Anyone know of a very small dog breed???

[treesinger]

The Smallest dog I've ever seen is an Italian Greyhound. Tiny as tiny can get. Like a yorkie, but without all the hair.

 

[Bildmouse]

Don't totally rule out chihauhaus. We have had two long haired chihauhaus and they have been great with the kids. The long hair seem to have a better attitude than the short hair. My mom had a short hair and she was very picky about who could mess with her. Both of the long haired have been wonderful with the kids. MY DD was 3 and DS was 6 when we got our current long haired so they have grown up together. We had gotten our first when my oldest DS was just a few months old and he was great with both of the older boys.

 

[Serena]

The only thing I want to say is to make sure you know your kids, and not just hoping they'll be ok.
My sister got my neices a maltese. I knew her girls were to rough for a dog like that, or any dog, but she insisted. Well, her girls almost killed that dog several times.

Dogs are wonderful, and my lab mix doesn't smell at all until she gets wet. She loves the blow dryer.

Good luck

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by niks81
Its when you bring in a 4 year old yorkie to a household with kids that there is a problem.

That's why I don't recommend rescues to families with young kids unless they have a lot of experience with the breed. A puppy will adapt to just about any sort of living situation.
Although your kids are quiet, you really don't want one of the delicate breeds. I have heard of those dogs getting seriously injured and even killed by being stepped on, and any house with kids has a lot of feet on the move.

 

[niks81]

I love my small dogs but I do have to agree with phillybeth about them being easily hurt....I have often worried about my yorkie...she is one of the smallest out there--full grown at 3lbs But just someone stepping on her could hurt her pretty bad. We get really nervous when she is around kids because they love to pick her up like a baby and it is also worrisome when we travel and we have to leave her with people. They are just so small and delicate

I'm sure you know your household best and what you think you want for a breed is probably what will work best. I just wanted you to to know the other precautions that come with small dogs that you might not initially think of....like leaving them with someone when you travel and being around other families/kids.

Good Luck!

 

[Lynn CC]

I have a min pin, she's 8. She is very small and lovable, and yes, a loud barker. She barks at everything that moves. We have to keep her in a lot because we don't want to disturb the neighbors.
She is NOT good with kids at all. She has nipped two. Other owners have also mentioned that theirs were not good with small children either. It's a shame because everytime a child comes over they want to play with her and pick her up etc.. There is not way I feel comfortable with her around children. I have to keep her away from them. It's amazing how they can be so friendly with teens, but not small kids.

 

[janette]

We have 2 Bichon Frises. They are fine with kids, the younger is about 1 1/2. He doesn't like strange adults but kids are okay as long as they don't crowd him. He gets scared around too many strange people even kids.

The older one is a rescue and she's about 10yo. She never met a stranger and loves everyone. She does have a bit of a food problem but even that has gotten better.

They don't shed at all and don't tend to have much of a doggie smell. They do have to be groomed pretty regular.

They are a bit larger than some of the other breeds mentioned here. Average about 15lbs.

 

[rascalmom]

We have a Westie who is great with kids & adults. Loves to play, loves to cuddle. Small enough that I can bath him in the kitchen sink, big enough to not seriously injure if stepped on. He weighs 16 pounds & is incredibly cute (personality & looks)!

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

What nobody mentioned a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel yet?

They have the look of a Cocker Spaniel, but are about the size of a really big Yorkie. They tend to have great personalities and are good with kids if you raise them with kids. I plan on getting one sometime in the future, just not sure wh en. But I know I really, really want one.


TOV

 

[keypooh90]

Minitaure smooth coat daschund !

 

[Cindy B]

We have a miniature poodle, and after teh initial learning period (the poodle went from a single elderly owner and to our loud, busy family with two kids)the poodle is fine!

My kids love the poodle, in fact the poodle is following my son around!

The poop is small! And he also doesn't shed (but you do have to groom him!)

 

[Planogirl]

Someone we know has a toy poodle that really seems to like kids. She's a very happy-go-lucky dog and smart too. She does need to be clipped once in a while though even though they don't go for all of the fancy grooming.

 

[Snowysmom]

I have to agree with the westies. I have had 2 and they have both been good with the kids. Snowy loves to play with the kids and just loves people. If someone comes to visit and doesn't pay attention to her, she sulks. She is a barker though. A neighbor has a bichon frise and he is very good with the family too. Both breeds can be bathed at home but I do take Snowy to a groomer every 2-3 months for a bath and clipping.

 

[Soccer Princess]

I have a Yorkie. Sweetest thing in the world! Mine only weighs about 7 or 8 pounds.

 

[doxdogy]

You can do a search on this website according to your city and state. They also indicate if the dog is not good with children, other dogs and/or cats.

http://www.petfinder.org/

 

[FreshTressa]

Ack!! I had no idea there were so many breeds!!

Thanks for all of your help. I think I am wanting one of each!

Now I am more confused than ever. They all look so CUTE!!

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by FreshTressa
They all look so CUTE!!

Yup, that's the problem Just make sure you do PLENTY of research first. I can't tell you how many young dogs we get into rescue because the owners didn't research the breed before buying that cute puppy.

 

[Jockaroo]

You might want to contact your area kennel club. Often kennel clubs and their affiliated dog breeders will host information events--sometimes in connection with dog shows. People who love their breed are willing to talk about it and tell you the good and the bad. Dog shows can be very interesting and allow you to see a huge variety of dog breeds.

Although I love my Scotties--I would NOT recommend this breed for someone with young children. They can be very snippy. They also have a mouth the size of a German Shepard! Big teeth on little dog.

-Jockaroo

 

[MerryPoppins]

Another Bichon family here. We have two and they are the sweetest dogs I've ever had. They don't shed or have a strong doggy smell. Other than grooming and brushing they are very little trouble. Mine wouldn't dream of nipping anyone. They are lovers not fighters.

 

[jenfur]

Another vote for Bichon ( I am getting a yorkie, but really investigated Bichons as well) They are GREAT family dogs, very sweet, and are practically hypoallergenic. No shedding, no dander, no smell. Their coats can be some work, BUT you can get it clipped into a "puppy cut" and brush it at least once a day and it would be fine.