Some people would say that no family is complete without a pet - and more specifically, a dog. However, not all breeds of dog are the right fit for every family, especially if the family in question includes small children. There are also many people who say that a small dog isn't necessarily a good choice for families with young children, but is by no means always the case. Of course, it's also true that some families simply don't have the space for a larger dog and in this case, toy breeds may be a better fit.
A wisely chosen small dog can be a perfect companion for young children, although there are some important considerations which need to be made before making a decision about what kind of dog to adopt. Different breeds have been selectively bred for different traits and of course (and this is very important!) there are individuals within every breed of dog, whether you're talking about the toy breeds or larger breeds, which don't quite fit in with what you'd expect given their breed.
There are some things that families should know about toy dogs which may make them an especially good (or problematic) choice, depending on the temperament of their children. Toy breeds tend to sleep a bit more than their larger counterparts and require a little less exercise as well. For some families with small children, these may be very desirable traits, while they may make them a little less of a good match for other families.
One thing that you'll have to decide is whether to adopt a puppy or an adult dog. Despite how cute puppies are and how much fun small children may have playing with a puppy, there are some advantages to adopting an adult dog instead. For instance, their personality is already developed, so you'll know what the dog is like before you take them home. Generally speaking, they've also been trained and housebroken already, so accidents, chewing and other undesirable behaviors are far less likely.
One thing about small dogs is that they generally don't act like it. They're just as territorial as larger dogs and don't seem to have a concept of how fragile they can be. They move fast, but they can get underfoot easily - or can be accidentally hurt by overly rambunctious children. That's actually the reason that toy breeds have a reputation as not being a good match for young kids; a small dog may feel threatened more easily by a child's innocent play than a larger dog and instinctively growl or bite in response.
Obviously, adopting any dog is something which should be done with careful consideration not only for your family's best interests, but those of the animal as well. Adopting a pet is a serious commitment and you'll need to be sure that you're ready and able to care for your new family member. As long as you know what you're getting into ahead of time and have taught your child how to treat your new dog, they can be a wonderful addition to your family and can help even small children to learn responsibility by helping to care for the dog.
With these words of caution in mind, you'll be ready to confidently select your new canine family member. A well-chosen toy dog will be a part of your family's happy memories for many years to come.
Read about specific recommendations on toy breeds and small children. Check out my favorite pet store, Friendly Paws Pet Supplies, for everything you need for your dog.
