Dogs are great companions to have. They can teach your kids about responsibility and how to be considerate of animals’ feelings, all while building cherished memories. They are truly the best friends any family could have.
Yet, deciding on the right breed for your family depends on many factors, including your finances and living situation. Here’s what to know about choosing a family dog!
First: What to Consider When Choosing a Breed
The important things to consider when choosing a breed are lifestyle, schedule, accommodation type, budget, and your and your family’s activity levels.
Some dogs are very active and like to play around a lot, which might not be suitable for all families. Other breeds might be a bit more relaxed and wouldn’t enjoy living with an active or noisy family. As with any major decision, do your research before getting a shelter dog or buying from a reputable breeder. That way, you can ensure your decision aligns with your lifestyle and values.
1. Labrador Retrievers Make Popular Family Dogs
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. They are patient and easily trainable. They are very versatile and can be trained for many things, such as hunting. They are outgoing and they play well with others. They are good with kids and with other dogs if socialized from an early age.
They can grow up to 24.5 inches in height and weigh 80 pounds. They are very active and need lots of exercise. The life expectancy of this breed is up to 12 years. They suit better for a large house and large backyard as well.
2. Golden Retrievers Are Loving and Patient
Golden Retrievers are a medium-sized breed. They can grow up to 24 inches and weigh 75 pounds. Their life expectancy is around 12 years, and luckily, they are not so noisy. They bark when necessary, and their personality simply suits most families.
They are also very trainable! They like to show off to their owners how good they are and how well they listen. They are friendly and intelligent, and a very devoted breed. Golden Retrievers are very active, and like Labs, they need a good amount of daily exercise. They fit in well if you have a large backyard they can run around in. Alternatively, you can take them out to a dog park to get the exercise they need.
3. Basset Hounds Are Very Loyal
Basset Hounds are very affectionate. They are brilliant with kids and other dogs. They are not as active as some other dogs, but they do need regular, moderate walks. Basset hounds are independent, so they might not be the easiest to train.
They are very welcoming and quite adaptable to change. They like their space, so it is better to have a larger house if you choose to have a Basset Hound. They can live for up to 13 years and can grow up to 15 inches in height and weigh 65 pounds.
4. Bulldogs Enjoy Being with People
This wrinkly breed is fantastic with kids! They are loyal, and they really enjoy the company of their families. They are calm and amusing sometimes, which makes them great dogs to have as pets.
These flat-faced dogs are not very active. So, if you have an extremely busy schedule, and can’t take your Bulldog to a park to exercise, they will not resent you. But they still need regular walks, although don’t be surprised if they are not a fan. This also means you don’t need a huge house or backyard to own such a dog.
Bulldogs are easy to train, and they aren’t very vocal. They are not the barking kind of breed. They are small and make great apartment dogs.
5. Beagles Are Playful Companions
There’s a reason why Beagles are so popular in books and movies! They make great dogs for families with children. They are friendly, curious, and joyous. Beagles are very intelligent and can be trained as well. But their energy levels are very high, so they need plenty of exercise.
They are good with other dogs as well as kids, and they can live up to 15 years. They are also quite noisy; they like to make themselves noticed by barking. They can grow up to 15 inches in height, and up to 30 pounds in weight. Because of their size, they fit in well if you have a small house and a small/medium-sized backyard.
6. Newfoundland Dogs Are Gentle Giants
The Newfoundland seems intimidating due to its size. But they are one of the sweetest, most devoted breeds you can own. They are great companions. They are active, and they are good with kids. Their size and activity level means you will need a large-sized house, and backyard as well.
The Newfoundland is easy to train, and they are expected to live up to 10 years. They are a larger breed, can grow up to 28 inches, and can weigh up to 150 pounds. They are loyal and very intelligent, making this dog suitable for families.
