small dogs

[wee-janine]

hi all
my son wants a puppy for his 8th birthday. I am looking for ideas for the best breed. We want something small so my son can take its lead when we go out. However my husband (6ft and 18 stone) will be walking it too so it can't be so it can't to sissy. We thought of a jack russell but heard they can snappy. Any suggestions would be greatfully received. One last thing I know a puppy will become a dog and they are not just for Christmas/birthdays it will be a member of the family thanks

[Snappy]

Try this http://www.petplanet.co.uk/select_a_breed.asp

[kittenlittle]

Apparently my ideal dog is a Finnish Lapphund! So sweet!

[YvonneM]

Staffordshire bull terrier small but looks butch

[kittenlittle]

By the way, I got a little mongrel from Battersea, seems to be a labrador x whippet x smooth collie x staffordshire terrier, or something and he is the BEST dog ever!

[Goofy]

I'd go for a labrador - or lab cross. Handsome enough for hubby, (they are working dogs) and can easily be trained not to pull on the lead. To which end don't go for one of the extending leads. they encourage dogs to pull, so they can get further away and get to the sniffs etc.

[bubbly girly]

You seem like a low maintence family who wants a family dog. My best bet would be a cocker spaniel. Low maintenence. Doesn't need much exercise, not known to be snappy, and best of all they are adorable!

[lankeela]

Disagree about Cockers not needing much exercise, they are gun dogs and require quite a lot of exercise. Lots of health problems too unless you are very careful where you buy them from.

Wouldn't class a Lab as a small dog.

What about one of the unusual terrier breeds - Welsh, Lakeland, Australian or a Parson Russell (not as unpredictable as some Jack Russells).

Staffs are too strong for a young child.

What about a Wire Haired Dachshund? They don't look too cissy.

My own breed Lancashire Heelers would be ideal, but we have some eye problems that the breed is trying to eradicate at present and you have to be very careful where you get them from, as some breeders are not being careful how they breed. They are definitely a big dog in a small dog's body and can do anything a big dog can do. Look at the club website www.lancashireheelers.org.uk

[lankeela]

Oops - no UK on the end - www.lancashireheelers.org

[RATTER15]

Whilst a Jack Russell is in my eyes the best dog in the world, I have had them all my life, and they are not snappy or yappy! its probably not an ideal dog for an eight year old and definitely not any of the bull breeds. the problem with terriers is if you play rough with them they can play rough with you, then the dog gets the blame. On saying that I brought up my kids around Jack Russells without a problem, but you do need to be firm with them from day one, they can be strong willed.

[RATTER15]

Lankeela, A parson Russell? Do you mean a Parson Jack Russell, if so there is no difference in the character of the dog, the Parson bit refers to the longer leg of the parson jack Russell, which is how the Parson Jack Russell(as in the man not the dog) liked his dogs so it could keep up with the pack of hounds when hunting. A point of interest: the Parson Jack Russell never docked the tails of any of his dogs!! and nether have I.

[saxy_jag]

Isn't there also the problem that whilst terriers can be lovely, faithful dogs around children, they can sometimes be a different matter if they meet up with another dog?

If someone's prepared to put in some grooming time, cockers are lovely dogs.

Then, of course, you could think about an ex-racing greyhound. They are gentle and quiet, don't pull on the lead, and are very low maintenance. Of course, they're apt to be a little dim, but you can forgive them that. And there are hundreds in need of homes because many people think they're a difficult breed, when in fact, they're one of the easiest.

Have a look here:

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/choosing_ a_dog/

There's a useful factsheet on the breed, which you'll have to register to see.

[leaf]

We have a Westie, and she is a big dog in a little body, we had the same dilemma when we got her, my husband adores her and has never worried about walking her.. hope that you find your new dog soon.

[horsestache1]

Get a small mongie from a rescue centre, give a great dog a home.

[lankeela]

No Ratter15 I do mean a Parson Russell Terrier, which is the Kennel Club name. They are a very different temperament from the smaller 'hunt' terriers which are usually referred to as Jack Russells. The original Parson Jack Russell Terriers were all longer legged types, it is the hunt terriers that have been bred down in height.

[lankeela]

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/square/gm 72/index.htm

[RATTER15]

Lankeela, that is why I didn't recognise it, I will never recognize any dog that the Kennel Club has screwed up, like so many dogs before the Jack Russell, when will they learn!!

Dogs are not fashion object for these tiresome supposed dog experts to adapt and modify for the purpose of looking good in a show ring. They make me so bloody wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[B00]

I'm with horsetache- give a loving home to a mongrel from a centre, this also has the added benefit that they will try to match temperament to your families needs/requirements.

[wee-janine]

we were thinking of the cat and dog home but you can't always be sure what size the dog will turn out. I think at the moment a Jack russell is winning. Please keep the ideas coming though.

[Metz]

Not a small dog but boxers are great with kids ,got 2 kids and 2 boxers,need a lot of exercise,they do need a firm hand when training though :o)

[welshlibranr]

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good family dog, they are very good with children, they love people and are rarely nasty towards other dogs, I would always avoid terriers, they are faithful, but can be snappy and yappy too!
I would also buy a female, always a little more loyal.