Are you thinking about adding a dog to your family? Most people will agree that an affectionate personality is a trait they look for when considering which breed is right for their family. The following ten breeds are some of the most affectionate dogs out there…
The West Highland White Terrier is a small (standing 10-11 inches at the withers), but sturdy terrier originating from Scotland. Known for its white coat, this energetic, courageous little dog is loves people and makes a very affectionate family pet. Westies are a top choice for families who are looking for a small but hardy family pet. West Highland White Terriers require lots of exercise and regular grooming.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that originated in Hungary. The Vizsla is very affectionate with his people and very patient with children, making him a top choice for younger families looking for a family pet. Vizslas are lively dogs and require daily exercise. The Vizsla does shed, but does not require much in the way of grooming.
The English Springer Spaniel is a playful and affectionate medium-sized sporting dog. They are friendly, intelligent, and quite easy to train. They require regular exercise. English Springer Spaniels enjoy being close to their families. They require regular brushing to keep their long coats from becoming matted.
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with an abundance of energy. Aussies” are extremely affectionate and love to be part of the family’s activities. They are a top choice for active families who expect their dog to be an active participant in their lives. Aussies are traditionally working dogs with strong guarding and herding instincts. Their high energy level and high degree of intelligence necessitates daily exercise and giving them a “job” to do in order to keep them from becoming bored. Such jobs may include watching over the children of the family, herding livestock, or competing in dog events. Aussies have a thick coat and require regular grooming.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed whose primary purpose has been that of an affectionate companion (although they have been used successfully in hunting small game). Named for King Charles II of Britian, this elegant little dog is equally at home in the city or country. They are adaptable in their exercise needs, happy to take a long walk or hanging out with their owner on the couch. Cavaliers require regular grooming.
The Bichon Frise is a playful and affectionate little fluff ball of a dog whose primary purpose is that of a companion, and they are happiest when they are around their people. They are a toy breed but are sturdy little dogs. Owing in large part to their reputation as “hypoallergenic” dogs, Bichon Frises have become a top choice for a family dog over recent years. In actuality, the frequent trimming, brushing, and bathing required to maintain the beautiful white coat of the Bichon removes hair and dander and controls saliva, thereby reducing human exposure to allergens. The Bichon Frise is an energetic dog and requires regular exercise.
The Irish Setter is one of the most affectionate dog breeds you can find out there. As a matter of fact, the Kennel Club of the UK sets the breed standard for Irish Setter temperament as “demonstrably affectionate”. As a result, these sporting dogs make wonderful companion animals and a good choice for family pets. However, due to their large size and their “over the top” enthusiasm, they may not be the best choice for families with very small children. This sporting dog is an extremely active breed, and prospective owners should be committed to providing the Irish Setter with plenty of opportunities for exercise. They thrive on constant human companionship, and prospective owners should be aware that lack of attention will lead to a bored, destructive dog. The Irish Setter’s beautiful long, red coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed (not surprisingly) along the Cheseapeake Bay and is a genuine American sporting breed. The “Chessie” is known for its happy disposition and affectionate protective nature. It is a medium to large sized dog (ranging between 55-75 pounds) with physical strength that makes it ideal for hunting water fowl in any weather conditions. Their waterproof coat requires regular grooming. They are an extremely active breed with a natural love of the water. As a result, Chessies are a top choice for families who share their enthusiasm for the outdoors.
The Labrabor Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the United States. This is, in large part, due to their extremely affectionate nature. They are exceptionally patient with young children, making them a top choice for a family companion. Labradors are extremely intelligent, making them quite easy to train. They are an active breed, as they are a sporting dog, and require regular exercise to keep their body and mind in shape. Bored Labradors are destructive Labradors. The Labrador Retriever requires regular grooming.
TheGolden Retriever is very similar to the Labrador Retriever in temperament, making it consistently a top choice for an affectionate companion animal for families in the United States. This sporting breed originated in the Scottish Highlands. Although developed for hunting, their work ethic also makes them a top choice for guide, assistance and search and rescue work. The Golden Retriever is adaptable to many types of living situations, but do require daily exercise, They also require regular grooming to keep their beautiful, long coat from becoming snarled and matted.
There are many other affectionate dog breeds including (but not limited to) the Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, the Boston Terrier, the Cairn Terrier, the Beagle, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Italian Greyhound.
Whenever considering the purchase or adoption of a dog, prospective owners should always do their homework. Be sure to research breeds thoroughly to insure that you choose a dog whose size, temperament, training requirements, grooming requirements, and activity level fit your lifestyle. Also be sure to thoroughly research any breeder from whom you are considering purchasing a dog. If you take the time to research breeds and breeders, you are likely to find an affectionate dog that will make a wonderful companion.
