The Best Family Dogs: Which One Is Right For You?
Before you adopt a dog or puppy into your family, you should research which breed is best.
Dogs can do many things, but their natural instincts can determine what they are good at. For example, some dogs like to dig naturally, while others do not. Some dogs also love swimming, which is an activity you might want your dog to do. A dog’s temperament may not match your ideal pet, so proceed with caution when making a long-term commitment to one.
Dogs And Kids
With young children, you will need a dog who is used to the fast-paced milieu of a family home. That is not to say that the dog must be adorable and fluffy. For instance, while the Chow Chow may appear to be a beautiful dog, he was designed to ward off wolves and guard livestock!
Whichever breed of dog you choose, you must teach your children proper pet behavior. If youngsters tease or mistreat the dog, the dog may become enraged and snap. Always keep an eye on children near dogs, particularly toddlers and infants who may grab floppy ears or a swinging tail. Additionally, children must learn to leave the dog alone when eating or sleeping.
You should also make sure your dog is well-socialized. This means taking them to puppy training classes. You can learn more about how to do this by reading our article about the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. This program can help your puppy and family have a better life together.
Choosing A Breed
There are about 200 different types of dogs, so where do you start looking for the perfect pet dog?
According to the American Kennel Club, the best dog breeds fall into seven distinct categories.
- Sporting
- Hound
- Working
- Terriers
- Toy
- Non-Sporting
- Herding
Most of the dogs in each group behave and act similarly. This can be very helpful when picking the right breed of dog for your family pet.
Some dog breeds were bred for different purposes than others. Dogs in the Herding Group, for example, were bred to herd and defend cattle. This means that they may have behaviors that are different from other dogs. They may snap at heels or herd people. Also, these dogs tend to bond closely with one person, which might not be good for families.
Even though they are small, Terriers can be mean if they feel threatened. They may not get along with cats or other small animals since they have a high predatory instinct.
Large and muscular breeds like the Akita, Bullmastiff and Cane Corso belong to the Working category of dogs. These breeds were often used for guarding and protecting livestock from attack. Some breeds are docile and gentle, like the Newfoundland and Bernese mountain dogs. Still, they can be dangerous around small children if playtime gets too rough because of their size and weight.
Many sporting group dogs make excellent family pets. They are loyal and highly trainable. In fact, they are often trained to have a “soft mouth,” meaning that they can retrieve shot game birds without damaging them. The Sporting Group is a fantastic starting point for finding a new pet for your family.
So, here are 15 dog breeds that can be great family pets.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors have been a favorite family dog for many years because of their friendly nature, intelligence, and easy trainability. Labs are gentle dogs that enjoy playing with children, and they are also very tolerant of roughhousing. While they may seem lazy at times, Labs have a lot of energy and will love to play all day long with your kids.
Labs are bred to be working dogs, but this doesn’t mean they need to work all the time. If they don’t get enough exercise, they will put on weight.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are another breed of dog that belongs to the Sporting group. They are well-known for their friendliness and ease. Additionally, they make excellent pets because they are devoted and affectionate toward families with children.
However, retrievers, like Labradors, require plenty of exercise and playtime. Because retrievers are large dogs who require space indoors and outside, they are not the greatest choice if you live in a compact apartment with little outdoor space.
Beagle
The Beagle has just recently gained popularity as a household pet. Beagles were formerly used for hunting hare and other small game species, with the hunter walking behind their hounds. Due to their breeding, beagles thrive in social situations, and your family will provide the ideal environment for this loving pup.
Beagles are a playful breed of dog that enjoys running around. They also like cuddling with their owners at the end of the day.
One minor disadvantage of Beagles is that they occasionally escape and are not always simple to teach.
Labradoodle
There is a Labradoodle when a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle crossbreed to create one. They are often friendly and good with children. They are also easy to train. It is important to meet your puppy’s parents, if possible, to get an idea of what the dog might be like when it grows up.
Labradoodles are a medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed a lot, which makes them a good choice for families who have someone with a dog allergy.
Boxer
The Boxer is a bright, fun-loving dog who loves to have energy. If your family is active and spends time outdoors, the Boxer may be the ideal pet.
The Boxer is an energetic dog, but he typically does not become aggressive and can get along with everyone. However, it will be important for you to spend a lot of time training your Boxer puppy to not become too unruly as he grows up.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a petite, joyful dog that thrives in the limelight. This breed does well in active households with children who will give him plenty of love and attention. The Bichon Frise is a gentle dog with a quiet personality, making him the perfect lapdog for your family.
The Bichon Frise has a short coat that doesn’t shed much, which makes this breed a good choice for people who are allergic to dogs.
Hungarian Vizsla
If you are looking for a slightly different dog breed, you might consider the Hungarian Vizsla. This breed is often mistaken for the Weimaraner, but it is a very friendly dog that loves its family.
