Which small breed(s) are best around children.?

Question

Best breeds of dogs for kids under 10 years. A friend offered to buy my pom today. Mine is not for sale and not really the best around kids. I told him I would try to help him find a dog. Its for his son who is under 10 years old. I will probably try to tell him about the animal shelters. But having a breed type in mind would help.

Answer 1

With small children (< 10 years) it's usually a good idea to avoid the 'traditional' toy breeds - toy poodles, chihuahuas, Manchester toy terriers, minpins, etc. Not to say they aren't good with children, but they are fragile dogs that could be easily (accidentally) harmed by a child who plays too rough with them.



Terriers are pretty hardy dogs that love to play and roughhouse, but some have a tendency to nip, which is obviously not choice when dealing with small children. I grew up with chihuahuas in my house and it always was fine, but I was exceptionally gentle with animals when I was young, so there was no danger of me harming them. I don't know how this little boy behaves, but given that he is a boy he is probably rougher than he realizes.



In my personal opinion, the best small dog you can get for a child is a Corgi. They are rough-and-tumble dogs originally bred to herd cattle (believe it or not) with boundless energy and loving personalities. They are very intelligent and easy to train, and would make a great companion for a small child. The only downside is that because they are herders some of them tend to "herd" children, and they shed copiously.



I think the best thing your friend can do is take the child to the animal shelter and just wait until they find the dog they 'click' with - it will happen, and when it does, breed doesn't matter.

Answer 2

Beagles are great with kids. Other small, child friendly breeds are:

Miniature Poodle

French Bulldog

Bichon Frise

Shih Tzu

Japanese Chin

Italian Greyhound

Havanese

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel



Keep in mind, though, that small dogs can be easily injured by children if they play too roughly. Some of these dogs have rather long hair and will need lots of grooming.



I would stay away from any herding dogs. Several people have mentioned Corgis, which can be good with children, but are known for nipping. That is how they herd cattle, by nipping at their heels.

Answer 3

My absolute favorite small dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are not without their health problems,though, so your friend should only buy from a reputable breeder - and a good quality pet puppy should be around $800-1,400 (yes, that much! Show dogs can range from $1,400-$3,500!). If your friend is not interested in spending that much money, I would go for a shelter dog - and if they decide on a "Maltipoo" , "Cockapoo" or any other "Poo" they are better off just adopting from their local shelter. A mutt is a mutt and obtaining one from a shelter is at least saving a life! Good luck.

Answer 4

The animal shelter is your best bet, they will have dogs there that will suit your needs, and I would really forget about all these special breeds. Some breeds can be good and bad, it would be their upbringing. Mixed breeds can be very good too. There are so many adorable unwanted dogs there just waiting for a loving home.

Good luck.

Answer 5

For a small dog, shih tzus are the very best. Even hairless chinese cresteds are good and bichons, beagles, most hounds, many retreivers, etc. The dumber breeds are usually less likely to nip, so shih tzus are one of the best.



Pugs don't bite very often either, but have some health issues. Stay aways from herders, terriers, doxies, chihuahuas and any nippy little breeds.

Answer 6

This depends on what "small" means.

It can also depend on the lines not only the breed. If by small you mean compared to a Pom I would say a Japanese Chin would be a good dog with children. Small may also mean a cocker which if it comes from excellent lines would have a wonderful temperament but if it did not may not.

Answer 7

Maltese terriors! l have a girl and a boy kimba and simba! You still have to watch them no matter what dog they are as they can be unpredictable just like kids!



lve never had a problem with Kimba and Simba! Kimba is nearly 15 years old! She is an angel sent from heaven shes never hurt a fly! Simba is 4 and he's abit more outgoing.



Good luck on finding a dog for your friend! You are right telling him about the shelters, so many animals need loving homes.

Answer 8

We have two Welsh Corgis and absolutely love them. We live in an urban neighborhood with small yards. Our boys were 9 and 3 when we got them (now 14 and 8). They have been great with the kids- kind of big dogs in little dog bodies. They have lots of energy, are super smart, and do lots of big dog stuff (chase balls, run with you, etc.) but they stay aroun 20 pounds. I don't know if you'll find one in a pound. We paid aroud $400 for each, but for the dogs they are, it's a bargain.

Answer 9

Scottie, Labrador-mix, Golden Retriever-mix, calm-temperment dachhound mix. See how the owners of the parent animals treat their dogs and see how the parent dogs and the older siblings of the dog you are interested in behave if possible. Go to a well-managed well-run not-for-profit pet shelter such as a nearby Humane Society pet adoption center and get more advice, and "try out some dogs" there with a few of your children or nieces or nephews or neighor's children (with the neighbors' permission and assistance.)

Answer 10

The Bulldog, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Pug, Shih-Tzu, and Yorkie are all really good with children.

Answer 11

From my own experience I would go for beagles. Do not forget that some of those small breeds my be nervous around children. Our beagles are lovely with kids but still I wouldn't leave them together unsupervised (but that goes for every breed).

