lou123
New User
Hi Im looking at getting a puppy and want to know the best breed to get, I have kids and im looking for a small breed. Also where is the best place to look?
many thanks
many thanks
anyone know the best small breed dog to get?
- Thread starter lou123
- Start date
samstar
Well-Known Member
cairn terrier are suppose to be good with kids.
FinnishLapphund
There's no cow on the ice
Sorry, but I would need more info. There's small dogs that needs to work, small dogs content with what they learn in puppyclass and everything inbetween, what suits you? What amount of coatcare would be okay with you? Why do you want a dog and not f. ex. a guinea pig?
I've had Norwegian Buhunds, a Smooth Collie and know 3 Finnish Lapphunds, and they've all been great with my sisters children ( though brother-in-law is allergic, so they have no animals at home ). Why? Because I socialized them with children, and because my sisters children have been trained to behave well with my animals. With the right parents, most breeds can make a good "childrens dog".
from Sweden.
I've had Norwegian Buhunds, a Smooth Collie and know 3 Finnish Lapphunds, and they've all been great with my sisters children ( though brother-in-law is allergic, so they have no animals at home ). Why? Because I socialized them with children, and because my sisters children have been trained to behave well with my animals. With the right parents, most breeds can make a good "childrens dog".
from Sweden.
CAYLA
Well-Known Member
If you are after a mild natured, bidable small breed family pet, you wont get better than a cavalier, they are a silky coated breed, so regular grooming a must, and a good breeder with fully health tested well breed puppies a must as they can come with health problems, usually in later life, most breeds come with their own breed related health problems.
Insurance, a must for any dog/puppy u choose, but really, I could not recommend cavaliers highlyh enoug, non of that attitudey terrier malarky
.
Insurance, a must for any dog/puppy u choose, but really, I could not recommend cavaliers highlyh enoug, non of that attitudey terrier malarky
KrujaaLass
Well-Known Member
Second the Cavalier. My daughter has a six month old one. He is adorable. Dont recommend Jack Russell as I have one and although sweet when a puppy her killer instinct is there, be it hedgehogs, rabbitts and G.P. She has also been known to go after foxes in their holes and in the haybarn and not come out for several hours.
elliefiz
Well-Known Member
i have two miniature pomeranians and i cant sing their praises enough! They are the sweetest dogs i have ever met with such loving personalities and everyone who meets them dotes on them! My two have been around kids since we got them at 8 weeks old and they have been so good although they are very small so maybe a bit too small and fragile to be a suitable pet for very young children.
FrodoBeutlin
Well-Known Member
I would have said Italian greyhound, but if your kids are small then perhaps it's not such a good idea as they are quite fragile.
Probably agree with the Cavalier - plus they're totally gorgeous
Probably agree with the Cavalier - plus they're totally gorgeous
FinnishLapphund
There's no cow on the ice
Without more info I can't say only one, but "easiest" ones, according to me :
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Bolognese ( coat care, some recomend to once every 10 day, comb and brush thoroughly before shower ).
Cairn Terrier.
French Bulldog ( bitch if it's your first dog ).
Tibetan Spaniel.
from Sweden.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Bolognese ( coat care, some recomend to once every 10 day, comb and brush thoroughly before shower ).
Cairn Terrier.
French Bulldog ( bitch if it's your first dog ).
Tibetan Spaniel.
from Sweden.
Goya
Well-Known Member
It really depends on what you want from your dog as someone else has said. You must be sure you are getting a dog for the right reasons. It might be an idea to visit a rehoming centre. They can advise.
And remember
"A dog is for Life"
And remember
"A dog is for Life"
mandy4727
Well-Known Member
I'd say a Cavalier too. Small, cute. Ours sleeps most of the time. Loves the cats but they don't love her. Do need grooming but as their coat is silky it doesn't tend to knot. Don't eat much, never growls or bites. Easy to walk. don't take up much room when sprawled on the sofa. But not every intelligent!!!
prose
Well-Known Member
I'd second the Cavalier thing, but I obviously have to add my cent for Boston Terriers
They are FANTASTIC with kids.
My girl has been to loads of birthday parties, tolerated being dressed up as a pirate
and is best buddies with my nephews, four and seven. Bostons are not terriers in the usual sense of the word, and have zero snappy tendencies with people.
