What is the best family dog?

Answer 1

Yorkies... they're not excessively hyper or yappy, in my experience, just fun little happy dogs.
-I would avoid poodles... they don't shed much at all, but they are known to be aggressive and bark a lot.
- Chihuahuas are too nervous.
- Daschunds are verrrry sweet, but they have a lot problems with their backs.
- Pugs are amazing little guys, and I would highly recommend them, but you have to watch out for breathing problems.
- Scotties are very sweet, too.
- a Bichon would be something to look out for. They hardly shed at all, and they aren't high-energy.

Answer 2

Labrador Retriever -

Bred primarily as a working gun dog, the Labrador Retriever is a gentle breed, with an outgoing nature and a ridiculously friendly temperament. Known for its "otter tail" (and its drool), this athletic dog can go from the hunt to the showroom to the family room with equal aplomb. It looks just as good after a shampoo as it does following a mudbath - a true Renaissance dog!

Because of their gentle natures, Labrador Retrievers make good pets when children or seniors are part of the household, although as pups they can get extremely wild and energetic. While they aren't aggressive, they do bark to keep the weirdos at bay. Keep in mind that Labs have big appetites and need lots of exercise, but they're big ol' friendly dogs. Hey, 150,000+ people can't be wrong .

Answer 3

Gordon Setters are known to be great with children, have much less health problems than over-bred Golden Retrievers. A female field dog, which has less fur, would make a great family dog. They are bird dogs and need a lot of exercise and a fenced in yard. They love the water, retrieve, great agility dogs, clownish and playful around children and extremely loyal to your family. They are non-confrontational around people and animals and can be trusted around babies and toddlers and to top it off they are gorgeous dogs and a sight to behold on a leash or running across a field.

I have one and everywhere I go people ask me what kind of dog I have and if their toddler can pet the dog. As soon a child walks up to her she does a down and lets them pet her then rolls over for a scratch on the belly. If you find one, a submissive female is the best temperament for a family with children. You can adopt one from a Gordon Setter Rescue which is where we got ours when she was a year old.

Answer 4

There are many answers to that question. There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog.

First, before you get any kind of dog, do your research on the Internet. You need to know the temperament of the breed, any special dietary needs, any medical problems common to the breed, etc.

Do you live in a small apartment or a large house? You need to keep in mind that dogs need to exercise a lot to stay healthy. If you have a totally fenced in yard, that is great for the dog. If you live in an apartment in a large city, you will need to provide the dog with plenty of opportunities to walk and run.

If you have kids, or anticipate having kids, you need to factor that into your decision as well. Some breeds are more child-friendly than other breeds.

Shelties are great dogs for kids, as most are even tempered and their natural instinct is to herd. Once a Sheltie learns its boundaries, he or she will constantly herd the kids to stay within the boundaries. It is actually quite fun to watch them work and they have fun while doing it.

If you need a smaller breed with very little upkeep, look at a MinPin. These are very small dogs, but they are a bit nervous. They also like to roam. We have 3 of these dogs and when the opportunity presents itself, they have no problems about wandering over to a neighbor's house to visit. :) We have to keep a close eye on them as they dig under the fence to accomplish their goals.

If you need a dog that is to serve as a companion and as a guard dog, look at something larger, but not so big that you cannot provide ample exercise space and time. Shar peis are fiercely loyal and fiercely protective. They are also very gentle around kids. We have had several and all of them put up with a lot of toddler abuse in their time. Be aware, though, that Shar peis are very territorial. Sometimes you must physically restrain them when you have guests. Sharpies are big enough to do some serious damage if they attacked a human.

Those are just some suggestions and observations. I would suggest browsing the web and find a dog that looks nice to you. Then research that breed and make notes about all of the good and the bad. There are good points and bad points to every breed. Pick one that you like and one that you can live with as far as the bad points go.

Good luck!

Will D
Enteprise AL

Answer 5

Well, it depends on what type of dog you like. Small Dogs, Medium, or big. A small dog would be a Pomchi. This is a Pomeranian / Chihuahua mix. They're very intelligent, friendly, playful with a soft mouth, loyal and are less likely to dig holes in your back yard. If you get any dog, make sure you get them fixed. A Medium sized dog would be a beagle. These dogs are playful with kids, just like the Pomchi, but less likely to get stepped on my the family. A larger dog could be a sheep dog, y'know that "Shaggy Dog" type. My neigbors have one next door. He's just a big soft teddy bear. Or maybe a German Shepherd, or if you want a dog that people or family members won't sneez over.. litterally. There are hypoallergenic dog breeds that are easier on those alergic to dogs. For instance the Schnoodle. For more info on those types of dogs, not just Schnoodles, go to http://www.bigpawsonly.com/Hypoallergenic-Dog-breed.htm .
Hope you find what you're looking for.

Answer 6

Labrador Retrivers. I have a black one named Zoey. She just loves my little 3 year old cousins to death. They are extremely smart, well, sometimes. I won't lie, all dogs act stupid at times but its so funny. Labs love playing and can do well in an aparment or a large house, but if u live in a small house or aparment the dog just needs to be exercised everyday. alot of other dogs can be a little vicous towards little kids, no offese, but the chahuiahua, sorry if i splet it wrong, will sometimes snap at little kids, it happened to me. here is some info on the lab.
Owning
The Labrador Retriever is gentle with children and the elderly. If it is intended as a pet, keep in mind that Labrador puppies are full of energy. The Labrador Retriever has a stable temperament and adapts to new surroundings easily. The Labrador Retriever is not an aggresive dog, but it will bark to ward off strangers.

Temperament
True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the ''otter'' tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog.

Did You Know
The Labrador Retriever did not come from Labrador, but from Newfoundland. The Labrador Retriever is one of the prime breeds selected as guide and rescue dogs.

Sporting Group

Answer 7

The Akita I would have no other. Ours literally saved my wife's life twice. She lived to 13 yrs old which is old for her breed and she never even thought of hurting our children even though she was with us much longer. I don't agree that small dogs are good family dogs. They bark at everything and nip. I've seen many nip at children, even though they had been trained. Akitas don't bark unless there is trouble. Other than in her sleep, my dog only barked three times that I ever heard. There was no getting up at 3am to tell the dog to shut up, or to wake the neighbors. No offense if you like smaller dogs, but if you have children and you want protection, bigger dogs are the way to go. Sorry just my opinion.

Answer 8

I have to say from my experience the best family dogs are just mutts that wag themselves into your heart. Some folks prefer a certain breed of dog and I'm not knocking that but a mutt can be just as loyal, friendly, tolerant, and still be as good of a gaurd dog as any full breed animal. I think it depends too on how they are raised.

Answer 9

As far as being totally loving and with not a mean thing about them, the golden retriever is fantastic with all the family. They love everyone and wouldnt know how to bite a child or anyone else. I have photos of my son when he was 2 asleep in the sun laying against our golden retriever. She seemed to know she had to stay still so she wouldnt hurt him. They are a fantastic dog

Answer 10

The best family dog I could think of is a Bijon Havanese. They love kids and love to be played with.