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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:30 am Post subject:

I understand how you feel; I was turned down for adopting small dogs when I have children to. But you need to remember that small dogs can be hurt allot easier then larger dogs by children, even a fall by tripping over a small dog could seriously hurt the dog, it would not be the child’s fault nor the dogs, but the dog is the one that would end up hurt. Not to mention that if a dog was hurt by a small child, even if it was not on purpose that the dog my nip the child, then the dog would pay for that. Plus not all small dogs are good with children many are very bad with children.

The next thing to remember is that one of the main reasons dogs are dumped at shelters and to rescues is because people say they are pregnant or they are not good with the child in the home. This is not just a couple of the dogs but one of the main reasons for getting ride of a dog or returning a dog to the rescue.

Also try to remember that many rescues do adopt out to people with small children. I foster for a group that does adopt out to families with kids, even small kids. I myself have a 9 month old baby and a 12 year old daughter, plus I baby sit a 2 year old all week long. Yet I have a cavalier, one pom foster, and two cavalier fosters, all of which are small dogs. Maybe if you tell us were you are we can find you some groups that work with families with small kids.

Mabe you could also foster for a group in your area to get to know the dogs and find one that realy fits into your family.

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:41 am Post subject:

Tammy,
I hate that you've had problems adopting because of your children's age, but maybe it just had to do with the dog's temperment if you were looking at a certain dog. Some dogs are not good with small children and the rescue's know this, therefore they won't adopt to a home with a small child for those dogs.
I have three young children (aged 6, 4, and 3) and have adopted from a shelter and from a rescue.
I have to agree with Cavalierlover...small dogs can get hurt more easily by children. I know this first hand. No matter how careful small children are, they trip over the pups when not watching where they are going and hurt the dog. It has nothing to do with the children being "monsters"....it has to do with the fact that smaller dogs are just more fragile and children are naturally clumsy.
Have you looked into all the shelters/rescues in your area? I'm sure that there's one that would allow you to adopt with smaller children.
Hope you have luck finding a baby.
Tara

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:00 am Post subject:

I have a small poodle/mix 15 lbs...and a German Sheperd both very good with kids and other animals. Both are still alive and nothing has been broken. I have 4 kids myself so I dont plan on giving up my pets just because I have a baby. My dogs are like my babies. So its not any different than having another child. I feel these people that give up their pets because they are having a baby arent TRUE animal lovers. I live in North West Georgia. My kids ages are 12 yrs, 9 yrs, 7 yrs and 2 yrs. I am looking for a Chihuahua mainly. The Applehead smaller ones. I dont like the deer headed taller ones. I like Pomeraniums. If I cant find the other two I will go for a teacup poodle..But the Chi is the one I really want.

Tammy

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:11 am Post subject:

Chi aren't ever recommended for children. When I see children with Chis I get incredibly nervous, regardless of age of child, etc.
I just had a client come in with their little chi puppy because it was having problems breathing. Well while waiting on the doctor, the daughter grabbed the puppy out of the mothers arms. The puppy got dropped twice on the floor by the child. On examination, come to find out the dog was in resperatory distress after the kid dropped the dog. Come to find out the kid caused the bruising on the dogs lungs at some point before then.
Chihuahuas are top heavy, their heads are heavier than the rest of the their bodies so when they fall they tend to land on their heads.
I'm not saying that your children would do this with your dog but this is something that we see everyday with rescue and the animal world.

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:16 am Post subject:

Why would any one with kids want to adopt a small dog that was not good with kids?
Why do all the people with little kids only want dogs that are not appropriate for their home?
Why won't parents listen to people who have more expertise in homing animals suitably than they do?

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:24 am Post subject:

Chihuahuas are NOT suited to children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Chihuahua who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Most Chihuahuas feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result.

Found this on a website. Maybe you could read up on the Chihuahua to see if it is the right breed for you.

