Buying a family dog

I've decided to buy the kids a puppy or dog for Christmas. Now I live in a town house so it needs to be small. What are good small dogs that aren't very hyper? I found a rat terrier for sale. 8 months old. It's trained and everything but still small. So my kids will think its a puppy and its trained. Win win lol. But I know nothing about the breed. The owner says its great with children and other animals. She could just be saying this tho. Advice?

Terriors are YAPPY from my experience.

I love pomeranians. Grew up with them and my mom's dog Chloe is just the calmest dog I've ever met and a great mother.  

Any puppy will probably be wild and have alot of energy so if you don't want one like that I suggest an older dog. I don't know anything about a rat terrier

I don't know much about terriers, but we bought a havanese and he's wonderful. Very smart and very quick to train. Not overly hyper either which is nice. Very good with my two small kids as well

Shih- poo they are small really smart and great with kids we have 2 we got Oliver first then he impregnanted my sisters shih- poo and we took on Linkin he was born one week before my wedding

Rat Terriers are usually hyper in my experience. I'm not sure how they are around kids though. I have a Pomeranian/american eskimo that we rescued when she was about 8 months old, and she is wonderfull with my 16 month old DS. She isnt a barker either which I love about her!

I have a rat terrier.

Although she is super smart and does well with LO, she sheds...A LOT. I have to lock her in the kitchen most of the day so LO's and my clothes won't be head to toe covered with dog hair. It never stops. You can brush them all you want.

Also, she is 5 years old and STILL hyper. It is not a dog you would want if you don't want them hoping on you while excited.

They are also terriers...which means they LOVE to chew, dig, and be little terrors..especially as young dogs.


If you want a lap dog, I would look into cocker spaniels, shihtzus, or westies. Don't get anything toy bred around young children.

Quoting shelbylynn [20 WEEKS!]:" Terriors are YAPPY from my experience. I love pomeranians. Grew up with them and my mom's dog Chloe is just the calmest dog I've ever met and a great mother.  "

My rattie doesnt bark unless there is a stranger at the door.   But, I have a giant one. (20 lbs) so it prob depends on size.

<blockquote><b>Quoting shelbylynn [20 WEEKS!]:</b>" Terriors are YAPPY from my experience. I love pomeranians. Grew up with them and my mom's dog Chloe is just the calmest dog I've ever met and a great mother.  "</blockquote>




Omg I've always wanted one. My sons fathers mom has two. They are so cute!! Men usually don't think so. And my DH has to agree on the dog lol

Quoting JessieLeeAnne:" I have a rat terrier. Although she is super smart and does well with LO, she sheds...A LOT. I have ... [snip!] ... want a lap dog, I would look into cocker spaniels, shihtzus, or westies. Don't get anything toy bred around young children. "

 Cocker spaniels are wonderful dogs. My little brother has one, and she is the biggest sweetheart, and a great dog for him. He is autistic, and it was hard for us to find a dog he clicked with, and that clicked with him. She is seriously amazing.

this can help you
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/index.htm

This is the info they have about
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ratterrier.htm

I think ratterriers are anoying and have to much energie but its up to you. I think that bigger dogs often do better with kids becuase they can handle the abuse better.
We have have a pit bull and a pit mix and they are both good with my baby

there are certain traits specific to breeds, little or small but everything depends on owner's and how they are raised. Some breeds are higher energy then otheres and require more exercise just be prepared. Just because it may be a small dog DOES NOT mean it doesn't require a daily walk if not two. Running around in a yard or playing in a house is NOT enough exercise for any dog regardless of size. If you are not committed to taking a dog out in EVERY kind of weather for exercise. DO NOT get a dog. It is unfair to any animal to not receive the proper, discipline, exercise and affection. I have two dogs a 9year old 140lb newfoundland and an 80lb 6 year old insanely high energy golden retriever. I'm lucky she is the best running partner ever... although at 35 weeks pregnant she is just getting twice daily walks at this point and the newf sometimes only walks a few houses over because unfortunately he is slowing down and full of arthritis. Dogs are a 8-12 year approx committment think of that as well, I see WAY too many dogs at the humane society or shelter given up because the family either had a baby or didn't have time for them. LAME excuses. But I believe every child should grow up with a pet it teaches such great responsibility and unconditional love. IF in the proper environment. So much to think about... good luck.

<blockquote><b>Quoting applelove:</b>" this can help you http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/index.htm This is the info they have about http://ww ... [snip!] ... with kids becuase they can handle the abuse better. We have have a pit bull and a pit mix and they are both good with my baby "</blockquote>




I would love a bigger dog. But can't bc of where I live. :/

<blockquote><b>Quoting applelove:</b>" this can help you http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/index.htm This is the info they have about http://ww ... [snip!] ... with kids becuase they can handle the abuse better. We have have a pit bull and a pit mix and they are both good with my baby "</blockquote>




Thanks for the links tho. =]

Our yorkie is great with our kids and a great lap dog. However. The best dog i have ever had for our kids was our weenie dog, Jag