best small dog / terrier for grandparents and young kids?

[annady]

hello,
we're thinking of getting the grandparents a small dog for christmas, they've been wanting one for ages - a terrier or similar, something small - and often dog-sit / walk friends' dogs.
i wondered if there was any particular breed of small terrier or similar sized dog that tends to be better around children? (under fives...)
thanks v much for any advice.
a x

you cant buy a dog for someone.

no their isnt any particular breed of small terrier or similar sized dog that tends to be better around children, in fact small terrier breeds can be very snappy.You need to remember that any breed of dog can be unpredictable and dogs and children need constant supervision.

Very unwise to buy a dog as a gift.

Maybe you could offer to take thegrandparents to some local rescue centres to see if there are any suitable dogs there - a slightly more mature dog might be a good idea and the rescue will have been able to assess the suitability or may may have been fostered with children.

It's more about training the children how to behave around dogs, rather than just the right sort of dog.

Please please don't buy a dog as a gift. My PILs did this for granny. The reality of full time dog ownership was very different to the idea of it, and the puppy was totally unsuited to her lifestyle. It had to be re-homed. A kind thought, but naive.

Involve them fully in the decision, and search for a dog.

I'm sure you could buy them sponsorship of a local rescue for Christmas?

I wouldn't buy them a dog, no matter how committed or suitable they are. They need to see/bond with the dog before they take it home and know which one is right for them. Maybe if they have the relationship with a rescue already then they could find a lovely pup/dog in their own time?

To be honest I wouldn't buy anyone a pet as a present.

But, I have two young children (3.5 yrs and 16 mths) and we have a Bedlington terrier who is brilliant with them. Coincidentally we rehomed him at 13 weeks old from a bloke who brought him for his wife as a surprise birthday present and she didn't want him, hence the advise not to buy one as a present.

Bare in mind that all terriers are high energy dogs and require a fair bit of exercise and stimulation. They're terrible for chasing things and can be extremely stubborn! So if the grandparents aren't up for 2 long walks a day and mind having their furniture chewed to bits out of boredom then a terrier probably isn't for them!!

I must also point out that no breed of dog can be trusted with children especially if they are not going to be in constant contact with them. My children are able to play with my bedlington and lie all over him but I still wouldn't leave them unsupervised with him or allow them to go near him while he's eating or in his bed etc even though he has been brought up with them.

Please don't ever buy a dog as a surprise present for anyone else.

Also, Christmas is often not a good time for new pups - lots of noise, visitors, normal routine is disrupted, tree/ornaments/gifts everywhere (chewing hazards!!).

A dog will be part of their family for the next ten to fifteen years - let them have the pleasure of choosing/bonding at a time that's right for them. Given that they haven't bought a dog, maybe that's because although they love them, they don't want the permanent tie, the expense and the mess? There's a lot to be said for being a doting doggie "auntie" - like with other people's children, you have all the pleasure then can hand them back with a huge sigh of relief.

Here you go OP. The perfect Xmas gift dog

We got one last year. They're very good. Quiet, house trained, low shedding. Ours has a tendency to try to chew your finger if you put it too close to its mouth but they have a very soft mouth so it's okay.

I have just taken ownership of a yorkshire terrier puppy(8 wks) he is exhausting, its like having a toddler around, we are constantly clearing up poo and wee and watching him attacking and biting stuff(usually our staffordshire bull terrier), we have to pay for his booster next week and pet care ins. We are used to dogs but a new puppy is hard work and no puppy or terrier will be easy to look after. Praps an elderly dog that needs re-homing and is loyal and loving would be less work for your in-laws.