Family Oriented Dog Breeds

Of all the dog breeds available to choose between, parents need to take all considerations into account when they are choosing a pet for their family needs.  Don't just choose a pet based on what you want or let price or convienience be a determining factor for choosing the pet you get.  All breeds have their own traits and characteristics that are unique to their group; i.e. the herding group has instincts for chassing and gathering, and the hunting group has instincts to hunt for instance the bird dog has point and retrieve instincts.   Use the unlimited resources of the internet, books and don't forget about your veterinarian to gather info so you can make a smart and decisful decision on which breed will fit your family lifestyle and needs best.  Below are a few breed suggestions I have compiled that I think make great pets for families. 

• Bulldog- Usually a great breed for the family in the North do to the heat can restrict play outdoors; they do well with all ages of children and other pets.  They love to be part of the family and enjoy all the attention they can get.  
• Beagle - Despite a Beagle's hawl/bark, they are usually non-aggressive. They are great around people and other pets, but they don't like being left alone.  Boredom can lead to behavior problems if left alone for too long.  They are very active and love to run off energy with the kids, but they are hunters, so running away can be a problem.
• Cairn Terrier - They are great for families that prefer a smaller dog.  Cairns are about 10 inches tall and weigh about 13 pounds and are good with children and other pets.
• German Shepherd - This dog is good with older children. They are playful and loyal dogs with considerable size and strength. Begin obedience training early because without training they can become quit a handful for you and small children.
• Poodle - This breed comes in three sizes.  Standard,  Minature, and Toy.  Most people keep them groomed regularly to keep a neat appearance.  Research each size to determine which would suite you better.  Also popular is the designer breed; the Labradoodle.  Labradoodles are a mix of Poodle and Labrador Retriever.  They can be a great alternative to a Lab because children with allergies to pet dander usually can tollerate Labradooles do to them being considered a hypoallergenic breed.
• Collie- Collies are the American icon thanks  to the dog "Lassie".  This breed is very well rounded for the family.  They are intelligent and train eaisly.  They have to be part of the family, or they can get bordom habbits.  They make playful companions for the children.
• Basset Hound - This breed is good with children of all ages. They are known for their gentleness and kind demenour.  They are in the hound group, so they can be noisy. Their long backs can be injured if too rambouncious or a child can accidently injure them.
• Labrador Retriever - Labs are a very popular family dog due to it's playful, energetic and easygoing demeanor. Generally this breed is non-aggressive, gets along with other family pets, and loves to play all day and swim as well.
• Pug - This affectionate breed loves being part of the family. Outgoing and mischievous, they make playful companions for children.
• Golden Retriever - Similar to the Lab in personality, Goldens are mild mannered and enjoy being around families and other people. These dogs are easy to train are gentle with children.  They do have a coat that needs attention from time to time.
• Cocker Spaniel - This breed thinks and loves to be a lap dog.  They are sensitive and sweet and enjoy the attention of all who will pet them, especially children.  They are obedient when trained and friendly around people and other pets.  Regular grooming is needed to keep a healthy coat.

Allthough this list is not a full comprehensive list of which breed would be best for a family, your research may find other breeds of which you could include in your list to research and ask questions about.   There are houndreds of dog breeds and designer dog breeds to choose from.  This list just captures some of the popular breeds that are chosen to be part of the family.  Each dog is an individual and can be an exception to the general breed rules. With that in mind, here are a few breeds to be more cautious of around young children and toddlers.

• Dominant and Willful Breeds - Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Coonhounds, Border Collies and Weimaraners all have personalities that make them more difficult to train and trust with a young child. These dogs may function better in homes with older children.
• Toy Dog Breeds - Young children may play too roughly with the smaller breeds such as Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and other breeds that are under 10 pounds.  These breeds can sustain leg injuries and other serious injury due to being steped on or fallen on.  Small breeds can also be more temperamental and "one owner" dogs which make them more apt to snap at children.