Answer 12

i have a toy poodle i did research for a year on breeds prior to getting my toy poodle they are small but sturdy, can jump off a couch and not get hurt ar get squished my someone she is gentle and took the loud noise of our son who was 2 at the time she would sit in his tonka truck while he pushed it around the housem they are still the best of friends he is now 4 she going on 3 soon she has never once snarled looked sideways or attempted to bite him even thou at times he did poke her eyes or run after her she learned he didnt like his face licked so to get some space she would lick him. today they still sleep 2 gether, so i guess i say toy poodle.

Answer 13

A labrador retriever is the best.There smart and they listen and very good with kids.You can get them in BROWN(chocolate lab)YELLOW(lemon lab) BLACK (licorice lab)



Those in perenthises are my nicknames for them since i was7 untill now 13!



Also dogs like shitzus , chow chow, and mini poodles will bite and sometimes be aggressive also dalmations will be aggressive.My mom works at a clinic and these are somewhat vicious.Bulldogs, Pitbull, rottwiler are some other mean ones.



Basically the good ones are:

Labrador Retriever

Golden Retriever

Cocker-Spaniel

Answer 14

no dog is good for kids under 5. They tend to be very ruff with dogs.. and need supervision. They should never be left alone with a dog unsupervised. Otherwise, you can get a terrier or jack russel if they have active children or children that are older. They are good with kids. No border collies or cattle dogs...they tend to nip on kids to herd them around. (That's their job)

Answer 15

any kind of dog is good around kids as long as kids are good to them and dont hit or kick at them. So it depends on how the little boy is around dogs. maybe that is why your pom dont like him because he was mean to hi and you didnt see it

Answer 16

well first you have to make sure this dog can be around little kids and the little kids know how to treat a dog right. i would defintitly not get a chiuaua or a yorke. srry for spelling errors. i'd try a terrier. maybe a scottish terrier or a west highland terrier!

have fun.

Answer 17

I have 4 kids and 2 rat terriers which don't get very big (one is full grown at 12 lbs the other will be about 14lbs) They are vermin hunters, great indoor dogs, and they are very energetic (they wear my kids out).

Answer 18

Medium length hair because it is easy in order to handle and you can still perform most of the hairstyles

Answer 19

Jack Russel;s are a excellent dog;s for and around chidren.They are easy to care for loveable-protective;low matinence very smart and truely loyale. P.S. Theye want and need lots of love;just like children!

Answer 20

For a boy under or over 10......a 13" Beagle is the absolutely BEST dog for him!!!!

Answer 21

Small breeds are usually bad with small kids (they are very sensitive about their size =D )



Medium sized dog such as a Wheaten terrier is best bet.

Answer 22

Labradors are great pets. im 13 and i got a lab puppy for Christmas. shes adorable. just try to tell your friend NOT to buy a pet from a pet shop but from the direct breeder and teach the puppy not to bite because otherwise your children will get scared.

Answer 23

Well I have a yorkshire terrier and they are very good for children under 10 and older they're very frendly and don't bite much and there not SUPER wild. Hope this helps.



Best Regrads,

Me ;)

Answer 24

all can be great, but u hav to make sure that the small child does not roughhouse with the dog or hit it because then ur dog will either become scared or bite the young child.

Answer 25

Something study, and tolerant. Like a mix of a beagle and a basset. Basset mixes are great but maybe not as small as they want. Min pins can be nice, and Schipperkes are great dogs.

Answer 26

I trained dogs for a couple of years, and though I'm not a big fan of small dogs, I really enjoyed the papillons and the yorkies.

Answer 27

shih tzus by far are the friendliest...poodles tend to be too nervous and beagles tend to stray if given the opportunity (plus they shed)...yorkies are very good too...labs are not a small breed btw...

Answer 28

Maltipoos

Answer 29

english springer spaniel their not common and are super cute and never bite, unless they feel like they are in danger or being abused. the kid would have a great with him/her they are very entergetic, playful, and loving. good luck

Answer 30

I have a maltese, its cute, friendly, never vicious unless provoked, fun to play with :) But for a purebred they run about one thousand dollars

Answer 31

the animal shelters are the best answer. they can tell ur friend what he needs to know. donna b

Answer 32

Beagles or golden retrievers

Answer 33

Shitzus there so cute not big dogs cause when i was 3 we had a big dog and it knocked me down the stairs.

Answer 34

I'm thinking labs bcuz they are easy to train and really smart.

Answer 35

Dachshunds!

Answer 36

A labrador. Providing the kids are not from Hell.

Answer 37

http://www.cairnterrier.org/meet/

Answer 38

poddles are really nice i like beagles

Answer 39

for small breeds- yorkie, maltese, poodle, malti poo, westie, chihuahua

Answer 40

a beagle

Answer 41

shih-tzu is a great dog

Answer 42

Get a cat

Answer 43

Beagles attack.....>.< pomeranians are good and they LOVE kids! they're good watch dogs too.!

Answer 44

miniature ratteriers are small and 100% lapdogs. If they did bite their mouths are so small it wouldn't hurt.

Answer 45

poodles

corgis

and cavaliers

Answer 46

pugs

Answer 47

sheltie, border collie, regular collie (although large), ummm not NOT NOT a german shepard.

Answer 48

maybe a corgi?\

or a chihuahua

Answer 49

weenie dogs are great!!!!!! they make great family dogs......DAUSHOUND....DOXIN...same thing