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Shihtzu's are extremely intelligent. But, have you considered the upkeep? Just keep in mind that all long hair dogs require regular (daily) brushing. And, it's important to keep the hair out of thier eyes all of the time - or it can effect their eyes and even thier vision.
With a 7 year old, I would go for a medium to large size, year old dog... and one with shorter hair... As you say, you're the one who is taking care of them.
Bringing your daughter to a shelter and allowing her to pick out a dog is a really good idea. You will be saving a life and your daughter will love any dog that she picks out!
Last edited by World Citizen; 06-02-2008 at 09:29 AM..
I think the best criteria is to pick a dog that will fit your budget (bigger dog = bigger food bills), is safe for your daughter (temperament, bite potential, allergy considerations) and exercise requirements (if there are high or even moderate size requirements, they can be destructive or have separation anxiety).
Dogs and their Reliability With Children (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm - broken link)
I always had big dogs growing up. They're like siblings... As far as jumping up, you just have to teach them not to.
Larger dogs are generally better with children... temperment wise.
After having larger dogs all my life, I treated my Shihtzu like he was a big dog... He was too little to play frisbee very well but he tried to! ... poor little guy!
I agree with all the posters who suggest taking your daughter to the shelter.
I went to several shelters in my search for a dog. I had a preconceived notion that I wanted something cute and fluffy. I ended up having a "love at first sight" moment when I layed my eyes on my MinPin. She's definately not fluffy or cute...but she is absolutely gorgeous.
Give your daughter the chance to see the many wonderful sizes, shapes, colors and breeds in the shelters. She will know which dog is for her when she sees it.
We researched dogs for two years before we got our maltese, Tiger. He is the most gentlemanly dog we've ever owned. I highly recommend this breed for children and they are non-shedding which is a big plus. We also have a yorkiepoo and a shih tzu poodle mix and they're good dogs too, but it's hard to beat the maltese. I think your daughter would probably like any of the little, furry, poodle mixes and they're much easier to find at a shelter than a maltese.
Well, we found a puppy that Alex liked at the CLT humane society today. She is a black and white doxie mix named Gypsy. She is only 8 weeks and very shy, she had only been at the pound since yesterday. Once out of the cage, she fell in love with Alex and vice versa. We take her home in a few days after she is spayed, and we will post a picture of the happy couple. Thanks to everyone who suggested staying with Adoption. Mike
Well, congrats on the new arrival! Mike, be sure and post pictures...that "love at first sight" thing is a tough one to beat. Can't wait to hear more about your new addition.
Wow - another dog finds a happy home! Great work, Mike and Alex!
Congratulations on adopting your new family member!
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but I totally agree and nice links!
