Best Dog Breeds For Families

Whether you are a first time Dog owner or a seasoned veteran, there is always something new to learn about our four legged friends.

If you have small children, a medium to large breed Dog would suit their high energy level. Good breeds for these kids are Golden Retrievers, Labs, Collies, Old English SheepDogs. Basically, herding and sporting Dogs are the best dogs for families with little ones.

Families with older children can have their pick. Just about any dog breed will do well. Toy breeds are great for mature families with limited space, such as apartment dwellers. All kids need a dog as their friend as they are growing up. You had one didn't you?

Always remember to teach children the boundaries with dogs. For instance, don't bother them while their eating, don't startle them while they sleep, don't try to take food or a chew bone away from a dog and NEVER hit or beat a dog.

If anyone in the family has allergies, a good breed for sufferers is the Poodle. These dogs do not shed, are hypoallergenic and they are bred in three sizes, small, medium and large. A breed to fit any home.

Mixed breed dogs are always a good choice for many reasons. The most important is you will be saving a life. Visit shelters and contact rescue organizations to find your best family dog.

Millions of unwanted shelter dogs are put to sleep every year. Many are given up because of family illness or death, people not able to afford to feed them, moving and can't take the family pet, etc. These dogs need a second chance to be loved and have a good home.

My husband and I have had dogs in our lives since we were born. We're not dog experts, just everyday people using trial and error over the years to see what works and what doesn't with our puppies and dogs.

We have owned many pure breed and mixed breed dogs through the years and each one was different in so many ways. When my husband and I married in 1978, our first dog was a Collie, Laddie. We were in love with Lassie growing up in the 50's and found our common "dog ground" in that respect. So throughout the years, Collies and now Shelties are out family dogs.

We currently have an adopted 1/2 Husky, 1/2 Collie mix named Lady who is 8 years old and our second Sheltie, Kelsey is going on 3 years.

Many of our family and friends have asked our advice about their dogs and suggested we put together a website for tips, help and fun pages for dog owners. So we did. If you found this article helpful, you can view more information at http://the-best-dog-for-you.com

AKC's Top Ten Most Popular Dogs and the Best Families to Adopt Them

AKC recently released their list of most popular Dogs in America and I thought it would be useful to list each Dog and explain what makes the Dog so popular and in what environment the dog would fit in best.

1. The Labrador Retriever is popular for one simple reason...they are probably the most friendly dogs on the planet! Having said that...don't expect them to be watch dogs or guard dogs...they will practically open the door for anybody! Labrador's are a rather high energy dog and they tend to grow faster physically then they do intellectually (trust me...we have two of them). That's why they don't make good dogs for those with small children, they won't mean to, but one wag of that powerful tail and your kids will be on the floor! It's important to note that there are two types of Labrador lines...one is the field line, which focuses more on the hunting and practical side of the Labrador. This line will be suited only for those who wish to hunt with their dogs. The second line is the show line, or the English line. These dogs will be more heavier and, usually, more suited to life with the family. Labrador's are number one for a simple reason, they LOVE people and they will do anything you tell them to do. They love to run and play and they make good pillows. But beware: not every home is well suited for a Lab...they do need tons of exercise, since they are a working breed. They also shed like crazy.


2. The "Yorkie" is a wonderful little dog with a lot of character and fire. Although they don't demand a lot of exercise, they do need some play and a daily walk. They are good with older, considerate children, but are too delicate for boisterous or younger children. Because these dogs are terriers, they do need to have a confident owner and handler. They have the tendency to take on bigger dogs and become fearful of dogs and people. Be sure and socialize this breed very well. This breed is good for families with older children and who are fairly active-remember, they do need a daily walk. They also need a family that will take the time to socialize them properly.


3. The German Shepard is a guard dog, but is very loyal to its family. This breed needs to be stimulated mentally and physically to be happy and needs to be socialized very well to prevent aggression toward humans and other dogs. They are beautiful dogs that need a strong leader, but can make wonderful family members for the right family. These dogs are not for the first time dog owner, but are very loyal and faithful to those who are experienced.


4. The Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog, but is a VERY heavy shedder and is not suited for those who don't appreciate everyone you meet knowing you own a dog due to the stray fur on your clothes. They are very friendly with everyone and everything...so they are also NOT an effective watch dog! They do need lots of exercise and can easily become over weight, so a active family is a must. They also need to be brushed frequently and needs lots of time with their family so if you're too busy to spend time with your golden, they might not be the breed for you.


