I was interested in getting a rat terrier but it's been brought to my attention that they are not good with kids and I have a 2-year-old. I want something small because I'm only 4 feet 11 inches and I don't want a dog that will drag me when walking. My neighbor has a cockapoo who is great with my son... is this a good dog to get? I just worry about the grooming.
2007-12-04 04:05:52 · 17 answers · asked by Deacon's mom 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dachshund or Shi-Tsu
2007-12-04 04:11:48 · answer #1 · answered by Zodiack 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Your best bet may be to go on the AKC website and read up about the small breed dogs that are listed there. You can get a great idea about temperament, maintenance, training issues, health problems, all kinds of things. Once you select a breed you think you may like, you can take it one step further and contact a good breeder in your area. This way you could meet some dogs in person and see if this is a good match for your two year old.
Another option would be to contact a breed specific rescue group in your area and adopt. In most cases with rescue groups, they can tell you immediately if a dog is going to match up or not, as many of them use foster homes.
I don't think, however, that you should discount a medium sized dog. There are some breeds that get around 20-25 pounds that can take a little rough-housing without so much chance of injury.
By the way, I applaud you for not going into this without research! You will most surely end up with the best dog for your son and you!
2007-12-04 04:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by anne b 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well, for the most part I think small dogs are too yippie to be around children, but that doesn't seem to be the case with my mom's two chihuahua they do awesome with katelyn. We weren't sure how they would react to her, so we just introduced them slowly. I also always keep a really close eye on her when she is playing with them, even though they are good with her. You should always be really cautious of children and dogs. I think it really depends on the dogs personality and if they are around kids their whole life. I would get a puppy and slowly get the puppy use to children. And teach the children to respect dogs, that they are not toys! Good luck, I want a chihuahua.
2016-04-07 07:59:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each breed can be the best or the worst with kids. The question shouldn't be what breeds are good with kids but rather what breed matches your kids lifestyle. Any dog who has their needs and drives neglected can become frustrated. Are your kids very active and like the outdoors. If so a medium to high energy dog such as a chihuahua, pug, or Min Pin would be best. If they are moderately active or not active a low energy dog such as a Papillon, Yorkie, or Maltese would be best. Your best bet would be to visit your local animal shelter. They do free temperment testing and would be able to pair you up with a dog that fits your lifestyle. Remember to not leave very small children alone with any kind of dog. Supervision is a must with small children not only for their sake but for the dogs as well.
2007-12-04 04:29:45 · answer #4 · answered by al l 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't get a tiny dog because a 2 year old doesn't respect that it is a living breathing creature and will hurt it. Ones with back problems like weinner dogs and small legs like Chihuahuas.
You bet bet is to go to a local shelter and get a mixed breed in a 20 inch size. Look for a slick coated dog. Take it to a place the shelter provides and play with the child and the dogs until you find one that is gentle and patient. A lab mix would be good. They live to please you and are generally very healthy and no grooming.
Be sure the dog doesn't have a problem with his tail, his mouth and his feet. Touch them and manipulate them. If he can stand the touching....he'll be OK.
THEN, you have to do some training of yourself and be sure he understands who is PACK LEADER in you home. If you have questions see the web site of trainer Cesar Millan. he is the best and I know he has some Cd's http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/
good luck.
2007-12-04 04:17:44 · answer #5 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Typically, small dogs are not usually the best for small children. Smaller dogs tend to be more agitate-able and are more likely than several breeds of larger dogs, to not tolerate the way children usually handle dogs (with no care). You should be able to get a dog that will relate well with children but that will be trained to walk on a leash. Ther are also types of harnesses (e.g., a Halti-collar) which can help enforce your wishes when walking a larger dog. Visit a shelter near you and talk with the volunteeers there. They should be able to recommend a good dog for you and your child.
2007-12-04 04:18:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Obviously, even a small dog should not be left unsupervised with children, but I have heard great things about Pugs and Beagles with children. I would stay away from dachshunds, yorkshire terriers, and pomeranians as they *can* be nippy.
2007-12-04 04:16:48 · answer #7 · answered by Amanda 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
most terriers aren't really good for first time dog owners..
"cockapoos" are what they call designer dogs and alot of them come from puppy mills (diseased, and abused dogs there). And really i wouldnt support a designer breeder when so many dogs are in shelters.
I think you can go to a shelter, and they have temperment tested their dogs to find out which one would be right for you and your family. You'd be saving a life and finding the perfect match. (you might have to go to 2 or 3 shelters but its worth it for you and the puppy you save)
No kill shelters in my experience, tended to be better at matching dogs personalities to you than high kill ones..because of high kill ones being so overcrowded.
2007-12-04 04:15:10 · answer #8 · answered by natalie l 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i had a cairn terrier when i was a kid. I loved her to death. she had wire hair so she didn't shed at all and we got her groomed once a year in he spring. she was very playful and excited, unless she was in her bed.. she didn't want to be bothered when she was there... but it taught me to respect that sometimes people, and animals, just need some alone time without me hounding them for attention. :) Plus, Toto from the Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier, and I loved telling people that I had a toto dog when I was a kid.
2007-12-04 04:11:07 · answer #9 · answered by moonwolf317 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Dauchsand or Pomeranian both small and loving dogs. As for grooming all animals require some sort of grooming care...bath, shedding hair, trimming nails, food/water, play time...but they're worth it!
2007-12-04 04:12:25 · answer #10 · answered by ktpimprollin 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Honestly, no dogs are good for small children. I wouldn't recommend putting the sweetest dog in the world all that close to a child under 10. And actually, most small dogs aren't too keen on small kids who tend to treat them like toys. Wait until the kids are a little bit older, please.
2007-12-04 04:13:24 · answer #11 · answered by hello 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