Choosing A Dog for Your Family and Children
Choosing a dog for your family and children can be a joy but also bring worries. Which breed? What size of pet? Here, What to Expect shares their advice for parents and potential new dog owners…
A family dog is a great way to teach your kids about caring for others as well as learning responsibility. They will also help to keep your kids active and energetic in a world that is preoccupied with cellphones and computers. People sometimes choose an animal, based solely on how “cute” it is but this is not advisable since it is important that your dog is able to bond with the entire family.
5 Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing A Dog For Your Family
There is no specific “right” dog breed for kids, but certain traits will help you pick the right one for your family. For instance, if you have a toddler, a retriever would be an option as they are famous for their friendly sunny disposition and would indulge toddlers that poke and prod at them. However, if your child is an adventurous grade-schooler, then an active mountain breed would make a loyal sidekick. Here’s what you should keep in mind when looking for a dog:
Temperament
Choose breeds like the that have a strong pack mentality as these dogs thrive on companionship and are popular with kids. It would be better to avoid dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher or the German Shepherd as these are generally one-man dogs and tend to stay faithful to just one family member.
Size
Parents often make the mistake of choosing small dog breeds thinking that these dogs would pose less of a threat to their toddlers. However, if your toddler stumbles and falls on a small dog, the dog is likely to get hurt and react aggressively to protect itself. On the other hand, larger breeds are less likely to get injured even with rough horseplay and so it’s better to opt for a larger docile breed rather than a smaller excitable dog.
Energy Level
Different dog breeds have different energy levels so it’s important that you pick a dog breed that matches your family’s activity level. Breeds like Spaniel, Beagles, and Retrievers are known for their high energy levels so they are ideal if your family goes hiking and trekking on a regular basis. However, if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, a Basset Hound or Bulldog would be better suited to your family. It is important to consider a dog’s energy requirements before you make a decision as inadequate exercise can lead to behavioral problems in more active dogs. Energy levels are important when choosing a dog.
Grooming requirements
Dogs require regular grooming and care, but some breeds tend to shed more than others. This is especially true for dogs with long or curly coats as they need to be groomed several times a week to prevent matting. Only choose these dogs if you have older children who are willing to take on the responsibility otherwise opt for short-coat breeds that require less maintenance.
Trainability
As a general rule of thumb, highly trainable breeds are often eager to please which makes them more family-oriented. This would include Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Collies (not to be confused with Border Collies). On the other hand, some dog breeds such as the Basset Hound, Bulldog, and Beagle are notoriously difficult to train while some breeds such as the pug tend to be willful by nature and so they require constant training.
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The Most Popular Family-Friendly Dogs
Kids and dogs have a magical connection which makes them the ideal addition to any family. However, some dogs are more suited to family life as compared to others. Here are some of the most popular family-friendly dog breeds:
Labradors
Labs are large but gentle dogs that make excellent family pets. They are great with kids and enjoy playing with them or even simply sitting by their side while watching TV. They are patient and protective dogs that are very reliable and take well to training. Labs are not bothered by noise or crying which makes them a good choice for families with babies and toddlers.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are smart and loyal and make devoted companions. These playful and cheerful dogs are known for their lack of aggression. The only downside to owning a golden retriever is their insatiable need to chew on objects (often shoes). However, training at an early age can help to deal with this issue before it becomes a problem.
French Bulldogs*
French bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and their ability to adapt to their environment. French bulldog puppies are energetic and high-spirited and enjoy going on adventures with their little human companions. They are intelligent dogs with a highly developed sense of intuition. These dogs are relatively small in size which makes them ideal for those living in city apartments.
Choosing a dog may seem like a fun family activity but this may not be the best option, especially if you have multiple children who will probably have different preferences. Instead, decide on a breed and contact a local breeder. Once you have made your choice, ask the breeder if you can bring your family to meet the dogs for an hour or so. According to What To Expect experts, “this simple step will give your children a chance to interact with the animals and help to determine if any of your kids has an allergy. When your kids show no signs of an allergic reaction, you can bring your “furry baby” home for good!”
Enjoy choosing a dog!
About the author:
Anita Fernandes has been writing extensively on health and wellness for over a decade. She has expertise in nutrition, fitness, public health, and weight loss and has contributed content to a variety of leading digital health publishers. Anita has a unique perspective on healthy living and lifestyle, as she has battled and overcome eating disorders and obesity. She shares her experiences to help others overcome the physical and mental health problems that can sometimes seem insurmountable.
This article has been contributed by What to Expect.
- * Note from Pet Problems Solved
French Bulldogs, while a popular breed, can suffer from health conditions, due to their short muzzle. This may require them to have operations incurring significant costs to owners. Check with your vet prior to acquiring one. - Pet Problems Solved encourage potential pet owners to consider rescue pets. Shelters have puppies and kittens as well as adult animals looking for homes. They have pedigree breeds too.