Have you considered what dog breeds (or their mixes) are appropriate for families with children? Check out my contribution to Mom.Me: Which Small Dogs Are Good Family Pets?
Most adults recall their first family dog. Bruno or Buddy was a cherished member of the family and as a parent, it’s likely you want your child to experience the same love and care for a family pet. Small dogs are good family pets, especially with young children who are just learning how to love and care for living beings.
“There are many dog breeds -- and mixed breeds -- that work well as family pets,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a Los Angeles veterinarian. “In general, I suggest breeds that exude a calm energy and are small-to-medium breeds.”
Choose the perfect small dog to join your clan armed with recommendations from pet experts.
French Bulldog
A brachicephalic breed, the French bulldog is a family-friendly and outgoing pooch, says Mahaney. “The compact size and affectionate nature makes the French bulldog a great apartment dog for city living, too,” he says.
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Maltese
The Maltese has kept its small stature despite hundreds of years of breeding, says Mahaney. If your family is in search of a pint-size pooch, Mahaney recommends this intelligent and gentle breed with a non-shedding white coat as the perfect pick.
Chinese Pug
If you have an energetic toddler who loves to play dress up, a Chinese pug may be a good fit for your family. “These dogs are very good with children and love people in general,” says Dr. Jan Huntingford, Ontario-based small animal veterinarian. “They like to dress up, so for little girls who want to put clothes on the dog, they are perfect.” Chinese pugs have a lot of energy, but they are smart and quick learners who don’t mind being pulled around by excited toddlers, adds Huntingford.
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Schnoodle
This crossbred dog is a great mix of miniature schnauzer and miniature poodle and is great for families. “They tend to love people and children and will play endlessly,” Huntingford says. “They have a lot of energy, are very intelligent and love to go for walks.” This affectionate mix will keep up with an active family on busy days and cuddle during downtime.
Beagle
If you have an active young boy, a beagle is a likely candidate as his canine companion. Beagles are generally affectionate and love children, says Huntingford. “They adapt well to life in the city or country and are very interested in their surroundings.” Huntingford warns, though, that these trusty companions, require training to control howling or digging.
Thank you for reading this article. Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).
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Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.