FAMILY FRIENDLY DOGS
Does your family want a dog. Here are some important things to take into consideration to help you find the right dog that best matches your family. Have a family discussion first to make sure everyone is on board with getting a dog. Talk about who will be on the “team” to take the family dog on daily walks and playtime. Which family members will help with grooming and feeding.
As a family, decide if you want a small, medium or large dog. Next, your family “sit-down” needs to focus on finding a breed that matches your family interests, family dynamics, level of energy, and your type of home i.e. condo or house. Consider too the climate and elevation you live in to ensure the dog you select can thrive.
SMALL, MEDIUM OR LARGE
Some breeds develop breathing issues which can be genetic, an important factor if you live in higher elevations. Most breeds are heat sensitive to some degree, remember dogs do not have sweat glands like humans do, they only have sweat glands on their paws. And in warmer climates, it doesn’t help to wear a fur coat all the time like dogs have. So no hiking on hot days with your family dog!
In general, you want a breed that is gentle, calm, patient, friendly, easy to train, obedient and will be able to keep up with your family. All families are unique and your family dog should mirror that uniqueness too. If your family decides it wants a small dog keep in mind that small dogs are more fragile and do best with families that have older children. Larger dogs require more daily exercise and playtime and can better handle “horsing-around” with older kids. Keep in mind that dogs do get jealous, if you have other pets in the home, seek a breed that gets along well with other family pets.
The following dog breeds are considered to be the best match for a family with kids. They are all generally friendly, playful, easy to train, social, affectionate, and obedient. If you have any family members with allergies, seek breeds with short hair, dogs that do not shed large amounts of hair, and breeds with hypoallergenic coats like the Poodle and the Havanese. Keep in mind that no dog is completely hypoallergenic but some breeds provoke less allergies.
If you have very young children, you want to avoid small dogs with delicate frames like the Papillon. If your family is very active and athletic, with older children, some good matches are the Golden Retriever, Poodles and Labradors both love to swim, Vizsla, Boxer, Standard Collie, and Irish Setter.
Here’s the short list of family-friendly dog breeds by size:
Dachshund, French Bulldog, Havanese, Papillon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Pug.
Beagle, Poodle, and the Vizsla.
Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Standard Collie, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, and the Newfoundland.