Breeds of Dogs for Families

skills, stress

They say that a dog is man’s best friend, but he can be a friend to the entire family if you get the right breed. For large or small families, when there are children around you have to consider a pet that will be compatible with everyone – from youngest to oldest. Here are some of the best dog breeds to own in a family setting.

First Things First

Dogs are animals. Even though you may see them on television in playful roles, those dogs are trained. In order for dogs to be conditioned to your home and especially your children, they will need some training performed on your part. This is just one of the things to consider when choosing the appropriate dog for your household.

Here are a few other questions to ask yourself. First, how old are your kids? Young children can jump on animals, handle them too harshly and even hold them too tightly. Be sure that your choice of dog is hearty enough to deal with it.

Second, does anyone have allergies? Some research shows that children who are exposed to pets during the first years of their life have fewer incidents of pet allergies.

Third, are you an active family? Some breeds need a lot of exercise. You might not be as active if you have very small children. Depending on their exercise level, you may be okay with taking them to the dog park or having a fenced-in yard.

Finally, do your research. If you have a certain dog breed in mind, learn all that you can about it to ascertain if it will be well suited to your family dynamics.

Popular Dog Breeds

Here are a few dog breeds to consider for your home.

* Golden Retriever – These large, lovable dogs are loyal and protective of their family. They need lots of exercise outside and mental stimulation to be satisfied. With rambunctious kids, there will be no problem with that.

* Labrador Retriever – These dogs are not as shaggy as Golden Retriever dogs but just as loyal and obedient. They are easy to train and need lots of exercise.

* Beagle – Everyone wants a dog like Snoopy. They make good pets because they are quite social. For families, this is a perfect combination. Beagles love to explore and run. A small yard is okay.

* Welsh corgi – These short, stocky dogs love to exercise. If your kids love to play, then a Welsh corgi will be right at home. They are best for kids over the age of five because they can get snippy at times.

* Terrier – The West Highland breed is best for homes with older children. They are happy and like to exercise but are not tolerant of smaller kids pulling and grabbing them.

Dogs can make excellent pets for family homes. It is best to raise your chosen dog from puppyhood with your kids so they are used to their quirks.