Choosing the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Family
Bringing a dog into your home can be a very exciting experience, especially if it’s the first time. Research has shown that having a pet with kids in the home can have a positive effect on your children’s well-being. Kids growing up with a dog are happier, healthier and have less stress. In addition, they are more compassionate, have higher self-esteem and have better cognitive skills.
What to Consider When Selecting a Dog
There’s a wide range of dog breeds out there, each having its own distinct set of characteristics. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between the best dog breeds:
Size
Toy-sized or small dogs like the Chihuahua and Maltese are not an ideal choice for families with small children under the age of 7. Such dogs are very fragile and prone to injury. If the child steps on the dog’s foot or pulls its ear, the dog could react and bite the child. Where small children are involved, it would be advisable to go for a larger and sturdier breed.
The size of your living space should also determine your choice of a dog. Generally, large dog breeds are not advisable for smaller homes like condos and apartments. They like to run around!
Energy level
While some dogs are high-energy and require plenty of exercise, others are low-energy and only need a short walk around the block. Therefore, be sure to choose a breed that complements your activity level. Are you a couch potato or an adventurous person? Do you prefer casual neighborhood strolls or do you like running and hiking? If you have an active lifestyle - like we do here in Colorado - large dogs like the Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever would be a great choice. However, if you travel often or can’t keep up with an active dog, consider small breeds.
Grooming needs
Long-haired dog breeds like poodles and collies are very lovely to behold. They do have fluffy coats will require regular grooming sessions, preferably by Mobile Pet Shine, wink wink. If you don’t have the money or the time to invest in your dog’s grooming, consider choosing a short-haired breed like a Dachshund or Beagle.
Lifespan
Generally, smaller breeds have a longer lifespan compared to large breeds. For instance, the Pomeranian lives for 14-16 years, while the Great Dane only lives for 8-10 years. Therefore, a breed’s lifespan is something to keep in mind so your children won’t have to say goodbye to their furry friend too soon.
Allergic potential
If any of your family members have an allergy, you need to go for a hypoallergenic breed. Since such dogs shed less, anyone with an allergy can tolerate them better. Hypoallergenic dogs to consider include poodles, the Maltese, the bichon, the Kerry blue terrier and the Portuguese water dog.
Before bringing the dog you’re considering home, spend time with it elsewhere. Even with hypoallergenic dogs, someone in your home could be more sensitive to one breed more than another. Some family members might also be sensitive to their saliva. Let the dog lick your hands to see if there’s any reaction.
Age
Just like a human being, a dog’s personality usually changes as they mature. For example, adult dogs are more likely to have calmer temperaments and to be house trained. However, adopting older dogs that might have had some traumatic experiences in the past, could make them a risk around small children. Take all these factors into consideration when choosing among the most popular dog breeds.
Best Dog Breed for Your Family in Denver
Here are some of the favorite dog breeds and the traits they’re popular for:
Pugs: Playful, friendly and tough
Golden retrievers: Tolerant, intelligent and good-natured
Basset hounds: Smart, friendly and curious
Labradors: Loving, energetic and obedient
Shih Tzus: Sweet and spirited, but not easy to housebreak
Shetland sheepdogs: Protective, affectionate, obedient and intelligent
Beagles: Gentle, sweet and calm with kids
Poodles: Energetic, obedient and gentle with children
German shepherds: Faithful, protective and smart
Conclusion
Every dog breed can be an ideal addition to your family. Regardless of your choice, be sure to monitor how your pet interacts with children. Always remember that though dogs are great, they are still animals. Get information from the American Kennel Club (AKC) website and consult your veterinarian before making a decision. You can also attend dog shows and talk to local breeders.
