From my experience, if you are looking for a small family dog as a pet, I would say get a Shih Tzu. They have the best temperament, are easy to train, and are sturdy enough that they won't get hurt if the kids decide to play a little rough. I LOVE my yorkie, but she is MINE! I would not have bought her for my 8 year old. My daughter doesn't really pay much attention to her....Sophie is attached to my hip, is very loving, and I did get lucky with her not being a yappy Yorkie. She's very quiet and calm.
When I got the Shih Tzu that I had, I had researched looking for non shedding dogs. Shih Tzu's aren't supposed to be, but they do shed some. Maybe stay away from getting one with a lot of white in the coat...I'd find white hair on lots of stuff. Darker doesn't seem to be as noticeable. Others I know who have had Shih Tzus say theirs don't shed.
Good luck. |