[Shelly_236]

My friend is in the market for a new dog and I wanted to get your opinions. She wants a dog under 20lbs and that would be good with her 4 year old daughter. I'm going to try to talk her into adopting one from a shelter instead of opting for a BYB or a petstore. What are some good options to consider. I have several dogs but don't have children, so I don't know how they act around them. She mentioned that she might like Papillon, and I have no idea about those dogs. Anyone got any suggestions? Her daughter is good mannered and wouldn't try to hurt the dog but she wants a dog that would love to play and wouldn't mind if her daughter pushed her around in the baby buggy. lol

[Lorina]

I'd definitely try your best to sway her towards adopting. A dog that will be under 20 lbs as an adult would be way too fragile of a puppy for a child to have. Adopting from a rescue might be a better bet, as the dogs most likely will be living in a foster home, and they'd have a better idea of it's temperment and how it is with children. A lot of small dogs aren't very good with kids. She may become frustrated with rescues that won't adopt certain dogs to her because she has a young daughter, but please help her realize that that is for both the dog's and her daughter's safety. A rescue or shelter that tells you, "no, this dog won't be good for you" is a very good rescue or shelter.

I haven't met many Papillons, but they seem very fine-boned and delicate. I'd opt for a sturdier, heavier boned dog. Maybe a Pug or a Shih Tzu. I can testify first hand that Pekingese are very hardy little dogs (I didn't nickname him "Beefcake" for nothing!) but I haven't met many that are good with kids.

[Elijah]

How about a Schipperke? This make fine and loyal dogs. My Mom had one until she died and then my brother took him over. They are like Corgis...easy to pick up weight and this one weighed about 35-40 pounds which is way too much for their size. Ideally they should weight around 20 pounds or so. They are also very good with kids as my brother has a could around 3-5 years old that climb all over "Stitches" and he just stands there and takes it.

http://www.schipperkeclub-usa.org/