For a family with young children the question will come up when choosing a small pet dog. You want to know if the dog will get along with the all of the family. So, before you make any decisions you need to know where to find small dogs that are good with kids and perhaps other pets you already have.
It is not a good idea to adopt a new dog when you have a new born or young toddler. You will be very busy training one small human to locate the bathroom and eat on their own that a puppy or even a full grown dog can be a little too much all at once. Puppies keep their new families up while they are growing and getting settled just as babies and young children do. Waiting until all the excitement of a new person’s arrival has died down to get a new pet is usually recommended.
Pugs are a good mix with younger passed the toddler stage. These little dogs with a big personality seem to consider children as siblings. They like to play games that involve a lot of actions, but fetching the ball might not be this little fellow’s thing. He will also loyally follow the family around everywhere really getting his feelings hurt if he is left out. Children will need to be firmly taught to leave this guy alone when he is at his water or food bowl. He is easily leashed trained and housebroken.
The Affenpinscher might not be the best choice for most children. He will do well with a studious student who likes visits to the library and some playtime in the park, but while this little guy has comic side most children enjoy, he’s just fragile for roughhousing and can be hard to train. An active or hot tempered child might lose their temper with this guy despite his cute monkey like furry face. The little balls of fur are also difficult to house train.
Some small dogs good with kids can be hurt by them. If your child can be taught to be gentle and careful than a great playmate might be the Toy Fox Terrier. This little guy is a light weight with soulful eyes and quick energetic movements. His coat is soft and smooth and easy to care for, and he will become very protective of those he loves. He likes to play ball, and he can play the clown seeming to know when he’s attracted an audience for his antics.
The downside is he can be hurt, even killed easily due to the same fragility you find in most small breeds. When you have this type of dog child must be made to understand that have to keep an eye out for him. A backpack full of books slammed down in frustration, or a slammed door can cause a serious if not fatal accident for this little sweetheart. Otherwise their health is unusually good for a small breed and a Toy Fox terrier living to 14 years or more is not that uncommon.
Finding a new family member is a serious commitment that needs to be taken seriously by the oldest and youngest members of the family. If a parent teaches a child how to care for a pet successfully this is a lesson that will serve this young person all their life.