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:30 am Post subject:

I don't know much about small dog temperaments so I can't give you any advice there (b/c I am more of a big dog person ). I am sorry you are having problems adopting. I have heard that Chis are horrible with children. Maybe you should research some other small breeds and look for one that is better suited for kids. Also, maybe a tiny mutt would be nice. Check with your local animal shelters frequently because they probably get in alot of small dogs, but small dogs are usually adopted to quickly for them to be put on petfinder. Shelters usually won't turn you down because they are usually the ones that have to euthanize due to lack of space. Rescues usually don't kill the animals that they have (in my experience ). Many rescues have foster homes for their adoptables. Anyway, don't give up and try not to get discouraged. Remember that the rescues only want the best for their dogs and your children may be sweet but many aren't. They have the best intentions (usually). Good luck! Very Happy

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:33 am Post subject:

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 2:19 pm Post subject:

may be a larger breed of small dog .
their are some great mini schnauzers that are excellent wit kids and aren't at all toyish . there a bit tougher breed but still small.
maybe a dog good with little kids around 15-25lbs. I know mine are excellent with small kids and babies .

but it differs by individual dog what the temperament is .

saying all little dogs are going to bite if a kid hurts it is really unfair .
ANY dog may bite when it feels hurt .

a degree of this is the parents responsibility. kids are smarter then you are allotting too.
and it should be taken on individual basis .

I do agree that chi's probably aren't the best breed for someone with a 2 year old though and the big dog could step on it...

I'd think about a hardier breed ..
there are mini schnauzer rescues in north ATL.

maybe they can help as far as temperament .. or be able to suggest a more sturdy breed .

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 2:38 pm Post subject: Thanks for nothing

Paint,

Thanks for your thoughts Smile

I agree NOT all small dogs are mean. I have a friend who has 2 Chi's and 1 Rotti and everyone is extrememly happy. Not to mention 3 kids under 12 yrs old. Its all in the way you socialize the dogs. I personally dont want another mutt. I have one, and I dont want a Schnauzer* because they are just too hyper and just not my type of dog. I know if a Chi gets hyper its tiny weight isnt going to knock my kid down. Its funny how people lable small dogs as nippy dogs. But you never hear it in the news that a Chihuahua mangled a childs face. I guess I will go ahead and buy this puppy I saw the other day from this "backyard" breeder. I was hoping I wouldnt have to do that. I was told to look into rescue groups over and over and over again by this lady online and I tried to take her advice but this is how I get treated. No thanks...

Tammy

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:43 pm Post subject: Re: Thanks for nothing

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 4:03 pm Post subject:

so go buy that puppy
be ready to spend 1500 a leg to repair knees
2500 to repair a broken leg
tons on carpet cleaners etc because toy breeds are notoriously hard to housebreak
do read up on hydrocephalia and open fontanel - maybe your kids won't kill the puppy and maybe their little friends won't either
don't forget the costs of spay or neuter and shots and heartworm meds

Oh and chi's can and will bite - the scars may be smaller but the trauma for your kids might not be when the nice doggy bites them...

And yes just as all baby dogs are puppies so all children are monsters and even if your kids are better than average even still that doesn't mean their friends are... and it doesn't mean a chihuahua is a suitable pet for your kids just because you want one just like you see on tv...

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject:

For one Im not rushing into anything. I have been looking for months. I have called the shelters but their is never any purebreds. Any dog can bite not just small dogs, and I wont be getting the puppy for another 4 weeks. I have researched Chihuahua's and I still feel this breed is right for our family. For the person who compared dogs to kids, you dont know very much about dogs. I know all about the medicines it takes to care for a pet. I have 2 dogs already. I give my pets their shots myself. I dont waste my money going to a vet who is going to give my pet the same thing. I pay $5.00 or less for a 4 or 6 in one shot. I get my tapeworm medicine either at this same place or PetSmart for $5 a pill. I get the heartworm medicine from the vet. Im not stupid like most of you think I am..Thanks for being exactly like I was expecting.

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