What is a great "small" dog for kids? (please read below)?

Question

I'm a single father... My daughter is 5yo. She has been wanting a small puppy. We live in an apt so I don't want a big dog. Somewhere in the area of 10-20lbs. Most important thing is I want a puppy great with kids.

Answer 1

shih tzu's are great with small children. i have a male and a female. i also have 3 children ranging from 12 to 5. my youngest was 3 when we got our female. the kids can do anything to her (and they do) and she doesn't bite them. she is also trained to potty in a litter box so that would be great for you in an apartment! my male on the other hand likes doing his business outside better. i didnt have any luck litter box training him. good luck!

Answer 2

I can't tell you exactly what breed to get for your daughter, but getting her a dog is a great idea. I was divorced and got custody of my kids when my son was about 5yo. That dog was the best thing that ever happened to him. The pup I got for my son was suppose to be a mutt, but she look just like a pure breed Belgium Sheep dog. I think she must have been at least part sheep dog, because she looks after my son like he is her flock.

Just don't expect your daughter to do all the work at 5 years old. It may be her job to feed the dog, but it will be your job to make sure the dog is fed. You will be the alpha male in the dog's pack, so it will be your job to teach it basic obedience. Don't forget cleaning up accidents and things like that. A 5 year old can help, but it will take a dad to really clean it up right.

Answer 3

Go to the pound with your kids and tell them you're looking for a small dog who's good with kids I'm sure they'll have all sorts of dogs who are already house trained and basic trained that they know will be good with kids.

Not every dog from every breed is always going to fall into the norm for that breed.

I've had a lab who would attack people, and have a pitbull mix who is the nicest dog I've ever owned so it's never just the breed.

If you get a slightly older dog (over a year) and not a puppy then you'll know for sure it likes kids and how they're going to act with a puppy you'll never know until it grows up.

Answer 4

Check the breed characteristics on AKC.com
http://www.akc.org/breeds/breeds_c.cfm

Just a couple of suggestions: for an apartment, Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi (different breeds, the Cardigan a little bigger & fluffier).
They are long, low dogs with medium length hair, even temperament, happy. My niece has a Cardigan, he is a love!
Small enough for an apartment, and not too hyper.

Another one you might consider is Basenji, they are small to medium and calm, and do not bark! Perfect for apartment.
Really love people. (so do the Corgis)

Boston Terrier is cute, smart, likes people and attention but might be a little more demanding of your attention.

Whatever you get, have the kids involved in training and taking care of the dog. This will help with behavior (dog and kids!) and help you out.

Highly recommend small, simple to follow book to help train:
"What all Good Dogs Should Know" by Volhard
easy and short, great for kids and adults, gives all the basic do's and don'ts in getting your dog to be well behaved!
.

Answer 5

I am a preschool teacher and I have a Yorkie who comes to school with me on occasion. He is just wonderful with the kids. He loves to lick them, play with them, and he is so patient with them. I am actually more worried about the kids hurting him because he is so small and delicate. Prepare your child for the responsibilities of having a puppy. Also make sure she understands how to be gentle and kind to the dog, because even the nicest, friendliest, sweetest dog will snap at a person if they do something that they don't like.

Answer 6

Don't get a small dog if you have young children. I would recommend a Shetland Sheepdog or an Airedale Terrier. The Sheltie doesn't get bigger than 20lb but the Airedale is a bit bigger. The Airedale will be 40-50lb. Remember to research any breed and only get one from a reputable breeder. See http://www.akc.org for the parent club of each breed. Only get a dog if your daughter is responsible enough to respect the dog and she must be able to understand not to poke the dog, pull his ears, fur, tail etc. as even the calmest Bloodhound won't like it.

Edit: DO NOT GET A DACHSHUND! YOUNG CHILDREN + SENSITIVE BACK = TROUBLE. A Pekingese, Maltese, Chihuahua, Havanese or any other breed that Helena suggested will NOT get along with a child and it's much too dangerous.

Answer 7

I have 2 mini dacshunds and they are GREAT with kids. My female is more energetic though so make sure you know that. My breeder said that small breed females usually are crazier than their male counterparts. My lil' boy is calm, docile and loves to snuggle or chase our hands when we put them under the covers. Doxies are very independent though and can sometimes don't obey ay first. Patience and tenacity broke that here. Yes, they do tend to have back prob's bcuz of the length of their back but we just try to keep them from jumping on and off furniture. They are not hard to potty train at least not any harder than the german shepard we owned.

Answer 8

NO terriers.
NO pekes.
NO dachshunds.
AND MOST DEFINITELY NO miniature poodles.

Small dogs probably aren't the best to get. They tend to be snappy and not very good with kids.

Your best bet would actually be the King Charles/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are very versatile, small, easy to care for, trainable, and amazing with kids. They are also beautiful dogs. If anything, get one.

Also, Jack Russels are a terrible choice. They are rather nippy with kids and would NOT do well in an apartment.

Answer 9

Boston Terriers are great with kids, they have the energy to keep up with them and no hair to pull. Don't get a cocker spaniel they are tempermental, I was attacked by one when I was 7 and it belonged to my best friend. i have a chihuahua boston mix myself and she is great with my son and daughter and they are both under 2, she is also protective of them, but knows when to back off too. Don't look for anything that will have longer hair to be pulled on and take your daughter with you to pick it out to see how the puppy reacts to children before you take it home, let them play make sure its doesn't mind having ears pulled and face squeezed. Hope this helps!

Answer 10

I have a small dog (maltese x shih tzu) and I would NOT recommend her around small children. My olds have one as well, and I wouldn't trust her either. These types of dogs are more suited to elderly people or adults, as they like gentle treatment, are pretty placid and enjoy sleeping and cuddles more so than playing all the time.
I agree with other answerers, you're probably better of getting an adult dog.