From justdogbreeds.com:
"The Boston Terrier is a very mild mannered, gentle, and affectionate dog, and his good natured disposition and sociable nature has earned him the nickname 'the American gentleman of dogs'. This is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and his compact size coupled with his amiable and easygoing nature has made him a hit amongst dog lovers.
The Boston Terrier is eager, always ready to please his loved ones, and extremely loyal. A dedicated pet and a lover - and giver - of attention, this is a dog that just loves to be a part of the family and loves to get involved. The Boston Terrier can sometimes be very spirited but at other times can be calm and dignified.
The Boston Terrier gets along very well with children, and he also get along well with other animals and pets. Some say that these dogs have an overly trusting nature, as not only do they get along with strangers and love to meet new people, but they will quite willingly go off with a stranger, which is something to bear in mind.
Although the well socialized Boston Terrier is sweet and gentle, these dogs are very independent as well and can be stubborn at times. However, the nature of this breed makes them ideal for inexperienced dog owners as well as the more experienced, and also ideal for households with children and other pets. This is not the right dog for those that cannot dedicate time and attention to their pet, as he does not like being neglected and craves the company of his owners and family."
My girl has been to loads of birthday parties, tolerated being dressed up as a pirate
From justdogbreeds.com:
"The Boston Terrier is a very mild mannered, gentle, and affectionate dog, and his good natured disposition and sociable nature has earned him the nickname 'the American gentleman of dogs'. This is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and his compact size coupled with his amiable and easygoing nature has made him a hit amongst dog lovers.
The Boston Terrier is eager, always ready to please his loved ones, and extremely loyal. A dedicated pet and a lover - and giver - of attention, this is a dog that just loves to be a part of the family and loves to get involved. The Boston Terrier can sometimes be very spirited but at other times can be calm and dignified.
The Boston Terrier gets along very well with children, and he also get along well with other animals and pets. Some say that these dogs have an overly trusting nature, as not only do they get along with strangers and love to meet new people, but they will quite willingly go off with a stranger, which is something to bear in mind.
Although the well socialized Boston Terrier is sweet and gentle, these dogs are very independent as well and can be stubborn at times. However, the nature of this breed makes them ideal for inexperienced dog owners as well as the more experienced, and also ideal for households with children and other pets. This is not the right dog for those that cannot dedicate time and attention to their pet, as he does not like being neglected and craves the company of his owners and family."
Woody78
Well-Known Member
I would have to go with the Cavalier! We had 2 for years, one for each daughter. They were absolutely magic and just loved all the games they had to join in. Being pushed around in a dolls pram, riding in the wheelbarrow, playing horse shows in the garden, ditch jumping when out walking. You name it, they were up for it! The children were about 7 or 8 when we got them and the dogs were their responsibility (with Mum watching over!).
I cannot recommend them highly enough and jabs apart I cannot recall taking them near a vet. One lived to 11 and the other to 12.
I cannot recommend them highly enough and jabs apart I cannot recall taking them near a vet. One lived to 11 and the other to 12.
Lucy_Nottingham
Well-Known Member
Cavaliers are known for having hydrocephalus (which is fluid accumulation in the skull!) they have quite a few health problems, terriers have fewer, but then have other ... issues...
Depends a) on the look of dog you want b) grooming c) time spent with them and d) how big a small dog u want!
I like western terriers!
Depends a) on the look of dog you want b) grooming c) time spent with them and d) how big a small dog u want!
I like western terriers!
SouthWestWhippet
Well-Known Member
Is a whippet a small breed?
Seriously they are quiet, biddable and good with children. Plus they don't need too much exercise and are smooth coated etc.
Seriously they are quiet, biddable and good with children. Plus they don't need too much exercise and are smooth coated etc.
Bossdog
Well-Known Member
I'd go for the cavalier too, make sure you go for a breeder with a good record for low heart murmers at 5 years old and ideally one that MRI scans it's dogs for syringomyelia, it is a horrible nasty condition (where the skull is too small for the brain, imagine the worlds worst migraine). We got ours from Carolus Cavaliers and he is an abolsute joy, they are great breeders with beautiful dogs, an excellent record for good health and showing. Pip is four now and he has no signs of any heart murmer and is a cracking little dog. Carolus Cavaliers
acegik
Member
More info would help ie are the children old enough to respect a dog and not treat it like a toy. Do you want a dog that has a coat to be groomed or a short haired breed i be a bit wary of terriers as they can be a bit sharp and nip. Choose a good breeder as you are sure a pup can be brought up from a young age with your children. good luck.