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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

a small, child (and cat) friendly breed?

18 replies

mumnosbest · 01/10/2013 21:46

We've finally agreed it's time to get a dog. I always had dogs before I married and had DCs but DH was never keen. The dogs I had were always larger breeds (setters, labs and a few mutts too). DH has agreed on the provisor it's a small dog as there are 5 of us and although we have a big garden, it would be quite cosy if we were all in one room. My DC are 8,5 and nearly 2 years.
I don't really know much about little dogs, except that they often seem hyper or snappy. Also I don't really want any sort of staffy type. Apart from their bad press I just don't like the look (too muscular). I saw a lovely 'morkie' and like the look of spaniel type dogs, jack russels and Yorkshire terriers but have no experience of them.

OP posts:

Original poster

mumnosbest · 02/10/2013 23:20

jack resells? snappy?

OP posts:

Original poster

mumnosbest · 02/10/2013 23:21

inventing new breeds now! jack russell even

OP posts:

ErrolTheDragon · 02/10/2013 23:28

Its hard to generalise about breeds - its always down to the individual dog. My dachshund would probably fit your bill but he's not necessarily typical!

What sort of walks are you envisaging? Some small dogs like more exercise than others. Are you bothered about coat type?

Original poster

mumnosbest · 02/10/2013 23:48

thanks for replying. Not too worried about coats, we've got laminate and tiles downstairs so hair will be easy to sweep up. We've got a field and woods nearby so can go for longer walks if need be but would prefer a dog that's more easy to tire out.

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Inkspellme · 03/10/2013 06:46

I have a king charles as do a few others I know. Haven't yet a yappy or snappy one yet. Ours is great. very placid, energetic but not hyper. she doesn't bark at everything - only when someone knocks at the door and then stops when told to. kids love her. she does shed -especially in summer but a daily brushing makes a big diff.I only brush her in summer otherwise i just keep the fur on her ears short. very much an inside dog but loves walks when given the chance. can tend to be podgy as they will eat anything!

friend has yorkshire terrior and finds her teriffic. she doesn't shed but does get regular grooming. not yappy or snappy either.

my experience of jack russells has all been negative. aggressive and yappy but I do appreciate that that doesn't mean all jack russells are like that -I just haven't met any!

fanoftheinvisibleman · 03/10/2013 06:51

Most people will tell you that terriers are not suitable with cats but my Border Terrier goes to my mums twice a week and her cat utterly rules the roost. The dog won't go through a doorway if she is there (which she frequently does just to torment him!).

Terriers are fantastic little dogs but don't let their size fool you. They are essentially working dogs so won't be happy on a 10 minute trot around the block. If you can invest at least an hour plus a day I would thoroughly recommend Border Terriers as a fun family dog.

fanoftheinvisibleman · 03/10/2013 06:53

Oh, and mine isn't on the least bit yappy or snappy. Neither have I met a snappy Border.

NationMcKinley · 03/10/2013 06:53

I was also going to say a Border Terrier. Love them

Lonecatwithkitten · 03/10/2013 07:41

Most types of dogs can learn to live with cats particularly if your cats are prepared to be a bit assertive. I have had Norfolk terriers, border collie lurches, cairn terriers, cockapoos and Labradors all who have lived in harmony with my cats.

Dillydollydaydream · 03/10/2013 11:23

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are lovely little dogs. Really lovely temperaments. My dh isn't keen on small breeds he likes to walk something 'manly' even he loves the cavvie though.

Mummy2BI · 03/10/2013 12:34

I just had to reply to your post as we have recently been through exactly the same thing. We have 3 dc of similar ages to yours, already have an old Yorkshire terrier (15 years old) but she has always been my dog, not particularly child friendly and as old the dc have never really bothered with her.

We have recently looked into a 2nd dog that can be more part of the family but dh only wanted a small dog, we did a lot if research and considered bichon frise, maltese terrier, shitzu, Lhasa apso, which are all small supposedly child friendly breeds!
We then ended up with a chihauhau puppy!!! As dd fell totally in love with him but he is amazing all the kids love him and he is a big character for such a little dog!

Are you looking at getting a puppy or an older dog? I think from a puppy it will grow up with the children an older dog you would need to look at one that is used to being around children (as even with supervision small children are heavy handed and clumsy!)

LadyTurmoil · 03/10/2013 13:00

My brother, after careful research, got a bichon frise/poodle mix. Unfortunately, it's one of those very popular "designer" crossbreeds, so you'd have to look hard to find one that had been properly bred and not just for a quick buck.

She is white and fluffy but is incredibly cheery, easy going and adaptable. Likes long walks but will also curl up and relax if only short walks are available.

Miniature poodles (the middle size) also get very good reviews from other MNers. Jackie Kitchener is supposed to know everything there is to know - see this link -miniaturepoodleclub.weebly.com/officers.html

schinkelfish · 03/10/2013 13:02

Italian greyhound. They think they are cats!

SnakeyMcBadass · 03/10/2013 13:09

Miniature poodle? I have a miniature poodle cross (more poo than cock ) and he is a darling. He is walked twice a day, as I also have a high energy springer/cocker, but where as the spaniel is tearing off and running here, there and everywhere, the 'poo trots along sniffing things and takes regular sit downs. He is happy with a couple of trots around the block and some play. He is a brilliant little dog, friendly and calm, doesn't shed and rarely makes a sound. There is a pic of him on my profile.

digerd · 03/10/2013 19:33

Can't get your profile Snakey - so wanted to see your cockerpoo

digerd · 03/10/2013 20:59

Mummy2B1
Mine is a Lhasa Apso. She loves cats but is afraid of excitable very small children

ifyouwish · 03/10/2013 22:32

We have cavaliers, always been fantastic with the dc's and cats.

mrslaughan · 04/10/2013 20:32

Oh I so want an Italian greyhound or a whippet! Some whippets are cat friendly (scruples are a great rescue apparently .... If you look in their website they say if the dogs are cat tested....)

I would just avoid a terrier breed, I know it's a generalization, but I have a number if friends with terriers, and all are snappy with the kids at times.... Friends are relaxed about it, but I wouldn't be.

I have always liked schnauzers , but now I know a couple well, I wouldn't have one with young kids.

The other one I would have is a poodle - my friends have one- he I amazing with the family, (4 rambunctious boys 3 - 10years), but does need mental stimulation..... He would be fine in my household , as my dog goes everywhere with me , but when the kids are at school he can be a but naughty (but not in a really bad way)

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