared for long applications, interviews, and a waiting list, but I promise it will be well worth it as they work very hard to match available dogs with the perfect homes. Whatever you decide to do, best of luck to you and I hope you find your perfect pup!

Answer 8

Shetland Sheepdogs. ((( looks like a miniature collie "Lassie")))


There are plenty of sites available to read up on any breed, once you start narrowing down your search.

Keep in mind little dogs, the smaller they are the more sensitive their hearing, and this is why they may be timid or nippy around children. Younger children tend to have higher pitched tones to their voices.

Any breed can be trained from a puppy to adapt to the family environment. Just be prepared for the training and commitment of reestablishing routines, it is a big adjustment for everyone in the house. Good luck to you all.

Answer 9

So sorry about you loss; try looking at Shelties, they are nice sized and friendly dogs, very good watchdogs. Another suggestion would be a boxer, although this may be too big. Basset Hounds are great "low-riders" and great with kids -although they can be up to 60 lbs.

btw -the hardwood floor will get scratched regardless :(

Answer 10

West Highland White Terriers.