Is a dachshund a good first dog for a family?

[YoniMontana]

Hi I've never posted in the doghouse before so apologies if this has been covered before.
I have had dogs in the past pre kids (Lhasa apso and bichon frise) and had always wanted a Lhasa when my children were at school.
I have since been reading up on different types of dogs and apparently a Lhasa is not an ideal dog for young children.
My friend has a dachshund puppy who is absolutely adorable. She is planning to breed from her in a few years time and said I could have one if the breeding was successful. I know I'm way ahead of myself but I really loved her dog and wanted to know how they are as a breed?
Many thanks.

I am seriously amazed that Lhasa Apso's are not considered ideal family pets? Are you sure about this?

Ours is the gentlest, calmest dog in the world, happy to play, happy to run alongside our bikes and happy to just to gazing adoringly at us all day if we are being lazy.

Every Lhasa I have met has been just the same.

They are just perfect

We've got a two year mini daxie. Great with strangers as well socialised, has a big brother ( doberman ) fine with the kids , but not keen on being chased by loads of small kids, and doesn't like being pawed about too much. Quite demanding, but affectionate and loyal, not always easy to housebreak...not the best first dog for a family with very yound children though I think. Daxie ultimately wants to be the child in the family. Slightly older children, like 5 or 6 upwards i'd think fine. Oh, but Patterdales are good small dogs for families though...and Miniature pinchers.:)

We had a standard long haired dachshund when DS1 was little. He was very loving and good with children, sociable with other dogs and I can't recall him being shy with strangers. He had a huge bark and one night sounded the alarm when there was a house fire in the development behind where we lived. He did have back problems however, and for that reason we have not had another. We are Staffie people now.

YoniM Here's my breeder's website, unfortunately she's down in the South but she herself is seriously Scottish (She has one of those names spelt with an M but pronounced with a V!) and very active in the breed so I'm sure she would be able to point you in the direction of a good Scottish breeder if you decide on an Affen in a couple of years.

www.orlock.co.uk

They really are such fab little dogs I don't know why the breed isn't more popular?

My mum has a spoodle (this is what cockerpoos are called in Australia -much better name!) and a schnoodle (mini schnauzer x mini poodle). The schnoodle is just the best little dog - friendly, smart, funny, gentle. Would totally recommend. The spoodle is a bit snappy with children, which seems quite out of character for the 'breed' but he is lovely (and very loved) all the same.

I say no to dachshunds too, and we have had two. Backs are delicate, house training difficult (we are failures at it), teeth are bad in our two. They are cute as can be and very loving. Hansie has been gone six years and we still miss the little guy.

Thanks for all the advice. I have a lot to think about. Looking like a dachshund is not the best breed for a family dog for us. I really like the cockapoos and affenpinschers.
I appreciate everyone's help :)

My neighbour has a dachshund, we have a JR. They are very good friends and have very similar personalities

My vote is a pug. Small, sturdy enough for rough play with the kids and very funny.

They don't need a lot of exercise either. Hate cold and rain.

I have had lots of dogs over the years but the pug is by far the easiest I've had.

No to dasch (even though I want one badly - it wouldn't bode well with my toddler!).

Get a staffy! Solid, reliable, real family dog. Not too big, short-haired so low-maintenance in terms of grooming and housework. Lovely and tolerant with children. My 5yo bitch is a bit of a nervous soul but my 2yo DS has been the making of her - they are utterly in love and spend all their time together. Staffs are normally a lot more confident and I would have no hesitation in recommending them for a young family. I think it is a lovely thing for children to grow up with a dog. :)

Staffs are robust enough to sustain a bit of rough and tumble with kids - even though my DS shouldn't be sitting on her back sometimes he will (he says he's cuddling her) and she doesn't bat an eyelid.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are fab little dogs :) agree about Daschunds being grumpy, although my friend has 9 and 2 small kids and has had no problems.

I had a Dachshund long-haired female. Full of character, but stubborn and even gave DH the evil eye when she was on the bed < don't you dare, I'll bite> and he left her there just for that one night. Had to make sure she didn't get into the bedroom ever again!
Hated other dogs and our own cats which were there before her.

Also had a Lhasa Apso, and she was perfect, except the coat care, of course, which I did myself. Oh, and she ignored our recalls, but we could trust her where we lived, and loved everybody and everything. No aggression, no fear, no nervousness, so laid back and content. She was like a rag doll and could do anything with her. Except she didn't play with a ball or fetch things. She loved flying like the wind and exploring. Didn't dig either or chew things.

MeerkatMerkin - couldn't agree more, excellent family dogs and although the main reason had our first because we felt so sorry for him on a rescue site web page we are now total converts.

Maybe a rescue greyhound (unless you have cats or other small furries) they are gentle loyal dogs who don't need much exercise.