Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Some breeds of dogs are perfect for children, noise, and high activity. Others are bred for protection or less human interaction.
Learning which breeds are best for your family will help you find the perfect fit.
Taking care of your new family pet will involve routine care, like grooming and supplementation.
Congratulations, you’ve decided to get a family pet and you’ve narrowed the choice down to a family dog! We at Yummy Combs® think you’ll be happy with your choice.
Dogs provide endless amounts of love, affection, and years of memories. They are also a great way to teach young children and teens responsibility, and a solution for aging people who are less able to leave the home or engage socially.
Now, you need to find the breed that will be best for your family. Some breeds of dogs are known to be more aggressive than others, and some breeds have more health problems or have shorter lifespans. Your family’s dynamic, the ages of the people in your home, and your ability to care for a dog will play a role in finding the perfect fit.
There’s a lot to think about when researching breeds of dogs. Here are some of the basic questions to consider before deciding on a dog breed.
It’s obvious that larger breeds need more space, but it’s also important to remember that if you live in an apartment and have a larger dog, you’ll need access to a park or open space for them to burn off some energy, potty, and live a full life.
In terms of housing, if you plan to crate train your dog, there are ethical guidelines to make sure the crate you select is big enough to comfortably house your animal. You can find those measurements here.
Dogs are typically classified as extra small (weighing 1-10 pounds), small (weighing 11-25 pounds), medium (weighing 26-40 pounds), large (weighing 41-70), extra large (weighing 71-90), and giant (weighing over 91 pounds).
Dogs aren’t cats. If you want a pet that is extremely low maintenance and doesn’t need a daily walk, a cat may be the perfect fit. Dogs of all breeds need daily exercise, stimulation, and connection. Some breeds may need more attention than others.
Extremely active breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Irish Setters, need multiple walks, playtime, and open spaces to run and expend energy. Breeds like French bulldogs and Broholmers are relatively calm and need less exercise during the day.
The safety of you and your family is paramount, and the safety of the dog you bring into your home is of utmost importance. To keep both your family and your dog safe, it is important to select a breed that is known for being kid-friendly, especially if you have young children who may not be as gentle with animals as older children.
It is crucial to teach young children and older children alike how to be careful with your new pet. Australian terriers and beagles are known for being very kid-friendly, as well as collies and boxers. This does not mean that a particular breed won’t be great with your kids, but if you select a Rottweiler, you accept the chance that it might not be as patient as another breed.
If you absolutely hate shedding, a longhaired dachshund may not be the best pet option for your family. Instead, there are plenty of “hypoallergenic” dogs that shed less and are even safe for some people who have previously been allergic to dog dander.
If you don’t mind a little shedding and love dogs with a long coat, remember that these breeds will also need regular, frequent grooming. In warm, summer months, they may need grooming weekly.
While you can certainly kennel your dog while on vacation, some pet boarders won’t accept certain breeds, and that’s a consideration you need to think about, especially if you travel a lot. If you cannot board your dog, you’ll need to find a trusted friend or family member who will keep them.
Some people may not feel comfortable around certain breeds, so even if you want a particular breed of dog, if you can’t find care for it when you are away it isn’t a good fit.
After these considerations have been made, you can probably narrow down your selections.
Here are five breeds of dogs that are family-loving and make wonderful pets.
Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are fun-loving, energetic, and easily entertained. They are loyal and tend to bond easily with all family sizes.
They’re capable of handling the chaos of children and snuggling up to elderly family members. Labs do require a lot of exercise, particularly when they are puppies, and getting younger kids involved with dog walking can help both of them expend needed energy.
They look tough but are oh-so-loveable. Bulldogs require less exercise and are family-friendly breeds that do well with children. Your kids will love their quirky personalities and you’ll love their calm attitude. Bulldogs are medium-sized, and a good fit for people who’d like a larger dog but don’t have the space.
The classic family dog, a golden retriever has a lifespan that allows them to potentially grow up with your kids and a personality that will fit right into your family environment. They are great for all ages but do require a lot of exercise. If you want a dog that can run a 5k with you, this is the breed.
Beagles are smaller mid-size dogs that love attention. They thrive in a “pack” setting and love being around people and/or other animals. If you frequently travel and will need to leave your dog alone for long periods, a beagle isn’t a good fit. Beagles are also great for people who would prefer a dog with a shorter, more manageable coat.
They’re small, they’re adorable, and they’re the most popular small breed dog in the world. French bulldogs are easygoing, relatively calm, and will probably need one walk per day. They love being indoors and can easily get along with children and adults. If you want a small family dog, a Frenchie is a good fit.
No matter what breed of dog you get, you’ll need to know a few basic care tips.
Taking care of a dog is about more than simply feeding them and giving them water. They’ll need plenty of exercise, regular grooming, periodic veterinarian visits, and oral care. When it comes to supplementation, nothing does what Longevity15 does.
Longevity15 is the first and only supplement available for dogs that contains pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15:0. C15:0 is an odd-chain, saturated fatty acid that is the first essential fatty acid to have been discovered since the omegas over 90 years ago.
C15:0 supports your dog’s heart health and liver function by targeting the foundation of your dog’s health: their cells. C15:0 deep dives into cells to keep them supported, which helps support your dog’s entire body.
C15:0:
The C15:0 in Longevity15 helps support your dog’s overwell wellness and is one of the smartest moves you can make to help your dog live a longer life. Best of all, it comes free of side effects and won’t ever give them any fishy breath. That means fresher breath and more close cuddles.
The best dog is the one that will fit your family and your lifestyle. Make the decision wisely and then enjoy the wonderful years of happiness and joy your family dog will offer you. Taking care of your dog will become second nature.
Sources:
Minimum Space Requirements for Dogs
Best Family Dogs: Which Breed Is Right for You? | American Kennel Club
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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