Best small breed for children?

Question

I am looking to buy my daughter a small breed dog. Anybody have any suggestions on which breed is best with kids?

Answer 1

Visit the AKC website. It's absolutely great because not only does it describe all the breeds but it has a survey you can take to match you with the dog that is best for you and your daughter. When our old Samoyed died and we promised each other no more high maintenance grooming requirements, we took the survey and found Boxers at the top of the list. We contacted Boxer Rescue and adopted our first 2 dogs 5 years ago. Two more have come along since then and we have never been happier!

Answer 2

How old is your daughter? Around what size dog are you looking for? What are your living conditions, ext? In my experience, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (aka Staffys) are GREAT with kids. The UKC standard and description of the breed is as follows: The Stafford is smooth coated, well balanced, of great strength for his size, muscular, active and agile. The Stafford is traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. HIGHLY INTELLIGENT AND AFFECTIONATE ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN. Smooth, short and close coat. Weight- Dogs 28-38 lbs Bitches 24-34 lbs. Average Height- 14-16 inches. Australian Cattle Dogs also make great pets, as well as Beagles, both of which I have owned. I have heard that Poodles can be very good with kids, and so can Australian Shepherds ( they have a "Mini" size that is very cute). Pit Bulls are also WONDERFUL dogs, but they are not recommended for first time owners and they are probably a little larger than what you would like. I've included a site below for the breeder that I got my Pit from, she also breeds Staffys and she is very informative and friendly. You can call or e-mail her, and also check out her links, ext. Do some research on your own and decide which breed is best for you, and then find a reputable breeder. Good luck!

Answer 3

I am a groomer so have had experience with most breeds. A mix is often best. A poodle mix is lovable and you might escape the problem of shedding and allergies to pet dander. Another breed I'm fond of is the west highland terrier. Terriers can be a bit nippie and I never owned a westie, so you'd have to get the opinion of someone who has. They have alot of personality, are rather small but very sturdy. My son has a collie-shep mix. She's large, but I have always found collies to become very attached and protective of children. A border collie mix might be a good choice.They are very intelligent and can run fairly small. My advice is to steer clear of a purebred border collie... they are working dogs and cannot handle boredom. I've seen a purebred dig holes over 6 feet deep. Mixed they are great pets though and love chasing balls or frisbees. A dogs love is a wonderful thing for your daughter. Best of luck.

Answer 4

I grew up in a house with 3 younger siblings & we always had Dachshaunds they were really good with all of us! Now I have a Miniature Schnauzer & he is so good around my step daughter (who is 6yrs old) & other kids! A few other dogs that are good with kids are Labradors, Golden Retrievers & Boxers. You can go to the link below & fill out some information & it will have a list of dogs that will fit all of your families needs & be the best dog for yall! I hope this helps! Good Luck :)

Answer 5

You definitely want a dog that isn't high strung for a child. Beages, Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds are a good choice.

Golden Retriever and Labs are great with kids, but they are a larger breed.

Answer 6

The mini cocker spaniels are a very nice breed. They have extremely nice temperaments and are very good with children. My father bought one for the children still at home and she is the sweetest thing with them. They have a bit of energy to burn when a puppy, but what doggie doesn't?

Answer 7

I think it depends on how old your daughter is and what reason you are purchasing the dog. Is it to teach responsibility, or for companionship, or simply because it's something she wants? In any of these cases, you may want to rescue a dog for her, which will provide many valuable lessons about caring for an animal, as well as lifelong responsibility and helping those in need.

Answer 8

You can call local pet stores in your area. Personally, I have a tzi-shih and they are great. You can look on the computer as well and type in small dogs good with children. Hope this helps

Answer 9

The people who live next door to me have a mini pinscher/daushund mix and they have 2 kids a 1 year old and a 4 year old and they love her! she is soo gentle and she is like 4 months old

Answer 10

Definitely not Chihuahuas! I would go with a Pug or a Basset Hound if you don't mind their size. Both are GREAT with children, but you also have to teach your kids to be GREAT with dogs!