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What breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? When adding a new puppy or dog to your family, it can be difficult to decide which is the best fit. We’ve compiled 10 of the best dog breeds for families and kids.
Many breeds make wonderful family dogs, though some are better suited for suburban and farm families than households living in the city. Family dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters are playful and protective. Pugs, Brussels Griffons and French Bulldogs love their families – particularly their laps.
When adding any dog to your family, it’s important that everyone is included in the decision-making process, including the kids. The AKC offers one-time dog breed classes online for kids 5-12.
Remember that while these dogs may have characteristics that make them great family pets, you will still need to work on daily training and socialization to help them become good canine citizens.
In addition to the meet and greet, Dr. Putnam says that you should with the shelter or rescue workers to find out a little bit more about the dog and their likes and dislikes. Here are five sample questions to ask about potential family dogs:
“When considering adopting a dog, you will want to observe how they respond to all members of your family,” says Dr. Putnam.
To determine which dog is best for your particular family, Dr. Holly Putnam, DVM and former board member for the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, suggests that you consider the size of the dog as well as your family’s lifestyle and what energy level would fit best.
To get an idea of a potential new pet’s temperament and energy level, be sure to do a meet and greet or several before you make the decision.
Best Dog Breeds for Kids & Best Family Dogs
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States for a reason. The breed is friendly, patient, and trainable. The breed is extremely versatile, doing everything including hunting, showing, dock diving, tracking, obedience.
Find Labrador Retriever puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
The distinct and wrinkly Bulldog makes a wonderful companion to children. These loyal dogs can adapt to most atomospheres — city or country — and are happy to spend time with their families.
Find Bulldog puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
Golden Retrievers originally came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl. Today, the breed’s versatility, intelligence, and agreeable personality suit it for many purposes, and it has become one of the most successful, recognizable, and popular breeds in all areas of competition.
Find Golden Retriever puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be obscure with no reliable documentation on the earliest days of development. Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog.
Find Beagle puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
The Pug is well described by the phrase “multum in parvo” which means “a lot of dog in a small space.” He is small but requires no coddling and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.
Find Pug puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
The Irish Setter, recognizable from media such as Big Red, first came into popular notice in the 18th century. The outgoing and trainable dog is great for active families, as the Irish Setter is high-energy and loves spending time outdoors.
Find Irish Setter puppies on the AKC Marketplace.
The Brussels Griffon is a hearty, intelligent and active companion. He thrives on interaction, activity, and mental stimulation. His small size makes him a good apartment dweller as long as you give him a chance to burn off some energy.
Find Brussels Griffon puppies on the AKC Marketplace.
Above all things, the Newfoundland must have the intelligence, the loyalty, and the sweetness which are his best-known traits. He must be able and willing to help his master perform his necessary tasks at command, and also have the intelligence to act on his own responsibility when rescue work demands it. Because of these traits, Newfoundlands make excellent family dogs.
Find Newfoundland puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The easygoing and adaptable breed is great for new families and responds well to training.
Find French Bulldog puppies on the AKC Marketplace and start shopping for everything you’ll need.
Collies are legendary for their herding skills. They are strong, loyal, affectionate, responsive and fast. A Collie would be best suited for an active family as they are high-energy and love to move around.
Find Collie puppies on the AKC Marketplace. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
TOP 10 DOGS FOR FAMILIES – Best Puppy Breed For Children
Few things say “home” as quintessentially as a sweet canine friend eagerly greeting you at the door or begging for scraps under the dinner table. But just as the look and definition of families has evolved over the years, so too have expectations of the best family dogs.
“Matching a dog to your lifestyle is important from a quality-of-life standpoint,” says Michelle Beck (DVM, CCRT, CVA) of the Omaha, Neb., Backlund Animal Clinic. “If youre the stay-at-home type and have a dog with lots of energy or a really active mind, that dog is going to get bored and start acting out.” So youve come to the right place to start researching pup candidates!