There are numerous reasons why getting a family dog can benefit the household. Apart from the obvious benefit of added protection and security in the house, caring for a dog can teach children and adults concepts of compassion, responsibility, and patience.
However! As not every family is the same, it is important to understand that not all dogs are the same. When you’re choosing a family dog, you should opt for a breed that matches your family’s lifestyle. While some dog breeds are gentle and patient with kids, others love a rough tussle.
Here we discuss, the top 6 family dogs can get for your household today. Starting with:
Beagles
A perfect mix of cuteness, friendliness, and intelligence, the lovable Beagle makes it to our list of the best family dogs you can get today. These lovable dogs thrive in companionship and seem to never run out of energy. They have a pack mentality which means that they will never be too far from you at any given time.
However, you should know that because Beagles are so active, they need regular exercise to keep themselves healthy and happy. Your family also needs to keep pretty active as well. So if you’re physically active, love to walk or jog in the morning, or if you’re looking to become active, Beagles could make the perfect little companion for you.
Beagle puppies are also small and compact, and their coats are easy to care for and maintain, you won’t need to spend much time and resources on their maintenance. Do keep in mind that if you have a small child that needs to be cared for in your family, Beagles could add to your daily parental responsibility.
Read more: Beagle Diets and Supplements.
Labrador
One of the most famous dogs in the world, the cuddly Labrador has to be on our list! Even Forbes has it at the first runner-up position of the most famous dog breeds in America in 2024. Known for their super lovable nature, friendly behavior, and intelligent conduct, Labradors are considered the perfect family dogs.
Thanks to their intelligence, this dog breed is super easy to train. They are super energetic and always ready to play (especially when they are young). Keep in mind that labs need ample space and time to exercise. So consider training them to fetch balls and play around in your backyard. This breed is also gentle with kids and tends to love a good cuddle.
Keep in mind that despite their relatively short fur length, they do tend to shed quite a bit. So unless you’re okay with having fur all over your carpets and drapes, invest in a good brush and comb their fur once a week.
Read more: Labrador Retriever Dog Training.
Golden Retrievers
Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers also make wonderful family companions. They are gentle and friendly and love to socialize. Equally intelligent to labs, Golden Retrievers are also super easy to train. They are also very friendly with children and tend to understand their boundaries well.
However, keep in mind that due to their size, there are possibilities of one knocking small children down while playing. So, if you have a small child in your family, do not leave their playtime unsupervised. Golden Retrievers like to stay active and need regular exercise to keep them healthy. They love everything from swimming, running, and playing fetch.
Golden retrievers also need constant mental and social stimulation So, if you’re a family that has the time and patience to stay active and can take the time to groom your dog, then this breed should be on your priority list. Just keep in mind that compared to their Labrador counterpart, they have longer coats, which means that they require constant grooming (up to 2 to 3 times per week) to keep your living quarters maintained.
Read more: Golden Retriever Behavior.
Collie
Perhaps the breed most familiar with people in their 30s and 40s due to the popular 90’s TV Show, “Lassie”, the Collie makes an amazing family dog. They are gentle and highly intelligent. They are also super loyal and protective. This breed also forms an early strong bond with all family members, especially children.
Their striking demeanor and athletic build make them the perfect companion for older kids and adults who like to play around and keep active. Their intelligence means that this breed is relatively easy to train. Collies thrive on human interaction and are always eager to please, making them highly adaptable in various living situations.
Keep in mind that their high intelligence also means that they need constant mental and physical stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. As Collies have long and silky coats, grooming can play a big factor as well Regular brushing (especially during shedding season) is vital to prevent tangles. So if your family is looking for a dog to keep everyone active, while also having the time, resources, and patience to maintain a dog, then Collies should make a good option for you.
Read more: Collies Learn and Remember The Names Of Toys For Two Months.
French Bulldog
One of the most well-recognized dog breeds in the world, the French Bulldog is perfect for families who live in the city. This compact and easygoing breed is also smart, which makes them well responsive to training. While they are playful and energetic, they aren’t too athletic. However, they enjoy a good regular walk.
French Bulldogs are great with children and make great playmates. Also known as “Frenchie”, this breed is low-maintenance and is a smaller variation of their larger bulldog cousins. These dogs have a gentle temperament, making them highly adaptable to any kind of family dynamic.
Thanks to their compact size and short fur, Frenchies have minimal grooming needs. A rubber mitt can be used to quickly remove stray hair. They should only be bathed when they are visibly dirty. You should also only use dog-specific shampoos that the vet recommends. Besides this, you should also trim their nails and clean the facial folds while conducting your grooming process.
Read more: French Bulldog Behavior.
A Mutt
As dog lovers, we should also always consider getting a mutt. Mutts are mixed-breed dogs. Also known as “Mongrels”, Mutts can make the perfect family dog for several reasons. As they are mixed, they often inherit the best aspects of their parents. This means that they are usually healthier with fewer breed-specific physical issues.
These breeds also tend to display a unique blend of characteristics from different breeds, that can nicely complement a family’s diverse lifestyle. Mutts are also more adaptable, versatile, and resilient to genetic diversity. Every mutt is different and can come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.
Adopting a mutt can be a highly rewarding experience as you are giving a loving home to a dog that has been rejected by society. Mutts can give you everything that you think any other specific breed of dog can give you. Additionally, they are equally as playful and intelligent, making them relatively easy to train. However, keep in mind that temperament could be an issue around children. So, if you’re looking to adopt a mutt, spend some time with them, to figure out whether they are the right dog for you.
Read more: Mongrel Behavor.
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