What is the best breed/ mix of puppy to get with a 16 month old human and an 8 week old kitten?

Question

The kitten is rambunctious and needs another friend to play with, because he and baby are BFF until either decides it is time to stop playing IMMEDIATELY!

Answer 1

I would say that it is probably not the best time to add a dog to the family. I would get the kitten under control and let the baby grow up a little, then consider it. that said, if you are set in your ways, then below are links to dog breed selectors. You answer some questions about your lifestyle, what size dog you want, and if you want it to shed and it tells you what breed of dog will do the best with you. Try them all because they may give slightly different breeds and ask slightly different questions.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
http://www.showdog.com/Breeds/breedselector.aspx
http://selectsmart.com/DOG/
OR…
You could get a mixed breed dog. They are generally healthier than pure bred dogs, and they cost a lot less. Go to your shelter and look around for the perfect dog. Sometimes, it is best to get an adult dog, they take less work and are usually already housebroken. Check out www.petfinder.com you type in your zip code, the breed of dog you want, and the age preference and it gives you tons of choices.

Answer 2

At 8 weeks of age, your kitten doesn't need a puppy, it needs either:
-another kitten (assuming they get along!),or
-a more patient owner. That kitten will be settling down before you know it.

Sounds to me like you have your hands full looking after your two "babies." Trust me, adding a third "baby" to the mix will NOT make your life easier!

Besides, finding the right dog takes time. Like they say, "getting a dog is the only chance you ever get to choose a relative." You don't rush and run out and get a puppy hoping it will solve your problems at home. You're doing it backwards: get your household under control, _then_ consider getting a puppy.

In the meantime, a few suggestions to help keep you sane:
Start clipping the kitten's nails regularly. He'll get used to it young, and he's less likely to give your baby a bad scratch if either of them get too rambunctious.

Make sure the cat always has a safe place to retreat to, where the baby can't get to it and pester it.

Make sure there is a room in the house where the cat has everything it needs and where it can be secluded if need be. Sometimes, for your own sanity, you have to be able to separate them physically for a while.

You don't need to give either of them the run of the whole house, all the time. Gates and closed doors are fine if they make everyone calmer and happier.

Teach your child how to be gentle with animals, but don't expect him to have learned it for a long, long time yet. Supervize, supervize, supervize.

As for the particular breed of dog you might one day want to get, keep in mind that there are no breeds of dogs that magically behave like we would like them to. One of the most important things you can do is choose a breed that is well-suited to your activity level. Restless, underexercised dogs seldom make good pets. The second is training the dog, as soon as you get it, as to what is and isn't acceptable in your household. It doesn't sound to me like you are in a situation where you would have either the desire or the time to provide much training.

Good luck!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I can let you know that Bichon's have dermis disorders. They are so adorable, however plan on passing some cash through the years for those disorders. Search out the varieties of puppies that you just desire through watching up temperament and normal wellbeing disorders. Purebreds generally tend to have extra clinical disorders from being over bred. Look on the animal safe haven for a dog that's indexed as well with youngsters. You would possibly desire to remember an grownup puppy that has already been expert and is understood for well temperament and used to children. Good success.

Answer 4

I would probably stay with a small dog so as not to scare the child. Jack Russels are very playful but can be very high strung. Yorkies and Pekingese are wonderful dogs who are relatively calm but also love to play when give the chance.

If you're looking for a larger dog I would go with a Sheltie, Collie, Lab or Golden Retriever.

Answer 5

Labs and retrievers are excellent with children and cats. I have a lab that is now 14yrs old. She plays with the cat and has never been aggressive with children or people.

Answer 6

A tough one ! Cause he will get pulled on, stepped on, hit on, and stracthed at ! maybe more, so i sure hope he/she is tough !

Answer 7

Don't.