Choosing the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Family

As a parent, we are ready to provide our children with all the opportunities to help them mature and grow – to become independent when they come of age.

However, you can be sure that even with all the education and toys in the world, you would not be able to provide your child the kind of lessons they would be able to learn when they spend time with dogs who are justifiably called the best friends of men.

These fur babies are naturally capable of loving you unconditionally. They are also perfect demonstrations of how we should treat people around us.

There is so much that your children could learn from these beautiful individuals. They do not have to go around sniffing everyone, but they could learn to greet people with an open mind and a smile.

If you get a dog, you could teach your children how to care for others. The dog would also constantly remind them about the necessity of the basics of life, such as food, exercise, and water.

Finally, through these fur angels, your child would learn that every human and otherwise creature requires affection and love.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Family

1. Size

Size is the first factor that you must consider in this particular case. Usually, the smaller dogs look more like toys. For instance, there are better choices than the Smaller Terriers, and Chihuahuas Terriers and Chihuahuas are not the ideal choice if you have kids younger than 7 years of age in the family.

These babies are the weakest of the lot, and the smallest of a mishap, such as falling off the bed and inadvertent squeeze, could cause them significant damage.

In the case of the bigger dogs, you must be careful because they could be a bit too rough with small children and babies.

2. Needs for exercise

The bigger dogs, such as Labrador retrievers and German shepherds, need much space to run freely. Do you have fences in your backyard where you can take your baby for those long walks daily?

If yes, a large breed would be your best choice. Now, if you travel a lot or are otherwise so occupied that you cannot devote sufficient time to their exercise, you should get a dog breed that does not need a lot of cardio – one who would be satisfied with plenty of affection coming their way.

The best options in this regard are the likes of Shih Tzu and Pomeranians. Your child might promise to walk the dog daily, but you should never trust them because they would never do so.

Read Also: How Much A Pomeranian Puppy Costs In India?

3. Requirements of grooming

 

Dog breeds with long hair, such as poodles and collies, are perhaps the most adorable. There can be no doubt about such a statement.

However, the diverse range of decorative bows and fluffy coats needs grooming sessions frequently. It could either be you or a professional.

So, to save money on grooming your little angel, you should go for the short-haired dog breeds. The most prominent examples in these cases are the dachshunds and beagles.

They need to be bathed and brushed only occasionally.

4. Shedding 

It does not matter what kind of hair and coat the dog has. They would shed them. It is one part of your life that you cannot avoid.

If you are somewhat numb to sweeping the floor regularly, you should go for breeds that shed less than others. The most prominent examples of such dog breeds would be Bichon Frises and Border Terriers.       

5. Potential for allergy

If you have pet allergies, you should go for dog breeds with hypoallergenic coats. Dog breeds such as Irish water spaniels, and Schnauzers produce little dander, the main culprit for pet allergies.

6. Lifespan

The smaller breeds live longer than larger ones. There is no guarantee that a puppy of a particular breed will live till a certain age.

However, this is one factor you must consider if you do not want your child – and yourself – to experience sorrow only a few years later.

Typically, an English Bulldog would live around 8 to 10 years, while a Bichon Frise would live for 12 to 15 years.

7. Think of the financial aspect

Having a dog could be more expensive than you may have bargained for. You would have to get the shots of vaccines each year, take them to the vet when sick, and get the medicines for fleas, heartworm, and ticks. Apart from that, you also have to spend money on their food, boarding, and accessories.

Conclusion

Your kids would be playing with your dog. Therefore, you need to find someone willing to put up with the indignities such as eye pokes, and tail pulls. You would not want a dog who bites if you have kids at home.

Experts would tell you that there are indeed breeds of dogs that are highly capable of being trained. They would also suggest not getting puppies if you have kids because they tend to scratch and bite a lot.

So, when selecting a dog breed for your family, it pays to go by their general reputation.

For example, pups belonging to breeds such as golden or Labrador retrievers have earned the good name they have in this case. Golden retrievers are intelligent, good-natured, and even have a tolerant nature as a dog breed.

The Labradors are obedient, energetic, and loving. The pugs are friendly and playful. They are also so tough that it would surprise you.

The Bassett hounds are curious, friendly by nature, and intelligent. The beagles are gentle and sweet and are calm with kids. Thus, if you have people in that age group in your family, they are a possible option.

FAQs

Q: What factors should I consider when choosing a dog breed for my family?

A: Several factors must be considered when choosing the perfect dog breed for your family. These include the breed’s size, energy level, temperament, grooming requirements, and compatibility with children and other pets. It’s essential to assess your family’s lifestyle, activity level, and the time you can dedicate to training and exercise to find a breed that best fits your family dynamics.

Q: Are there specific dog breeds that are known to be good with children?

A: Some dog breeds are known for their compatibility with children. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Boxers, and Collies are generally considered good family dogs due to their friendly and patient nature. However, it’s important to remember that individual dogs within a breed can still have different personalities, so meeting and interacting with the dog you are considering is crucial to ensure a good match for your family.

Q: How can I determine if a dog breed suits my family’s lifestyle?

A: To determine if a specific dog breed suits your family’s lifestyle, consider the breed’s exercise needs, trainability, and adaptability. Some breeds require more exercise and mental stimulation than others, so a high-energy breed may be a good fit if your family is active and enjoys outdoor activities. On the other hand, if you have a busier schedule or live in an apartment with limited space, a breed with lower exercise requirements and good adaptability may be more suitable. Researching and speaking to breeders, rescue organizations, or veterinarians can also provide valuable insights into a breed’s suitability for your family.