When you make the decision to get a dog, there are many things to take into consideration before doing so. First you have to of a sound mind to be a responsible pet parent. It is a commitment to provide a good home, care, a bed, toys, food, and lots of love, time and attention.
The next decision is the type and breed of dog that best fits the needs for you and your family. Do you want a guard dog, a small dog, big dog, high energy or low energy dog, a dog that is highly trainable and one with a good temperament.
Labrador retriever – What an excellent dog for the family. This very friendly very intelligent dog is great with kids and loyal to the whole family unit. They are very even tempered and have a gentle nature. Because of their size it is important the Lab go through basic obedience training but the rewards are endless.
German shepherd – one of the most popular dogs that is very intelligent and great with children. The German shepherd is bold, fearless, eager, cheerful, very obedient, courageous, confident, serious and protective. Not only are they great family dogs, they are perfect guard dogs who love and protect their family.
Yorkshire terrier is great for the family looking for a small and adorable little dog. They do best with a single person or an elderly couple. They are literally a perfect lap dog. They are very possessive of their owners and are not always great with children unless they have been raised together from the time your Yorkie was a puppy. Small children are not advisable with a Yorkie. When it comes to their owners, though, the Yorkshire terrier is very loyal.
Beagle – This hardy breed is quite a healthy dog known for its’ loud bark and howl. The beagle can do well letting you know of intruders even though they are very gentle-natured. This dog with its’ gentle disposition does well with children and other dogs.
Golden Retriever – I can’t imagine a dog better fit for a family with or without children. This lovely, happy-go-lucky breed of dog is extremely loyal, gentle and kind. At the same time, they can be protective of the family that loves them. They are always happy, love to play with their favorite toy or ball, need plenty of exercise and are highly intelligent.
Bull dog – this dog is a very sturdy dog with low energy. Great with children, this dog is generally docile, very loyal, friendly and gregarious.
Boxers are great family dogs that are both affectionate and loyal. This dog requires a nice fenced-in yard as they prefer the great outdoors. The boxer does well with children though may be aggressive with other dogs unless raised together as puppies. Training is required while young, requiring consistency and reinforcing. They can be considered strong headed and stubborn as they mature.
Dachshund is the little “wiener dog” with a big personality. They do not realize that they are a small dog. They love their families but require most of the attention. Unless raised together from a puppy, this is not the best dog with small children and other pets.
Poodle is a great dog for those that have allergies. This easy-to-train breed of dog is very hardy and can adapt to any kind of living conditions. These are excellent companion dogs for any age group and do well with children. Caution should be taken with small children and the toy breeds of poodle. Their temperament with other animals in the home depends on if the poodle was socialized with other animals since puppyhood.
Shih tzu is a great little family dog. They do so well in any condition and all age groups. They do well with children and other dogs. They are easy to train and easy to please.
There are various lists around naming the top ten list and this particular list was composed last month on MSN.com. When you are choosing a dog for your home and family, first decide on size, breed and temperament that you are looking for in your choice of dog. Check all sites and do your homework with lots of research. There are so many wonderful dogs out there to fill anyone and everyone’s needs.
