What would be the best "small" dog for a 2 year old boy with Autism?

Answer 1

Children at age 2 are rarely diagnosised with Autism. So this child must have very aware parents, and great doctors. All Children at age 2, have difficulty understanding the danger of handling a small dog. I have a Yorkie and a Westie Cairn mix and I have used them as therapy dogs with many young children. The Yorkie is way to small for a pet of this type child, but he Cairn/ Westie is hardy enough to handle the situation. My suggestion is a Cairn, but socialize it a lot as a pup.

Answer 2

Make sure you do your homework before choosing a dog. most people choose dogs based on thier "look" and don't realize that certain breeds have certain traits. Lhasa Apsos are really cute but can be tempermental - so can Chihuahuas. Other dogs are hunters and are not the best family pets. I had a Boston Terrier and he was the greatest dog in the world. I recommend them highly. I also sit for a boy who is also autistic and he has a friendly beagle. Get online and check out different breeds then go to your local shelter and save a dog. That way you'll be helping an animal as well as bringing a friend for your son.

Answer 3

PROBABLY A MALTESE, OR A BIJON-FRISEE.

THESE ARE VERY SOFT SWEET KIND DOGS.

My personal favorite is the Maltese :)


Avoid terriers like the other answerer said. Chihuahuas are too friggin yappy, and they are not Nice dogs. Absolutely NOT a JACK RUSSEL Terrier, these dogs are psycho!! Terriers in general are extremely tempermental. Poodles are very tempermental as well.


Hey I found a great web

www.dogbreedinfo.com/bichonfrise.htm

This dogbreedinfo.com has information on just every breed you can think of, including tempermant. I included the link for the bichonfrise breed..just so you can see how nice these dogs are. The same site said that the maltese and the shihtzu
dogs can be snappy with small kids wou aren't careful..

Answer 4

I have to disagree with the person who said spaniels won't bite or nip, one of the worst dogs we dealt with when I was grooming with my friend was the Cocker Spaniel. Many of them were awful. I have been biten myself by one I took home who was abandoned at the shop. I don't know anything about the particular breed she recogmended and am not saying that those are not exactly as she described. I have heard nothing but good things about them actually. Just don't be fooled by popularity of a breed. Just because they are popular doesn't mean they are a good breed. I myself love pugs. I wouldn't recogmend a puppy for an austic child however as they can be a handful. But adult pugs tend to be quiet, faithful dogs and require little. They are smart, attentive dogs and are great indoors. What I would do is research different breeds, contact some rescues and ask questions and meet a few prospects and then decide. Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

Bassette hound would be a good pet . They are really laid back dogs. you can poke and prod them all you want and they arent gonna do nothing .

I wouldnt suggest anything in the toy catagory becuse they seem to be impatient with childern. Everyone I have ever say around childred tend to try to nip at them .

Anything that is overly hyper such as a jack russell , is gonna be annoying ( trust me I was talked into one of these) .

I hope this helps you in some way .
IF this dosent you can google dog temperment and choose a dog breed and it will give you information on the breed .

Answer 6

I would check with someone who specializes in autism or speak to other parents with an autistic child. Is your son in therapy? If so talk to his therapist and see what they think would be best. They know the condition of autism and will also have information on your son's behaviors.

Answer 7

We have 4 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are such nice natured dogs. Unlike terriers a Spaniel will never snap or bite. Some of the larger Spaniels can be a little boisterous, however the Cavies are perfect.

They are also happy to do what ever you want them to do. Go for lomg walks or not, feed them, love them and then let them sleep and they are happy.

Answer 8

My boys had a fit for a dog about a year ago, after looking and looking we ended up with a jack russell terrirer. He has never never even growled at my boys and they are 3 and 5. He (Sam our dog) is very gentle with the kids.

Answer 9

believe it or not, dogs can be trained to help autistic kids, just like other service dogs. They can be trained to keep them form running off and help to calm stimming. Find a breed that is easily trainable, and relitivly strong. There are associations that cn prvide you a service dog for free or low cost, depending on your level of need. Here's a link to one.

Answer 10

we have a Shih tzu who is really good with kids and is not very tempermental, although she likes to bark when people come to the door. They dont shed and only grow to be about 10-15 pounds. I highly recommend getting one.