The Vizsla is a gentle and affectionate dog that loves children. This dog is loyal and protective, making it a good family pet. The Vizsla needs plenty of exercises, so it would be a good companion for kids who like to play outdoors. This dog is also very trainable, so it can learn how to behave in a household with children.
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, active breed that enjoys children’s companionship. This breed is a medium-sized dog that fits into nearly every family home. Cocker Spaniels are extremely trainable and maybe taught a variety of entertaining skills.
You will need to have a lot of time to exercise this dog, and he needs regular grooming to keep his coat healthy.
English Springer Spaniel
Another popular spaniel breed is the English Springer Spaniel. These dogs are very energetic and need a lot of exercises to be happy. They are well-known for their ability to get along with children and are generally pleasant and affectionate.
The springer spaniel requires frequent exercise and maintenance.
Pug
If you live in a tiny house or apartment, a Pug may be an excellent companion for your family. Pugs are amusing and entertaining, and they require little upkeep. Additionally, they do not require a great deal of exercise. The best part is that Pugs get along well with children and other pets.
If you choose a Pug, you should know that they have flat faces. This can make them prone to breathing problems. Pugs generally don’t do well in hot climates, so a Pug might not be the best choice if you live in a hot region.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a good dog for families with children. They are friendly and will do well in an apartment. If you’re looking for a smaller dog, consider the Miniature Dachshund.
There are three types of coats that a Dachshund can have. They are short, smooth, and wiry. No matter what coat they have, they only need a little grooming. Dachshunds are playful dogs that love kids. Your family will enjoy playing with your new best friend for hours.
Dachshunds have a long body, which can lead to spinal problems. So, you must teach your children not to encourage your Dachshund to jump onto furniture or run up and downstairs. This will help keep your dog safe.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are becoming more popular as family pets. They’re great with kids, don’t need a lot of grooming, and don’t need a lot of exercises. Boston Terriers are also the ideal size for small houses or apartments.
Boston Terriers are a lively, friendly breed of dog. They are loyal and affectionate to their owners and easy to train. These dogs are also known for their good behavior, nicknamed “The American Gentleman.”
Bulldog
The Bulldog is easy to recognize because of its furrowed brow, flat face, and sagging jowls.
Bulldogs make great family pets. They are a little stern-looking, but they are actually very friendly and enjoy brisk walks. They also need only a moderate amount of exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight. Bulldogs have short coats that only require a daily wipe-over to keep them clean, and they are not very heavy shedders.
Bulldogs are great with kids and make great pets. But did you know that Bulldogs can also be good guard dogs? They can bark and scare away strangers who might try to break into your home.
The flat face of the Bulldog is one of the breed’s major flaws. Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds do poorly in humid, hot conditions. They can also suffer from breathing problems.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are actually very gentle and loving animals despite their fearsome appearance.
The Bull Terrier breed is known for being a great family dog. They are playful and energetic, and they will play with your kids for hours without a problem. They’re also a lot of fun because they’re easy to train. Grooming requirements for the Bull Terrier are simple, and this breed only sheds moderately.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a gentle and active dog, go no further than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (C.K.C.S.).
Cavaliers love children and will be happy to play with and pet your kids as much as they want. Cavaliers are adaptable and will do well in both an active home and a slower-paced home.
Despite its lustrous, silky coat, the Cavalier only needs modest grooming. They also don’t shed any more heavily than most breeds. Despite their laid-back persona, the Cavaliers need plenty of exercise and playtime. The Cavalier is always eager to please and responds well to training, and is a very obedient and friendly dog.
Final Thoughts
Many dog breeds make great family pets. When choosing a dog, it is important to consider other factors, such as the age of your kids and the size of your home. Whether you work, your budget, and your activity levels. Make sure your family is ready to take care of a dog before getting one.
Owning a dog can be a great experience for children. They will love it and remember it for a long time. Make sure you do your research to find the best dog for your family.
To learn more information about the tips for every first-time dog owner, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Nail Clippers for Dogs
According to a study that assessed 131 various dog breeds based on their intelligence, the border collie is one of their smartest.
Adult dogs who feel like part of the family should be kept by their owners. This means retired breeders should be kept and spayed or neutered. These dogs should have a lifelong home to relax and enjoy life. They are family members, not just machines to make money.
There is a dog out there for any hunting, no matter what you’re looking for. Many traditional hunting dogs can also make wonderful family dogs because they are intelligent, social, and loyal. But it is important to remember that these dogs were bred to be active, so be sure to give them plenty of exercises!
Because of this, the Staffordshire bull terrier is known as the “nanny dog” in England. This is because the breed is gentle and playful with children. They are always on the lookout for fun and are not aggressive by nature.
All purebred dogs, including French bulldogs, are purposely bred to have certain traits or appearances. This can cause serious genetic problems, leaving them crippled and in constant pain, leading to an early death.
Golden Retrievers are a quiet breed, but they may bark occasionally. It is usually a friendly bark and not an aggressive one when they bark.