[katshow]

Hello!

We recently lost our 14 year old Yorkie to cancer. He was a darling boy, but a typical terrier that loved the family and no one else. We know a bit more after owning him, but would love some help with our next dog.

We have a 3 year old girl who is good around dogs (as good as a 3 year old can be), but we'd love a dog that was small and family friendly. We love Yorkies, but know that they can be more difficult to socialize unless you know what you're doing.

We would love your suggestions on what we should get for our next dog and why!

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Shell]

My condolences on the loss of your Yorkie.

How much daily walking/exercise are you aiming for? Professional grooming OK or prefer a wash-and-go type coat?

What is "small" to you?

Looking only for purebred puppies or would you consider some general "types" to consider from rescue?

 

[katshow]

Thank you for the kind words. We liked to take our dog for at least twice daily walks, being that he was so small around the block was fine for him, but we can do longer. We both work from home so we are available for the dog all the time. Professional grooming is fine and small to us is under 20 lbs. We are totally open to purebred or rescues.

Thanks again!

 

[Crantastic]

Most shih tzus I've met would work nicely! I know many people who have them as family dogs.

 

[Shell]

Havanese would be my suggestion from the toy group of dogs. Very social and friendly. Grooming required.

For a big larger and sturdier but also much higher energy dog, Boston Terrier. Outgoing socially, not as "terrier" as the terrier group. Wash-n-go coat.

But, there is a lot to be said for just going down to the local humane society and meeting some smaller/medium dogs. Unless the 20 lb limit is due to housing restrictions, you might find a good match in the 20-30 lb range so keep an open mind as weight and build can be deceiving (tall and lanky, short and stocky etc). If size matters though, only consider either adult (1+ year old) rescue dogs or purebreds from a well researched, reputable breeder. It can be hard to guess breed and size for shelter puppies and some runts at 8-10 weeks grow up a lot bigger than expected.

With a small child, an adult dog can be a great thing. No trying to rush a puppy out the door to pee at a moments notice while your kid needs attention at the exact same time, no sharp puppy teeth biting at everyone and everything, fully vaccinated so no restrictions on walking in busy areas. A small breed dog aged say, 1 to 3 years, is still very young in terms of having a full lifespan ahead but is fully mature in terms of mental/temperament status.

 

[katshow]

Thank you for the recommendations. We haven't looked into the Havanese or Boston Terrier!

We need to spend more time with a local rescue, but the ones around me that I've reached out to warn against small dogs with children under 5. I am no dog expert, so I appreciate learning about everyone's experiences. Thank you!

 

[Crantastic]

I think small dogs can be fine, especially sturdier ones like the breeds recommended. I wouldn't recommend something more delicate like a papillon, as I know papillons who have broken legs when dropped by kids. Kids should always be taught proper dog etiquette anyway (which includes not picking the dog up and lugging it around) to minimize potential issues.

 

[katshow]

Very good point. My daughter is very hands off with dogs and was used to our Yorkie who really had no interest in her.

 

[Shell]

Very good point. My daughter is very hands off with dogs and was used to our Yorkie who really had no interest in her.

You might find she is a lot less hands off when dealing with a bouncing, lively puppy or youngsters than she was with a senior dog who preferred limited interaction

I think with ground rules and supervision that small breeds are fine with kids but like Cran suggested, avoid the most delicate breeds. I would not suggest Paps, Chis, smaller toy poodles (Mini would be OK), Italian Greyhounds (not the personality type you are looking for anyway), or Poms (not the personality you are lookin for anyway for most of them)

Slightly on the larger size of your range, Beagles tend to be friendly family dogs and usually tolerant enough to put up with small kids and physical pretty sturdy. Can be noisy when bored.