Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The doghouse

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Which small breed would you recommend for a family with a three year old child?

41 replies

10000Fireflies · 11/09/2015 23:57

What would you recommend? I've been looking into getting a dog for our family, particularly my three year old son for some time now. We're quite short on space, so it really needs to be a small breed, which doesn't need too much exercising, but likes very lively, affectionate, small children and doesn't need to much grooming (so a smooth, short coat preferably. bald even!) and would be ok being left at home alone during the day.

For a long time I really liked the idea of a smooth miniature dachshund, but I'm a bit worried about them having a weak back? Or have I misunderstood that bit?

My son absolutely adores a friend's Pug. They enjoy a bit of a tumble and chase together and the dog seems completely safe with him. However, I've been told they can be unbelievable high maintenance and I don't need that along with a high maintenance son!

What would you suggest? I once saw a tiny, smooth haired dog which looked like it was clockwork and I completely fell in love with it. Wonder now if it was a Chihauhau. Not sure if they can cope with kids though? Quite like the 'unique' looks of Chinese Cresteds too.

Hope you can help. I'm feeling very, very sad and need something to look forward to. Last night we had to put my gorgeous cat to sleep which was a horrendous shock, and it's helping me deal with the grief looking forward to having a new family member. I've never owned a dog before but it seems the right move for us now. Seeing DS talking to other animals I think he'd really benefit from a little friend and a dog might just be that bit better for us all at this stage. Am definitely willing to adopt an older dog and a mixed breed could be ok too. I'm trying to narrow down choices at the moment and when I've done that will be looking into breeders and adoption charities. Hope you can help!

OP posts:

UnicornFart · 12/09/2015 00:05

Not smooth coated, but we have a Westie & he adores 11 month old DS! He is great with other kids, friendly, playful & is happy for a bit of rough & tumble. I had Westies growing up, and they were always wonderful dogs

Which small breed would you recommend for a family with a three year old child?

Wolfiefan · 12/09/2015 00:09

I would say wait.
A three year old and a rescue or puppy is not a great mix.
Lively. With a dog. Not a great mix.
A settled dog can be left maybe 4hours max. They are not like a cat.
A small child could very easily injure a small dog. Dachshunds are notorious for back issues.
Chihuahuas may be small but can be feisty. And very vulnerable round a small child. No rough and tumble.
What about another cat?
Or wait?

Original poster

10000Fireflies · 12/09/2015 00:11

Thanks Unicorn. Good idea. Have had a soft spot for them on and off so should add to the list to research further.

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 12/09/2015 00:13

Can be lovely but a puppy and a three year old?
They do need exercise. Often have skin and other problems.

TaintedAngel · 12/09/2015 00:20

In terms of small breeds I have had a Bichon. She was fabulous especially with small kids and was the most placid nature. However their coats require a bit of work.

If your considering a hairless then look at chinese crested dogs. You can get hairless crested. They are quite hyper things though!

Original poster

10000Fireflies · 12/09/2015 00:50

Thanks Tainted. Will check Bichons out too. Have had a look at Chinese Cresteds since my OP and they seem to be very needy so not sure now.

BTW, it doesn't have to be a puppy. Just trying to do something positive after losing my beautiful 12 year old cat. Not in any kind of a hurry. DS is bright and can be very gentle and restrained, so perhaps I shouldn't have described him as lively in OP. He does need a companion though and I don't think a bunny fits the bill. Anyone got any other good recommendations and a large box of tissues?

OP posts:

Out2pasture · 12/09/2015 01:10

We have a Tibetan Spaniel; hairy (they do shed and need brushing) but excellent with children. children are also very attracted to him possibly due to his proportions. known for being a healthy long living breed.

RachelZoe · 12/09/2015 01:15

So sorry about your cat :(

I lost both my cats last year, hugs and tissues from me.

Dog wise I can't help as I have 2 Pekingese, lovely, but if you want a low groom dog they are not your best pick! . They also have dreadful health problems sometimes and can be generally high maintenance.

