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Which is the best small size dog breed for a family? A small dog that is independent (no seperation anxiety) and not velcro clingy dogs. Short haired or not too much shedding and easy to train for inexperienced dog owner that are good with kids. A dog with a good temperament, passive easy going, sleeps through the night and not too barky. A few I had in mind are toy poodle, cockapoo, cavachon, havanese, maltipoo. Any others? Which is the best? Which would you pick?
Last edited by possibleyou; 10-08-2023 at 12:51 PM..
Depends a lot on the family; age, interests, and daily schedules and what interest they have in a dog. If family members spend the majority of their days at work, at school, and doing recreational activities the dog can't be part of the rest of the time or traveling, most dogs won't really enjoy that. Sort of begs the question why the family wants one. If family members tend to spend more discretionary time centered closer to home and they include the dog in their activities, a very different story. People who claim they want an "independent" dog that doesn't require much from its human family again it sort of begs the question why bother?
A lot of the traits you say you want are going to be specific to individual dogs, not their breed. Sleeping through the night? No separation anxiety? Those things are more a matter of upbringing, training, and treatment, not breed.
I really don't think there is an ideal across the board small breed for all families. Too many variables. Some small breeds are just as active (needing exercise and social/mental stimulation) as large ones. As for barky, small breeds still want to exhibit their presence to visitors/intruders. What they don't have in size they make up for in voice. Lots of smaller dogs are known to be yappy. Don't forget grooming...some small breeds require a lot more grooming than others. Who's going to do it? The local weather may play into it too. Easily groomed wash & wear coats may do better in wetter conditions. A smaller sized Heinz 57 from the local shelter could be just the ticket.
Last edited by Parnassia; 10-08-2023 at 04:28 PM..
Which is the best small size dog breed for a family? A small dog that is independent (no seperation anxiety) and not velcro clingy dogs. Short haired or not too much shedding and easy to train for inexperienced dog owner that are good with kids. A dog with a good temperament, passive easy going, sleeps through the night and not too barky. A few I had in mind are toy poodle, cockapoo, cavachon, havanese, maltipoo. Any others? Which is the best? Which would you pick?
None; these small breeds aren't really suited to inexperienced owners with kids. Keep in mind that just because these dogs are small, that doesn't mean they're childrens' toys. Toy breeds are pretty fragile; their bones break easily — not really good for playing with kids.
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You don't say how old your kids are; if they're older than say, 4, and are kind, a medium small dog is fine.
Miniature schnauzers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and mixes of those should probably be on your list too. Spend a little time with the dog or puppy - and if you're choosing a puppy, insist on seeing and interacting with both parents.
None; these small breeds aren't really suited to inexperienced owners with kids. Keep in mind that just because these dogs are small, that doesn't mean they're childrens' toys. Toy breeds are pretty fragile; their bones break easily — not really good for playing with kids.
When I read this response, I couldn't help but laugh, such a debbie downer! When I mentioned inexperienced I mostly meant easy to train. I understand that all dogs are different but some dog breeds truly enjoy the company of children and are more so children friendly think goldens/labs etc. Of course you always have to supervise children around any pets but it's nice to know if a specific breed will gravitate towards a child in a friendly manner. Awhile back I fostered a rescue dog for quite some time. He was a small mix 17 pounds super loving, friendly, great with everyone. I still get emotional when I think of him as I feel like no dog could ever live up to him. I often compare him to other dogs I met at meet and greets. Once you had the best its hard to have any of the rest. It is also so difficult because although he was never truly mine I still really grieve the loss of him becauae I took care of him for months. He was really smart, loving, and respectful. The rescue that I fostered him from would not give me any details of his new home that adopted him and I feel like he was ripped away from me as I did not know this experience would impact me so profoundly and losing him just been an emotional nightmare. He was truly one of a kind and I feel like it is going to be so rare to ever get another dog just like him. I miss him so much.
I understand that all dogs are different but some dog breeds truly enjoy the company of children and are more so children friendly think goldens/labs etc.
Those are exactly the breeds I was thinking of. But I've seen too many toy breeds given up to shelters because of problems with children.
Last edited by Metlakatla; 10-08-2023 at 06:21 PM..
Most rescues won’t adopt a small dog to a family if any of the kids are under 9. Little dogs get hurt easily and it turns them into biters. Plus they are often yappy, clingy and need lots of attention like real kids). Medium sized dogs are much better with kids and not as needy. I used to volunteer on dog rescue.
Which is the best small size dog breed for a family? A small dog that is independent (no seperation anxiety) and not velcro clingy dogs. Short haired or not too much shedding and easy to train for inexperienced dog owner that are good with kids. A dog with a good temperament, passive easy going, sleeps through the night and not too barky. A few I had in mind are toy poodle, cockapoo, cavachon, havanese, maltipoo. Any others? Which is the best? Which would you pick?
Miniature Poodle - smart, easy to train, funny. Famously hypoallergenic.
I'd stay away from the designer dog poodle mixes and go for the real thing. A poodle. Not a toy, not a standard, but a miniature poodle. Toys are very tiny and a little nervous. I grew up with 2 Apricot, a black and a white mini. Great dogs!
Another dog to look at is the wire hair Dachshund. More mellow than the flat coat. Playful and intelligent. Very affectionate. Kids love doxies, and doxies love them back. Especially the wire hair variety. They never tire of playing, especially catch. Very affectionate.
The Schnauzer, (mini) is a nice family pet. No shedding. Loyal, friendly, playful and athletic, I am not sure why this breed is not found in more homes. My husband and his asthmatic brother grew up with mini-Schnauzers.
Look into these breeds. I think you are on the right track in looking for a smaller breed. The three breeds that I mentioned are perfect for inexperienced dog owners. All three are positively adorable!
Last edited by sheena12; 10-08-2023 at 08:26 PM..
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). Medium sized dogs are much better with kids and not as needy. I used to volunteer on dog rescue.
