October 29, 2007

In the U.S., over 4 million dogs are euthanized each year. But some rescues won't let their small dogs be adopted by families with children.

We first heard of this story in the Ellen Degeneres case – when the Mutts and Moms rescue took a dog from a family with 11 and 12 year old girls.

Mutts and Moms, as well as many other groups, say they have the animals' best interest in mind by imposing these restrictions.

But for some families, a small dog is the best choice. And considering the 4 million euthanized dogs – there's room for debate on the issue.

We found rescues with age limits varying from 7 to 14 years-old. But one group in Long Island New York that doesn't impose age limits says that it really depends on the child.

According toPetOrphans.com – a rescue that doesn't place dogs weighing less that 15 pounds with children – kids pose too great a risk to tiny dogs.

They say small dogs are frequently surrendered after biting a child – but often kids will over-stimulate them first, causing the bite. Kids are also prone to dropping things, an obvious risk to small breeds.

In the end, it's up to the rescue to decide. But we want to know what you think. Should kids be allowed to have small dogs?

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