Which dog breeds are best for families:
It’s a big decision when selecting which puppy or dog to bring into the family, particularly if you have children or plan to have children. Children get many benefits from growing up with a dog, including learning compassion, patience, responsibility and a love for animals; along with the fun that comes with having a dog.
There isn’t one perfect breed for every family, as different temperaments suit each family environment differently. However, no matter which dog breed you decide to get, it’s important that they receive sufficient socialization so that they are well behaved around children. Dogs with children should be patient, tolerant and able to handle the loud noises and physical interactions that kids enjoy. We’ve created a list of dog breeds that we recommend looking into when choosing a new family member.
Small breeds:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Cavaliers are often gentle and affectionate, which makes them a great choice for families.
- Havanese: Intelligent and playful, Havanese are a great choice for families who live in cities.
Medium breeds:
- Labradors and Golden Retrievers: These dogs are often very friendly and laid back. Which makes them perfect for families with children as they thrive in a family environment.
- Boxers: Boxers are a fun-loving breed who are often athletic and silly. Socialization is key to their success, and they often make great family members.
Large Breeds:
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Though they are very large with an adult weight range of 70-115 lbs, they are very affectionate and gentle. For those with a big backyard, these giant teddy bears will make an excellent addition to your family.
You shouldn’t rule out adopting a dog because you are worried about their history. Adopted dogs can be patient and gentle, and can be a great family member. It’s important to find a reputable rescue group or organization who will conduct meet and greets where you and your family can interact with the dog and discover if it’s the right fit. Many shelters, rescues and fosters will allow you to take the dog home for a few days so you can better see if they are the best match for your family situation.
Things to consider when buying or adopting a dog:
Important things to consider include:
Can you dedicate the right amount of time for your dog’s needs? All puppies need a lot of time to be properly trained and socialized. However, some breeds such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers will need more exercise and coat maintenance including grooming than others.
Dogs have many hidden costs, as well as the costs of their collars, leashes, toys and dog beds. You also need to consider their food, regular vet visits and any grooming visits. Another cost to consider is training, we highly recommend you start training as soon as you get your dog. You can view our blog written by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage that discusses when it’s best to start puppy training.
You should consider what your home environment is like. Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a big backyard, and if not do you have access to walking trails? All dogs need exercise and potty breaks, but some dog breeds need more exercise than others. You should look into the walking trails and dog parks in your neighborhood before choosing which dog is best for your home.
You should consider which dog fits your own lifestyle. Do you want a dog to go on hikes with? Do you travel often? Dog breeds such as Pugs and Cavaliers are usually more laid back and make good lap dogs. German Shepherds, Border Collies and Blue Heelers are better suited for families who enjoy exercising.
The seven major dog breeds:
The American Kennel Club has divided each dog breed into seven groups that represent the functions and characteristics of which the breeds were originally bred for. These breeds are:
- Working group: This group is for dogs who were originally bred for specific jobs. These dog breeds can require more training than others due to their strength and size. Working dogs include Siberian Huskies who were bred to pull sleds, Great Pyrenees who have served as livestock guardians and Newfoundlands who have performed water rescues.
- Terrier Group: These breeds were originally used to hunt vermin. They tend to have energetic personalities and include Scottish Terriers, Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Airedale Terrier.
- Sporting Group: This group includes the fun loving Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and the German Shorthaired Pointer. These dog breeds often require regular exercise and mental and physical stimulation.
- Non Sporting Group: This is a diverse group, with many dogs of various sizes and temperaments. Non Sporting Dogs include the American Eskimo Dog, Chow Chow, Poodle and Dalmation.
- Toy Group: These dogs often make great lap dogs, and can be ideal for those living in apartments. These personalities vary from Chihuauas, Cocker Spaniels, Italian Greyhounds and Havanese in this diverse group.
- Hound Group: These dogs were bred for hunting and include Beagles, Bloodhounds and Daschunds. They often have a strong sense of smell and high stamina.
- Herding Group: These breeds were originally bred to control the movement of animals. These intelligent dogs excel when given regular mental and physical exercise. Herding breeds include Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds, Corgis and German Shepherds