Which small breed(s) are best around children.?

With small children (< 10 years) it's usually a good idea to avoid the 'traditional' toy breeds - toy poodles, chihuahuas, Manchester toy terriers, minpins, etc. Not to say they aren't good with children, but they are fragile dogs that could be easily (accidentally) harmed by a child who plays too rough with them.

Terriers are pretty hardy dogs that love to play and roughhouse, but some have a tendency to nip, which is obviously not choice when dealing with small children. I grew up with chihuahuas in my house and it always was fine, but I was exceptionally gentle with animals when I was young, so there was no danger of me harming them. I don't know how this little boy behaves, but given that he is a boy he is probably rougher than he realizes.

In my personal opinion, the best small dog you can get for a child is a Corgi. They are rough-and-tumble dogs originally bred to herd cattle (believe it or not) with boundless energy and loving personalities. They are very intelligent and easy to train, and would make a great companion for a small child. The only downside is that because they are herders some of them tend to "herd" children, and they shed copiously.

I think the best thing your friend can do is take the child to the animal shelter and just wait until they find the dog they 'click' with - it will happen, and when it does, breed doesn't matter.

Beagles are great with kids. Other small, child friendly breeds are:

Miniature Poodle

French Bulldog

Bichon Frise

Shih Tzu

Japanese Chin

Italian Greyhound

Havanese

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Keep in mind, though, that small dogs can be easily injured by children if they play too roughly. Some of these dogs have rather long hair and will need lots of grooming.

I would stay away from any herding dogs. Several people have mentioned Corgis, which can be good with children, but are known for nipping. That is how they herd cattle, by nipping at their heels.

My absolute favorite small dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are not without their health problems,though, so your friend should only buy from a reputable breeder - and a good quality pet puppy should be around $800-1,400 (yes, that much! Show dogs can range from $1,400-$3,500!). If your friend is not interested in spending that much money, I would go for a shelter dog - and if they decide on a "Maltipoo" , "Cockapoo" or any other "Poo" they are better off just adopting from their local shelter. A mutt is a mutt and obtaining one from a shelter is at least saving a life! Good luck.

The animal shelter is your best bet, they will have dogs there that will suit your needs, and I would really forget about all these special breeds. Some breeds can be good and bad, it would be their upbringing. Mixed breeds can be very good too. There are so many adorable unwanted dogs there just waiting for a loving home.

Good luck.

For a small dog, shih tzus are the very best. Even hairless chinese cresteds are good and bichons, beagles, most hounds, many retreivers, etc. The dumber breeds are usually less likely to nip, so shih tzus are one of the best.

Pugs don't bite very often either, but have some health issues. Stay aways from herders, terriers, doxies, chihuahuas and any nippy little breeds.

This depends on what "small" means.

It can also depend on the lines not only the breed. If by small you mean compared to a Pom I would say a Japanese Chin would be a good dog with children. Small may also mean a cocker which if it comes from excellent lines would have a wonderful temperament but if it did not may not.

Maltese terriors! l have a girl and a boy kimba and simba! You still have to watch them no matter what dog they are as they can be unpredictable just like kids!

lve never had a problem with Kimba and Simba! Kimba is nearly 15 years old! She is an angel sent from heaven shes never hurt a fly! Simba is 4 and he's abit more outgoing.

Good luck on finding a dog for your friend! You are right telling him about the shelters, so many animals need loving homes.

We have two Welsh Corgis and absolutely love them. We live in an urban neighborhood with small yards. Our boys were 9 and 3 when we got them (now 14 and 8). They have been great with the kids- kind of big dogs in little dog bodies. They have lots of energy, are super smart, and do lots of big dog stuff (chase balls, run with you, etc.) but they stay aroun 20 pounds. I don't know if you'll find one in a pound. We paid aroud $400 for each, but for the dogs they are, it's a bargain.

Scottie, Labrador-mix, Golden Retriever-mix, calm-temperment dachhound mix. See how the owners of the parent animals treat their dogs and see how the parent dogs and the older siblings of the dog you are interested in behave if possible. Go to a well-managed well-run not-for-profit pet shelter such as a nearby Humane Society pet adoption center and get more advice, and "try out some dogs" there with a few of your children or nieces or nephews or neighor's children (with the neighbors' permission and assistance.)

The Bulldog, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Pug, Shih-Tzu, and Yorkie are all really good with children.