[Knelson75]

I am a stay-at-home mom with 3 kids the youngest is 6 years old we are looking for a puppy or dog who is under 40 lbs because we live in an apartment. Can anyone recommend me some small dog breeds that can live in an apartment and that gets along great with kids? Thanks

[cigwyllt]

Hi and welcome. Small dogs aren't always the best for apartment living - especially not with children. A docile dog is probably more important than the size. Would you consider a greyhound? They are real couch potatoes and enjoy affection but only need bursts of exercise rather than constant play and stimulation.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Knelson75

I am a stay-at-home mom with 3 kids the youngest is 6 years old we are looking for a puppy or dog who is under 40 lbs because we live in an apartment. Can anyone recommend me some small dog breeds that can live in an apartment and that gets along great with kids? Thanks

The best place to start is with sites like this, then if you see a breed you like than look up the breed information.
So long as it fits your lifestyle as this is a lifetime commitment.

Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Life
Dogs Good For Apartment Life
How To Choose a Dog for an Apartment?Apartment Dogs
Top 10 Dogs for Apartment Living - Ten dog breeds that do well in apartments
Good Apartment dogs - 53 Suitable Breeds 4 Apartments, Flats,/Condo living
Hopefully you can get some ideas from these. You can also check your local shelter for a rescue.
Avoid the Miniature Pinscher, despite popular belief, these are more prone to be true to their terrier breeding and require a great deal of exercise far more than a few walks on a leash per day. They need a securely fenced back yard to free run. Failing and they can be very destructive in the home on furniture etc. This is a breed I know all too well considering I have 18 and am also a breeder of Miniature Pinschers. Good luck with your search.

[Krissy48lowes]

I would always advocate adopting from your local animal shelter, but I've had wonderful success with miniature australian shepherds. Like any puppy they will go through a trying period (potty training, chewing, etc). But they are extremely loyal loving dogs.

Good luck with your search, and welcome to the group

[angiesample]

i dont think size necessarily has anything to do with how calm a dog is. My sister has a 7 lb Chihuahua and that little thing barks all the time. My dog who is a cattle dog mix is extremely quiet. But i am also really good about making sure she gets her exercise and we participate in agility so she gets all that excess energy out.

I would recommend going to the shelter and checking out some of the mixed breeds available there. You can spend time with the dog and make sure the dog is a good fit for u and ur family. Also usually when they come from the shelter they come spayed/neutered and up to date on all there shots. Good luck!

[skivvies]

Maybe a Brittany? They're typically around 35-40 pounds. When I was younger, a lot of my friends' parents had them and they did well with their kids. They do need quite a bit of exercise though.

You also might want to consider a Bichon Frise, if you'd like a dog that's smaller (10-20 pounds) and less active. They're small but fairly sturdy, and I hear that they're pretty good with kids. They require frequent brushing and trips to the groomer, though.

If you go to a shelter and adopt an adult dog, they'll be able to tell you about the dog's personality (how well they do with kids, how vocal they are, etc).

[Lunareclipse]

I agree with a greyhound. And I agree that size doesn't mean squat as opposed to energy level. We have 3 saint bernards and they are really calm inside the house. They are great with our 2 year old and they let her climb all over them. Yes. even Buster. I don't understand why they put a size limit on dogs in apartments. Some of the best apartment dogs aren't small. And I think going to a greyhound rescue or your local shelter would be the best thing to do.