[Knelson75]

I was needing some information on 2 dog breeds. I have done several online dog breed selector tests and contacted several local veterinarians and the top dog breeds that were compatible with our family was a miniature schnauzer, a cavalier king charles spaniel, and bichon frise. I am trying to narrow it down to the best breed that would work with a family that has 3 children the youngest is 6 and we also live in apartment. Any information would greatly be appreciated.

[Lunareclipse]

Our youngest is 2 and we have 3 Saint Bernards because they are great with small children. And when they are in the house, they are big couch potatoes. Another great one would be to rescue a greyhound. They are couch potatoes too. A schnauzer and bichon would require a lot of grooming to keep them looking nice. A Cavalier might be ok. Would it be big enough for your 6 year old? Some children can be a little rough with animals, so if you get a small dog, make sure your children are very gentle with it. You wouldn't want your 6 year old to hold the little guy too tight and have the dog scared of your kids for the rest of it's life. Some of the smaller breeds tend to be a little more nervous than some of the medium and large breeds. Is there a size limit for your apartment? Is that why you are looking for a small dog? Is there a reason why your vet suggested these dog breeds? There really are some great dog breeds that are great with children and great for apartments that don't come in pint sized proportions. Greyhounds are one of the best.

[Knelson75]

We live in an apartment that has a weight restriction on dogs. They must be 40lbs and under. My kids have been socialized around smaller dogs so they know the proper way to behave around small dogs. The grooming is not an issue, I would rather spend the extra money getting a dog's hair cut if I knew the dog was compatible with living in an apartment and that is excellent with kids. I just need someone who is knowledgeable in the mini schnauzer, cavalier king charles spaniel, and bichon frise breeds to give me an opinion and recommendations. Otherwise, I would love to adopt greyhound if I had the room !

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Knelson75

We live in an apartment that has a weight restriction on dogs. They must be 40lbs and under. My kids have been socialized around smaller dogs so they know the proper way to behave around small dogs. The grooming is not an issue, I would rather spend the extra money getting a dog's hair cut if I knew the dog was compatible with living in an apartment and that is excellent with kids. I just need someone who is knowledgeable in the mini schnauzer, cavalier king charles spaniel, and bichon frise breeds to give me an opinion and recommendations. Otherwise, I would love to adopt greyhound if I had the room !

Why is it a problem for a greyhound. They in fact do not need a large room. The ultimate of couch potatoes as far as the K9 world. Need but only a couple walks a day. Hardly ever bark and grooming is minimal. These make for great apt dogs. Miniature Schnauzers carry a fair amount of terrier traits which means they can be a little energetic in the apt. King Charles Spaniel though a beautiful dog, does require a fair amount of grooming and do shed. The Bichon is pretty much like the King Charles. Both do ok with small children but there is no real small breed that is exceptional with small children. Primarily due to the fact that no matter how well a small child has been taught, there is always the accident that can cause the dog to defend itself even if the action was not intentional. This is why larger breeds ie: Goldens and Labs are generally recommended for small children. The are extremely tolerant of the play and actually enjoy it. The unfortunate mistake that apt complexes make is issuing the weight limit. The fact is, the weight of size is of no consequence when it comes to breeds tolerant and capable of living in apts. Greyhounds are one of the best apt breeds, yet my breed the Miniature Pinscher is rated the third worst breed for apts. Go figure.