The time has come. The kids are asking — okay begging — for a puppy. While surveying the scene that is your house, you see a cluttered living room full of toys and the newest little one crawling across the carpet. If you’ve decided your family is ready for a dog, think about what breeds are well known and trusted for family situations, especially around small children.
The following dog breeds are excellent family pets, whether you want to adopt or prefer a puppy.
Golden Retriever
No dog has a better disposition than the golden retriever. An intelligent and adaptable breed, a golden retriever unconditionally loves his people and is an obedient, loyal companion. Because golden retrievers are also a beloved breed for service dogs, they’re generally trustworthy to have around babies and young children. You can count on your golden retriever to be a natural watchdog and family protector. Make sure you have a lot of time though to be at home with your pup. They’re a lovable, well-mannered dog that need your family’s love and affection.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are happy companions that are adored for their gentle nature. If you have an infant or toddler in the brood, a lab is an even-tempered, four-legged furry friend that will safely interact with children with your supervision of course. While a lab is gentle around the little one, it’s an active breed that’s also eager to play games, such as fetch and Frisbee. Your kids will get out their energy and have fun all afternoon while playing with the family lab at the park.
Newfoundland
For a caretaking family pet that has a docile, calm and silent disposition, introduce the Newfoundland into your home. Nana, the guardian and nurse of Wendy, Michael and John in “Peter Pan,” was a Newfoundland, and the breed is just as sweet-tempered and nurturing in real life. Since “Peter Pan,” the breed has earned and kept its reputation as a nanny dog. It’s a hardworking family companion that naturally nurtures and protects young children under your supervision. A social breed, the Newfoundland is great with people and other animals, which means you don’t have to stress when guests come over or while at the dog park.
Collie
Collies are excellent dogs for an active and involved family, especially for a family that has older kids who are athletic and enjoy exercising with the pet. As portrayed in the novel “Lassie,” Border Collies are hardworking, sharp-minded and devoted dogs. As an obedient and loyal companion, a collie cares about their masters. As long as your family stays active with your collie, it won’t grow bored or misbehave. Involve the whole family as you teach your collie commands and tricks. Go for runs with your collie as your train for a marathon, play tug-of-war at home or throw squeaky toys in the backyard.
Bulldog
Not only do English Bulldogs have an irresistible face, but they’re kind-hearted, affectionate animals. Your family bulldog can play rough with the boys of your family, yet remain tame and relaxed with the girls and lounge on the couch with you as you thumb through Direct TV channels. Taken for short walks and played with, your bulldog will be a happy, adored family pet. Since bulldogs have limited amounts of energy, this type of breed is great for young children who have short attention spans and family’s who like to lounge around.
I had the experience in growing up in public housing, where neither dogs nor cats were allowed. When I had a young child, I never (believe it or not) even thought of getting him a dog or cat – and he never asked either. I think a collie would have been ideal for him. It made me a bit wistful. As an adult, he is petless right now (so am I, although that hasn’t always been true) and it is probably the right decision for his lifestyle. It really is vitally important to match the dog to the family – there are too many unwanted pets in this country – for that, and other reasons.