https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:48:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1670093 Fri, 30 May 2014 23:23:20 +0000 Mrs. Twine 1670093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Bichon/Shih Tzu mix. He is phenomenal with kids. Lorelei has tried to ride him and has about 15 pounds on him. He licked her. Doesn't shed... grooming can be a pain in terms of expense, but I do it myself. He looks pretty fugly, but he is clean and comfortable and we love him anyway. He's snuggly, not a big barker... he was really hard to house-train, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1670089 Fri, 30 May 2014 23:13:28 +0000 yerpie110 1670089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have malshi (1/2 Maltese, 1/2 shihtzu). I think he's a perfect breed! No shedding, sweet, obedient, loyal, does fine in small spaces and most of all, he is great with my LO who is 16 months old and growing increasingly interested in him. Love him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1670072 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:51:52 +0000 AibhlinShana 1670072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for shihtzu or poodle mix. We have a terrier mix now I adore but we wont be getting another. Too much energy, too much fur, waaayyy to smart for his own good. He gets into trouble no matter how much entertainment he has. I grew up with a shihtzu and she was the most chill, but also willing to play with two small children for a little while. But if we didnt want to play sh was happy sitting by our feet. They do have som issues breathing like all flat faced dogs, but totally amazing dogs. Ours as 20 when she died! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1670055 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:36:02 +0000 Boheme 1670055@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Apologies to my dogs, but I'm going to NOT recommend them lol - I have two yorkies.<br /> I love them dearly, but one of them snaps at my son for no apparent reason, they were a nightmare to housebreak, and they are just kind of high maintenance in general. We have a random occurrence about once a year that leads to a $$$ vet bill. I used to train dogs, and I am still baffled by my own. </p> <p>However - our rescue fosters have all been amazing. I'm particularly fond of shih tzus, Maltese, and mixes with poodles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669844 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:51:15 +0000 spaniellove 1669844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the individual dog's personality is more important than the breed because it can really vary so much! But I would have to say that my Bichon-Spaniel mix does live up to the image of the happy, people-loving clown. Random children walk up to her and poke her and grab her from behind and she has no problem with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669834 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:44:48 +0000 mrsjyw 1669834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for a beagle mix! She's around 15 lbs and lo looooves her. We lucked out that she doesn't howl like beagles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669832 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:41:41 +0000 MrsF 1669832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love our Boston Terrier! I chose her because I lived in a small apartment pre-kid and she's been great now that my toddler has come along too. I think she's 15 lbs, but she is on the smaller side for Bostons. From what I remember, Bostons are not "true terriers", so they don't have the same energy level. I think she could sleep all day and she hardly ever barks. No shedding either! The only maintenance I do is have her nails clipped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669824 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:36:30 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1669824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Shih tzus were bred to be a foot warmer. They don't require much more than love. I wasn't a small dog lover at all until we ended up with a shih Tzu and now I want to adopt all the shih tzus. :) he's very tolerant of kids, laid back, happy with 1 walk a day, only barks when appropriate and doesn't shed. Although regular grooming gets expensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669818 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:31:39 +0000 Tanjowen 1669818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My MIL has two poodle/maltese mixes that are great with my young nieces (ages 6 and 3) and my son (5 months). The added bonus is that they don't shed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669722 Fri, 30 May 2014 18:19:47 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: Yeah, I had a jack russell terrier and he was the opposite of low-energy even when he was 17! Really good advice; I definitely am a little nervous about having a dog and a toddler. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669718 Fri, 30 May 2014 18:17:20 +0000 yoursilverlining 1669718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TemperanceBrennan: I grew up with terriers and totally agree with you; they are generally NOT low energy; kind of the opposite!!!</p> <p>I would suggest a poodle or poodle mix if you are really concerned about shedding. Pugs/Boston terriers and the like definitely shed; sometimes lots. The only pugs I've known have been super sweet though, which may make up for the shedding. I also have only ever known super sweet Maltese, KCC spaniels, bichons, etc.</p> <p>I wouldn't get anything too tiny personally (like a chi or yorkie), they can be so delicate, especially sharing space 24/7 with a toddler (who are not always the most appreciative of small, delicate dogs!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669717 Fri, 30 May 2014 18:17:03 +0000 MediaNaranja 1669717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a shih-poo from the local animal shelter, and he is incredibly sweet. I think that shih tzus have a wonderfully sweet temprament, and are generally low energy. My little guy loves to cuddle, rarely barks, and is great with people and gentle with children. And because he is part poodle, he doesn't shed. He does need to go to the groomers every four months or so.</p> <p>That would be my recommendation, a shih tzu or a poodle mix! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669666 Fri, 30 May 2014 17:21:00 +0000 Charm54 1669666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A Havanese? My neighbour has one and he is sooooo cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669633 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:54:48 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorCalWayfarer: She is beautiful!! I would be open to something bigger like her as long as the apartment manager sets the weight limit above that (if he sets one). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669621 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:45:28 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 1669621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We adore our beagle/Boston terrier mix we adopted from the local shelter. She fits all your criteria, but she's about 30 lbs. When we went to the shelter we weren't looking for anything specific (well we lived in an apt at the time, so a huge dog was not going to work), but we found our little girl there! </p> [attach=3761/14/n6eprs.448x600.Lola.JPG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669616 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:43:58 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1669616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm partial to chihuahuas. I think they have a reputation of being antisocial and yippy, but that doesn't have to be the case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669606 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:37:38 +0000 mrs bunchy 1669606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love, love my yorkie !!!!!! She's 9 lbs and we live in a townhome... We walk her 3x per day :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669595 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:32:01 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mauxie: I also have a SIL who is a groomer so grooming isn't a big concern; she would do it for free or for trade for something else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669594 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:31:24 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TemperanceBrennan: Definitely going to get a full-grown dog (nothing under a year old!). You're right, training a puppy while our baby still small could be insane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669593 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:31:13 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 1669593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcD: I love King Charles spaniels. They are always so happy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669592 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:30:53 +0000 mauxie 1669592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think a poodle mix or maltese mix would be nice! The low/no shedding is really worth it IMO, especially with small children. Of course you will have to groom but if you start that training early and do it at home, that'll save you $$. </p> <p>In my experience, the ones I've encountered have all been good with young kids but of course it really depends on exposure/training since some little dogs can be aggressive/snippy!</p> <p>Good luck with your search! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669573 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:24:18 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 1669573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I had a Cairn growing up and I agree they are great dogs, but I would not say they are low-energy. Ours didn't mellow out until she was old. </p> <p>I would just keep an eye out at shelters. Dogs can be so different, especially mutts/mixes. Talk with the shelter employees and see if you can tell them what you are looking for - some even have "wish" profiles you can fill out, so when a dog comes along, they can match you. I wouldn't focus on breeds if I were you. I would look for short-hair dogs you click with :happy: </p> <p>I would also recommend an adult dog to ensure it's size. It would also be a lot to try to train a puppy with a baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669562 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:15:14 +0000 Shutterbug 1669562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pug!! Although it's tough to find them in rescues (except older dogs), at least around here. They're lazy which works wonderfully for apartment living, they adore kids, and they're very cuddly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669561 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:14:53 +0000 Littlebit 1669561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A min pin fits your requirements easily! The only issues with those are training and barking. They are very smart but you have to be diligent with your training - they can be stubborn. Also, they can be barkers! But that can be any dog, really. </p> <p>We are so happy with our min pin. Great with kids, doesn't need much exercise, super cuddly, great personality, light shedding/very low maintenance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669557 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:13:28 +0000 hotchildinthecity 1669557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ILoveLettie: i cant even have any more cats and i still look!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669553 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:12:26 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1669553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any poodle mix! Like a shih-poo or malti-poo. I'm not a fan of terriers, so those don't get my vote. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669551 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:11:27 +0000 loveisstrange 1669551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ILoveLettie: They are really great dogs. You cant go wrong! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669550 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:10:32 +0000 deactivated_account 1669550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>King Charles Cavalier!!!!!!! One of my favorite small dogs. </p> <p>Or just a pound puppy, really. I've only ever had rescue dogs and they are the best. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669544 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:08:55 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: There is apparently an entire Boston Terrier Rescue that exclusively rescues Bostons in Columbus. They have a ton of super-cute dogs and a lot of them say they're kid-friendly!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/small-dog-recommendations#post-1669541 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:07:59 +0000 ILoveLettie 1669541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: Thanks! I just started stalking them...there are so many dogs in our area! And now I want them all ;) </p>