Kids with pets are less stressed

Westhighland terriers are good apartment dogs, they like children if you get them as puppies.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a mutt from a pound that is already house trained

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pets are also a great learning tool.
my dogs have taught me to respect other animals,
life, responsability,love and death.
when a child has a pet as a family member they are never alone.
the simpathetic ear they give to whomever needs it is always their.always a true friend their worth is
immeasurable.my dogs are a member of my family.
and will always be that.

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I agree that dogs and cats are individuals...purebreds or not. I have had good and bad experiences with both. Some breeds my personality is hardwired to stay away from. The pound is a good choice, but they do tend to pick up bad habits there, such as anxiety about getting fed that leads to a lifelong habit of scarfing down food and constantly begging for more (16 hours a day of begging can get annoying. I would also shy away from certain large breeds that startle easy and attack on instinct, or those that dislike men or kids, or are generally skiddish. For myself, I look for a laid back older pet with little to no health problems. Ask yourself if you can afford the annual shots and daily heartworm pills ($50/bottle), flea and tick prevention, a good diet, willing to trim nails, clean ears, bathe and groom and can you provide the exercise. (Did I miss anything?) And that's just for a healthy dog. Its a huge commitment, not a small responsibility for a child...too often a non-commited pet owner decides the backyard makes a better home and the dog is left negelcted for life.

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We have 3 Tonkinese. These are the most wonderful, tolerant and loving cats. They love both of us and our 8 and 3 year olds (although the male is much more tolerant than the females). They look like Siamese but are as sweet as Burmese.

However, I do think that even children are cat people, dog people or any pet people. I have one cat lover and one who loves her cats, but would love a dog, too. My husband cannot stand dogs and won't have one. I like both. I think waiting until your children are old enough is a good idea if you want a mutt (the best dogs in my opinion!). However, you can get a cat when the kids are little and get all the anti-allergy benefits of a pet.

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We bought a Bichon--she's NON-SHEDDING which as a formerlly non-dog person --was a must! She's 6 now and has been a sheer joy for the kids. At 18 pounts, she's not as small as some and hardy enough for our family. No dog odor either! Her all white cuddly fur feels just like a real stuffed animal.

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We have a big dog, hamster and a lop eared bunny. The bunny is definitely the most fun, and I am a dog lover by the way. The bunny was easy to litter train in his cage and we are currently litter training him in the living room. Makae sure to get a baby bunny so that he gets used to being held and cuddled. Our bunny even gives kissed, he will lick us endlessly. He is also very amusing, every so often he gets a wild hair and just goes nuts running around. I find myself taking him out every night when the kids are in bed, because I enjoy just as much or more than they do. Jusst make sure to buy some bitter apple to spray all of your wires and cords as they will chew through them. He's kind of like a Billy Goat, he will eat anything. Also they are very inexpensive to keep

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my screen name says it all for me. My kids are grown and I have 3 rather large dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds a 1oo gal fish tank and my grandson who was 4 at the time now has a gerbil of his own. when he stays here with us every weekend he automatically takes over all the animal chores in this house(by his own choice). I think he feels so loved by our pets when he feeds and lets them outside. And it gives me a great feeling watching him because he adores every pet in this houseincluding the 16 horses in our backyard that belong to the farmer who lives behind us. It is also an awesome feeling watching him with the horses(he has so much respect and no fear for such a large animal) He already wants to be in 4-H. For anyone saying they would rather wait til they have a yard for their pet, QUIT procrastinating. There are wonderful small dogs who dont require a yard, just a little of your time and a walk are wonderfully healthy for you and your pet. Oh and by the way all my pets were all rescues from either an individual or the humane society. What a great way to give them a second chance and a second chance for yourself to receive their uncompromised love.

