The Best Dog Breeds for
Families
There’s nothing quite like the family dog.
It’s almost a slice of Americana. In ever cheesy fifties
image of the Perfect American Family we see a nice little house
with a white picket fence, Mom and Dad, two children (usually a boy
and a girl), and a family pooch happily prancing around the
yard. As clichéd as that image may be, the fact remains that
people love dogs and some families just don’t feel right without a
family dog.
When choosing a dog for a family, there are important traits to
keep in mind. Some breeds of dog are wonderful for families
while others simply don’t have the proper temperament to deal with
family life. They may be too rough with small children, to
needy of their own space to deal with the incessant coming and
going of a large family, or simply too naturally aggressive to
respond well to a family setting. Other breeds are just
perfect fits for family life. Here are some of the best dog
breeds for families.
Golden Retrievers
Originally bred as a bird dog (like most retrievers), the Golden
retriever is an amazingly loyal and very protective breed.
They are perfect for families that enjoy outdoor activities because
they love to run, jump, and play.
Irish Setters
Irish Setters are known for their pleasant personalities and
their eagerness to please humans. They were also originally
bred as hunting dogs and can serve well in this capacity, but it is
their aptitude for companionship that makes them a beloved family
breed.
Collies
The Collie may be one of the breeds most easily associated with
the qualities of a family dog due to the popularity of the Lassie
television programs. Collies are characterized by a
combination of intelligence and patience uncommon in other
breeds.
Boxers
Boxers look large and scary and have a deep, resonating bark
that makes intruders wary, but they are truly gentle, loving, and
loyal dogs. Their size may make families with small children
want to wait a few years before owning one, but they are a perfect
family pet once the kids are a little older.
Newfoundland
Remember the dog “Hooch” from the Tom Hanks movie Turner and
Hooch? This is Hooch, a big, friendly, loving pooch.
They tend to slobber and drool rather excessively, but the
Newfoundland is a loving and protective pet. Like the boxer,
the dog’s size may be of some concern, but it will be hard to find
a more loyal dog for a family than this breed.
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