What about a Shih Tzu? (with hair cut short). They don't require a crazy amount of exercise and are lovely apparently.

Focusfocus · 12/09/2015 05:10

You say left alone at home. How long for? How often? Dogs are social animals. I always like to think - okay the human has kak these reasons for fancying getting a dog, what is in it for the dog which makes this household a great place for her?

tabulahrasa · 12/09/2015 05:43

You want a dog that you don't need to exercise, groom and can be left alone all day?

Um...that's a cat, get another cat.

ApplesTheHare · 12/09/2015 05:57

Hey OP, so sorry to hear about your cat. Have you thought about another cat for now? With the best will in the world it does't sound like a good time to get a dog. Dogs are WAY more needy and it really wouldn't be fair to get one and leave it for more than 4/5 hours or so (less for the first few months). They're also like having a newborn baby in terms of workload for the first couple of months. I'd delay getting one if DD was 3 and not just because of the workload. The best thing for a young/new dog is consistency and calm, they have to learn how to do all sorts, including be gentle with children, and it's likely that the child-dog friendships you've seen have come about when older, settled dogs have learned how to behave around kids. A young/new dog faced with a 3-year-old wanting to rough and tumble will most likely be intimidated and nip. Actually that's another thing, puppies nip loads. Again not great with a 3-year-old. Good luck whatever you decide

nooka · 12/09/2015 06:00

I agree with other posters I'm afraid, it doesn't really sound like a dog would suit what you have to offer right now. There are small smooth coated breeds but all dogs need exercise to keep them happy and most dogs really don't like being left alone all day. Plus you'd need to be very careful about supervision with a small child, I'm not sure that rough and tumble is a very good idea, chances are relatively high that either the toddler or the dog will get hurt.

I do understand that you've got a big hole in your heart/home with your cat dying, and maybe you feel like you shouldn't be replacing him/her, but I can't help but agree that right now another cat would be a much better option.

Original poster

10000Fireflies · 12/09/2015 08:51

Thanks Out2 and Rachel for those suggestions. Will have a look.

Missed a glaring fact from my OP, sorry. Not possible to have another cat at the moment. There are too many others in the neighbourhood so it's not fair on anyone to have another.

I haven't said no exercise! I've said minimal! I got that idea from the Kennel Club as their breed finder has an option of 30 mins exercise a day, but I would probably do twice that on the school run.

Am SAHM at the moment, was thinking ahead on that one. Maybe ignore that fact and that i have a DS. Really interested in hearing about your experiences of small, short hair breeds.

OP posts:

Arkkorox · 12/09/2015 08:56

Kc bred Staffies are little and have short coats, they do like a decent run but mine is so laid back she's not fussed if she doesn't get a walk one day and refuses to go out if it's raining which is a common Staffie trait because they melt in the rain don't you know
My friend has 2 kc bred Staffies from champion lines and 2 and a half year old twins. No issues at all.

Lolimax · 12/09/2015 09:02

I have 2 mixed breeds. A cavachon and a westichon. Neither moult, both are fab but for a smaller child I could recommend the cav enough. Our girl would walk all day but happy to sleep and be chilled in the house. Loves to play, dances for treats, easy to train. The westi cross boy is cheekier, more 'barky' but also the more loving of the 2. At the moment he is guarding the front window (on cat watch) and she is curled up on the sofa sleeping. Probably sums up their 2 personalities! Sorry to hear about your cat, it's always hard to loose a family friend. And good luck!

