Hello everyone, I thought I'd share a Take on what I consider to be the best breeds of dog for families. The opinions of others may vary, but I base this list on the more common breeds I see in North America. Please feel free to leave your comments below.
1. Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is one of the most common breeds found in North America, and is generally considered a suitable breed for a new first time family. They are friendly, loyal, energetic dogs that are sensitive to their owners, and care about them deeply. Because they are energetic, they bring with them a demand for exercise and playing, though they are considered relatively easy to train despite this demand. Just beware that is they get into the mud or digging, they may need frequent washing! Since the Air Bud series, the Golden Retriever is definitely a staple in the family household.
2. Labrador Retrievers
Like the Golden Retriever, the Labradors are one of the most common dog breeds in North America. They are a friendly, sensitive, adaptable, and easily trainable dog breed that are sensitive to their owners. Like the Golden Retriever, they have a high energy demand and require frequent exercise and playing. Historically used by fisherman to haul lines and fish netting, they carry a strong work ethic, making them suitable for work as guide dogs for the visually impaired. This work ethic carries over into their desire to care for, and stand by, their owners.
3. German Shepherds
German Shepherds often get a bad rap as a vicious breed of dog; however, after having lived around these dogs for several years now, I can say that this is an exaggeration. Shepherds are one of the most loyal breeds, and being territorial in nature, are protective and sensitive of their owners. Like Labradors, Shepherds are often employed as a service animal, particularly in the canine unit of the police force, or sometimes in the military to sniff out improvised landmines. Like all other dogs, they have a demand for exercise and playtime. If considering a German Shepherd, do your homework on breeders, as sometimes a particular genetic lineage may be prone to hip dysplasia, a common problem in Shepherds.
4. Beagles
Beagles were historically bred as scent hounds to assist hunters in small game hunting, and are still commonly used for this purpose today. However, beagles also make great family dogs, although they may be somewhat more difficult to train, and are prone to digging and running off after small game. They require a patient approach, but once trained, are as loyal as any breed of dog, and are equally as friendly.
5. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a stunning breed of dog, with striking facial features and varying coloured eyes (i.e. blue or dark, or mixed eyes), with a thick black and white fur coat. The Husky is a great family pet, but they are intelligent and independent, requiring a patient approach to their difficult training that may be hard for first time dog owners. They may have difficulty adapting to new environments, but once trained, they are an incredibly friendly breed of dog that care deeply for their owners.
6. Samoyed
Originally bred to hunt, haul sledges, and herd reindeer, the Samoyed dog breed proved a valuable companion for northwestern Siberia’s Samoyed people. Among the breed’s duties: pack hiking, tracking, and warming their owners by sleeping on top of them at night. A working breed, the Samoyed can be strong-willed at times, but above all they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted family dogs. They also require frequent brushing and cleaning, as their coats become dirty and muddy easily, especially if they go digging!
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The "Corgi" is a small breed of dog, which many families may find attractive, as they are good around kids and easy to transport in a vehicle or carry around. This breed loves constant attention from it's owners, and has a moderate demand for exercise and play compared to larger breeds of dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train, and are great with young children and other pets. Sometimes their curiousness can get them into trouble however!
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds are scent hound dog breeds who were bred to hunt badgers and other tunneling animals, rabbits, and foxes. Packs of Dachshunds were even used to trail wild boar. Today their versatility makes them excellent family companions, show dogs, and small-game hunters.
That concludes the list everyone, thank you for reading! I hope you found the pictures cute as well :)
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