Considering adding a new four-legged member to your family? You’re taking a great first step on your journey: reflecting on and determining what kind of dog is best for your family’s interests and lifestyle. Doing so may lead to a happier ending for you—and your dog. The most common reasons people give up their pets for adoption, according to a Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science study, “Behavior Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters,” are people feeling that the dog was “too active,” needed “too much attention,” and was “aggressive toward people.” This goes to show that not all families are a good fit for all pets and not all pets are a good fit for all families.
Learn about these great dog breeds, and see who might be a good fit for you.
Dog Breeds That Are Good With Children
Companion Dog Breeds: They Want to Go Where You’re Going
Active Dogs Breeds
Dogs for Busy Households
While the above aspects are key to taking a call on the right pet for you, you should consider a bunch of other aspects too before finalizing the right dog for your house.
Good Family Dogs to Choose From
Dogs are known as great family pets, but the truth is that some breeds are better suited to family life than others. Good family dogs should be outgoing, friendly, and gentle, especially if there are children in the house. Highly trainable dogs -- for example those in the sporting group -- are particularly good for homes with children, because they are eager to please and like being members of a group. If you’re looking for a new addition to your happy home, consider one of these lovable breeds.
The Beagle is an ideal family pet with a cheerful, inquisitive, and sometimes mischievous personality. These dogs crave attention and companionship and get along well with all members of the family as well as other dogs. Scent hounds at heart, Beagles have been known to track down food and eat it, so it’s best to keep things on the top shelf with one of these dogs the house, especially food that's poisonous to dogs.
Known for their extra-large size and equally big hearts, the Bernese Mountain dog (pictured above) is well suited to family life, and often becomes attached to one special person. These dogs are very smart, and their territorial instincts make them devoted homebodies.
Wrinkly and adorable, the Bulldog is one of the most popular family breeds. These dogs have wonderful, sweet personalities and are especially good with children. They are affectionate and protective and enjoy short walks and long naps.
Similar breeds: American Bulldog, French Bulldog
Of course, Lassie makes a great family pet! Collies are large and elegant dogs with intelligent, loving, and faithful personalities. These dogs learn extremely fast and are very eager to please, but their protective streak makes them wary of strangers.
The Golden Retriever was first bred exclusively as a hunting dog, but today is one of the most popular family breeds. These dogs are loyal, easy to train, and exceptionally friendly (so much so that they make pitiful watchdogs). They get along beautifully with children as well as other pets and truly become members of the family.
At first glance, you may be afraid of these massive dogs who can weigh up to 200 pounds, but Great Danes are actually gentle giants who make excellent family pets. These dogs are very loving and dependable and get along well with children. They need regular daily exercise and will be happy with walks, runs, or visits to the park.
A classic hunting dog, the Irish Setter is a beautiful and energetic breed. These dogs are very cheerful and consistent with their personalities, but they do require regular exercise to stimulate their active bodies and minds.
The Labrador Retriever is a favorite family pet. These dogs are
quick learners and like to stay active. They make great hunting
companions as well as members of the family, and their
fun-loving personalities are a perfect fit for homes with
children or other dogs.
The Newfoundland is an enormous black dog with a majestic and powerful appearance. These dogs have outstanding personalities; they are well-behaved, gentle, intelligent, and obedient. They get along well with children and love outdoor games and activities. This breed thrives on companionship and does not like to spend time alone.
Poodles are wonderful family dogs. They are highly intelligent, spirited, and loving, and become deeply attached to their owners. The breed is very friendly and gets along well with other dogs as well as children. The Standard Poodle tends to be the best Poodle type for family life, as Miniature and Toy Poodles can sometimes be high-strung and timid.
Choosing a dog for people with no time on their hands
Good dogs like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors are unsuitable for working individuals. This is as they need human companionship. It is important to choose a breed of dog which would not mind being alone for extended time periods. Many make the mistake of buying sociable dogs which ultimately end up being created and sent somewhere else. Dogs must not be forced to undergo such horrific experiences.
You must be responsible
If you wish to buy a dog that will provide you loving company when you come back from your job, it is your responsibility to select the appropriate breed. Do know that regardless of the breed of dog you end up with, you must be willing to make sacrifices. This means forgoing your friends' company at the end of a long working day. Do not drink the cocktail. A loving animal is waiting for you in your home. Any dog independent of the breed is a social animal. It needs social interaction and also exercise.
Right Breed
Choose a dog that will be sleepy most of the day. An average dog sleeps approximately 14 hours every day. Seniors and puppies sleep more. If you want to make your dog sleep all the time during the day, exercise it's hard during the morning. You should not forget to leave water out for your dog. Food, however, is optional. An excellent idea is to scatter cat snacks throughout the house. When your dog gets bored, it will explore, searching and snack. Selecting the correct breed is important for future happiness. Both you and your dog will be content. The two of you will walk and run in the park and relax by the window while rain falls on the glass. An ideal dog will not need stimulation and you will not require a bigger flat. It is important to provide your dog with some activities. Since you work, it should too. Your dog will explore the house it lives in while you are out. It smells out new items in the kitchen and the scent of other animals on the terrace. It would like to enjoy the smell of familiar objects in different settings. Install a doggy door in your main door. It can then go out and listen to outside sounds. Interactive toys make an excellent gift for your dog. Your dog can play with them while you are away. A good idea is to fill up the toys with food and your best friend can spend time trying to get them out. This will keep them busy. It means they will be tired of these activities and sleep well at the end of the day. You can also get a good night's sleep.
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