Toys

By Mazz on Jan 20, 2008 | Reply

Why not let them choose what size? Go to the local pound. Sometimes, too, the dog will choose the child, and that will be a lasting relationship.

By Scarlett_156 on Jan 21, 2008 | Reply

If the kid has an anger problem or he tends to throw his toys around when he’s upset, then– no. If the kid is ok with animals and doesn’t have an anger problem, then if you are going to get a small dog get one that is already grown, i.e., at least three or four years old if not older. If you get a puppy, you’ll be taking it to the vet a lot for broken bones and stuff– even a really nice kid will accidentally step on the dog every so often.

By JR on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

The smaller dogs are snippier and could bite. Also they are more fragile for a child that may want bounce through the house on occassion. You should take your child to the shelter and find one good with kids and sturdy. Rescues foster in their homes usually with kids and other pets and can help you find one perfect for you and your child. I would not suggest a small dog. Medium like a shep beagle mix.

By im a gilmore girl on Jan 26, 2008 | Reply

no. i love all animals but toys are NOT good with kids under the age of 8.they don’t handle them well which makes the dog excessively nervous.

By grannyhuh on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

I think a toy breed would be fine. I’ve owned larger and smaller breeds of dogs and I prefer smaller. I now own a chihuahua and I’ve found her to be very loyal, loving and extremely playful. It would seem that a smaller breed would be preferable since you can take them almost anywhere without being crowded in the car! They eat less food and leave less of a “mess”. And at 11 years of age your child is old enough for the responsibility of their own animal. Sounds like a good idea to me!

By HowdyThere on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

I think smaller breeds are not the best choice. They tend to be a little more temperamental. (I have a small one myself). But, past experience is that labs are great and loving with small children.

By Horse Trainer in training on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply

If you want to get a small dog then no. toy breeds tend to be more yippy, and bark more so than others, a good companion dog is a lab, they can get big, (mine are 95, and 119lbs) but they are exellent dogs. Mine rarely bark, and love every one!!!

By hoodoowoman on Feb 4, 2008 | Reply

It depends on the maturity level of your child and what he or she wants. If your child is a boy and thinks small dogs are for sissy’s it would be a bad idea.

You must also take into consideration how active your child is. If your child isn’t very active, an 80 pound lab may not be the best choice either.

Dogs are pretty much what we make them-they are animals first, breed second. (To quote Caesar)

A nice little terrier of some sort might be just the thing for your child if he or she is properly supervised.

By nirvanagrlb on Feb 4, 2008 | Reply

let him choose there is tons what do you mean by lonely?but for 11 year old get him a beagle they are active and fun other breeds that would be good,rottweiler,weimaraner,chow,dohberman,

By MichituckyGirl on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply

For those that say Toy breeds tend to snip/bite and are yappy, then they have never owned a Pug.

Pugs are the larger of the Toy breeds and have great personalities. Playful, adorable and easy to care for. Keeping them brushed and their ears and noses clean are the biggest concerns for daily maintenance. They don’t eat a whole lot, lest they get overweight. Training can be a trial cuz they can be stubborn, but they are worth the effort. So loyal and so loving and so great for a kid 11 years old.

By st.lady on Feb 8, 2008 | Reply

It isn’t so much about the dog as it should be about the child. I haven’t met an 11 year old yet that can handle the responsibility of a dog. An adult should always own the dog and allow a child limited access. Every child wants a dog at some point in time. The true question is do you want a dog. Six months down the road when the novelty of a puppy wears off what then? And yes I do agree toy breeds are not sturdy when it comes to children. Most don’t mean to hurt the dog but kids will be kids.

By Clemence J on Feb 9, 2008 | Reply

I think perhaps you should get a medium sized dog