Best Family Dogs – Big Loud Family? This list is for you
The best family dogs tend to have similar characteristics. It’s true that one of the big variables when choosing a family dog is actually the type of family you have. However, let’s look at what traits, in general, we would consider desirable.
Families tend to be busy and noisy places, so we need to make sure our dog is socially adaptable. Keep in mind that your pet will encounter people and other dogs that it may not be familiar with. So, although a shy dog may accept immediate family, it may have difficulty when it comes to accepting friends or family friends and their pets. The best family dogs are usually used to being handled daily and are comfortable with their surroundings. When choosing a puppy, look for one that exudes calmness and looks calm. One test to determine this is to rock a puppy upside down like you would a baby. Some fighting is normal in this situation, but the puppy should calm down after a short time.
Look for a dog that will tolerate noise and not startle. This is especially desirable if you have children of any age. If your dog reacts to most noises or banging associated with children, he will become very restless and nervous. You can easily test for this in a puppy by dropping some kitchen utensils or a set of keys nearby. What you’re looking for is a dog that doesn’t notice the event, or if it does, will recover to investigate what happened. Anything more than this reaction probably won’t make you a good candidate.
The best family dogs should be sensitive to touch, tolerant of distraction and mildly docile. A great way to test this is to grab the dog’s paw, grasp the area between the toes and apply pressure. What response do you get? Does he overreact, become very verbal, or even start biting? Some of this may be acceptable if the dog quickly recovers, relaxes and may even start to lick. This is the preferred reaction.
Finally, the best family dogs are not very territorial. Those that are may be a problem for you. We want a dog that understands its position in the “family pack”. That welfare, food, care, and even entertainment derive from this territory owned by the pack. Alpha orientation is not compatible with the dog you want.
Let’s take a look at some of the breeds that are generally considered to be great family dogs:
- Newfoundland: This is a big, cute dog. They are known for their patience and the need for weekly bushings. Give them daily walks and plenty of room to spread out.
- Papillon: Small, lovely companions perfect for urban families. They are very smart, love to have fun and always strive to please their masters. They are a little delicate, so be careful with them around small or less disciplined children.
- Golden Retriever: These dogs are medium to large dogs. Great family dogs, patient, calm, easy to train, etc. Loved by all. Not necessarily a great defender, by the way.
- Pug: “a face only a mother could love?” Maybe that’s what makes them endearing. They are calm and have a wonderful temperament. They are well built and can withstand the demands of small children.
- Labrador Retriever: These are hardworking and enthusiastic companions. They tend to need it, but that’s what kids are for. They just can’t love you too much. He likes the outdoors.
- Dachshund: Yes! The hot dog. They love their masters and they love their masters to love them. Shedding is not a problem with them. They have very short hair, so they do not need maintenance.
- Basset Hound: Not a bundle of energy, this breed would rather spend its days on the front porch. He doesn’t need much exercise, so watch his diet to control his weight.
- Beagle: This is a great breed for the larger family as their need for attention is excessive. I simply cannot find a more adorable dog. They can be slow to learn. Not the most intelligent breed, but who cares!
Well, there it is. The best family dogs are wonderful companions, loyal to the family, calm and stable dogs. Do your research, test your puppy choices, and get ready to share your life with a very good friend.
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