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I want a dog that will be good with my son (a timid around dogs 9 year old) yet also a decent watch/warning dog. (Bark and warn me of trouble).
We are only allowed a smallish dog according to our lease or I'd get a nice big floppy type dog because I love them .
I don't want a bitey 'rat dog.' Small dogs tend to nip.
The other problem is we want a rescue dog but it's so hard to find 'what you want' at a shelter. I don't mind a mixed dog (not a snob and I want to save a life).
Any ideas what to look for? I've had dogs (as a kid ) myself. My parents favored poodles (no thanks) and the best dog I had was a mutt from the pound my brother didn't want so she became my dog. I still miss her.
Miniature Pinschers are great watchdogs, if that is your primary concern. They are small, not yappy, and require very little grooming, and are not "nippy".
Here's a picture of my little MinPin. She's a shelter dog too.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff266/carbonmated/100_0360.jpg (broken link)
Oh, I just wanted to add that I got my dog when I was a single woman living alone. I couldn't have asked for a better watchdog to let me know when things were out of place, or a stranger was coming to the door. They are a very observant breed.
Last edited by Carbondated; 10-19-2007 at 07:51 PM..
I want a dog that will be good with my son (a timid around dogs 9 year old) yet also a decent watch/warning dog. (Bark and warn me of trouble).
We are only allowed a smallish dog according to our lease or I'd get a nice big floppy type dog because I love them .
I don't want a bitey 'rat dog.' Small dogs tend to nip.
The other problem is we want a rescue dog but it's so hard to find 'what you want' at a shelter. I don't mind a mixed dog (not a snob and I want to save a life).
Any ideas what to look for? I've had dogs (as a kid ) myself. My parents favored poodles (no thanks) and the best dog I had was a mutt from the pound my brother didn't want so she became my dog. I still miss her.
I was searching for a dog with a similar 'bill'. First you have to determine what type of energy level you want from a dog. How much energy can you expend to keep it interested. Do you have allergies? How much time will it spend alone? What is your budget?
I looked into a rescue also. Your fee will be from $250-600 for young dogs and $150-300 for older ones.
Some less aggressive dogs with lower energies include the Coton de Tulear, Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu, Maltese and Toy poodles. West Highland White Terriers are gorgeous but need a yard - unless you can walk him or her a lot. You can consider the Bichon Frise but the annual professional grooming bill is equivalent to the cost of a dog. More tame but 'spoiled' breeds include the Yorkie and Silky Terriers. Look into the Miniature Poodle (larger than the Toy poodle but smarter). Keep in mind, that smaller dogs are harder to housetrain.
Miniature Pinschers are great watchdogs, if that is your primary concern. They are small, not yappy, and require very little grooming, and are not "nippy".
Here's a picture of my little MinPin. She's a shelter dog too.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff266/carbonmated/100_0360.jpg (broken link)
Oh, I just wanted to add that I got my dog when I was a single woman living alone. I couldn't have asked for a better watchdog to let me know when things were out of place, or a stranger was coming to the door. They are a very observant breed.
I have no vote, but ohhh my goodness that is a beautiful dog!
she's BEAUTIFUL!
Pugs are great dogs small but tough and great with kids - in fact my two love everyone
I would also recommend a pug. Our pug is a rescue. He's absolutely wonderful with our kids and barks every time he hears someone at the door. Just a great dog!
I have no comment on breeds but one on rescues.
I also have a child that is afraid of dogs. After much searching I found a rescue group that really took the time to know their dogs and recommended one to me that fit the description of the type of dog we were looking for.
We ended up with a mutt with a heart of gold. She is very calm and I can't begin to tell you how she has helped my daughter overcome her fear.
I would try calling and visiting your local rescue groups and see if any can help you find a dog that matches your family's needs and circumstances. Not shelters, but the kind of groups that take dogs into their homes while searching for adoptions for them. Living with the animals they have a good idea what they are really like.
Check out the Havanese. They're a big dog in a small dog's body. Havanese Forum
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