(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nicole Richie is so excited about her new pet dog.

The 31-year-old fashion designer and her husband Joel Madden are parents to daughter Harlow, four, and son Sparrow, three.

The family has just welcomed a four-legged critter into the brood.

Nicole thinks her pooch is so cute.

"We just got a puppy, a German Shepard named Ero. He is 18 months," she revealed in an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which airs Thursday.

"This is our first family pet. He's a great dog. I've only had him about a week but he's so sweet. I like to hug him and kiss him."

Although she really loves Ero, Nicole admits that Harlow is having a difficult time warming up to him.

Apparently her daughter isn't that fond of dogs.

"[Harlow] did not want a dog," Nicole explained.

"She's very delicate. She doesn't like anything disturbing her space. Delicate would be the best way to put it."

Still, Nicole is optimistic about the future.

She believes that Harlow will grow fond of Ero.

"She's definitely coming around," Nicole said. "She's down." (C) Cover Media