Are you thinking of adding a canine member to your family? Make sure you choose the right dog breed! Just like you consider your lifestyle before getting a dog, it is important to ensure that the dog you’re getting will be compatible and happy with your family.
While every dog can be trained to live in your house, certain breeds better fit families and children. To help you make the right choice, here, we’re listing five of the best dog breeds for kids and families:
1. Labrador Retriever
There has to be a reason why Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the US for 29 years. In fact, there are many. Labs are intelligent, gentle, friendly, patient, easy to train, and outgoing. They are great with children and usually get along with pets as well. The only catch? They are high-spirited and need a lot of exercise, so you’ll either have to provide enough playtime daily to release their pent-up energy.
2. Poodle
Poodles may be known for their distinctive haircuts, but they also make great family dogs. Poodles are gentle, smart, well-behaved, even-tempered, social, and easy to train. They do not bark much and come in miniature sizes as well, making them a good choice for apartment dwellers. Poodles are also energetic and playful, which makes them ideal companions for children. But, this is not just it. One of the best characteristics of poodles is that they are protective (not overly tough) and can watch kids.
Despite their thick fur coat, poodles shed very little. This makes them a good option for people with allergies.
3. Newfoundland
Don’t fall for their large size (an adult male Newfoundland can weigh up to150 pounds). Newfoundland is one of the gentlest of all dog breeds. They are also commonly referred to as “the nanny dog” or “nature’s babysitter” due to their loving and protective attitude towards children. They are also kind, gentle, and patient and have been witnessed to exhibit exceptional tolerance and temperament with children.
The Newfoundland can easily be trained and is a great swimmer. There have been many instances where they saved lives.
The only problem with Newfoundland is that they shed and drool quite a lot and their long coats require regular grooming.
4. Shih Tzu
If you’re looking to get a small dog breed, Shih Tzu is one of your best options. They are friendly, love to snuggle up with their owners, and do not mind being disturbed while sleeping (a great quality to have for families with small children). Essentially raised to be domestic and family companion dogs, Shih Tzu is kind, tolerant, and trustworthy. They are also docile, so you shouldn’t expect trouble, even if you have other pets at home.
The Sum Up
There are no two views about the fact that dogs make great companions. However, they have their unique requirements, due to which not every dog breed is suitable for every household. When choosing one for your family, it is important to consider the breed’s personality characteristics and requirements to ensure it is the right fit for your family.