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Sure get a cat they are by far the best. You can have all the luxeries of a well behaved mixed breed but with outstanding advantages like.. puking on the dining table. throwing up hairballs on your counters. Knocking over and breaking every thing that you hold dear to your heart because they love to climb. destroying every inch of woodwork because they must stretch their nails. peeing on all your clean clothes because they are upset about the littlest thing. sleeping on your asthmatic childs chest so he cant breath in the morning. killing every wild bird and critter that graces your homestead. they bite just like dogs but leave severs infections only felines can have.rabies is on the uprise and what species is it oh yea domestic cats no dog rabies reported in years. and get a cat the smell of the litterbox even changed 10 times a day will kill you.easy you say ?I say get save a dog ,he will chase a ball entertain you and when you go away a kennel costs the same amount as that stinky furr ball puke you spent 350 on to spay and it wont keep any strangers from your home.Take him for a walk hell inspire you to be more active or take your cat and look like an idiot

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A Schnoodle is a great small dog for families. It is a Schnauzer/poodle mix and never gets too big for dad's lap. He does not shed, is very faithful, loves children, even stranger's children, barks ferociously when someone comes to the door, but is quickly quietened by his master. Trains easily and comes pre-programmed to stand up for treats.
On the other hand, Black Labradors are faithful, loving and protective big dogs. Our son brought home a 6wk old purebreed from a couple who didn't like him messing on the carpet in their apt. Not an apt dog! Must have big yard or faithful master to walk him daily. Lots of energy. Chewing is a favorite past time until at least 1 yr old...sheds a lot. We recently adopted our own black lab/bloodhound from a neighbor's litter of 13. All the faithful, shedding, chewing of the lab with the desire to lay around benefit of the bloodhound. Still sheds a lot, but so loving, the daily sweeping is not a problem. Hope this helps.

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Honestly i hate cats becuase they are moody and very independant. If you want a good dog get a cocker spaniel. wonderful

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We have our 2nd Pomeranian and our kids love her to death. Pomeranians have been said to not do well with kids...I think that's a crock..our Dixie is almost 8 years old and has been raised with our kids..she's immune to anything they can do to her..which includes but is not limited to them dressing her up...playing catch..running from one end of the property to another. Pomeranians range in size..ours is on the smaller end..she's 7 lbs. fully grown. They aren't "Yippy" dogs that bark at everything..for a small dog..she's relatively quiet. She barks when someone is at the door or coming up the driveway. As far as "poopless" if they make those..no one has told me..I'd be on the list..but training my Poperanian, Dixie, was very easy. We have a long hallway with linolium floor..we just put her in there using a baby gate to keep her there at night and within a couple short weeks we had success. Poms are great! Shedding isn't much of a problem..when she does shed..it's in clumps..not hair EVERYWHERE. If I had to recommend a great indoor, city dog, a pom would be it! I believe unless you have acreage you shouldn't have a big dog..I'm sure that comment will fuel some arguments..but it's just not fair to those huge dogs to live in a house and have a fenced in 50' X 50' yard to run in..we live on 80 acres..that's an area for a large dog. GOOD LUCK in your search. I do agree that cats are pets as well..but they don't fetch..they don't do a whole lot more than sleep. I have two cats..outside..and as much as we love them..they don't do much for tricks! I think a dog is the way to go for kids...just be sure you do your homework. We searched for Dixie for months..meet the parents of the pooch..get a detailed history..find out if it's a "puppy mill" or just a breeder. In our search for Dixie we saw it all!! Be sure they are vet checked as well. Oh yeah..and don't forget to have fun and fall in love with your new pooch.

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my experience has been that Collies, and Shephard/Labs are great with kids. they're protective and can herd even an uruly child gently :)

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Fifteen years ago, I was fortunate enough to adopt a five-week-old puppy whose mother had been hit by a car and died. Jasmine's mother was a full-blooded Australian Blue Heeler and her father was a champion Springer Spaniel from Kentucky. She was almost totally white with one black ear, and, over the years, as the Heelers do, she "mottled" and developed more and more black spots. She, now, looks like a small Dalmatian. At 30 lbs, she is the perfect size for my two-bedroom condo and my queen-sized bed. Jasmine has been my loving companion for all these years, doesn't lick and slobber on everybody, is still healthy (we walk a mile every day), gets along well with my cat and other animals, and has never required intensive vet care, only the standard yearly immunizations. She has been raised with four kids and nine grandbabies and has never once growled, nipped at, nor bit any of them or anyone else. Part of the reason for this is that I have taught all the children to be kind and respectful to animals - God's creatures! Jasmine has never chewed on anything except the pig's ears that I buy for her. I can leave her in the house for hours at a time and she will never have an "accident," though, at her advanced age, I try to make certain that she never has to go too long. Jasmine is now losing her sight and her hearing, and I rue the day that I will lose this precious friend. Though "pound puppies" are a wonderful option, I am a firm believer that you need to know the background of any pet that you intend to be a pet for children. Check your local newspapers and look for individuals with litters who, at least, know the parentage of the puppies on one side. Though I do not believe that any dog is born mean (pit bulls erroneously get this tag), parentage has a big effect on the animal's intelligence. Some dogs are just smarter than others, particulary the working class of dogs. Jasmine's mother and grandfather were both working farm dogs - very, very intelligent and devoted. Watch Cesar on "The Dog Whisperer." Any dog's behavior is a reflection of its owner. Dumb owner/dumb dog. I love my cat, but dogs still rule. They are the best option as pets for children!

