what kind of dog is a good family dog?

Answer 1

Every one here is going to tell the breed of dog they have is the best dog for kids, well a lot of them are wrong. You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifesyle. AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog. AKC.org You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Chosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.

If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet. With that said, some dogs are seen as more “kid-friendly” than others and, as a result, have become extremely popular among families. According to the AKC, the five most popular breeds in the United States are:

Labrador Retrievers are by far America’s most popular dog—more than 140,000 Lab puppies were registered last year with the AKC—and have a reputation for being playful, hardworking and affectionate toward children. The Lab is easily trained and is highly respected for his prowess at many jobs: as a guide dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog, and for narcotics detection.

Golden Retrievers are sporty, easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to people of all ages, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, too.

German Shepherd are noble in appearence and character. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to families for generations. Active and outdoorsy, German Shepherds are very fond of children and make wonderful companions.

Beagles love being around people and other animals. They are gentle, happy companions who thrive on affection and attention. They are also clever, quick, and, most of all curious. They need plenty of active exercise.

Dachshund has a lively, upbeat personality—spunky, curious and friendly. Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshund’s love to dig, romp and run. They are affectionate, especially with children, and enjoy going for walks and other forms of exercise

You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home. A dog your is a responsiblity for the rest of its life and should not be bought on impulse.

Answer 2

You should choose your pet based on the size of the home, if you have small children or grown children, and how much attnetion the pet needs. There are some killer websites that will dilaog with you to find the best breed. The website listed below is to Eukenuba's site but there are many. You can never go wrong with a French Bulldog or a Border Terrier.

You can also use this information to choose a mix breed pet at the animal shelter. I have had some good luck and some bad luck with shelters (always get my dogs from shelters) but you don't always know how the pet was treated.

Answer 3

A lot depends on what kind of situation the family can offer the dog -- no dog is very good if its needs are not met.

For a good all around dog that can be happy and healthy in almost any situation that can provide at least a long daily walk or a fenced yard, I think it is hard to go wrong with a German Shepherd. They are exceptionally intelligent, easily trained, and they are the perfect guard dog. I have one and will allow my 10 year old to walk the neighborhood as long as she takes the dog with her -- nothing and no one is going to get past that dog to harm my girl, but the 90 lb dog is gentle enough with the family to allow a 50 lb girl to command and control him.

For my family, the GSD was the perfect choice; but I have a good situation to offer the dog. I would hesitate to go with a shepherd if you are likely to have more children than you already have. They are great with any kid they meet when they go to a new home, but once they are there they can be jealous of new family entries. Mine spends most of his time inside with the family, but we do have a fenced yard for him to get his exercise in.

I am glad to know you are taking the decision seriously enough to research. You are making a decision that will last a very long time. Buy from a reputable breeder -- local breed clubs provide very good information to ensure you get a dog that properly represents the breed you decide on.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Im good at this one a shih tzu! they or so adventures they love people and kids some of them get so attached that they cry 4 u if u leave for one minute they also entertain u if u get 2 they run around the house and play there so much fun most love to where clothes and there favorite food is Iams select bites there good companions and love to sit on yr lap all of them have differnt personalitiys none of them or even close to the other. I hope u get a shih Tzu there good family dogs,

Answer 5

I agree that the first thing you should do is check at a shelter. retrievers (yellow,black,choco,and golden) are very hyper dogs and need to be excercised properly but they make wonderful family pets and will tolerate anything that a child wants to do with it. The only downer that I see on that one is that they make a wonderful Watchdog not Guardog. (which is perfectly fine i own one myself) Another dog that is great for the family is a Boxer. many people look at a boxer and see it as being to closely related to a pittbull but its not. read about them here
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm notice though that these are very large dogs.

Answer 6

Golden Retrievers

Answer 7

It depends on the individual dog. I work at a humane society and have seen mean goldens and the sweetest pit bulls. Try going to your local shelter and ask to see some of the dogs and you should find what you are looking for.

Answer 8

I just found a dog called an Otterhound I don't know how hard they are to find but, they are suppose to be great with kids.
I would try a mix breed something. Stay away from fragile dogs toy breeds they aren't hardy enough to play with kids

Answer 9

My recommendation would be golden retriever/ golden mix. They are all around great family dogs. I would definately go for a shelter or rescue dog. They always seem so grateful

Answer 10

Golden, Lab, Great Dane,(known has a very gentle dog), cocker spaniels, Burnese Mountain Dog.