How do you know what kind of dog you should welcome into your family? Especially with small children, you don’t want to add just any dog to the mix. To help you find the ideal canine companion, Study Finds set out to put together an expert-recommended list of the best dog breeds for families.
If you need a science-backed argument for adding a dog to your family, here it is: Researchers found that young children living with at least one dog at home they show much stronger emotional and social development than children from a home without dogs. This includes being 40% less likely to have trouble dating other kids and 34% more likely to be considerate of others. And that’s just one of the many benefits of owning a dog.
Dogs can also help keep everyone happy. A new study in Switzerland shows that seeing, feeling and touching a dog stimulates neurons in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that helps regulate emotional interactions. Dogs often help people cope with stress and depression, so having a dog in your home could also be therapeutic.
What makes a dog a good choice for a family? With children, safety comes first. Young children may be unintentionally snappish or act in other ways that could “frighten” dogs, putting them at risk of being bitten or even bitten. bites. A relaxed temperament combined with a smooth personality It is therefore essential in a family dog.
In addition to being safe around children (and the elderly), a good family dog is one that fits right in with your home. Consider factors like your living situation and general activity level when choosing a puppy. Be considerate of the dog’s needs as well as your own: don’t put a collie born to run in the meadows in a small city apartment or make a husky bred to pull sleds in the snow sweating by a pool in the desert. And if most of your family members are reserveddon’t get a dog that is a social butterfly.
With all of that in mind, we hope you find our list helpful when looking for a puppy. To help you find the best match, StudyFinds scoured ten expert websites to create a list of the top five dog breeds for families. Are you the proud owner of the perfect dog? Let us know in the comments which breed you recommend for those looking for a new addition to the family!
The list: the best dog breeds for families most recommended by experts
1. Mongrel/Rescue
The best family dog is a dog whose personality fits your lifestyle. While breed can provide a general idea of a dog’s disposition, it’s not a guarantee—dogs are individuals, after all. If you want to make sure your future family member is a good fit, consider adopting instead of shopping: “By adopting, you can […] Obtain more behavioral history on the dog. Shelter or rescue workers spend their days caring for the dogs, so they can educate you on the ins and outs of a dog’s personality and habits,” he explains. PetMD.
“Most shelters host ‘meet and greet’ times, where you and your child can interact with potential pets so you can find the right one for your family,” cites Reader’s Digest, Dr. Janelle Emmett, DVM. “Many shelters also allow you to foster a dog for a day or two, which provides an extra layer of comfort, so you don’t have to rely on the love-at-first-sight rush you can feel at a shelter.” Plus, you can still get a purebred dog if you choose to adopt! Multiple rescues specialize in certain breeds, but their price is much less than a breeder.
With mutts, you get the benefit of a larger gene pool, which typically results in fewer health problems and ailments as your pup grows. And “they often provide the best traits of two (or more!) great breeds in one dog.” PetMD says about your best family dog choice. Consider saving a life by adopting a rescue mutt. “Talk to your local animal rescue to help find a lovely mongrel dog that would fit with your family and lifestyle”, recommends Good Housekeeping.
2. Tie: Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever
All ten expert websites recommend both breeds for families. Not surprising, as they are both famous for their cheerful dispositions and for being friendly towards children. So, another tie is.
The Labrador Retriever has dominated the most popular dog breed lists in the US since the early 1990s. While they were originally bred as hunting dogs, “Labradors also make wonderful family pets, thanks in large part to their incredibly calm personalities. Patient with even the most unruly children and large enough not to be easily injured by rough play, Labradors deserve their status as one of the best dogs for families,” he says. daily legs. However, they are not a good match for couch potatoes: according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs are “very active; The labs are lively and not afraid to show it.”
The golden retriever, also very popular, is “neither aggressive nor shy”, but “extremely patient, which makes him the perfect match for children”, according to PetMD. When considering a golden retriever, keep in mind that, like the Labrador retriever, these dogs need a lot of physical exercise. Y mind exercise! He akc He characterizes them as “intelligent, friendly and devoted” as well as “very active.” The breed’s “sharp intelligence” makes them a delightful family dog, especially if you have older children. But they are kind and gentle enough to get along with anyone,” he says. the dog people.
3.Beagle
Snoopy’s breed could have been higher on this list based on recommendations alone, but we’ll get to that in a bit. Positively adorable and definitely kid-appropriate, the AKC says these dogs are “cheerful, friendly, and curious.“These sweet-tempered types always seem to top the list of the best dog breeds for families, and it’s no wonder,” she writes. pet finder.
“The Beagle’s easygoing personality allows this breed to get along with other dogs and make a wonderful pet,” Petfinder continues. “Beagles are noted for their melodious bay.” Beware of apartment dwellers! The AKC dryly notes that this breed “lhe likes to be vocal.” If you have a lot of close neighbors or a cranky owner, a beagle may not be for you.
Beagles require a lot of exercise. They are a “perfect fit for families with more active lifestyles, […] [being] a well behaved dog with tons of energy. These hounds are born hunters and are at their best when they have something to do, so active play with older children is a perfect outlet! Netflix families and chill, maybe look elsewhere.
4. French Bulldog
The current “It” dog on Instagram is actually a great family dog. For families who don’t have the opportunity (or energy) to go on long walks, this breed is much better than most of the breeds on this list. These pups “are easy-going, not terribly athletic; brisk walks will keep them in shape,” says the AKC.
The AKC further states that these dogs are good with children and other dogs, and generally don’t bark a lot. According to Reader’s Digestare “known for their affectionate nature […] [as they] They were bred to be companion dogs. One of the best family dogs for apartment dwellers, Frenchies do well in small spaces and love to be around children..”
A word of caution: being so popular right now, Frenchies are often the targets of puppy scams or are bred irresponsibly. Be very careful and do a background check before purchasing a French bulldog. And keep in mind that, like all races with flat headsthese dogs are sadly prone to numerous health problems.
5. Tie: Irish Setter/Poodle
There are many family breeds to choose from and limiting it to five was difficult. Irish Setters and Poodles were recommended as family dogs on eight out of ten expert websites. They ended up drawing, so here they are both!
Do you want your family dog to be sweet, but athletic? The Irish setter may be for you. Best known for their beautiful red coats, Irish Setters are “outgoing, sweet-natured, active, and trainable,” according to the akc. pet finder he describes them as “enthusiastic and even-tempered,” all attributes that make them ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities. These guys (and gals) “get along with kids and other canines, are super smart and easy to train, and have enough stamina and size to tackle any adventure or activity for as long as you (or your kids) want.” notes daily legs.
Poodles and their mixes are popular with allergy sufferers as they don’t shed much and can be trimmed a lot. But “in addition to their often distinctive haircuts, the poodle also happens to be a very intelligent and gentle dog.” PetMD points. Another great thing about this breed is that it comes in two sizes: “The Standard Poodle […] He is very obedient, intelligent, playful and adventurous. Although they are often shy around strangers, they get along very well with people and children they meet. Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, tend to be devoted to one person in particular, but are good with other pets and children. They are intelligent, responsive, obedient, and playful.”
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