What are the nation’s Favourite Family Dogs?
Getting a dog can really help to bring a family together, and they usually become like another member of the family. However, choosing your dog shouldn’t just be about which breed you find the cutest; it is important that you choose the right type of dog in order that they fit into your family’s existing needs and routines. There is the right type of dog for almost every family; it’s simply a matter of doing your research! Here are some of the best dog breeds for families to help you decide which is right for you!
Beagle
As a mid-sized dog, Beagles are great for family homes of all sizes as they don’t require too much space. It also means they are easy to carry and transport, should you wish to take your dog out with you. Their calm temperament means they are suitable for families with young children as they will not become easily annoyed if children are trying to play with them. As a result of their hunting origins, Beagles love to play outside and explore the outdoors, which makes them the perfect breed for an active family.
Labrador Retriever
As one of the most loyal dog breeds, you can ensure that a Labrador Retriever will fit right into your family. As a larger dog, they do require a fair amount of exercise, so you would need to be prepared to spend time walking your dog at least twice a day- and having a good sized garden would also be beneficial so that they could run around and play. Labrador Retrievers are known for their natural intelligence and obedience, which gives them aptitude to training, which makes them a trustworthy family pet.
Bichon Frisé
Aside from their undeniably adorable and teddy-like appearance, Bichon Frisés make ideal family dogs because of their affectionate nature. Also, their curly hair doesn’t tend to shed and they don’t drool, meaning they make very little mess. You should bear in mind, however, that in spite of their small size, they do require a fair amount of exercise as a result of their high energy levels.
Collie
Another loyal and highly obedient dog breed, you can trust a Collie to respond to your commands. Their calm nature means they are great with small children, as won’t become easily annoyed. You should be aware that, as a result of their long hair, Collies do require regular grooming- but their calm nature means this can be a fun family activity.
Cross Breeds
You don’t have to spend lots of money on purebred dogs to get the perfect family pet, however. ‘Cross breeds can also be a great option for families as, not only do they tend to be less expensive, as a general rule they can to be healthier with fewer inherited problems than pedigree breeds. This could mean potentially lower vets bill and a longer life with your new family dog- not to mention some of the adorable cross breeds available.
Even though this article is focused on specific breeds, you should also consider adopting a rescue dog as your new family pet. Not only will you get the excitement of having a new dog, you also get to give a dog a new very happy home. Rescue dogs can be great for families as many of them are already trained, and staff at the centre can give you an insight into each individual dog’s personality and temperament. Most rescue dogs are there out of no fault of your own, so you should only be specifically wary of behavioural issues if they have been reported to you
Before you choose your family dog, whether it is from a breeder or a rescue centre, it is important that you are sure that you can be the best owners possible, and hold off if you have any doubts. Though it is incredibly rewarding, caring for a dog is a big responsibility, and isn’t a decision that should be made without a great amount of thought.