Compatible Dog Breeds for Small Children

Z.,
Unfortunately, most of the very small dogs are so high-strung that they are not recommended for young children. For instance, a Yorkie is very small and does not shed. I wanted what you do--a small dog that does not shed. Our Yorkie is our firstborn. She is an exceptional dog, but needs attention when around my young kids. She is extremely excitable. Toy breeds are not the best dogs for young children. In looking for dogs more suited for households with small children, perhaps you can consider slightly larger, short-haired dogs that shed. Some of these breeds are the Cairn Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Westie, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you will consider owning a still slightly larger dog, I would look at Cocker Spaniels. Whatever you do, buy from a breeder, so you can know the dog's lineage and first home. The American Kennel Club has the names of specific breeders and where they are located. I love the idea of adopting from shelters, but would not do this while I have small children, since this would involve too many unknowns for me. A breeder can give me more information about the particular dog.
Have fun. There is nothing like the companionship of a cherished dog!

Amy

Hi, we tried the doggie thing last year & also wanted something small with little shed unfortunately I was given an adorable Miniature Pinscher as a gift & it turned into a nightmare with the kids then 2 & 3.5 The Pooch was a puppy & was scared of the kids soon after became aggressive 2 months later I had to put'em up for adoption, broke my heart. After doing the research I found out they as well as Chihuahuas are the worse for kids. The miniature Pin looks like a tiny Doverman. Good Luck in your Doggie search!!!

English Mastiffs are good dogs for children, however, they can be expensive, they are big, drool, and don't live to be very old. They are so good with children though. They will let them crawl and cuddle all over them. They are also slow moving and don't run (a lot) or jump...which labs can do. Beagles, as the other lady mentioned, would be okay but they are yappy. I think mix breeds can have great personalities and be calmer. We have a Jack Russell but I wouldn't recommend them. We had him years prior to baby and they do great together. Good Luck!!

I have a wonderful dog recommendation. A Pembroke Welsh Corgi, or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These are dogs that the Queen of England herself has. They are small dogs, with big dog personalities, which I think is the best combination because they are not yappy, barky dogs. When they do bark it's usually for a good reason. They are very gentle and excellent with children, not to mention extremely intelligent. My brothers and I grew up with a male and female,and I would get one for my family in a heartbeat if I wasn't due with my fourth child this Thursday! I am sorry that I do not have a contact for a breeder around here, but I am sure you could find someone trustworthy with a little research. I have seen people around here that own them.I hope you can find what you are looking for. I think you would love a Corgi!

We got a dog for my daughter when she was 16 months (last year) and we had thought about a beagle, since our neighbor had one that was really good with kids. However, we'd heard that labs were really good with kids, and then there was a mix at the shelter who was 40 lbs (so a small lab) and 1.5 years old. We got her and she is the BEST dog with kids. My daughter hugs her, has taken things out of her mouth (she's not supposed to, but kids are kids), touches her face, and the dog simply loves it. I'm not a huge fan of labs since they are bigger and everyone has them, but I have to say they are the very best dogs for kids.

That being said, my aunt has a Wheaton terrier that they got from a breeder (not sure where) and he is a very sweet and well mannered dog, a hair dog that does not shed at all, and small-medium in size. They're also supposed to be great with kids. They're traditional Irish farm dogs. We thought about one as well, but in the end decided we'd rather not get a puppy, since we have friends that have gone through the nightmare of housebreaking and puppies up all night and the chewing, and also decided we'd rather go through the shelter.