A good second dog for kids - considering basset hound or pug?
A few months ago, I got a 60+lb mutt from the shelter that I have become very attached to. I hike and walk with him frequently, and he is good with kids and cats. But my kids (preteens) have trouble "managing" him, and have been talking about wanting a smaller dog. I've thought about getting another small dog to be a good companion to both the kids and the dog we have.
My kids have a beagle at their dad's house that they rave about, but I don't really have a thing for beagles. :( What about a basset hound or pug? Those breeds may be too small for our current dog to romp around with, but one could keep him company. Would those breeds be easier for kids to walk, handle, and help to train? Do they tend toward separation anxiety or destructive chewing, or any behavioral problems, or can they be calm dogs?
2011-08-21T09:49:35Z
Edit to add:
There is a basset hound who comes to our dog park sometimes. She always looks terribly sad and makes this heart wrenching whine/howling noise. It makes you want to pet her all the time to "comfort" her, but the irony is that she does it when she is happy, excited and wants attention. It is cute, but I hope it's not a 24/7 behavior. ;)
Pugs are cute small dogs, but they seem to have a lot of breathing problems. I can see them having potentially high vet bills with all the snorting they do.
rescue member2011-08-21T09:46:18Z
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Be more constructive if your kids learned to "manage" the shelter dog you already have.
Why not have them enroll in group obedience classes with the dog - ask your vet or Humane Society for a reference to a good trainer who gives group lessons. That will teach your kids how to walk and train the dog, helps them bond with him, socializes the dog with other dogs and new people --- and is a lot of fun for your kids and the dog.
A pug is a bit delicate and prone to a lot of health problems due to the short muzzle, bassets tend to be real couch potatoes unless they're tracking - neither dog sounds ideal for a family with active kids, and you already have a dog that's willing to play with them from what you say.
The pug is a poor choice on many fronts. As mentioned the are not good dogs for kids and they have a multitude of health issues. As far as the Basset hound I have never been a big fan of the breed but really don't have anything specific against them just not my style. As stated if you are not a beagle fan you likely will not be a fan of the Basset. A French bulldog or Mini Bull would be worth you considering. There are many breeds out there that will fit your family just take your time and make sure you do your research and find a good quality breeder.
neither one of those - Pugs can be great, but they are very high maintenance (the folds in their faces collect bacteria and smell), and their eyes and upper respiratory systems make them fragile.
Basset Hounds can actually be quite aggressive, and i would never own one. They are also prone to bloat, which is devastating to go through. Not a good choice.
I was going to suggest a Beagle - but perhaps just a small used Lab- Lab is always my go-to choice for anyone with kids, and there are all too many who need homes - That is what i would really suggest. Often, it isn't the actual size of the dog, but the temperament that makes them easy to handle by kids - and a good Lab will save you from a lot of trouble otehr dogs could easily cause. I do think that's really your best bet. You need to look at what's between the ears more than the case it comes in.
I have never had a pug, but I have 3 Basset Hounds and love them they are great with my 2 boys Age 6 and 10. my kids have no issues with any of the 3. The one issue is they are head strong and there nose gets them into trouble. You have to train them well because they will run off if they catch a sent in the air. but I love our basset hounds and would never trade them for any other breed. Good Luck