Help with another breed.

[mueltrain]

My moms friend knows that im a big time dog lover (although im better classified as a boxer lover) and asked me if i would help her choose a breed for her first dog. Her criteria is that its good with young children, doesnt bark a lot, and thats pretty much it. However i do believe this will be her first dog so it would probably be best not to choose a jack russel for example. Something that is lovable and good with children and not too hard to train/control. Oh I forgot to mention she wants it to be a small dog so a boxer is sadly out of the question... Any suggestions to help my list?

[kayboxer]

Does she want a purebred or does it matter? Does she want a puppy or a bit older? She could also visit the local Humane Society and see if she finds one that she is drawn too.

[mueltrain]

She wants a puppy but im not sure about purebred or otherwise. Im sure she doesnt care about it being an official akc breed so intentional mixes are probably fine. But a mutt prob isnt the best choice considering the specific needs she has.

[LILYLARUE]

A lot times the rescued, mixed breeds/frankenbreeds can make the best pets. They pick up the better of qualities from the breeds it's mixed with. They are dedicated to their owners and very willing to please. And rescues seem to have a greater appreciation for a better life. So, have her stop in a rescue or shelter, spend some time with a little furry friend and see if it's an option. Most times they are already housetrained and some already were in a good home and know many commands. Less wear and tear on your Mom's bod with many trips outside...especially in the cold of winter.

In this economy, there are many, many great well trained dogs that can't remain with their families for a multitude of reasons. One of them could be the perfect fit for your Mom.

[TwoDogs]

So, they are a first-time dog owner with limited if any training experience. If they also have small kids, they probably have limited time to devote to exercise and training, too. Given that she also wants a small and non-barky dog here's my recommendations and the reasons.

Not any breed in the terrier group. While there are many small terrier breeds and the thought of their lower shedding coats is appealing, most terriers are tenacious and have willful personalities. They take a fair amount of training and need a determined owner--not ideal for a first-timer.

I would not recommend many of the working or sporting breeds. These tend to be larger dogs that need a job to do and alot of exercise--something first time dog owners very often underestimate. While many are great with children, given their large size and energy, if not properly trained or exercised, they can knock little ones down, jump on them or mouth them. Generally, dogs bred from working or field lines have more drive and energy than those from show lines. Since your friend wants a smaller dog, I would recommend the English Cocker Spaniel. They are small, friendly dogs that make great little pets. They tend to be more even-tempered than the American Cocker and so would make my list for a family with kids. Even though they are smaller, they are still sporting dogs and so need ample exercise.

A few of the hounds might be good choices. In particular, beagles make great family pets. They are compact, sturdy and playful dogs--all good qualities for a family with kids. The breed was developed to be kept in packs, so they also generally get along with other dogs if socialized. However, they are a hound and they will go where their nose leads them so a fenced yard is best. Beagles were bred to follow game for miles and miles without tiring, so for a small dog they have a pretty high exercise requirement. They also have that hound howl to consider.

I would not suggest any herding breed to a family with small children. Most of the herders are larger than what your friend is looking for anyway, but all the herders need to be kept both physically and mentally active--a tough job for a busy family. If they aren't given something to herd, they will find it. They will chase the kids, cars, bicycles, etc. If they aren't mentally stimulated, many of the breeds will develop neurotic behaviors like spinning, yapping, excessive licking, etc.

Of the small non-sporting breeds, I would suggest the Bichon. They are playful and friendly little dogs. They are a non-shed breed so that appeals to some. Unlike the Lasa Apso that was bred to be an alarm dog, the Bichon doesn't tend to be as barky. Other small non-sporting breeds like the Boston Terrier and French Bulldog could be good choices, but can be willful little dogs that could be a handful.

Given that your friend wants a small dog, the toy breeds are a logical place to look. Since she has kids, I would suggest some of the more sturdier breeds. Stay away from the Chihuahua and the Italian Greyhound--too fragile. Some breeds like the Manchester Terrier, Min Pin, and Pug can make great alarm barkers which can be annoying for a home that has alot of comings and goings. Personally, I think a well-bred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would make a good first dog for a family with children. They are gentle and willing dogs. Their small size means that they will do well in smaller yards. If socialized, they get along well with other dogs and pets. They were bred as companion dogs and enjoy being with their people.

So, after all that, my suggestions are English Cocker, Beagle, Bichon, and Cavalier.