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Nevertooold · 56-60, M
Maybe a small poodle or dacshund....or the little guys that look like a mop head??Good luck or a shelter dog....those are the best ....they need forever homes!!!!
@Nevertooold She might even find a dog that already knows to be gentle. Some are meant to be gentle right out of the box, born with all the right senses.

The dog's demeanor will depend partly on how it's raised. Considering your circumstance, there will be training involved and it can be dome at home. I had a 50 pound Heeler that was amazing with special needs children, completely aware of the need to be gentle. He was an exception, clearly, as I would not recommend a Heeler for you.
I have known a few Shih Tzus that were well behaved and gentle, but the fur is outlandish.😆
Sorry I can't give you any recommendations on breed, you might have excellent luck with a mixed breed. I would say training is going to be your most important aspect regardless of the breed, and try to include hand signs in your training, it teaches the dog to pay attention to you.
I hope you find the perfect dog, every child should have a puppy.🤗
@UnderLockDown I feel like when people say “great with kids“ they mean your typical six or seven-year-old. Given how Claire is growing I just worry that even a small dog will be overpowering. In terms of physical development my daughter is very similar to that of an eight month old if not more fragile, and in terms of height she is only 1‘5“. She is also only 18 pounds. It doesn’t take very much at all for something to be overwhelming to her in that regard.
@Getsomehere Training will be the most important factor. Do some research, teach yourself a little about how dogs learn.
If you are serious about having a dog, maybe call around and ask a few trainers if you can sit in on classes for free considering you don't have a dog. It will give you a chance to learn more without committing.
@Getsomehere Yorkies are quite small, but can be a bit excitable, especially as puppies. You're entering expensive ground though. For a well bred Yorkie or tiny Poodle the cost can be kind of outrageous. Good reputable breeders are also hard to find.
I have experience with dogs of all sizes (worked for a veterinarian when I was in high school). I'm a fan of golden retrievers. Larger dog, yes...but extremely good with children. Very gentle and a golden will also look after your daughter. That said, I know there are probably other breeds which would be good in your situation.
Livingwell · 61-69, M
A King Charles spaniel is a perfect dog for small children and older adults. They are very loving, good demeanor, and playful. I currently have on and had another before her.
@Livingwell My Heeler was in love with a King Charles Spaniel. He doted over her something fierce, it was very funny.
I know it sounds ridiculous, but it really was love, he was heartbroken when she went to another home.
She was a very good natured dog, and very well behaved.
Achelois · F
I’ve had pugs, they are great family dogs, very loving, funny, quirky.

I said I wouldn’t get another one but ended up with a puppy 🐶

My two that passed away were amazing dogs, very special 🐾


Well I know chihuahuas are pretty excitable so I don't think that would be a good idea but it came to mind that you might want to start off with getting her a real cute little kitten. That's something she could handle and it wouldn't try to knock her down.

Collies are pretty nice dogs. I'm thinking you could go to a shelter but of course not put her on the floor with the dogs but you could walk amongst them and see which ones are just crazy going wild and jumping all over and which one is more mellow and gentle that way and you may just find the dog you're looking for.
Greyjedi · M
I knew a miniature poddle who was very attentive to its owner. He was neurotically attentive to her. Labs are great family dogs unless mistreated. Typical labs and golden retrievers are very sweet loving dogs. If you can a afford it, a super mutt might be good dog, they are intelligent, hypoallergenic etc.
The downside of a breed like retrievers are they shed a far bit. Nuffies have a very patient, even and friendly temperament but they are droll artists.

Whatever dog you get you should all train it as a family.
Mellowgirl · 31-35, F
Look up personality traits of the different dogs. The ones that require lots of walking and mental stimulation isn't your best dogs. No matter how friendly people say they are. Because you have to dedicate a lot of time to them much like a child.
Id suggest going to a park where lots of dogs go and talking to the owners....the internet is a great place but seeing them and talking to someone face to face is always better.

Good luck.
Blondily · F
I have a shih tzu and he adores small kids. Shih tzu's look like puppies their whole lives. Kids flock to him when we take him for walks. He's so damn cute and friendly.
Bonby · 61-69, M
@Blondily wow mine doesn't like little kids is very jealous,tries to stay away
Bonby · 61-69, M
@Blondily yours is beautiful by the way
Blondily · F
@Bonby Mine was raised with little kids I babysat from 3 months old.
GerOttman · 70-79, M
Cocker Spaniel would be perfect! Also use a leash/harness with a front attachment point as these greatly reduce the tendency of some dogs to pull on the lead.
@GerOttman Such beautiful dogs too!
@GerOttman do you think she would be able to walk the dog herself? We also really want to make sure that when they are playing or even just in the same room, that she doesn’t get knocked over or overwhelmed by the dog.
GerOttman · 70-79, M
@Getsomehere Every dog is an individual and proper training helps greatly. In general this breed is playful, friendly, and responsive to training. I don’t see any reason it would not be a good choice.
Bonby · 61-69, M
I had a Italian mastiff that was really great with small children
@UnderLockDown I just looked it up and they said that they are 150 pounds? My daughter only weighs 18 pounds, so that would mean the dog would easily be eight times her weight, and even something very gentle from that dog would likely be way too much for Clara

I do know that small dogs are a lot more energetic and that also might be too much for her. Big dogs are a lot more mellow, I just worry that with a big dog even a playful paw could knock her over
Bonby · 61-69, M
@Getsomehere mine understood the difference and was only protective and loving ,to see such a small one walking him was amazing how obedient he was to her
@Getsomehere I'm not encouraging you to get a giant.😆 A smaller dog would be better.
kodiac · 22-25, M
chihuahua
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kodiac · 22-25, M
@JamesBugman Wrong ,it depends on how they are raised.just like any dog.This little guy loves kids but will defend himself from bigger dogs .Any small dog has to be loud and aggressive with bigger ones simply because they are so small
@kodiac I think you agreed with me completely. :)
WifeTanya · 56-60, C
Boston terrier.
4meAndyou · F
This is an old post! You submitted this quite a long time ago!
smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F
How about a great dane

 
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