5. The Beagle is part of the hound group...this group uses their nose to find game for a human hunter. When they find something...they typically bay to let the human know they have found the game. If you are thinking about getting this breed...be prepared for the bay!!! It is possible to stop this behavior, but I believe they need to be mentally stimulated and exercised physically to be content enough to not bay at every noise in the neighborhood. Having said that, the fifth favorite dog breed in America is definitely a good family dog. They love children and other dogs...but may try to "hunt" smaller animals. They are a very happy breed and, if kept tired, they will be a very good companion.


6. The Boxer is said to remain a puppy well into it's years...so be prepared! They LOVE to play and need plenty of exercise to stay out of trouble. Although they love children, their exuberant nature can easily overwhelm small children, so may not be the best choice for those with toddlers. If not properly socialized, this breed can be aggressive toward animals and strangers...so socialize well when they are young. Having said that...they are funny, happy dogs that are perfect for families with older children, that exercise regularly (hike, bike or run).


7. The Dachshund is a very funny and lively little dog but they tend to bark at strangers so they make good watchdogs. When choosing a Dachshund, be sure and find a responsible breeder who breeds for temperament, as some Dachshund's can be aggressive with other dogs and people. These dogs are wonderful companions and they would do well with a family that has older, considerate children. Keep in mind that the grooming requirements can vary depending upon coat type, so carefully choose the type according to what you are willing to do. Socialization seems to be the key to having a well behaved Dachshund.


8. The Bulldog is a low key, gentle dog. They are very friendly and do well with other pets and children. But be forewarned..they may become possessive over their food and tend to have a stubborn streak. The Bulldog is good for a gentle stroll, but will never be a good running partner. They will do best in a laid back family who will take the time to obedience train to help curb the stubbornness of the breed.


9. The Poodle is a wonderful companion dog. They are sociable and intelligent. They love to be with their humans and may not do well if you are not home a lot. They should be socialized well when young, but this should be an easy task. The only potential down side to the Poodle is that they are fairly energetic and do need to be taken to the groomers every six to eight weeks to be clipped. They also need to be brushed once a week to keep the mats out. The Poodle comes in three sized, the Standard (large), the miniature (medium) and the Toy (small).


10. The Shih Tzu is a wonderful breed for people who don't get a lot of exercise. They are friendly and happy dogs and are very sweet natured. They love to spend time with their family and may not do well for long periods alone.

Written by Jennifer Andrade from A Dog for Life, LLC , which is dedicated to helping you choose and find the best dog for your family.
My website features many other resources that can help you have a more positive and closer relationship with your canine companion.
http://www.adogforlife.com

Best Dogs for Families with Kids

Choosing the right Dog for your family with kids need some research if you are new to the Dog ownership. Families with kids need to pay attention on certain Dog qualities such as temperament, size and energy level before adopting or buying a dog.

Kids like to play with dogs. Sometimes they forget to respect dog's cue to back off. You need a dog that won't mind if his hair or tail gets pulled. Size is the another important consideration. This is for the safety of children as well as for dog. There are dog breeds that are very good with children but too big; especially with small children who may be accidentally stepped on or knocked over.

Some dog breeds that are good with children have high energy or activity levels than others. If dogs don't receive the exercise they physically require, they are more likely to develop behavior problems such as excessive chewing or barking. Select a dog breed that loves children but requires less exercise if your family is not so active.

Here are some breeds that work well with kids:

Beagle: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 40 to 59 lbs. Beagles do shed. if you or a family member suffer from allergies, it is worth looking into other breeds that do well with kids.

Bassett Hound: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 50 to 65 lbs. Gets along well with other dogs and pets. Minimal exercise needed.

Cairn Terrier: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 25 lbs. Minimal shedding.

Cocker Spaniel: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 30 lbs. Regular exercise may be needed.

Dachshund: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. Minimal exercise needed. They are medium shedders and require modest exercise. Housebreaking can be difficult.

Golden Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 65 to 75 lbs. Easy to train. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Daily exercise needed. Loves to pay with balls and other toys, so exercise is fairly easy.

Labrador Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 60 to 75 lbs. Minimal grooming required. Requires daily exercise.

Pug: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 14 to 18 lbs. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.

While there is no guarantee a certain type of dog will get along well with children, there is a wide range of dog breeds (many more than mentioned here) that are known for being excellent family dogs. Always remember, before adopting or purchasing your next puppy, please do your homework.

To find puppies and dogs online, visit Petboro.com - Pet Classifieds and Directory Listings