[evestar]

Here there!
I have just signed up for the forum from New Zealand
I am actually a little confused we are looking at a new doggy child
but I am just not sure on the breed.
I would like a dog with character, something small, good with kids (6yrs) but most important not toooo high energy.
I have been looking at terriers, jack russels, Australian, Cairns etc but have read that Jack Russels are terribly high energy...

Help...!

[craazydays]

Hi! Terriers and the others you have mentioned are the right size and very cute! I have a Standard Schnauzer-(not the terrier class but the mini is). I have concerns with respect to energy level and the fact you have kids.

Most of these breeds are intelligent, robust, dominant, and can be very high strung. If you are looking for a low maintenence dog- don't do the Jack Russels or Australian Sheperds. These dogs are incredible but need exercise (more than the average dog).

Size of the dog should not be a major deterent. Some of the small terriers for example can be harder to raise then a large dog-lab, Spaniels etc.

It comes down to how much time you have for your dog-

[kathryn]

Hello,

As a dog owner spanning over 40 years with multiple breed experience, I can highly recommend a mix. If you really want a pure breed, you'll go for it, but mixes (according to my vets and my experiences) are extremely healthy, happy dogs with very long life spans. We, quite by accident, after the premature death of our dear Lab- age 4 who died quickly from an intestinal mass- adopted a "Boglen" from Pet Finders.com Our vet led us to the site and from there, we also wanted a smallish, not so energetic pup, we found one. She's a year old, house broken, Boston-Beagle and the sweetest dog I've ever known, and SMART!! She's also adorable to look at. I use to be a pure breed loyalist but have learned, with sooooo many babies in need of a home, you can find your dream dog in a shelter- and even come close to the type you want as far as breed. Many of them are mixes of only 2 breeds.
Good luck!
Kathryn

[Nikita's_Mom]

I own a foxterrier mix, and I say she is lovely! She is peaceful, but can be extremely energetic at times. She is very playful. If you could get a dog mix at the rescue centre, it would be very nice, there are hundreds of dogs looking for good homes. And you don't have to get an adult. I got my dog from the SPCA as a puppy of six weeks. She is a great pet! She never nips and never gets angry if she has been scolded, and I hardly ever have to!

[kathryn]

I have found the same to be true- I don't have to cororect the behaviors of my mixed breeds nearly as much as my pure breeds- may be coincidence, I don't know but mine are not as high strung as the pure bred dogs, and the health so far has been outstanding: One SPCA girl lived to 17!!!

[alpha_dog]

My mom has a shitzu who has grown up around a baby...and she does really well around children. Very friendly dog, great personality, playful...but not hyper.

[davesull]

The dogs mentioned are all high energy pups. A Golden Retriever is getle, always happy, and generally loves people. Most important is how they are brought up as a puppy. Good luck. All dogs are wonderful!

[Northern gal]

I can tell you all dogs are high energy. Small dogs and hunting breeds are very active. Large dogs are a lot less active. They live shorter lives then small dogs. It is all in what you want to deal with. All dogs are smart, some are smarter than others. Poodles are extremely intelligent, but can be nippy with children, only if not raised with children. I believe this is the case with all breeds though. I don't have children at home anymore, but have grandchildren and am thinking of getting a Silky Terrier in the Spring. I have never had a toy dog breed before. I have read a lot about them and dog training too. So, I feel confident in getting one now. This is something you should do before getting a dog for your family. It makes you feel better, understanding about the breed you are getting and it's training.
Good Luck