8 Dog Breeds Considered Great Family Pets
If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, you may wonder if you should consider a particular breed of dog. A dog of any breed, including mixed breeds, has the potential to be a great family pet with proper training and consistent structure. Nevertheless, purebred dogs typically have predictable traits, which may make it easier to determine whether they would be a good match for your family. Here are some of the dog breeds generally considered to make great pets for families.
1. Newfoundland
In "Peter Pan," a large dog named Nana takes care of the Darling children. Nana is a Newfoundland, a dog breed with a reputation for a natural rapport with children that was well established even by the time J.M. Barrie wrote the book in the early 1900s. The large, shaggy Newfoundland is a gentle giant that is loving and patient with children.
Newfies were bred to retrieve nets from the water and have even been known to save people from drowning. Owning a Newfoundland certainly isn't a substitute for proper water safety, but if your child does fall into the water, a Newfie may be able to avert a tragedy.
2. Saint Bernard
Like the Newfie, the Saint Bernard is another large dog with a gentle and compassionate spirit. Saint Bernards were bred to be search-and-rescue dogs in the Alps. They are generally patient with children and devoted to their families.
3. Bulldog
The bulldog's formidable outer appearance belies a docile, easygoing nature. Bulldogs get along well with just about everyone in the family, including other pets and children. The bulldog is a low-energy breed that is cool with just hanging out with you or the kids on the couch.
Despite its even temperament, the bulldog is tough in that it has a high tolerance for pain. While children should always be taught respect for dogs and how to play with them safely, if the game gets a little too rambunctious, bulldogs probably won't be bothered.
4. Beagle
Snoopy, the loveable pooch from the "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles Schulz, is a beagle, and while real beagles don't necessarily dance on their back toes, they are a happy breed. Beagles are outgoing and friendly towards everyone, including children and other pets. The beagle is a small, sturdy breed that developed as a hunting dog. Beagles would make great pets for families that spend a lot of time outdoors because they love to explore and investigate all the interesting smells that they pick up with their keen noses.
5. Poodle
Poodles can make great pets for families that have certain specific requirements. For example, poodles have a hair coat that doesn't shed and produces little dander. If there are people with allergies to dogs in your family, a poodle may not trigger them. However, the only way to know for sure is for the person with allergies to spend some time with the poodle before bringing the dog home. The flip side is that poodles require extensive grooming.
Poodles come in three different sizes: standard (the largest), miniature, and toy. This means that whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, there is a poodle size that is just right for the space. Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that are loyal and obedient to their owners when properly trained. They are highly sociable and make loving companions for people of all ages.
6. Retrievers
The Labrador retriever and the golden retriever are two different breeds. Nevertheless, they have some traits in common that make them popular family pets. They are both high-energy breeds that require a lot of exercise and so would fit in well with an active family.
Playing with a dog of either breed will help them work off some of their boundless energy. These breeds are called "retrievers" because they were bred to fetch waterfowl after a hunter shot a bird. A retriever will happily play fetch for hours on end.
Retrievers are friendly dogs that love everybody they meet. They are easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to please their people. Nevertheless, their popularity has led to some irresponsible breeding practices, so if you seek a purebred Lab or golden retriever, make sure you go to a reputable breeder.
7. Irish Setter
Irish setters are sometimes confused with golden retrievers. The coat of a golden retriever can be a deep bronze, while an Irish setter's coat is a rich red. Irish setters also tend to be leaner and more graceful than golden retrievers. Irish setters love people and want to please them. They are energetic dogs that need a lot of room to run.
8. Vizsla
If you love dogs but don't like the smell that tends to follow them around, a Vizsla may be a good choice for you and your family. Vizslas have short coats that are easy to groom and even groom themselves, kind of like a cat. They are highly energetic dogs, meaning that they may not be appropriate for small children, but if you have older kids and like family activities such as running or biking, a Vizsla can make a great companion. Vizslas are affectionate and want to be near their people. Originating from Hungary, the Vizsla is a rarer breed in the United States.
There's no such thing as a perfect family dog because every family is different. Consider the characteristics and energy level of your household and choose a dog with compatible traits.