Pigeonpost · 12/09/2015 09:04

You need to have a think about whether you can actually take your dog on the school run. Our puppy is 5 months and as you can't take dogs on the school premises (something I suspect is fairly universal) she would need to be tied up out the front where she couldn't see me for the 5-10 mins or so whilst I hound the DC out of their classrooms. She is no way ready for that. Just something to think about.

nooka · 12/09/2015 09:13

OK, so dog would have some regular exercise and not be left at home at least for a few years? That's quite different really. I think I'd drop the idea about selecting a specific breed and look at your options for adoption. Do you have any local adoption groups that foster? If you adopt an adult dog then I think it's much more about the individual character than the breed, and a good adoption group will look at your circumstances and match them up to the dogs that they have available or coming through. Be aware that many will be wary of placing a dog with a family with very young children though.

EasyToEatTiger · 12/09/2015 09:14

It is really worth finding out about dog training clubs, having a look, talking to people about their experiences. Another valuable resource are the dog rescue people. If you are interested in a particular breed, it is worth visiting breeders and learning as much as you can. There are several dog magazines which may be helpful. I thought we'd have spaniels or something similar, but no, we have a house full of collies of one sort or another!

WhoTheFuckIsSimon · 12/09/2015 09:14

You can't guarantee any dog will be ok left all day if you're thinking about working in the future. My neighbours are complaining a bit about my dog whining when left.

Dh used to work from home so it wasn't a problem. He got a new job and I then actually cut my hours from f/t to 3 days a week as I didn't want the dog left five days a week. We also have a dog walker who comes in those three days. Dog is still unhappy and im considering getting another to keep her company.

Other thing to consider that with a dog all day trips out become a thing of the past. We couldn't decide to drive for a couple of hours to a zoo or a theme park and then spend all day there and then drive back.

I have a cavachon. Not a short hair breed but I have clippers and clip her myself. Keep her quite short to cut down on grooming.

Costacoffeeplease · 12/09/2015 09:16

Please don't get a dog, there's nothing in your op that says you're ready. Your child is too young, you want minimal grooming, exercise, inconvenience - you don't get a dog on that basis - they're hard work, they make a mess, pee, poo, vomit, chew things, bark, need a LOT of calm, consistent training, they can't be left for more than 4 hours, even less as a pup - please don't do it

SWFARMER · 12/09/2015 09:17

I strongly suggest a Yorkshire terrier. They are such loyal family dogs. We've always had Yorkshire terriers since before I was born in our family! My boy literally loves kids and pulls on his lead to go greet them. They're beautiful too :-)

squatcher · 12/09/2015 09:19

Three-year-old and a puppy is incredibly hard work - they need a lot of protecting from each other. Puppies do nip a lot for quite a while and those teeth are needle sharp. But it's not impossible and the bond that builds between the pup and child is incredible as they grow up. There are positives but being super-vigilant all the time can be amazingly stressful so be prepared for it. I think you would be looking at a puppy too rather than a rescue - you will be very hard pushed to find a rescue centre that would place a dog in a family with a three-year old, and particularly a first-time dog owner.

Original poster

10000Fireflies · 12/09/2015 09:19

Thank Ark and Loli. Really good to know. Will take a look at those too.

Am not limited to exercise on school run, though we are not allowed into classrooms anyway.

OP posts:

harryhausen · 12/09/2015 09:20

I have a 4 month old Border Terrier. He's gorgeous. Minimal grooming although he'll need his coat 'stripped' about twice a year. He loves a good run but I can get away with 45 minutes in the mornings some days and then he has the run of the garden.

My Dcs are 10 and 8. I agree it would be best to wait. I even have to watch my 8 yr old with our pup because he sometimes grabs him in the wrong way at the wrong time etc. I also work from home so our pup in only in his crate for the odd school run or supermarket trip.

I know some people who have minature daschunds. They are gorgeous and no health issues do far. If you wait for a decent breeder you should be more certain of no back problems etc.

rhetorician · 12/09/2015 21:29

I would say wait too; we have a 14 week old min pin terrier cross, a 6 year old and almost 4 year old. She is great, pretty easy to train etc, but still the relationship between dog and children needs a LOT of management. We have her now and she is becoming a key part of the family, but I don't think it would have done any harm to wait a year, tbh

Flip

1 2