To help you find the best dog for your family our Cave Creek vets are sharing 10 of our favorite dog breeds that are great with kids including their weight and energy level, so you can find the one that will make a perfect addition to your home.
Deciding On The Best Dog for Your Family
Are you looking to welcome a new dog into your family? If so, it's essential to look past the cuteness level of a pooch and evaluate if they will match your home and the lifestyle of your family. A few of the elements you will need to assess is how much space the dog will need and the size of your home, the amount of daily exercise the pooch requires and your family's energy level, and the temperament of the dog as well as how much you are willing to commit to training. To help you make this important decision, our vets at Animal Health Services of Cave Creek have listed some of our favorite dog breeds that are great for kids and families:
Newfoundland
If you have a larger home and want a dog that can help fill some of the space, the huge Newfoundland could be a great addition to your family. This dog has earned the nickname 'Nature's babysitter', this pooch has a sweet nature, is smart, loves water, and enjoys being around kids. The friendly Newfoundlands can be the perfect family pet.
Irish Setter
Weighing on average 65 lbs, this breed is more than just stunningly beautiful! These dogs are intelligent, lively, and have a great sense of mischief. Irish Setters enjoy chasing balls, going outside for long runs, but also enjoy playing in the backyard with kids. High-energy kids will love spending time with this breed.
Golden Retriever
If your kids will enjoy playing games and throwing a ball with the family dog, or have fun taking the time to teach the pup new tricks, this pooch might be the perfect breed for you. They can range in weight from 55-75 lbs and are friendly, kind, loyal, confident, and smart making them an excellent fit for family life.
English Bulldog
This breed isn't as energetic as the ones listed above, and it weighs about 50-55 lbs, making it more appropriate for apartments and smaller homes. These dogs seek social interactions with their owners and will enjoy cuddling up with the family when it's time to relax and watch a movie. English bulldogs make gentle, sweet, and dependable family pets.
Beagle
They can weigh between 18-30 lbs this medium-sized pup loves spending quality time with their people, playing games, and going on walks. Beagles are smart and can make a very loving pet for the family when they are given plenty of exercise and family interaction. This isn't the best breed for families that are away from home a lot.
Boston Terrier
Checking in at just below 25 pounds, these people-loving canines come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. They are happy just playing with the kids and going out for short walks. This charming dog breed adapts well to an apartment lifestyle and makes a great companion for kids. Boston terriers are full of personality that your children will fall in love with.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They can be portable size dogs weighing between 10-18 lbs. They are also a lively but gentle breed making them an ideal companion for families that live in smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with kids as well as other dogs, loving to play and snuggle in equal measure. These sweet-natured dogs can be great pets for kids of many energy levels and ages.
Pug
These adorable little pups love spending their time eating and sleeping. If you have small kids, or your family has a lower energy level you might appreciate a dog that will play indoors then curl up with the kids while they watch some tv. They can weigh around 15 lbs, and don't require a lot of space just a couple of short walks a day.
French Bull Dog
This small breed dog is very adaptable and is perfect for families that live in the city. They are very easygoing and not highly active. They respond well to training, are very affectionate, and are great for new families.
The Mutt
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs that can be excellent for your family! They often come with the best traits of many family-friendly breeds, including loyalty and gentle loving nature. These pups can be just as good with children as purebred dogs and are typically less susceptible to genetic diseases, and can be less expensive. You might be able to find the perfect dog for your kids waiting for you at your local animal shelter.