What is the best kind of dog for a family?

Question

I need a family dog can you help me?

I need one that DOESN'T shed.

Answer 1

I would say a Golden Retriver.
Height: 23 to 24 inches (male); 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches (female). Size: Large.
Weight: 70 to 75 pounds (male); 60 to 65 (female). Availability: Very popular

The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coat Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland. In fact the breed was first shown as a golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden Retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.

Beware of hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important for both parents! Parents should also be checked for von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and sticks, so exercising is fairly easy. Be sure to exercise well and don't overfeed this dog as he tends to put on weight. Buy a Golden Retriever only from a reputable breeder. Since the breed is so popular, many animals with poor temperaments are being sold

Gentle, stable family dog. Loyal and confident. Sweet and eager to please. Active. Loving and lovable. Excels in obedience competition. Outstanding family dog. Patient and kind even with very small children. Friendly with everyone. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. Can be over- exuberant and distractible. Needs people a lot. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous

Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Very easy to train.
Independence: Needs people a lot.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Average barker

Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
Coat: Feathered coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Needs lots of exercise.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Moderately active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years

Talents:
hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks

Answer 2

Well, here I go again. Probably the most unpopular answer you are going to get. First I will say I have had a lot of dogs over the last 50 years. A lot have been great family dogs, some not so great. Some of the best have been Mutts, I can't tell you what they were. One was a Lab/German Sheppard/Great Dane mix and the whole neighborhood knew him. We lived in the country and he ran loose.
I have had German Sheppard’s that were great with the family, but were leery of strangers, too protective.
I had an Old English Sheepdog, a very loveable big dunce. He loved everyone. Big and needed a lot of grooming.
So now we are down to the dogs I have now. A Beagle that is a great family dog, loves everyone. I may be lucky as I have one that is not one of those that howls at everything, he is the last of my three to get excited and start to bark.
Well, now for what I think is the best family dog. It was the most popular family dog for many years. Then it got a bad reputation in the last few years. My American Pitbull Terrier is the most lovable dog I have ever had. She loves everyone.
The first time my daughter brought my baby grandson over, one month old, she sat him on the floor in his carrier. The Pit went over to check him out and spent the next hour on the floor next to him. She would not leave his side. Now, about a year later, when my daughter comes over my "killer" pit spends her time with the baby letting him play with her ears, rub her face and she licks his hands.
So I have to go back to the "Nanny Dog", the APBT, as the best family dog you could get.
Consider it! A great dog that has gotten a bad reputation.

Answer 3

Oh get a mutt. They come in all shapes and sizes. A mutt would be a perfect dog for any family as they normally do not have the illness, or mental issues that pure breeds have. Golden Retrievers are known for cancer but if you get a Golden mix the chance of cancer becomes low. Pugs have eye, skin and palate issues (plus they shed constantly) but if you get a mix those problems tend to go away.

The best thing is when people see your beautiful dog and say "what kind of dog is that?" you can make up whatever you want.. here is a list of my favorites
Dixie Dingo
All Weather Walker
American Dishwashing Hound
Smooth Coated Kissing Terrier

You would be amazed once you say that people ask how they can get one. hahhah

Good Luck on finding your new best friend

Answer 4

I would say Sheltie, a medium sized dog. They are loyal, affectionate, love to play, love kids, are easy to train and are a joy to own. They become part of the family very quickly.I have had Shelties as pets for 30 years and right now I have two of them. Wouldn't trade them for anything.

Answer 5

Boxers for sure. We grew up with Boxers and they are the most gentle sweet spirited dogs. My parents did alot of research before purchasing a puppy...my mom had a daycare and the dog was going to be around children.

Boxers form individual relationships with every member of the family.

You might want to get two. They are very social animals and do not like being left alone.

They are very smart animals. My mom trained our boxer to wake us up in the mornings. She would tell him to go wake us up. He would come jump in bed with us and if we didn't get up he would (very gently) knaw the back of our necks. They had three boxers total and recently my sister got one (she has a 3year old). They are great dogs.

Answer 6

We have a smooth coat fox terrier,annie, completely in love with her. she is wonderful with children .gentle with babies and toddlers but, ready to rough house with the older boys.and clean in the house.There are none better than our Annie. God let us find her at the local dog pound.I truly believe they know you saved their life.and, they spend there lives thanking you. Many a wonderful dog is killed everday at the pound mostly because they are older dogs. Everone wants a puppy over looking wonderful friends that just need to be wanted and loved.Try a older dog. good luck.

Answer 7

a corgi is always a great dog for anyone, especially the family, they are a small dog usually around 25-35 lbs, full of energy and very sensitive to feelings, i swearer they talk to u through their eyes.

growing up we had rottweilers and German Shepards, they were great too.

Answer 8

Toy poodles. are Great! they are smart. learn fast. pretty quick to learn the potty training thing. good with kids. playful.don't overly bark,not hiper.... and live a LONG time. which is good if have young children that you have a dog that will live from small into their teenage years.... they grow with your child.. I have had poodle as long as my almost 13 year old daughter.. they are 4 days apart.. RECOMMEND miniture or toy poodles HIGHLY.. hope this helps.

Answer 9

have a family of 5.... I find the best dog for us is a sheltie,he goes every wheres with us, loves to ride,walk, plays football,he is smart and was real easy to train,,,,the only real downfall is he likes to herd little children and always be in front of us......

Answer 10

We got a shitzu a few months ago and he is great. He is really small only about 6 pounds and he is about 6 months old. He learned very fast and is playful. My younger cousins love him. And he is very calm!!