December 11th, 2005 Cute Puppy Dog Newsletter
Which breed to choose?
Written by: Laura Rupert
Question from a reader:
Hi. I was wondering what dogs are great with children. I have a one year old
son and I want to purchase a puppy, one that will stay small, not Chihuahua
small, but like beagle size. Please help.
Melissa
Answer:
Hi Melissa. That is a very good question and many families are in your position. They would like to buy small dogs to add to their new family and wonder what pet best would get along with small children.
Dogs that are 15 pounds or more, similar to the beagle size you mentioned, is a great size for kids. If you get anything smaller it will cause problems for the children and dog, as children like to carry small dogs, often times drop them, and can really hurt a tiny dog. However, if the dog weighs more than 15 pounds it is small enough for the child to enjoy playing with and not be at risk for injury.
Luckily, there are many breeds of dogs that are small, but not too small to get along well with children. For instance, Boston Terriers are great with kids; however they can be extremely active and rambunctious. You should decide what kind of lifestyle you lead and find a dog with a similar energy level.
Beagles are good with kids, don’t get very large and can live happily in urban or rural areas. Cocker Spaniels are also very good with children, don’t get overly large and are loyal pets. This is a general description of most spaniels as well. Pugs are also a good small dog that gets along well with children.
Regardless of your preference, there are many small dogs that will fit into your family’s lifestyle. Just be sure to pick out a dog breed that also fits your lifestyle. You don’t want to pick a Boston terrier if you don’t enjoy energy, excitement and playing with your pet. If you are energetic, then you would not want to buy a more lethargic dog like a Basset Hound. The Internet can also provide good descriptions of a wide variety of breeds, and certainly friends recommendations can go a long way. Good luck in your search for the perfect pet!
Funny dog stories
Well here is something cute. Yesterday Archie, who is a minature Dachsund and is just a puppy was curled right up to my other dog Sadey, who is a huge Labrador Retrever. Man was it cute! Usually sadey would just turn around and snap at him. But this she didn't. She just kept on sleeping and so did Archie.
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My pekepoo has his own mind about all of this learning processes. He has really become a good pet . He is now at my daughters house we kinda have joint custody. She got a month old kitten and Scooter thinks that is his baby. He is very protective over the new kitten. They play so cute and sleep together, too. I wouldn't think Scooter would be so watchful over this kitten but I guess by us being so good to Scooter he is learing to share and be kind to others.
Your friend, Scooter
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Hi there. I had the most unusual experience with a dog today. It wasn't my dog. In matter of fact, I don't know whose dog it was. My husband and I were fishing in a nearby lake today. This cute chocolate color labrador dog came up to us to say "HI". She was afraid to let us get too close to her at first, but after awhile she started running in and out of the lake. I cast my fishing line out in the water and it had a florescent orange bobin on it. This seemed to excite the dog and she ran out in the lake after my line. She swam out to the bobin and took it into her mouth and headed towards the shore. I was so afraid she would get her mouth caught on the hook so ran to her rescue. I was holding onto my rod and chasing this poor dog with my line. Finally I got her to let go of it and my line seemed to be still moving. I started reeling in my line and you wouldn't believe it, but there was a fish on the end of it. The stranger dog had caught me a fish. I took the fish off the line and gave her the reward of my bobin since she liked it so much. She played with it in the nearby grass for a very long time and seemed to be the happiest dog around.
Tammy
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I have 2 labradors, one is black and we have had her since she was a pup, she is 8 years old, her name is Lady and she is the most sweetest dog in the world. I recently bought a golden retriever pup, named Cookie, who is absolutely adorable but extremely naughty. Anyway they get along really well but sometimes Cookie starts to nip Lady and Lady has to hold her down with her leg.(isn’t that cute!!!!!!)We are trying to train Cookie to sit and shake hands, when I order her to sit, she doesn’t so Lady pushes her down and makes her sit :-) . Lady and Cookie have this very weird game , where Lady barks and Cookie runs around in circles(hehehhehh).
-noor
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I don't think this is cute--but it makes me feel stupid. My cocker spaniel can "smell" money!! She even digs in my jean pockets for it!! Today I had to bring a $10 bill to the bank to exchange for "good" –it was taped together and half eaten!!!
Jan
That's it for this week friends!
Stephanie Hetu
