Dogs are one of the friendliest animals that make for great pets. However, not all dog breeds are great as family dogs. With kids around, you want to ensure that you make the right choice when adding a new puppy or dog to your family. So we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 dog breeds for families and kids.
All these breeds make wonderful family dogs, but it’s also important that some are better suited for suburban homes rather than households in the city.
1. Labrador Retriever
According to a survey, with a life expectancy of 10-12 years, Labrador retrievers are the most popular breed of dogs in the United States, according to a survey, and for a good reason. Labradors are the most loving, friendly, and patient pets, in addition to being highly versatile. From hunting to show and even tracking and obedience – this dog breed surely takes the cake. Labs are super-active and high-spirited and aren’t afraid to show it. Their friendly and outgoing personality allows them to easily blend in with anyone, including children. However, this breed bonds well with other dogs, mostly under supervision.
Well-bred Labrador retrievers aren’t as demanding as many other breeds; they are relatively low-maintenance, fit, and healthy dogs. Since Labs are a short-haired breed, they don’t require much brushing for most of the year, but you’ll have to brush them regularly to remove shed hair during the molting season. Also, unlike many other dog breeds, Labradors have a medium barking level. Moreover, since they are eager to please, their barking can easily be controlled. It’s best to train your Lab puppy so that it can grow up to become a trusted and well-behaved dog.
2. Bulldog
With a large spherical head, and an extremely short muzzle that gives the face a flatted look, the wrinkly bulldog certainly has a very distinct appearance. Bulldogs are among the most dependable and predictable breeds with a sweet and gentle disposition, making them a wonderful family pet and a great companion to children. City or country – this loyal dog breed can easily adapt to any atmosphere as long as it receives enough love and attention from the family. They barely even bark, which makes them the perfect pet for an apartment in the city.
Bulldogs are bred to be people-oriented, which is why they need a lot of attention. With kids around to play, these dogs are the happiest. Bulldogs have also retained the courage that was originally bred into them, making them great watchdogs. Since they are very low-endurance dogs, they don’t require much exercise, except for occasional walks. Moreover, they respond well to training, but they are also generally low-maintenance as they shed seasonally. These amazing dogs have a life expectancy of about 8 to 10 years, during which they will do everything they can to appease your family.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers were originally bred due to the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling. Today, this breed’s intelligence, versatility, and highly agreeable personality are suited for many purposes. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. With an extremely friendly and tolerant attitude, they make for great family pets. Not only are they great and playful with kids, but they are also extremely protective of them. Whether you live in a suburban home with a backyard or an apartment in the city, these dogs are highly adaptive to any style of living.
Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, during which they fully devote their existence to their family. They are highly active and energetic dogs that require daily exercise, including a walk or a game of fetch. They can also benefit from obedience training, agility classes, and other activities – anything that helps in physical and mental stimulation. Even though they shed seasonally, the shedding is profuse during spring. So, you will need to brush them regularly during these seasons. Also, Golden Retrievers don’t bark much except for when it’s necessary.
4. Beagle
The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be vague, with barely any reliable documentation on their earliest days of development. However, they have grown to become a much-loved breed that any family can easily adopt. Beagles are very loving and sociable dogs who enjoy nothing more than being involved and playing around with all the members in the house. They are extremely adaptable, medium-sized dogs that are happy with city or country living as long as they receive enough exercise.
Beagles are generally low-maintenance dogs. They have a short-fur coat that is easy to care for as it only sheds seasonally, and a weekly grooming session is good enough to keep them clean and healthy. Small in size, Beagles typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. These merry dogs are super-quick and energetic, which is why they require plenty of exercises. Beagles are very intelligent but can be a little difficult to train. So you will have to use as much positive, reward-based training as possible. Moreover, this dog breed can be a little more vocal than other dogs, especially when they’re left alone.
5. Pug
With a flat snoot, wrinkled face, and highly expressive eyes, a pug is one of the most loveable dogs breeds there is. Pugs can easily wiggle their way into the hearts of anyone in a family, especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. A pug can easily adjust in a small apartment or country home alike as its only reason for living is to be near its people. Pugs are natural cuddlers that will easily bond with anyone. They have a charming, even-tempered, and loving personality and a life expectancy of about 13-15 years.
Pugs shed almost regularly, so it’s important that you brush their fur daily or weekly. However, when it comes to exercise, these dogs are only somewhat active. In fact, pugs sleep for an average of 14 hours a day. Pugs can be quite smart, observant, and fast learners. While the plus side of this trait is that they can be easily trained, the downside is that they quickly learn mischievous behavior.
Hopefully, one of these top 5 family dog breeds will make a great companion for you and your family!
