One of the best additions to your family is your pet dog. They’re more than just a pet, though; they’re family members who need care and attention. There are lots of breeds that families can take in; however, not all are excellent family dogs. It would be best if you got a dog based on these three significant factors:
Energy Level
Your dog’s energy level can play a vital role in how it can fit into your household. For instance, a lively and energetic dog won’t do good in a calm and quiet environment. These types of dogs also don’t fare well with people who like a more relaxed lifestyle. Getting a dog that matches well with your family’s lifestyle creates a perfect relationship.
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Size
This time, size really does matter. For households who live in smaller living spaces such as apartments or condominium units, getting a large dog might put them at a disadvantage. Depending on size, a dog can also be docile or more excitable.
Temperament
Certain dogs and their breeds also have their own personalities. For families, you should look for a dog that’s calmer and more friendly towards children. Believe it or not, some breeds aren’t suitable matches for families who have small children. These dogs can see them as competition for affection and will ultimately create conflict in the household.
Now that you know the primary factors of choosing a pet dog for your family, here are some of the best breeds you can choose from:
Bulldog
Although some children might be scared by how a bulldog looks, they are actually very friendly towards kids. Bulldogs are sturdy enough for kids who want to play a lot. Although bulldogs are perfect for this, they aren’t the most energetic breed.
Again, bulldogs might look intimidating, but they’re actually very friendly with other pets and even outside visitors. Bulldogs are docile and aren’t that noisy. They’re also perfect whether you’re living in a house with a huge yard or a small apartment unit.
You should take extra care of their teeth. The folds on their faces and around their tail should also be groomed to avoid dirt from building up. Of course, you should also be ready for a bulldog’s wheezing and, sometimes, excessive drooling.
Newfoundland
For families who have small children and love taking care of bigger dogs, the Newfoundland is perfect. These dogs are known as Nature’s Babysitter. Newfoundlands are friendly with children also very protective of them. Although their size might make owners second guess their temperament, these dogs are very gentle and patient.
Some families love Newfoundlands because they’re just like a big teddy bear. Since these dogs are big, they need large open spaces to exercise. Caring for them is also a must as they are known to shed and drool a lot. Along with retrievers and labradors, Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers and have been known to save people who are drowning.
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is another breed that may look scary for some people. In reality, bull terriers were bred to be companion dogs. Similar to the bulldog, bull terriers have healthy bodies.
They also have a high tolerance for pain, which makes them perfect for playful children. Bull terriers need exercise, so you should walk your dog every day. Do be wary of some bull terriers as some of them are quite mischievous when it comes to other smaller animals.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds were originally bred as hunting dogs, but families can expect this breed to be the best companion for their household. In no way are basset hounds aggressive. In fact, these dogs tend to be slower in pacing and tend to be lazy in the house.
When it comes to playtime, however, basset hounds are just as fun. They are incredibly loyal and gentle. Perhaps the most well-known downside of this breed is that some of them are very stubborn. With enough training and patience, basset hounds can be the perfect companions.
Golden Retriever
This breed is arguably the best dog for families. Due to their patience, intelligence, confidence, and loyalty, these dogs are the best. Golden retrievers are playful and require exercise daily.
What makes them the perfect family dog is that they are highly adaptable, wherever you live. They also love to stay close to human beings, which is why they make good indoor pets. They’re easy to train and quite affectionate with children. The only thing that you need to worry about golden retrievers is their long coat. It would help if you brushed your retriever’s coat at least twice a week.
Beagle
Another good breed that a family can take care of is a beagle. Beagles are also hounds, which share the same stubbornness with basset hounds. With proper training and patience, you won’t have any trouble with beagles.
Beagles are very loyal and will most certainly form a bond with adults and children within the household. They are medium-sized, which means that they are suitable for living in big houses or small apartments. Beagles are more active and energetic than basset hounds.
Collie
Lassie is one of the most famous dogs. Lassie was a rough collie dog. Collies are known for their intelligence. These dogs were initially bred to help herders with their livestock. Collies are incredibly gentle and easy to train.
These dogs love pleasing their owners, which is the reason why they seldom misbehave. Collies need regular grooming as they have a longer coat than most dogs on this list. Daily brushing and using the right shampoo is excellent for keeping your collie look good and healthy.
Crossbreeds, Mutts, Mongrels
Don’t count out these trusty dogs. Even though they aren’t recognizable breeds, a mutt can just as be protective and loyal like a Golden retriever. Most of the time, these dogs are bred to combine favorable characteristics of a breed. You can visit websites about dog breeds for more random facts about mutts. Here are some excellent mix breeds and their parents:
Border Collie-Sheltie – Border Collie and Sheltie
Corgidor – Corgi and Labrador
Labradoodle – Labrador Retriever and Medium-sized Poodles
Puggle – Pug and Beagle
Doxiepoo – Miniature Dachshund and Toy Poodle
Takeaway
Dogs are, indeed, man’s best friends. They’re the best additions to any family that wants a pet. Families who take good care of their pet dogs, get more than a pet. When a pet dog is well taken care of, they become more of an adorable family member than just a pet.
