Are you planning on including another member in your family? Is this addition going to be a dog? If you’re thinking of buying or adopting a dog/puppy, then read the following article to find some suggestions…
Regardless of their size, temperament, intelligence, behavior, or any other factors, there are many people who enjoy having a dog as a part of their family. Truly, dogs provide companionship for not just adults, but children as well. However, there are certain dog breeds which are considered as unsafe around small children; they may intentionally or accidentally harm them.
The reason why some breeds are feared so is because the past trainers have used these dogs that way. Instead of training and breeding the dogs to become more friendly to other people and animals, they are taught to fight amongst one another and even hurt others physically. So, if you’re wondering which are the top breeds for families (and which you should steer clear of), then read the rest of the article for more information.
Best Breeds for Children and Families
If you are a dog lover, then you may already have a list of best breeds for families with kids. But before you make the addition to your family, perhaps you’d like to take a look at the top ten dog breeds mentioned below, who are considered ‘best’ for families with children.
Golden Retriever
While choosing a dog for family, the first obvious choice is a Golden Retriever. They make good family dogs because of their loyalty, friendliness, and protective nature towards children and family (if they are in any danger). They are medium-sized dogs which need proper care and nutrition. They should be given plenty of physical activities and kept in a safe environment.
Labrador Retriever
Another Retriever breed, which is a popular choice by families is, the Labrador Retriever. They adjust well in almost any type of homes, have a laid-back attitude, get along with other dogs and pets in the house, and are loyal towards their owners (although they are picky eaters). This breed can get relatively large. They require constant love, care, attention, good physical activity on a regular basis, and be given a well-balanced diet.
Pug
Unlike other ‘toy’ breeds, pugs are very affectionate, friendly, and don’t become nervous around people. A plus point about pugs is that they are low in maintenance and don’t need excessive grooming or exercising. Pugs aren’t aggressive and that’s what makes them a good addition in families.
Irish Setter
Originally used as a hunting dog, like Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters are now bred as family dogs. These dogs are very accommodating, love to please people, and are easy to train. They are not at all aggressive as they greet guests enthusiastically, are affectionate towards people, have an active nature, and are extremely intelligent. However, enough physical activity is required or else they tend to get bored and lazy.
Beagle
Beagles are one of the cutest breeds ever. Although it isn’t widely popular as a family dog, they are incredibly active, love to be out a lot to play, and make amazing companions. The only downside to this sweet breed is that they like to chew on things; so you need to spend more time on their training. You require to give them adequate physical activities in order to keep their weight under control.
Australian Shepherd
Used as ranch or herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are medium-sized and make great family dogs. They are loyal, loving, caring, smart, affectionate, and easy to train. They are highly active and hate being idle. So, if you’re planning on getting an Australian Shepherd, be ready to give the dog lots of love, affection, and attention.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are large, long, strong, and short in appearance. Their long backs and floppy ears are just adorable. Although stubborn by nature, Basset Hounds are very gentle and sweet towards children. They are highly intelligent, energetic, calm around children, and are rarely nervous or aggressive.
Bichon Frise
In French, Bichon Frise means ‘curly lap dog’. Their white, fluffy, ball-like fur makes these happy-go-lucky dogs, one of our top breeds for any home. Bichon Frise are faithful, obedient, cheerful, gentle, sensitive, playful, and affectionate dogs. They make amazing companion dogs, and get along with children and other animals or pets.
Border Collie
A herding breed, Border Collies make perfect family dogs. They have incredible hearing and eyesight. They are smart, energetic, and live longer than most dogs of the same size. These medium-sized dogs need daily physical exercise or else they end up digging holes or chewing things around the house.
Bulldog
They snore, they snort, and they are stubborn. Bulldogs are very gentle and make incredibly loyal pets. They are known to adjust well with the kids and other animals or pets. They don’t need much exercise (but make sure they don’t become obese), are friendly and social, and sometimes willful. They truly make amazing house pets.
Breeds that Require Proper Training as House Pets
Every dog has its own set of personality traits and temperament. These two elements are a product of their breeding, training, and environment they are raised in. There is no such concept as “bad breeds” in the world. The fact is that all breeds, when provoked or egged, become aggressive and often bite. Take a look at the ten breeds, in no particular order, that require (more) proper training, grooming, and breeding environment in order to become house pets.
Pit Bull
Pit Bulls are sweet and confident dogs that require proper training from responsible owners. They are affectionate yet dependent dogs who should be given adquate physical activity on a regular basis. Often times, this breed has been put in a bad light by media. However, that isn’t the case. Pit Bulls are people-oriented that need care, affection, and proper training. If the owner trains it to become a guard dog, it can make them aggressive towards other people.
Rottweiler
Aggressive by nature, Rottweilers have keen territorial instincts. This is the reason some people use Rottweilers as guard dogs. Once they begin to trust you, then there’s nothing to worry about. However, Rottweilers are known to attack their owners as well (for various reasons).
German Shepherd
They are fast, intelligent, alert, fearless, and confident dogs. Which is why, German Shepherds are highly selected by local authorities like police K-9 unit. Some people do opt for German Shepherds as pets, but that decision will depend entirely on you.
Siberian Husky
Most often used as a sled dog, Siberian Husky is highly active and playful. They have a high prey drive and strong-willed temperament, which means they are not suitable for families with small children (they easily make a mistake of thinking small children who run or squeal as prey).
Alaskan Malamute
These wolf-like dogs are true pack animals that have a natural instinct to lead or be led. If not trained properly, Alaskan Malamutes can turn incredibly aggressive, if forced to become submissive. They are powerful, muscular, and extremely athletic dogs with high prey drive.
Doberman Pinscher
Aggressive when provoked, Doberman Pinscher makes a great guard dog. They are alert, intelligent, and loyal, which is why a pet Doberman will attack only if it thinks that its property or the family it stays with, is in any kind of danger.
Presa Canario
These dogs are often bred as guards and fight with the cattle. Any kind of attack by the dog to humans or other animals is thought to be ‘hopeless for the victim’. Presa Canarios can literally stop a man, have incredible power, and are unbelievably fearless.
Old English Sheepdog
According to the New Zealand Kennel Club, Old English Sheepdogs can often times become couch potatoes and may hurt kids by slightly bumping onto them. Known to be a perfect breed for rural surroundings, Old English Sheepdogs require a lot of exercise and training, and hence, if all the requirements are not met, this breed won’t make a good house pet in suburban surroundings. It is the owner’s responsibility to train it properly.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells are known as working terriers due to their agile, high-energetic, and athletic nature. Proper training and obedience is required for Jack Russells so that they don’t become stubborn and/or aggressive towards other animals and humans. The reason Jack Russells don’t make good house pets is because they require loads of exercise and stimulation. So if the owner is not ready to take this responsibility, avoid considering Jack Russells as house pets.
There you have it folks, the best breeds in the U.S. and around the world. Perhaps the information provided in the article can help you make a better judgment, and make the decision on which breed to choose from as an addition to your family. A dog, or any other pet for that matter, gives you an opportunity to be responsible for someone else’s life, apart from yours. So be extra careful and be the best pet owner there ever was.
