we are looking for a puppy for children,we want it to be small/medium in size when full size.we are possibly looking for a west highland terrier but are unsure whether this breed is suitable for children?

can anyone please advise us?or tell us of any other breeds that are suitable?

thanks!

please contact nichola on nichola@brittain4863.fslife.co.uk

Sorry guest - but No dog is suitable 'for children' although many will live happily along side children in a family situation if correctly socialised and if the children are well trained in what to expect from a dog.  Terriers in general can be a little 'quick' with children, and some other breeds, such as the herding breeds may be inclined to round children up if not taught otherwise.

Unfortunately children may beg, nag and whinge for a pup, but it's the parents who will look after it (often mum ;) )  Are you prepared to do all the housetraining, feeding, obedience training, walking, brushing, washing - and supervision of the children and pup/dog for the forseeable future?  Sadly after the initial excitement childrens' interest usually wanes :( not their fault, they are children after all.  If your children are not used to being around dogs then they will need to be taught that a puppy is not a toy and must be treated with respect in addition to teaching the pup the same thing about children. 

If you feel you want a dog (not a 'pup' it will grow up quite quickly, but not as quickly as you may want it to ;) ) decide what you want from a dog, what size, coat type, excercise needs etc. and then the best place to start researching is either the breed pages on CDs or http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/  click on BREED STANDARDS to find the different breeds of dog, then once you've you've narrowed your choices down you can research the particular breeds.

Hope this helps :)

Dill

i think guest wasnt asking the child to look after it solely, obviously kids should be taught to respect a pup not wake it or tease it etc, but when people say looking for something good with kids what they really mean is a dog with an even  temperement , so in that case i honestly dont think you can go wrong with a stafford ( but im bias )  xx

i would agree :D

but having 3 kids from age 5 - 12 and 2 staffords i too may be classed as biased lol

Sarstaff,

OP was asking for 'puppy FOR children'  and sadly I know too many people who have got a puppy for their young children to play with and then are amazed and upset when they end up looking after it :rolleyes: or they find that the pup bites their children, and it grows into a dog!!  I can only answer the question as it is asked, as the poster has asked such a basic question I cannot assume anything.

dill iknow what your saying i thought your advice was sound, but i presumed the op poster was the same person who had written suitability of dog with kids also on this page, as they mentioned a westie?? silly me to presume, suppose its the done thing to be off with guests these days ??

Here here!!!!!

Some people on here give no end of grief!!!

Sarstaff, I've learned never to assume anything from people's posts, and only to answer the actual question asked, even though I often feel that it isn't what the OP means to ask!
:)

Im not going to have a moan but the majority of us come on here for help and advised and I feel that the more experienced people sometimes can be abit short and sharp in terms of their replies....I don't know something so I ask someone more experienced for help....don't make me feel like a silly little girl and patronize me....for not knowing...

Life is a learning curve blah blah blah..

This isnt directed at anyone in particular  but I just think some people attitude is don't have a dog because you don't know enough about them...how can I learn with out the experience..????

Im baffling now...:)

well said bondiflops  x

i agree.
it may have been productive to think about the age of the childern & dicuss if a puppy or a older dog may be better.
because by putting people off all they do is go & buy something unsuitable anyway probaley from a pet shop or puppy farm

Hi Nichola

In answer to your original question, I'm not able to talk to you much about Westies, but my suggestion to you (and your children) would be to find out where your nearest dog show is (if you can get a copy of Our Dogs or Dog World, they are advertised there) - or even go to Crufts, if you can) - seek out the Terriers, there will be Westies there, talk to the owners (obviously not just before they are going into the ring :D ) and you will get loads of advice.   You (and your children) will be able to see westies, and gain an impression as to whether they are the dogs for you.   

Regards

Margot

Well said JG.

Sarstaff,
If you'd care to read any of my posts on this forum you will find I am never off or sarcastic or dismissive of anyone and wouldn't intentionally patronise anyone, nor do I attack people for no discernable reason  - regardless of who they are, something you could learn from it would seem.  The OP asked a question which I answered to the best of my ability, I also gave information which would help, I don't see what more I could have done - apart from recommend the breed I keep, which would be inappriopriate as we all think we own the 'best' breed.

definately a staffy .they can look mean sometimes but are a medium size soft cuddly dog.they love nothing better than curling up on the sofa getting their tummy rubbed.( my experience ) my little girl plays ball. tug of war and has a great time playing with ours.i used to know a staffy years ago that the local children used to call at his house asking if he could play out.it certainly opened my eyes to the wounderful world of staffys.

Im a staffy owner too and they are great with kids, we have a visiting 3 year old girl who loves nothing more than rolling around the floor with our two... they are very gentle and some how I think they understand that chilldren are delicate and need special care.

x

I must say a stafford too. mine all seem to respect the children and the children respect the dogs.they will let go of toys for the kids but sit and laugh when its me asking. although ive been brought up with setters, flatcoats and veimaraners but its still  100% stafford for me. regards Gwen