There are no guarantees when purchasing or rescuing a dog that you will get one that will make an ideal family pet. If you rescue a dog, you may have to deal with issues that stem from previous owners.
If you purchase a dog, you are at the mercy of its bloodlines. Buy only from reputable breeders that you trust.
Although some breeds are known to be better with children and families than others, not every dog will live up to the friendly and protective behavior that you may be looking for. Personality traits come into play. Your training methods can also impact a dog’s attitude towards the rest of the family.
However, there some breeds that generally tend to be family-friendly. The following information may be helpful in deciding which breed is right for your family.
One of the most popular dogs in the world, the Labrador retriever has a reputation as a good family dog, especially for those that enjoy water sports and activities. Labrador retrievers have lots of energy that allows them to keep pace with the kids. These dogs also have protective instincts that make them a loyal family member.
The downside of Labrador retrievers is that they are working dogs that need training and they need exercise. Don’t expect to get a Lab and assume that it is going to placid and well mannered. They do need training because they tend to mature slowly and often display puppy-like behavior until they reach the age of three.
Golden retrievers also tend to be good family dogs. They are very friendly hunting dogs that are happy to retrieve and play with the kids for hours on end. Although they can be a bit rambunctious as puppies, they are easily trained.
Poodles are intelligent dogs that enjoy human companionship. They enjoy running and playing, making them good companions for the kids. They also enjoy hunting, which makes them attractive to the men in the family. Poodles come in three sizes and are known for their affectionate and patient nature.
If you don’t mind having a dog the size of a small bear, the Newfoundland may be a good choice for your family. Newfoundlands, which are sometimes referred to as “gentle giants,” love to swim and are known for their laid back nature. The breed is relatively easy to train, but they can have a lazy streak. One word of caution – they do drool a lot!
Pugs may tend to look a little goofy, but they generally are very sociable. They tend to prefer human company over that of other dogs. Pugs bond easily with children and love to play. They are an even-tempered breed that loves the family setting.
Staffordshire bull terriers have a reputation as a good family dog that can be trusted around children. They are loyal to their family members. The breed is not known to be prone to aggression towards humans, but their dominant nature can make them very aggressive towards other dogs. They will not back down when challenged by other animals. Thus, Staffordshire bull terriers are best for single dog households.
Collies are gentle dogs that do well in the family setting. The breed is active and gentle, making them ideal companions for the children. However, a downfall is their long coat, which needs frequent brushing to avoid matting.
Whichever breed you choose, remember that children also need training. They should be taught to be respectful of their canine friends. Kids, especially very young ones, need to learn how to handle a dog.
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