If you are looking to add a dog to the family, you may want to ensure that your new companion is friendly, especially if you have kids. Today, our Cave Creek vets provide some information on some of the friendliest dog breeds that your family will love.
Friendly Dog Breeds for the Family
If you are trying to pick a breed of dog for your family then it is important to consider things other than appearance, such as the amount of time that they will need, how much exercise the breed requires, and the overall temperament of the breed.
Take your time to find a dog that suits the space you live in, as well as the energy level of your family, and how much time each family member is willing to commit to training your new fur baby. To get you off to a good start, here are some of our favorite friendly dog breeds:
Golden Retriever
If you have kids that will love throwing a ball and playing with the family pup, or taking the time to teach the dog new tricks, this could be the breed for you. Ranging in weight from 55-75 lbs Golden Retrievers are confident, friendly, smart, kind, and loyal, making them perfect for family life.
Newfoundland
If you've got a large home and want a dog to help you fill it, the huge Newfoundland might be right for your family. Nicknamed 'Nature's babysitter', these sweet-natured, intelligent dogs love to be around kids. Water-loving and friendly Newfoundlands can make excellent family pets.
Irish Setter
Weighing around 65 lbs, this breed is more than just strikingly beautiful! These dogs are lively, intelligent, and have a great sense of mischief. Irish Setters love to chase balls, and go for long runs, but also enjoy playing in the backyard with kids. High-energy kids will love spending time with this breed.
English Bulldog
Less energetic, this breed weighs in at about 50-55 lbs, making it suitable for smaller homes and apartments. These dogs seek out social interactions with their people and will love cuddling up with the family to watch a movie and relax. English bulldogs make sweet, gentle, and dependable family pets.
Beagle
At between 18-30 lbs this medium-sized breed craves spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks. These smart dogs can make very loving family pets when provided with plenty of family interaction and exercise. This is not the best breed for families who are out of the house a lot.
Boston Terrier
Checking in at just under 25 pounds, these people-loving dogs come with their own easy-to-care-for "tuxedo" coats. Content to play with the kids and go for short walks this charming dog breed adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children. Boston terriers are full of personalities your kids will love.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At between 10-18 lbs, the portable size of this lively but gentle breed makes it ideal for 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 characters love to eat and sleep. If your kids are small, or have lower energy and would appreciate a dog that will play indoors then curl up with them and watch tv, a pug may be the right breed for your family. At around 15 lbs, this is a breed that doesn't need much space just a couple of short walks each day.
Mutts
Mutts or mixed-breed dogs can be some of the best dogs for families and kids. These dogs often come equipped with the best traits of many kid-friendly breeds such as a gentle loving nature and loyalty. These dogs can be as good with children as purebred dogs and tend to be less susceptible to genetic diseases, and are less expensive. The perfect breed for your child may be waiting for you at your local animal shelter.