[deonk1]

I wasn't going to join in on this conversation, but I've thought of a completely different point which hasn't been brought up much here and I hope you'll consider it, as it wasn't something I thought of when I got Harley.

First I believe that any child can be taught how to respect animals, but it takes ALOT of time and dedication to teach this respect. I used to be a horse back riding coach, and have taught children as young as 2 how to care for a horse (obviously not alone) and 4 to ride (assisted). That iteself is a huge responsibilty, make sure you and your spouse are ready to properly socialize your child if you decide to do this.

Second, lets assume your breeder properly starts off the pup to not be scared, and it's your job to socialize the dog. Let's also assume that you are able to successfuly able to teach/socialize the dog to not be scared of children (not saying you can't do it, just saying it's a lot of work). When I bought my dog he was born in a home with a toddler, my breeder did not permit the child near the dogs unsupervised, but lets just say Harley came home well socialized to children and their loud noises, and fast actions. Harley loved kids. Fast forward 8 months....
we were at the groomers and I had him on the floor loose playing with my groomer's poodle (this is at a small specialty store and all doors were being watched and it was safe, or so we thought) well in comes another customer and her two children... the girls decided they wanted to say hi to the two unleashed cute small dogs, and without asking started chaseing the dogs. the mother in this situation did NOTHING to stop the children (who were about 10:eek). It took us a while to catch the two dogs and put them safely in the back room to calm them down until the girls left. From that day on Harley now growls and barks at children. He'd never bite but I avoid children at all cost, unless I can control the situation and I know the child.

So the moral of this story... even if you are able to successfully teach your daughter right and wrong, even if you successfuly socialize a wonderful puppy, some other idiot parent may not teach thier children how to approach an adorable puppy (and lets not forget any yorkie puppy draws more attention, their small their cute, and kids flock them) and THAT child could permanantly ruin your family pet.

I just ask that you consider what you will do if your kids behave yet someone else's child makes your dog afraid and defensive towards children. It only takes one incident.