Buying a dog is usually a family decision and everyone needs to be involved. You have to make sure that everybody will be pulling their weight and that they know what to expect. You also have to make sure that you pick the right dog depending on your situation. You can’t pick a dog based on looks or assumptions. Some dogs might look like they would be a perfect fit for a family, but they could be a disastrous choice. Others may not look like the best choice at first glance but have the right temperament for your household. Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst dog breeds for families.
Best – Labradors
Labradors are the quintessential family dog. They are great around children and very protective. They are also very social by nature and take well to strangers. You can let your children walk them and they’ll feel safe at all times. They are also a great dog to have if you have other pets inside the house.
Labradors are known to develop issues as they get older, however, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for that. For instance, they tend to start developing hip, bone, and joint problems because of their gait and naturally active nature. In this case, we would suggest you start looking at supplement brands like YuMove. YuMove specialises in joint aid supplements for dogs and has a wide selection of products you can choose from. They have supplements for dogs of all ages and they are formulated with care using proven and natural ingredients.
Worst – Chihuahuas
A lot of people might be surprised to see chihuahuas at the top of this list since their small size should make them a perfect choice for kids, but it’s actually one of the worst breeds ever if you have small children. They are extremely nervous and prone to attacking people without being provoked, including children. This is not a dog you want around yours or anyone else’s kids unless you have bad intentions. These dogs should only be owned by people who have experience with dogs in general as they can become destructive and impossible to deal with. They also don’t play well with other pets.
Best – Poodles
Now this is a small dog that you would want around your children. Unlike chihuahuas, poodles have a very even temperament which makes them great companions and nannies. They also have a strong protective nature. They are playful, fun, and love getting out, so make sure that you and your family are up for the challenge.
Their small size also means that they’re less likely to knock one of your children over when playing. These are also great dogs if anyone in your family is allergic to dogs. These dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they’re perfect if you’re sensitive to other dog breeds.
Worst – Border Collie
These inoffensive-looking dogs are very bright and active and are natural herders. While this might seem like they would be great at protecting kids, this also comes at a price. These dogs have a strong instinct to bite. As a matter of fact, hundreds of border collies are surrendered to shelters every year because of biting, often of children.
These dogs should only be around children if they are properly trained, socialised, and were raised around children. We also suggest you steer away from them if you have toddlers.
Best – Bernese Mountain Dog
These gentle giants are recognised as one of the best dogs for families for a variety of reasons. For one, they have great personalities and love being around people. They are lovable and surprisingly docile when considering their strength and size. They are also very patient.
These dogs love being out as well, so they would be a great fit for an active family. This also means that you have to be ready for the challenge. They are the perfect dog to bring with you on hiking trips and excursions. However, while they have tons of great qualities for families, they aren’t the best option if you have very small children as they may hurt them by accident.
Worst – Siberian Husky
If you had a dream of owning a Husky as a family, you might want to think this one over. First of all, these are dogs that were bred to thrive and survive in the wild. They are not the most social dogs there are and can get very stubborn. They are also very intelligent, which can be both a gift and a curse. Being intelligent also means that they will be naturally sceptical and suspicious. These dogs do not like to get startled and might react unexpectedly to unusual movements or stimuli. They are also known for biting without being provoked, so that’s something you’ll need to watch out for.
This is another dog that is best reserved for experienced families. And, if you absolutely have to get one, go for a pup instead of an older one as they may never be compatible with your family.
Best – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are wonderful with children and will make for a perfect addition to your small family. They are very gentle and great around people and other pets. They love to play and are affectionate, and they’re the perfect size if you have smaller children. They also have a very laid-back and patient disposition, which is another point for them.
Worst – Chow Chow
These big dogs might seem adorable and great protectors, but they’re not a good dog to have around children. These dogs were bred specifically to take down predators. They have a very strong jaw and a strong kill drive to go with it.
Not only that, but they’re generally antisocial and don’t like being around other people or dogs. So, they do not make for great dogs to take to the park either. Their strength may also make them impossible for a younger child to walk, so you might have to do most of the walking yourself.
Best – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This is another surprising choice, but Staffordshire Bull Terriers are wonderful family dogs. For one, they are recognised as one of the best “nanny dogs” because of their protective nature. They also have a very sweet and playful disposition when raised properly.
You should also know that this is one of the most common dogs in shelters because of the false stereotypes that are circulating about them. So, if you wanted to save a dog’s life and get a loyal and kind companion that will look after your family and truly become an integral part of it in return, this is a great option. The most important part is making sure that they are well socialised and that you spend the money, time, and effort to make sure that they are properly trained as well.
If you were looking for the perfect dog for your family, take a look at the above suggestions. Also, speak with other dog owners with families and ask them what their experiences have been like with their dog.
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