Family Dog Breeds

Families and Dogs Go Hand in Hand

Many of our families would not be complete without our canine counterparts. I know that my family certainly would not be the same without our three loving pooches. Although I believe that every dog is a good dog, there are some breeds that are better for families with children. This list is not all-inclusive, because many breeds can make great family dogs. Additionally, I could not bring myself to number the list because I believe that any of these dogs would make great family pets; the decision as to which breed is the best for you depends on your needs and preferences.

The Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Image credit: http://www.imageof.net/wallpaper/Golden-Retriever-Smile/

The Golden Retriever is a commonly-known family dog. These golden dogs are excellent companions because they are sweet, loving, loyal, and very intelligent. They are always eager to please and will surely find a special place in your heart. Because of their docile nature, Golden Retrievers do not make very good watchdogs; they love people. There’s nothing wrong with that!

The Beagle

Beagle Image credit: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/p/pocketbeagle.htm

The Beagle is a traditional family dog. They are small and friendly, naturally finding their place in the family. Beagles are great around children, large families, and homes with multiple pets. They are typically not dominant at all, in fact they prefer to just be “part of the pack.”

The Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Image credit: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bernesemountain.htm

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the gentle giants in the canine family. Despite their very large size, they make great family companions, even for families with small children. Remember, with that great size comes great responsibility! These loving dogs eat a lot and drool even more, but the Bernese Mountain Dog will surely leave giant paw prints in your heart.

The Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Image credit: http://www.labrador-retriever-guide.com/historyofthelabradorretriever.html

The Labrador Retriever is another example of a traditional family dog. These dogs are often referred to as “Labs” and come in the colors yellow, black, and chocolate. Labs are a loyal, friendly, and extremely intelligent large dog breed that love to be a member of the family. They enjoy time indoors and outdoors, especially if you never tire of a great game of fetch!

The Basset Hound

Basset Hound Image credit: http://www.puppiesden.com/basset-hound-puppy5.shtml

The Basset Hound is another great breed for families. These cute pups are smaller in size and are very loyal to their people. They are typically low-energy, which means there will be less need for constant attention. They are content to curl up on the floor near you, where ever you may be.

The Newfoundland

Newfoundland Image credit: http://www.fullissue.com/index.php/newfoundland.html

The Newfoundland is another gentle giant. These very large dogs are very well-mannered and loyal. They are great for families with children, although their larger size requires more space than smaller breeds. Newfies are very loving and gentle despite their large size. In addition to requiring additional space, Newfies also need to be brushed regularly because of their long hair.

The Mutt

Mutts Image credit: http://www.dipity.com/tickr/Flickr_puppy/

Of course, you can never go wrong with a mutt! Mutts can be great family dogs for a variety of reasons. Their mixed bloodlines make them less prone to health problems. Mutts come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. The great thing about adding a mutt to your family is that you are literally saving their life; many people prefer to seek purebred dogs, but mutts are just as loyal, loving, and intelligent as any other dog.

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