There can be many reasons to get a pet for the family home. It can be as a companion for you or one of your children, including seeing more and more service dogs that help members of the family. It could be simply because you love animals and want one around the home, or because you want to teach your children some responsibility and help them to be accountable and patient. Regardless of the reason, you still need to make sure that you’re getting a pet that will be a good fit for the family.

 

Not all dogs are created equal, and there are many different varieties and breeds. As you might imagine, they all come with unique and distinct personalities and traits. And naturally, some will be better suited to be around families, particularly little children, than others. Most dogs will have a sense of loyalty to you as you have them in the home and raise them. But some will cope better with the strains and busyness of family life.

 

So what are the best breeds for families? For starters, you have to think about three things when it comes to choosing a dog for your family, as it will depend on what your family is like and who it consists of.

 

 

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Temperament

 

This is all about the personality of the dog. And for a dog that is going to be around children, a playful but calm personality is good, as well as one that is agreeable. A dog that is quite snappy or impulsive can be a negative thing around children. When a dog is calmer it will be easier for it to make good relationships with your children, as it will be more aware and take time to get to know them.

 

Size

 

The size of the dog that you choose for a family pet can be all relative. You might want a particular size, for example, one that doesn’t grow too much as you only live in an apartment, for example. Size can also be a slight indicator of how they will behave too. While a smaller dog will eat less and take up less space, it could be giddy and excitable than others. Larger dogs could be more docile, though they will take up more space, need more exercise, and eat more. So you have to think about what is best for you and your situation.

 

Energy Level

 

The energy level of your dog, as has been mentioned slightly, can be a personal preference. You might want a dog that can go running with you each morning and keep up with your active lifestyle. If you have small children than a dog that doesn’t need to be walked too far could fit better as toddler legs never want to walk too far. Again, think about your situation and circumstances and what will fit in best.

 

With all of that in mind, here are some of the top breeds for families with children. Are there any that you had looked into before?

 

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Pug

 

Pugs do love kids. Though they are small, Pugs are not delicate like some small dog breeds, so it is a good choice for families with children. However, if you have children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer with, they could be a little bit disappointed with a Pug. There is more information on owning pugs from Puppy Joy and other similar sites. All in all, they are a small breed that stays small, and they are fairly docile and chilled, especially for a smaller breed dog.

 

Bulldog

 

If you want a loyal, devoted, and patient pup, then a Bulldog is the one for your family. The Bull Dog has a sturdy build so it is good for families with children that want a bit of rough and tumble with their dog. That being said, they are a pretty docile dog, and they will get on well with other pets if you already have some in the home. They will be comfortable living in large houses as well as small apartments as they they’ll use space if it is there but they don’t need it. They can be sociable and friendly, so are a good option for a busy and social household (think teenagers, for example).

 

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Beagle

 

Beagles have a small size and a pretty calm temperament, making them a good choice for families. They will work well for your family if your kids love the outdoors, as they really do love to explore outside and follow trails. This could be due to the fact that they were originally kept as hunting dogs. They have a lot of energy and like to play games, so again, good for active families. All in all they are smart, happy, and friendly breed that gets along well with other pets and animals.

 

Collie

 

There are a few different breeds within the ‘Collie’ breed, such Border Collie and Bearded Collie. Though you may know the classic ‘Lassie’ dog is a border collie and does make a great family per. They are a gentle and predictable breed, in that they rarely misbehave and you’ll find that they are simple to train and obey commands well. If you’ve never had a dog before, then that can make it a good option for you. They are pretty protective too, which makes them a great addition for families with children, as well as companions for older people.

 

There are some other great breeds for families too, such as Poodles and Golden Labradors. Even Bull Terriers can be good for families, as they have been unfairly branded with an aggressive label. The pet you choose will just depend on those three things mentioned above, as to what breed is going to work best for you and your family. It would be great to hear what you think to these suggestions, and if you have any experience with one of the above breeds as a family pet.