Looking for a new pet for your family can be a wonderful, yet confusing thing to do. How will I know which dog breed is best? Here are a few family friendly breeds that you may want to consider.
Brittany spaniel
The Brittany spaniel is a good dog for families who have never owned a dog. If you have a yard to romp around in, love, and just a little guidance to give, then a Brittany Spaniel may be the perfect addition to your family.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Minimal
Sheds: No
Size: Medium to Large
Boxer
A Boxer is a great family pet as they are loyal. Loving. and affectionate. They are great with other dogs and small pets. It is, however, important to properly socialize your Boxer from puppyhood. It is also important to be firm and assertive with your dog to achieve these personality traits. The Boxer can be a wonderful watchdog.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Minimal
Sheds: No
Size: Large
Cocker Spaniel
In my opinion, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the small sized dogs for a family. These dogs are as sweet as can be and generally just happy to be with their family. If properly trained, these dogs are great with children.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High, but can be difficult to housebreak
Grooming: Medium
Sheds: Average
Size: Small to Medium
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a great dog for those with an active lifestyle. These dogs will need a good sized yard, and will also need to go for a daily walk or run. Especially if properly socialized as a puppy, the Dalmatian is a wonderful family dog and great with children.
Intelligence: High
Ease of Training: High
Grooming: Average
Sheds: Yes
Size: Medium to Large
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a great dog for any family. They are gentle and patient with children, and live to please their owners. I would recommend a Golden Retriever for anyone with little to no experience in dog training, as they learn quickly and easily when taught by a firm and assertive owner.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Average
Sheds: Yes
Size: Medium to Large
Greyhound
The Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world. They can be a bit standoffish to people, however they are extremely intelligent animals. They have a very strong bond with their families, but may not be best with very young children. Also due to the dogs hunting instincts, they may chase or even kill very small animals.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Minimal
Sheds: Average
Size: Large
Labrador
The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in the world, and for very good reason. They are very gentle, good natured, and obedient. A Labrador is the ideal dog for anyone just looking for a companion dog or an addition to the family. They are highly trainable to do anything from search and rescue to various tricks.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Average
Sheds: Average
Size: Large
Poodle
The Poodle is known as the one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They can be found in any size, and are great dogs for allergy sufferers. These dogs are great with children and love to play and get lots of exercise. Instead of bonding with one person, the Poodle will bond with the family as a whole.
Intelligence: High
Ease of training: High
Grooming: Higher than average
Sheds: Little to none
Size: Toy to Large
Pug
The Pug is a small dog in a large dog’s body. They can be brave, stubborn with strong personalities, but generally a very loving dog.
Intelligence: High
Ease of Training: High
Grooming: Minimal
Sheds: Yes
Size: Small
St Bernard
The St. Bernard is another great family dog. They are very gentle and patient with children. It is important, because of their very large size, to begin training while the dog is a puppy. These dogs are fairly inactive indoors so even though they are large dogs, they can do well living in an apartment with regular exercise.
Intelligence: High
Ease of Training: High
Grooming: Minimal
Sheds: None to average
Size: Very Large
As with anything, the decision to get a dog is not one to be taken lightly. Selecting the right breeder is just as important as selecting the breed. Once you have selected the dog you want, research training techniques or look into a professional trainer. Any dog can become a nuisance or unsafe if not properly trained and socialized.
Brittany Collier, Family Dog Breeds, Associated Content
