How to pick a family dog

How to pick a family dog

By Babysits
5 min read

Dogs are by far the most popular type of pet! Are you thinking of expanding your family with a four-pawed friend? Check out our article below and find out what things you need to pay attention to when searching for a family dog and which dogs are the ultimate family-friendly dogs!

What should you pay attention to when choosing a family dog?

What should you consider when choosing a family dog

If you have a family and are really interested in adopting a dog, it is very important to think about what type or breed of dog you really want. Along these lines, you can think of whether you want a big dog, a dog that loves long walks, and so on.

The thing that is really the most important when thinking about a family dog is whether the dog can get along well with children. Naturally, you want there to be a good click between your child(ren) and the dog! Important characteristics that you need to pay attention to when thinking of choosing a dog are the background of the dog, the energy level, the age, and the personality of the dog.

Where did the dog come from?

what to consider if you adopt an animal from a shelter

If you are adopting a dog from the shelter, be careful to pay close attention to where the dog came from. If the dog was abused or came from a puppy mill then it is a good possibility that the dog may be anxious or afraid of children, or even aggressive in some cases.

Bad experiences in the past of the dog can make them very unpredictable or anxious. So, always ask where the dog came from to understand a bit more about the background of the dog.

What is the dog’s energy level?

Do you prefer a dog with high energy or low energy?

Before you choose a dog it is important to think about whether you would like to take long walks with the dog, play a lot with the dog, or if you would rather have more of a lap dog. Not every dog or dog breed has the same amount of energy.

Another thing to consider with regards to the dog’s energy level is the environment where they’re coming to live in. If you live in an apartment then it can be more suitable to choose a calmer or less energetic dog rather than one with tons of energy. Dogs with lots of energy generally enjoy having more room, for example, if they can run around and play in a yard when the family is busy.

What is the age of the dog?

What is the age of the dog?

If you adopt a puppy, you need to be very careful with the kids. Certainly, you want to make sure that they don’t accidentally hurt or scare the puppy and make them anxious. But, you should also be aware if you decide to adopt and bring home an older dog.

As dogs grow older, they generally cannot deal with business and fast movements as well. With young children, who may be very active, this may not be the best situation.

Exactly how big is the dog?

Do you prefer a small or a big dog?

The size of a dog can be a truly important factor. For example, do you want your children to be able to go out and walk your dog? Then maybe a smaller dog is just a bit handier. This way, you can avoid that your kid gets dragged along by the dog, as soon as he, for example, comes across another dog.

What is the personality of the dog?

What is the personality of a dog?

Every dog has a different personality. Thus, really make sure that you inform yourself about what type of personality the dog has and what type of behavior different breeds may show.

The following dog breeds are known for their child-friendly character;

  • Pug
  • Spitz
  • Cairn terrier
  • Maltese
  • Samoyed
  • Beagle
  • Poodle
  • English Cockerspaniël
  • Labradoodle
  • English Bulldog
  • Boxer
  • Irish setter
  • Newfoundlander
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Labrador retriever
  • Golden retriever

If you want to add a dog to your family then there are certainly enough options! Curious about the personality traits of these family and kid friendly dog breeds and about which dog fits your family best? Take our dog quiz! But remember, every dog, no matter what breed, needs good training in order to be trusted with children. Which dog fits your family the best? Let us know!

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