Have toddler, add chihuahua?

[rebecca03]

A few nights ago DP brought some friends over that have a 9wk old chihuahua for sale. She was a very sweet dog, and we have been talking about getting one. DD loves dogs, absolutely loves em. Most of her dog experience is my mom's 1yr old terrier mutt. DD is good with the dog, but i did read that younger children can be a little tough on small dogs ie. tripping over them, falling on them. Anyway, i was wondering if anyone has any advice pls? DD is 20mo, btw.

[PoppyMama]

IMO small, high strung breeds do not mix well with younger children. I did have chis when my youngest was 4 and was "reasonable" but I don't think it would have worked before then. I also want to mention that the small, high strung breeds are not often very easy-going and will bite more readily than other breeds. They are also very difficult to housebreak. We now have a baby and a pit...which I know a lot of people disagree with but our dog is so laid back and seems to enjoy toddler "abuse" vs being threatened by it.

[Oubliette8]

I completely agree with PoppyMamma. Chihuahuas can break legs just by jumping off the couch, even a perfectly behaved toddler could still accidentally injure one. They do tend to be very hard to housebreak. And I would want to meet the parents of this dog and know the lines pretty well. I've seen MANY badly tempered, snappy chihuahuas. There are certainly good tempered ones, but its hard to judge in such a young puppy. If the parents temperaments aren't rock solid (not just as far as not snapping, but not fearful, submissive, dominant etc) I would not even consider the pup.

[Heavenly]

Not a good idea. She is too young to be trusted around a dog that size and also a dog that size may nip if she feels threatened. Personally I don't think getting a puppy with small toddlers in the house is a good idea. My youngest will be almost 5 when we get our puppy and that is the youngest I felt comfortable with it.

[rebecca03]

Thanks for the replies. We have definitely decided against getting the chihuahua. Nice dog, just not the right time. I'd rather get a shelter dog anyway.