Deciding to get a dog is a big decision for a family to make especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. Factors such as how large your yard is, how close you live to the park, and how much time you will have to devote to your new pooch will make a significant impact on what breed of dog you decide on and when you’ll be ready to welcome it into you home.
Small children will also impact whether or not you are ready to be a dog owner. If you decide it’s time to welcome in that new member of your family, the next step is choosing what kind of dog you will get.
To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog breeds for families with children and other pets.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers and friendly, outgoing, love work and are major people-pleasers making them easy to train. That’s why they do such an excellent job as guides for the blind and as search-and-rescue team members.
When it comes to welcoming a Golden Retriever into your home, you’ll find that they are extremely smart as well as friendly and loyal. Females are usually between 55 and 65 pounds, while males can get up to 75 pounds.
They are gentle with children and generally well-behaved around other dogs. Golden Retrievers are very active and need exercise every day.
French Bulldog
If you live in the city and don’t have a lot of room for a dog, a French Bulldog might be a good option for you. Most French Bulldogs weigh less than 28 pounds and are typically quiet, making them ideal apartment dogs.
Another plus to having a French Bulldog in the city is that they aren’t overly active. A brisk daily walk will be enough exercise to keep them trim and happy. So it’s no problem if you don’t have a backyard or live far from the park.
French Bulldogs are smart and playful. They adapt well and are great with children and other dogs.
Beagle
Beagles are easy to care for and excellent with children. They are friendly, curious, good-natured dogs that are quick to respond to training.
Although they are relatively small in size, between 20 and 30 pounds, they are highly energetic and have a lot of energy. They are also very vocal, making life in the country much more enjoyable for them.
Newfoundland
If you have space, a Newfoundland is an excellent addition to any family. They are sweet, loyal, and intelligent. Their devotion to their masters makes them incredibly lovable and easy to train.
Newfoundlands are great with children and get along well with other dogs. If you have a large yard or property, a Newfoundland will be thrilled as they need plenty of room for their large bodies. Males can get up to 150 pounds!
Adopting a dog is a great way to teach your children responsibility. Dog’s are also great at becoming a special part of the family. Depending on your living conditions and environment, any of the breeds mentioned above would make a great addition to a loving home.