Anyone know of a very small dog breed???

[FreshTressa]

My DD wants a dog, and I know a Chihuahua is very small, but I don't thing they are good with kids.

Anyone know of a dog breed that is really really small??

 

[Pop Daddy]

a hamster

 

[chichihoney]

a min pin or a maltese

maltese needs to be combed everyday or week
both breeds are not snow dogs
min pins are loud barker. both breeds are good for apartments and travel

 

[cindysteve]

Yorkies.

 

[ByTheSea]

I've heard Japanese Chin's are small and make good pet's, but I've never *met* one myself

Here is an interesting "breed selector" that gives you information on lot's of dogs

http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?sysid=4&appid=9901

 

[phillybeth]

Most 'very' small breeds are not good with children. Is there any particular reason you are interested in a small breed? And how small is small? Under 10 pounds, under 20, under 50?

 

[FreshTressa]

small dog = small poop.


J/K....No, the real reason is we want an indoor dog and we want one that doesn't smell. DH hates big smelly dogs. I like them, but he wants one we can bathe frequently so it doesn't smell like 'dog'.

Maybe we really do just want a hamster!!

 

[shep]

SIL has a miniature dachshund(sp?)....
That thing is smaller than most cats..
Great around her kids too...
Always seems to pee though when it gets excited...

 

[phillybeth]

A well bred cocker spaniel or pug are probably your best bet then. Both are smaller breeds that are good with kids IF they are well-bred. Don't take a chance on a pet-store dog or one from the newspaper. Take your time, do your research, and find a good reputable breeder to get a puppy from. It is too risky getting a dog from a pet store or from someone who just happens to have a male and female, especially with kids to consider.
Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Chins are too fragile for kids. You will want a dog that can stand up to a bit of rough and tumble play but not one that will get agressive. A small terrier might be a good choice also.
I would normally suggest getting a rescue dog, but with little kids you are much better off getting a puppy. Rescue dogs can have too many 'issues'.

 

[AZKathy]

Get the small dog when it is a pup and it will do fine with children. We got a pomeranian at 10 weeks; she was used to being mauled and goofing around since she was 10 weeks old and she loves her family. Poms are barkers which is a drawback; guess it is the little Napolean syndrome she has that gives her the need to bark. She is also very protective of us; if one goofs around by pretending to hit one of us, she barks at the "attacker". Also, she is a hairy dog, so if she has some problems with number two....it gets stuck to the hair on her rear. I gave up and just clip it out now rather than suds up her rear with a wash cloth. This does not happen too much. Here is a picture of her:

 

[FreshTressa]

FYI, my kids aren't high energy. They are rather quiet and more studious, so I am not really worried about them being rough with the dog.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

We have a Chi and I have two young kids. Althoug he's still a puppy and still very hyper, we don't have a problem with him. We did a little bit at first, especially when he was teething and he would chew on anything and everything, but a friend of ours is a dog trainer and she took him for a couple of weeks and straightened him out. I'm assured, though, that once he gets over a year old he'll calm down a lot. He's still insanely hyper, but that's what makes it fun for the kids to play with. His mommy (she belongs to my best friend) is the complete oppisit of him...it's hard to believe they're even related. She's so lazy she won't even jump in your lap...she'll just sit there and look up at you with those eyes untill you pick her up and put her on your lap yourself. So I guess every Chi is different.

We've also had cockers and I would reccomend one of those too. They love to play...they LIVE to play. They are so much fun to be around, but I would consider a cocker more of a medium dog.

 

[niks81]

I have a yorkie and a maltese

Maltese's are very needy dogs. They do not like to be left alone....they do love to play!! Yorkies are very sassy dogs...they think they can do anything even though they are so small (it is rather amusing).

Having raised 3 small dogs in my life...I can tell you that as long as you buy the dog when it is a pup and get it adapted to kids you should be fine. Its when you bring in a 4 year old yorkie to a household with kids that there is a problem.

Here are my two demons

Both are fragile dogs but as long as your kids won't want to romp around and wrestle you should be fine!

 

[browneyes]

My Pomeranian isn't very big. Poms are usually 7-10 pounds. My Boo is 9.5 pounds right now (it's all in his belly too).

 

[hentob]

As a child, I had a Miniature Schnauzer. He was such a kind, calm and loving dog. We named him Skippy and he lived to be almost 15 years old!

Another plus is that they don't really shed.

Let us know what you decide....

Hentob

 

[Nutsy]

Toy Minature Fox Terrier I grew up with one of these, but they may not be easy to come by.

Chihauhuas I don't recommend for children..........I'm a dog lover from way back & the only dog that has ever bitten me is a Chihauha.

Even Minature Foxy would be ok, but remember, if you want low maintenance, then don't go for a long haired breed or a spaniel with those long floppy ears (ear infections), stick to short haired breeds.

 

[lizdotcom99]

but then I have a very biased opinion....and a very cute dog!!


See picture below!!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Similar to a Chihuahua is a Toy Fox Terrier. They're good with kids! I had one when I was a kid...it was too cute!

 

[Piglet]

I would recommend a Maltese. Our Gracie is 2 years old and weighs about 6 pounds. She doesn't shed and we keep her cut short, so not a lot of brushing. Her hair is very much like humans and doesn't smell like a dog at all. We have a 7 yo DD and she just loves to play with her. Gracie also loves to curl up on anyones lap that will let her. As soon as you sit down, she is right on your lap. We also have a cocker spaniel and though he is good with DD, he really isn't interested in her that much.

Melinda

 

[damo]

We have cockers and they are great with kids.

Our friend has a little black cockapoo that is the sweetest, smartest little dog. It weighs about 15 pounds, is very, very soft and sounds like exactly what you would be looking for. It is the biggest suck-uppy dog who only wants to love and be loved.

I would suggest that you talk to your local vet who will recommend breeders that they have dealt with.

Here is a typical cockapoo
http://studentweb.med.harvard.edu/JNH4/html/photos/cockapoo.jpg