Choosing the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
If you and your family are seeking a four-legged friend, choosing a breed with qualities that complement your child's personality is important. Would your child like a dog they can take on trips to the park, or a cuddly canine companion that will snooze in their lap on the couch?
Make sure to take your available space at home into consideration, too. Do you have lots of space at your abode or is your place on the small side?
Today, we'll share some facts and insights that may help you find the best family dog for your kids. Read on for our favorite kid-friendly dog breeds.
1. Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular family pets out there takes the top spot on our list. Fun, loyal, and gentle, the Labrador Retriever might be the dog for your kids! Labs absolutely adore spending time with people - all people - and will quickly become your child's best friend. That said, these pooches need plenty of exercise or they can grow bored and get into mischief. While these dogs vary somewhat in stature, they generally weigh in at between 55 and 80 pounds.
2. The Mutt
You might find your kids' next four-legged best friend at a local animal shelter. Mixed-breed mutts can end up being loyal and loving family dogs. They can be as good with children as purebred dogs, less costly to care for, and tend to be less susceptible to genetic diseases.
If you are thinking about getting your family a mutt, make sure to spend some time at local animal shelters and remain patient in your search for the right dog that will fit in with the needs and pace of your family's life. Shelter workers can often provide you with a doggy report card with details about all of the pup's known personality quirks.
3. Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun are on the smaller side, weighing about 25 pounds or less. Their "tuxedo" coats are easy to care for, so will be popular with families seeking a pup with low-maintenance fur. The Boston Terrier is also typically happy with short walks, makes a great pet for children of all ages, and is well-suited to apartment living.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This gentle albeit lively breed is a great dog for apartments or smaller homes, as they weigh in at just 10 to 18 pounds. Cavaliers tend to be cuddly and playful. This good-natured breed also tends to get along well with both kids and other dogs, making them an excellent pet for kids of all ages and a wide range of energy levels.
5 - Beagle
The Beagle is one of the best medium-sized dogs for family life. This mid-sized pooch typically weighs in at between 18-30 lbs and adores spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are smart and loving dogs that can make terrific family pets provided that they get plenty of family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not appropriate for families who are out of the house a lot.6 - Pug
Your family will love these adorable little characters! Pugs are pretty happy to just eat and sleep. If your kids are small, or lower energy and would appreciate a dog that will play with them indoors then curl up beside them to watch tv, a Pug may be just the right breed for your family. Weighing around 15 lbs, this is a breed that doesn't need much space, and only requires a couple of short walks each day to be content.7 - Newfoundland
Sweet, loyal and patient are just some of the words that best describe this fluffy giant. This delightful breed has a real affinity for kids and is often referred to as a 'nanny dog' due to its gentle patience with children. Weighing in between 100 -150 lbs you will need space if you plan to get a Newfoundland for your family, and it's important to note that as with many giant breeds Newfs have a relatively short life expectancy of only 8 - 10 whereas many small to medium dogs can live 15 - 20 years or in some cases even longer.
8 - Golden Retriever
Affectionate, good with children and playful with other dogs, the faithful Golden Retriever can make an excellent dog for families with kids of any age. Covered in a dense, lustrous coat of gold this breed is as lovely to cuddle with as it is to play with. Goldens are typically eager-to-please family dogs, that are relatively easy to train. They have a joyous and playful approach to life and keep their youthful spirit well into adulthood. This breed generally weighs in at about 60 - 80 lbs and is a moderate shedder.
9 - The Standard Poodle
Active, proud, and very smart the standard poodle can make a great family pet. While known for their distinctive hairstyles, standard poodles shed little and, with some regular grooming, can look handsome whether they are clipped to breed standard or left natural. Poodles are typically easy to train, lively, and fun-loving family dogs with a silly sense of humor. These dogs weigh around 45 - 60 lbs and live 10 - 14 years on average.
10 - Bernese Mountain Dog
If your family is looking for a big dog, your kids will love this sweet-natured fluffy breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70-100lbs, and in spite of their size, have a reputation for being gentle with kids. One word of warning - these big beautiful dogs are major shedders.
Caring for Your Dog
Once you've chosen your pup and bring them home, you'll soon need to keep a few things in mind when it comes to caring for your new best friend. Here are some tips - and details on which services we provide.
Schedule Your Dog's Checkup
Your new dog's preventive healthcare needs are important. Our veterinarians at Angel Animal Hospital is here to answer your questions about your pet's health and perform annual pet checkups for your furry friend to ensure they are in good shape from head to tail.
If you've been looking to arrange a vet checkup near Farmington Hills, we can help. Bringing your pet in for a routine exam allows us to detect health conditions in their earliest stages and get to know your pup when they are perfectly healthy (the same applies for your feline friend - we also offer annual cat checkups).
Arrange for Pet Dental Care
Your dog will need regular dental care to keep their teeth healthy and free of dental disease. Our vets offer dental care services for dogs of all ages and will be happy to examine your pup, clean their teeth and perform any procedures they may require.
Ensure Your Dog's Grooming Needs are Met
Whether you groom your dog yourself or save some time and frustration by bringing your pooch to our animal hospital for a regular grooming appointment, this is an important task to add to your list of duties as a pet parent.
No matter your dog's breed, it's important to look after their grooming needs - grooming not only helps them look and feel their best, it keeps their skin and coat healthy. Plus, skin and other health conditions are sometimes spotted during regular grooming appointments, which makes these visits a potentially valuable tool when it comes to early detection of health issues.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.