Expert: Delores Beck - 4/6/2009

Question
would you recommend a Cock-a-Po as a family dog in a house hold with small children??

Answer
I would recommend that you adopt an older dog of at least close to a year because with a puppy you're essentially caring for another child for 6 months.

As to breed - dogs are just like people.  Some are great with kids - some aren't.  What you should do is contact a shelter or rescue (if you're set on a certain breed) and take the kids and go out together and meet dogs.  They'll choose a selection of mellow dogs and it'll be very apparent quite quickly which one is best for your particular family.

If you do adopt - remember it takes a couple of weeks for a new dog to relax and fit in.  And understand you're committing to a living being for its' lifetime - that means daily walks, vet visits, good food, grooming, training, etc.

You don't say how old your children are but if it's under 3 years, I'd hold off.  

Hope that's helpful and I'm happy to discuss this further in more detail if you like.
Delores