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Mutts are Great! I had a German Shephard/Collie Mix from the pound and he was great, When I had my son, he was very protective over him as well. He lived to be 17 yrs. old. But now We have adopted from a friend A Purebred Cocker Spaniel, He is wonderful, and great with my kids 12 & 9 He is like one of the children. He loves getting in the bathtub too! He just sits there and lets you do your job. I had cats in the past they are great. but Dogs give you that extra something, I can't explain. My kids love taking him for a walk too. He isn't to big or to small, for those who don't like big dogs or Yappy dogs, Cocker Spaniel is great. :-)

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When my 2 girls were "little" we got them each a kitten. My gosh what a delight to see the changes in my daughters. The kittens added close, personal love to each of them; taught them tolerance; responsibility; play-time was anytime without me having to drop whatever I was doing in order to participate, and much, much more. The stress in MY life AND in THEIRS was significantly reduced almost immediately! The kittens, "Larry" and "Lucie", were a God-send! Do yourself, and your child(ren) a favor and get one (or 2). I'm now 54 and in a wheelchair and my cat, "Precious" is 1 yr 4 mo's old and gives me more love, pleasure and happiness than I could ever imagine. Pets are a necessity in life!!

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Birds can be very lovable pets and are really not much bother. A talking bird such as a an Amazon, Cockatoo or African Grey can give hours of fun. Smaller birds, such as Cockatiels, Quakers, or Lori's can amuse kids with their antics. As with any pet, buy from a reputable breeder.

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Dogs, Cats, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and more. Any and all of these can be wonderful pets if they are the right match for your family. Whatever you decide to do, please visit your local animal shelter. The staff at most of these shelters are well trained in helping you choose the right companion for your family based on many different things, where you live, your lifestyle, time at home, etc. You will be surprised at what you can find at a shelter, from purebreds to heinz57's. They typically come with their basic vacccinations and are spyed/neutered. No one can be assured of the health of an animal whether they adopt from a shelter or a breeder, and there is always the chance that their medical expenses will go beyond their yearly exams so you should be prepared for that. A great place to see what is available in your area and around the country is www.petfinder.com. Our family has always had several pets and our children have grown into caring compassionate adults, who all now have pets of their own.

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I think dogs are amazing. With 3 kids and a business, my mom and dad barely had time for a dog, but when i begged them for years, they finally got me one. I think the only reason they got me a dog was because the one i wanted didn't get big (he's six pounds right now) and didn't shed (a yorkie!). It took us the entire summer to get him to stop going in the house and now he knows sit, down, dead, roll over, paw, and outside (to go do business) and we've had him for a little over a year. He's awesome, and he's my best friend - he's the first one to greet me when i get home - and he's really calm - he sleeps a lot, but he loves attention. It's really lowered my stress and worry at school and i have something to look foward to when i get home. Definitely concider a small dog if your children are over 8 but if they are rough with the dog, then maybe a larger dog would be suitable.

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We have two cats but our 8 year old son is an only child. I have been thinking of getting a dog for him and he wants one more and more! What kind of dog should I get? I prefer a medium or small size because our backyard is medium sized. NOt too big..not too little..lol..I would like a good natured, fun loving dog that doesn't bark at the air or all day/night lol! Can someone tell me what kind of dog is good for an only child? :) Thanks~!

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I have a herd of cats. They are great. They keep me and each other company. Rule1: Please spay and neuter. Rule2: Go to the shelter or pound. I had two of mine at the vet yesterday and a woman came in with an adorable PUREBRED Pug. She got it from the shelter. You can mutts and purebred dogs and cats from the shelter and pound.

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