Anonymous wrote:I think there are lots of mutts that are like little big dogs. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I've got one. He's 25 lbs, but definitely has a bigger dog personality. Because he's such a mix of breeds he's got the best of many of them. I've volunteered with a rescue, K-9 Lifesavers, and they'll often have mixes that have the same temperament that he does, enough energy to keep up with kids, but calm enough to live in a small space.

I'd talk to a rescue in the area and see if they can find you a 20 to 40 lb dog they think would be a good match. If you go to an adoption event, I'd talk to the people before I even looked at the animals. The people will know that this dog or that is perfect for a family with kids. Oftentimes it won't be the adorable puppy that draws your eye, or the perfectly handsome young adult.

I agree. We adopted a terrier mix, 25 lbs, fab w the kids.

OP it sounds like you have a lot to learn about dogs. I would hold off and do a more research. A puppy is the exact wrong thing for a cat that is unsure around dogs. They are playful, inquisitive, and relentless. Puppies are still learning about the world and interacting with other animals. Older (1 yr+) dogs that are good with cats and kids will interact with both in the way that is preferable for everyone. The whole point of an older animal is its temperament is already known. You can only guess with a puppy. I'm not saying you shouldn't get a puppy, just that your reasoning isn't sound. There are a ton of factors that go into breed selection. I wouldn't let not having a yard determine the size dog you get. Dogs need way more exercise than sitting in a yard can provide. Considering your dog inexperience and home situation, just go with the lab. Look for one that's 1-2 though. You'll save yourself a ton of headaches.

I think there are lots of mutts that are like little big dogs. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I've got one. He's 25 lbs, but definitely has a bigger dog personality. Because he's such a mix of breeds he's got the best of many of them. I've volunteered with a rescue, K-9 Lifesavers, and they'll often have mixes that have the same temperament that he does, enough energy to keep up with kids, but calm enough to live in a small space.

I'd talk to a rescue in the area and see if they can find you a 20 to 40 lb dog they think would be a good match. If you go to an adoption event, I'd talk to the people before I even looked at the animals. The people will know that this dog or that is perfect for a family with kids. Oftentimes it won't be the adorable puppy that draws your eye, or the perfectly handsome young adult.

Thanks everyone. The info you've given has been really helpful. I'm all for the SPCA but having small children I'm concerned about breed temperament (with a mutt not knowing etc). Plus we have a cat who is fine with other animals but I was hoping to get a puppy so that he could learn to accept it. Anyone have any breeds that they recommend as a family dog? I guess cocker spaniels are out. A friend suggested labradoodles...

We live in a Th, about 1800 sq feet. We got a super active breed puppy and he's about 55 lbs now, full grown

We walk him tons and have a dog park two blocks away so he gets lots of off leash. It was hard during potty training not to have a yard and to have to deal with the stairs. Beyond that, no problems. We walk twice a day and he gets a walker mid day. He's the most well exercised dog in old town! I imagine it would be hard with two young kids to have to let the dog out or walk and manage both kids at the same time. But if you're up to the task, that's the only big draw back I can envision

Actually a mutt from SPCA is an excellent choice.

I agree that cockers aren't a good choice. I like them, but they can be temperamental with kids. They also tend to be 1-person dogs (i.e. they bond to one person). You want a family dog.

Field spaniels -- springer, brittany -- are a little less temperamental.

But honestly, I would get a mutt. Go to the SPCA and look around for a mid-sized dog. You can take the dog outside and hang out with the family for a while to get to know him.

I'm not a fan of rescue groups (where all of the dogs are in foster care), as they can be difficult to deal with and some will not adopt out to a family with small children.

But I have had a very good experience with SPCA locations in Maryland.

Cockers aren't a good choice--they can have real issues. Field spaniels, medium sized mixes, some Aussies----I have Aussies in an apartment and if you get a conformation bred one it should be fine but under no circumstance get one from working lines. I'd look for a mix, under 6 mos old, that is already pretty calm.

We have the top floor of a condo, and just have balconies in the front and back of our home. We put a pee pad outside (in the back) and leave the balcony door open for our small dog (about 13 lbs). We also walk her 3 times a day - morning, dinner time, and then we take her outside for a pee just before we're going to bed.

Ok I should've included that we are an active family. We're not doing triathlons every weekend by any means but we do like to run/bike. I'm concerned a breed like a basset hound isn't active enough.

I had a 40 pound dog for years while I lived in an apartment. He was happy. I walked him, took him lots of places, and we would visit a friend of mine frequently who had a yard (so he'd run around there).

Sometimes when people DO have a yard, they think they don't have to walk the dog. I actually feel worse for dogs who don't get walks but have a yard.

Don't focus on size, but on energy level. You need a low-energy dog, like an Irish Wolfhound or a Basset hound. Or a retired greyhound.

Thanks PP. we always had yards so I guess I just assumed but I'd prefer a lab or retriever anyway. Does anyone have any experience good or bad with cocker spaniels and kids?

If you're outside all the time anyway just get a smaller golden retriever or a lab. Big dogs don't really need more interior space - out labs over the years never stay outside anyway after doing their business. They want to be in with the family. And it's not like they're running laps for exercise inside a home.

And if you're used to bigger dogs you really won't "get" the point of a little yappy dog.

We'd like to get a dog. We don't have any dedicated outdoor space but we do live in a larger townhome. I grew up with "big" dogs- labs retrievers etc. I'm thinking a med size dog would work best for our lifestyle. I'm a sahm and we are outside all the time so walking/exercise won't be a big deal but I'm just concerned about not having a backyard. Any suggestions? I have two kids under 5.