Recommend a family dog

I've been doing some of my own research, but looking for some feedback and recommendations.
I have two boys ages 4 and 2. Looking to get a small to medium size dog. DH and my 4 yr old has bad allergies so has to be real hair and doesn't shed.

Most likely looking to get in the Spring, but figured I would get some opinions. I work from home now so he/she won't be alone a lot.

Recommend a family dog

I had a Lhasa Apso growing up and she was the BEST! They do require some maintenance because of the hair (need to be brushed, groomed regularly) but she was just such a great dog. My parents got her when I was 3. Had her until I was 21. There a lots of dogs that would make great family pets but since you're looking for something with hair and smaller in size, this would be my suggestion. We have a large dog but I do remember seeing some lhasa mixes at the shelters when we were looking. Puppies as well as older dogs.

Re: Recommend a family dog

my family has a wheaten terrier. sweet dogs, love kids, human hair, get about 50lbs at most. only problem is they are puppies for life. you need to train them well while they're young. my parents didn't do that and he's 8 now and still jumps and barks. but once he's calm he'll lay and cuddle. he thinks hes a small dog so he gets intimidated by big dogs his size lol

my dog actually looked exactly like this when he was a puppy:



and this is what he looks like now:

Re: Recommend a family dog

I think Havanese are the greatest breed - no dander and very very pleasant friendly dog. Ours is a havanese/bichon frise mix - we lucked out and got him from the shelter

<----------------- our dog
FYI - he is 18lbs

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Message edited 11/21/2013 1:42:39 PM.

Re: Recommend a family dog

Try a maltese or a mal-shi (maltese/shih tzu mix). My parents have had both - no shedding at all. The maltese is more tame than the mixed breed because the shih tzu tends to be high-energy. Both make great pets!

Recommend a family dog

I would be very careful if there is allergies. There is no hypo-allergenic dog. So even if you did not have an issue with one dog of a breed you may have an issue with another dog of the same breed.

Re: Recommend a family dog

My aunt used to breed maltese. They were ideal for a small dog & allergies.

I would get a poodle because I love them (but a min... which is a pretty big dog!)

Both don't shed

Re: Recommend a family dog

Re: Recommend a family dog

Recommend a family dog

Not familiar with it allergy-wise, but my parents have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and he is a fantastic dog. A big dog personality in a small dog body. He is fantastic with my 2 year old.

Recommend a family dog

I wouldn't recommend a Maltese with young kids. They are very delicate. My DD is always accidentally stepping on ours and he nips her feet. And she is not a wild child. They are also yappy. A mini Labradoodle or Goldendoodle may fit your needs.

Re: Recommend a family dog

Also keep in mind that just because your son has allergies doesn't necessarily mean he is allergic to dogs.
Have you had him around friend and family's dogs- does he react to them?

Re: Recommend a family dog

Message edited 11/21/2013 4:42:04 PM.

Re: Recommend a family dog

Posted by IansMommy23

Posted by nycgirl

My aunt used to breed maltese. They were ideal for a small dog & allergies.

I would get a poodle because I love them (but a min... which is a pretty big dog!)

Both don't shed

i had a toy poodle once i loved that dog. BUT...they have a temper which may not make them great with small kids. they don't usually like to play. just sit there and look pretty.

Re: Recommend a family dog

I have a Goldendoodle and he's five months old. Very lovable and he is great with my DD. No shedding or dander.

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Message edited 11/21/2013 5:31:01 PM.

Re: Recommend a family dog

My In-laws have a Maltese and a Malti-Poo and I would say the malti-poo is way better than the Maltese w/ my DD. I can't stand their Maltese, and I'm a dog lover.

We have a cocka-poo, but I agree with PP who said some poodles aren't great with kids. Our dog is good, but my parents poodle is nippy and I don't trust him near my DD.

I think poodle mixes are better than pure breed poodles, but I tend to prefer mixes over pure breeds anyway.

Message edited 11/21/2013 5:31:50 PM.

Re: Recommend a family dog

I highly recommend Miniature Schnauzers! Mine is about 17 pounds. They are so bright, loyal, and have the best hearing. They also do not shed and they don't have dander. I only get him groomed once every 2 months, and he is so amazing with my daughters. I think they are perfect family dogs!

I have pics of him in my photo albums!

Recommend a family dog

My SIL recently got a Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie) who is the sweetest (and smartest!) pup I've ever met. WHen we went to visit them last month, I wanted to take him home with me! They have an 8 and 11 year old.

But honestly, I'd look at North Shore's website or some other rescue organizations b/c you can find a dog that is already housebroken, trained, spayed or neutered, known to be good around kids, and still young (1-2 years old).

Recommend a family dog

my DS has allergies and is allergic to dogs and i found the only one he can tolerate is the Lhasa Apso. even the breeds that claim to be "hypoallergenic" make him swell and break out, and he's only a 3 on the allergy scale.

Re: Recommend a family dog

None. Go for a cat

Re: Recommend a family dog

Re: Recommend a family dog

Re: Recommend a family dog

my cousins have a goldendoodle and he is great family pet..

most important is to get to see the dogs temperment as much as you can before buying/adopting.

We had two dogs, one was a puggle and he was demonic!! He ruined so many couches, rugs, furniture. He was hyper 24/7

Our teacup chihuahua is relaxed, chill dog who loves kids. She never barks or nips or getd aggressive.

Both are same age