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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

Dog breeds with kids and small furry pets

15 replies

Newyearnewyearnew · 14/01/2022 10:56

I am considering getting a dog in the next year or two. I would prefer an older dog but have had bad experiences with rescues on unknown background before (my mum's dogs, I am a first time owner) so would like to look at breed rescues. But which breed? Requirments-
Good with kids (will be about 7 and 12, one is scared of dogs having been bitten previously)
We have indoor guineapigs. They will be kept separate, but will be in the same room so need something with a low prey drive.
Short or medium hair (can brush once per week) and no drool
Don't mind on size.
Can fit two half hour walks/day, maybe a bit more on a daily basis. Would be good if they could go further/longer on occasion.
I permanently work from home so would be here most of the time. However, they may be left for short periods for the school run, shopping etc.
I would be great full for recommendations of breeds to look into. Thank you

OP posts:

bunnygeek · 14/01/2022 11:15

For only two half hour walks a day you are limiting yourself on both breed and age. Super senior dogs would be happy with that short potter and a sniff, but seniors also tend to want a quieter life - just somewhere to snooze - so may not be ideal for a house with kids running about. Even middle aged dogs may want more walking time. Do you also have good sized garden?

Original poster

Newyearnewyearnew · 14/01/2022 11:45

Thank you, that is a good point. I wouldn't mind an older dog (and would factor in higher vets bills) but kids may be too much for them. Medium sized but cluttered garden. Next to open space a dog could run on, but not completely enclosed, so could use that in addition to walks. It may be possible to do more but trying to think about about what's realistic. One child has joint issues, so can't always walk (or cycle/scoot) for longer, and would probably struggle to fit in more than half hour whilst working (plus a couple of shorter visits to garden/outdoor space). It may be a case of waiting til kids are older (and can be left for longer!), but at this stage trying do the research.

OP posts:

PollyRoulllson · 14/01/2022 12:27

I dont think there is a dog that will fit the criteria tbh.

Your exercise requirements are a bit limiting and the indoor guinea pigs would be a challenge for a lot of dogs.

Greyhounds would be happy with the small amount of exercise you can offer but woul not cope with the guinea pigs.

Original poster

Newyearnewyearnew · 14/01/2022 12:38

Thank you, that's why I asked as it would unfair to get a dog that we can't fit around. looks like I will put it on hold for the moment (and the pigs aren't going anywhere 😁)

OP posts:

Stellaris22 · 14/01/2022 12:39

We have a basset who has always been round our guinea pigs, she's completely unbothered by them. She does drool, but not a huge amount.

Dog breeds with kids and small furry pets

PollyRoulllson · 14/01/2022 12:41

@Stellaris22 but a bassett would need more than 2 half hour walk a day...

Stellaris22 · 14/01/2022 13:02

Depends on the walk. If it's just an on lead walk then it'll be longer, but most days she'll spend the morning playing in the park. She does more exercise in that 30 mins than she would on lead, running around and chasing.

She can be happy with shorter walks but equally able to do 5 mile+. They are very relaxed and easy going.

bunnygeek · 14/01/2022 14:00

There used to be a very elderly basset that lived down the road from me, sadly I suspect he's now passed on. He would go for a waddle at an actual snails pace so clearly had some joint issues. I was always surprised how large he was though, never been around Bassets much. Sure he was low to the ground but there was a lot of dog there still lol! They are certainly not without their health problems - especially the extra wrinkly show type - and will have a houndy mentality a bit like Beagles. I much prefer the look of working Bassets, but they would need a lot of space and exercise.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 14/01/2022 14:02

I would be looking at one of the smaller companion breeds - shih tzus, Lhasa Apso or even Bichon Frisés.

I think many would be okay as long as the guinea pigs are in a very secure run and you do a lot of "ignoring" training while they're puppies. I find puppies are generally better than older dogs when it comes to introducing them to existing animals in the household.

They do have higher grooming needs than other dogs (regular brushing and regular grooming appointments) but they don't tend to drool too much and have fairly low exercise needs - 2x30 minutes should be plenty as long as they have lots of company throughout the day.

Stellaris22 · 14/01/2022 14:55

bunnygeek that's the thing with bassets! They don't do quick walks so don't really need long walks. They sniff everything and don't go quickly. Off lead ours is very energetic and will run all day, but walks are 'unique' for bassets.

Ours is more working line so only 24kg and has very few wrinkles.

She completely ignores the guinea pigs in their cage so has been great with them.

Ylvamoon · 15/01/2022 13:01

Maybe an adult Tibetan Terrier would be suitable.

They have a low prey drive, are happy with short (or long) walks as long as they can be with you.

But they have high grooming needs but you could take them to the groomers every 6-8 weeks.

Look into contracting the breed rescue or look for an ex breeding bitch. Just stay clear of a puppy (anything under 2 years!), they are real little sh*!

Frequency · 15/01/2022 13:08

A small lapdog breed might fit your needs. We've had Italian greyhounds previous and currently have a chihuahua. Both could have lived with small furries. The iggy was terrified of my sisters house rabbit and the chi and the cat get on better than with each other than they do with the other cats/dogs. Neither really needed massive runs or long walks but both enjoy them when given the chance (unless it's raining or cold).

Our iggy could be left. The Chi acts as though her entire world has collapsed if you leave the room without her, although she belongs to an eighteen year old who treats her like an actual baby so that is caused by the way she was raised/trained rather than her breed.

welshdaisy · 15/01/2022 16:23

I have two chihuahua cross dogs. We also have a house rabbit. They all play nicely.. we had the rabbit first too!. I think something like a chihuahua would fit the criteria

mintbiscuit · 15/01/2022 18:05

@Stellaris22 wins the prize for cutest photo on MN today!

I was going to say a lab ticks your boxes EXCEPT for the walking situation. They’d need at least a good 2x 45 mins walk. Could you afford a dogwalker at lunch time to give them a good hour off lead walk during weekdays? My lab adored our Guinea pigs and rabbit when I was growing up.

noscoobydoodle · 18/01/2022 15:10

Our boxer X staffy rescue lives happily with hamsters and chickens and kids. She is also happy with 2x30 minute off lead walks a day along with garden access (and kids playing with her). She would need more walking if it was on lead. Not sure whether that's breed(s) specific though or just individual personality. If you rescue, the rescue centre will match you based on your requirements.

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