The Best Dog Breeds for Families

There are many things to consider when thinking about getting a dog for your family. One important consideration is the age of the children in the home. Some breeds require more grooming than others. It is important to be sure that the children are mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with owning a pet. Otherwise, the adult family members may just be adding another chore to their list. Also, the age of the dog should be considered. You must decided whether a puppy or a mature dog is best for your family.

There are many common characteristics many breeds seem to have that make them good family dogs. Most are intelligent, good-natured, friendly, loyal, obedient, patient, and faithful. You want to be sure and not get a breed that is reported to be more rambunctious, especially when there are small children in the family. Some breeds are gentler with small children, so if you have some, you may want to choose those breeds.

The list of breeds of dogs that would be well suited for a family dog include the Irish Setter, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Beagle, and Boxer. There are good and bad animals among each breed because of its own personality. The Westie is not recommended when there are children under the age of 10. They are sometimes not tolerant with the harsh treatment that might come from a younger child, but they are excellent for children over 10.

The Golden Retriever is noted to be very tolerant with small children. The Lab is usually a very energetic breed requiring a lot of exercise, while the Collie is very docile with small children. The Cocker is playful, sensitive and willing to please. One should always supervise both the children in the home and the new dog for safety reasons.