When you choose to bring a new baby into your family, you accept that they’ll be an individual with their own unique personality. However, when you decide to buy or adopt a puppy, you have the luxury of planning ahead.
Raising a dog is a years-long commitment. Instead of playing doggy roulette, it’s critical to research your puppy breeds and choose the right furry friend for your family.
We’ve created this guide to help you choose the ideal breed for your lifestyle. Continue reading to discover a few new-to-you dog breeds to ensure you end up raising a puppy that fits in with your family.
The Patient, Playful Golden Retriever
When bringing a dog into a family with children, one of the primary concerns is safety. All dogs have an instinctual prey drive, impacting their interactions with humans and animals. That’s why families love patient, gentle golden retriever puppies who have a reputation for a calm and stable temperament.
While these dogs are even-keeled, they are also incredibly playful, with a great deal of energy. This is a breed that will keep your kids busy! They’re an ideal match for an active and energetic crew.
If you have the time to put into puppy training, you will love these intelligent, receptive dogs. They learn quickly, which is another check in the “safety” category. A dog who listens and understands is easier to manage in novel scenarios.
Finally, this breed is loving and loyal, forming strong bonds with children and adults alike. Golden retrievers seem to genuinely enjoy being part of a family unit. A well-socialized retriever is a steadfast friend who will stick by your side through anything.
The Gentle, Affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for a loving lap dog, you can’t go wrong with the sweet-tempered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This small to medium-sized breed is a master of snuggles and cuddles. They are loyal, affectionate people pleasers who always want to be close to the ones they love.
Cavies are both social and adaptable, with patience for the high-energy antics of young children. Younger Spaniels can also be energetic, making them fun playtime companions. Since they live to please, they aren’t difficult to train and love to show off silly tricks.
This breed needs energy and stimulation but isn’t as high maintenance as larger, more energetic breeds. That means they do well in various living environments, from apartment buildings to residential homes. These little pals tend to thrive as long as you give them adequate attention.
The Calm, Tolerant Basset Hound
If you are seeking a companion for your laid-back, go-with-the-flow family, you might fall in love with the lazy, loving Basset Hound. Very little bothers these steadfast scent dogs, who don’t mind noise or commotion. They are calm, cool, and collected, even amidst the hustle and bustle of family life.
This is an excellent breed for a family that can provide moderate exercise. Bassets only need a quick daily walk. You won’t need to commit to hours of fetch or mental stimulation to satisfy these pups.
With that said, these dogs are natural trackers, a trait that provides fun opportunities for family-friendly enrichment. They love it when you give them a job. Many children love playing “scent games” with their gentle Basset Hounds, which provides enough enrichment for everybody!
The Speedy, Routine-Abiding Labrador Retriever
Children and families thrive on routines. When children live a predictable lifestyle in which they know what’s coming next, they tend to behave better and experience less anxiety. If your household relies on a sense of consistency, consider adding a Labrador Retriever to your family.
These dogs tend to be intelligent and easy to train, making them more manageable and reliable than other breeds. They genuinely enjoy commands and the subsequent reward of effusive praise! Some owners even report that their lab is a better listener than the children!
Labradors do tend to be energetic animals, however, and you will need to dedicate some time to exercising them. One daily walk per day may not be enough for all labs. They will fit in well with playful kids who are looking for a furry friend to keep them company in the yard or at the park.
The Compact, Quiet French Bulldog
The adorable French Bulldog has been steadily rising through the ranks, becoming one of America’s most beloved dog breeds. Families love their sweet, expressive faces and inoffensive natures. They tend to be quiet, loving companions with low energy needs and a lot of affection to give.
At the same time, these dogs are frequently playful and alert. You’ll know they’re paying attention when their distinctive bat-like ears perk up! Nothing captures a French Bulldog’s attention quite like the arrival of one of its favorite people.
This breed is an excellent option for families living in smaller spaces. Frenchies are compact and don’t need much extra room to remain content. Because they’re typically quiet, the neighbors won’t ever complain about these furry, flat-faced tenants!
Be aware that all kinds of bulldogs have a reputation for their distinct, occasionally stubborn personalities. With a bit of training, however, these adorable companions will happily come to heel!
Family-Friendly Puppy Breeds for Every Personality
“Family-friendly” is not a one-size-fits-all descriptor. When choosing puppy breeds, be honest about what qualities you’re seeking in a best friend. A little forethought will ensure you adopt the perfect lap dog, park pal, snuggle buddy, or playtime companion.
Knowledge makes every process more manageable, whether training a puppy or changing a tire. Browse the rest of the blog for more guides that can help simplify your life.
