Family Dog Idea

[SarahGarza88]

Me and my husband have both been thinking on getting a dachshund as our family dog. Ideally, it would be so nice if Clara was able to walk the family dog. I don’t mean irresponsibly, I mean, she deserves to be able to walk the dog just like all of us.

Do any of y’all have a dachshund? Do you think this breed would be too much for someone clara’s size? Would someone her size be able to walk this dog?

[Tilly2]

Daschunds need a lot of exercise.
A chihuahua might be better.

[bobbinwales]

As your daughter is only 17 inches tall and weighs only 18 lb its likeley most dogs even small breeds would be heavier than her...so she could get dragged along until the dog is fully trained

[SarahGarza88]

What do you think about a toy sized dog? Do you think it would be too much for her then in terms of size? And could Clara walk one of those dogs?

[Barsel]

Sara, my daughter has 2 dachshunds and they are extremely lively.
I think it might have been suggested to you before that you go to a reputable dog's home where they would be able to suggest a suitable breed.
This is why it would be helpful to know where you live, as someone could probably suggest a dog's home near to where you live.

[bobbinwales]

Just checked on weights...maybe chiwauwau.
Is your child likeley to grow ... think about when she is ten y.o.

[Tilly2]

We don't know. You must judge for yourself.

[barry1010]

Clara could walk a very small, very well trained dog in a secure area such as your garden.
I would not rely on any dog not to suddenly try to chase a squirrel or cat and Clara would not be able to control it.

Assistance dogs are very well trained so you could speak to a local organisation for advice

[SarahGarza88]

Right now she is growing very slowly. We are thinking closer to 30 pounds by then, give or take. That is just what we are thinking and might not be true,

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, I do know toy sized dogs are extremely XX small, they are absolutely teeny tiny. do you think Clara could walk one of those out in public her self?

It would be so cool if she cut it walk the dog that we got just like we can out on the streets. Are you sure?

[Tilly2]

Now, think carefully, Baz!

[Barsel]

Sarah, I think I may have said this before, but you really need to reach out to other people in a similar situation to yourself and to organisations that specialise in the answers you need.
Is it difficult for you to do that because of where you live?

[SarahGarza88]

Barsel,I have joined a few online groups but they don’t seem to be very active

[SarahGarza88]

Tilly2, what do you mean?

[Tilly2]

Sarah, I mean that Barry needs to be careful about answering your 'Are you sure' question.

[pastafreak]

There's a number of support groups listed here, though you may have checked them out already. Sorry if already posted.

https://www.lpaonline.org/dwarfism-support-organizations

[SarahGarza88]

Pastafreak, I could not figure this website out. It looks like I have to pay for it? I would rather get a free online group that is possible

[SarahGarza88]

Barry1010, I’m not trying to be pushy or anything but what do you think about the toy dog breeds that are XXSmall. I have seen those dogs in person and I know they are super Duper tiny. Do you think Clara could be able to walk one of those on the street herself?

I just want her to be able to walk the dog just like we all can

[bobbinwales]

I suggest you should really be taking this up with specialists and local pet retailers and trying out some dogs. Same as with the horse post. Theres expertise out there in specialist forums on extreme dwarfism... we're helpful here but our help just go's round in circles

[calmck]

Sarah Have you contacted Little People of America? I know there is a reality TV show but it also seems to be a very large organisation that offers help and advice. There seems to be a group in all US states

[calmck]

Surely your medical specialists can give you all the information you need about support groups for dwarfism in your local area. This would be more practical than a UK based site that we are.