Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with a seemingly infinite number of combinations of characteristics possible. Before you adopt a dog, it’s important to do thorough research. There are many factors you should take into account before adopting a dog, particularly if you have specific needs or lifestyle considerations. You must also be sure that you’re ready for the lifelong responsibility of owning a dog.
If you’re elderly you may want a smaller dog that’s famously easily to handle like a Chihuahua; perhaps you are keen on long outdoor hikes and would suit a dog that needs more exercise like a Pointer dog. Or maybe, you want a dog famed for its affection, though one that can manage regular long walks like a Labrador Retriever. Anyway, no need to work like a dog as we’re helping with a few important suggestions.
Working Dogs
Working dogs will need to be hardier than the typical family pet. If your job is active (e.g., you’re a firefighter, police officer, construction worker, etc.) and your new dog will be accompanying you, you’ll want to make sure that a particular breed isn’t too fragile or susceptible to injury due to your job duties. If you have an especially busy lifestyle, you’ll want to consider a breed that can thrive with less attention (e.g., a dog that doesn’t require a ton of exercise or isn’t overly clingy and demanding for attention).
German Shepherds weigh about 90 Lbs and despite often being used as Police dogs have friendly temperaments while vacillating seamlessly between calmness and lots of activity when you, the owner desires. Good dogs also to have in the home, German Shepherds are typically friendly towards children and enjoy lots of games and exercise.
Pugs. The famously flat faced pug is a commendable choice for offices or warehouses due to its low-energy demeanor. Sadly, this lack of activity is partially due to humans historically breeding the flat-faced genetic trait, which causes Unfortunately, its seemingly lazy, yet peaceful lifestyle has a lot to do with the way human bred Pugs down the centuries which caused upper airway dysfunction and obstruction; otherwise known as brachycephalic syndrome.
An environment of air conditioner use in most offices can only prevent this breed’s susceptibility to overheating which is a side effect of their flattened snouts.
Dogs That Need A lot of Exercise
If you have an abundance of time every day, a breed that needs a lot of exercise is a great choice. If you have young children, consider if they have the time to exercise a dog? Some breeds require more exercise than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds are very active and athletic breeds. If you have kids or you plan to take it for walks, are there parks or fields nearby where you can engage in active play with the dog?
Examples of Dogs that Need a lot of Exercise
- Afghan Hound
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Whippet
- Cocker Spaniel
- Siberian Husky
- Border Collie
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Springer Spaniel
- German Shepherds
Does This Breed Shed a lot of Hair?
Do you have allergies? Some breeds (e.g., Poodles, Bichon Frise, and other curly-haired dogs) don’t shed much (or at all); whereas, others (e.g., Huskies and Malamutes) shed considerably. Additionally, some breeds shed all year long, whereas others shed only in the Spring.
If you have allergies, you’ll want to adopt a breed that doesn’t shed too much or a breed that is relatively easy to groom (e.g., a breed that doesn’t require a lot of brushing). If you have allergies, it’s best to avoid a breed that requires a great deal of grooming, as the hair and dander will be much more abundant in your home if you don’t have the time and energy to groom this dog on a regular basis.
There is good news, if you realized too late when adopting your new dog. Man made technology has come up trumps with HEPA air filters that suck up dander – read more here.
Examples of Dogs that Don’t Shed Hair
- Giant Schnauzer
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
Dogs That Don’t Shed Much
- American Water Spaniel
- Bearded Collie
- Yorkshire Terrier
Is the Temperament of the Breed Important to you?
You may have a particular type of temperament in mind for your dog (e.g., friendly to all humans, loving toward children, gentle with other pets, eager to please, etc.). If so, you’ll want to make sure that the breed you’re considering matches your temperament desires.
Some breeds are known to be more aggressive or be more difficult to train than others. If you have a highly energetic child (or children), do you have the patience and time to train a more difficult breed?
Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. They are affectionate, loyal, and kind. They offer friendship and support in times of need and stress. Dogs don’t judge a person based on their looks or social status; they just love them for who they are as people. In fact, there is some evidence that owning a dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, and even prolong life from all the exercise you get walking your dog! There are many dogs that love children and families; here is a list of the top ten breeds that love kids:
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, faithful, and affectionate creatures who crave human attention and love. These beautiful dogs make excellent family pets because they are patient and gentle with children. They are calm, tolerant, and loyal, making them a great companion for families with young kids. They are also large dogs, so kids need to be old enough to understand that they need to be treated carefully. In general, Labs are very family-friendly and make great companions for children.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are another great family dog breed. They are sweet, kind-hearted, and gentle, making them great with children. While Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being “hypoallergenic” dogs, they’re not. They just have less dander than other dog breeds. Labradors are great with kids, but they also shed a lot, while Goldens don’t shed at all! This makes them a better option for people who don’t want to deal with dog hair all over the house. Goldens are also extremely friendly, affectionate, and gentle, making them a great choice for families with young kids.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are another breed that is well-known for being great with families and kids. They are both loyal and protective, making them an excellent choice for families who want a dog for protection. These dogs are also very affectionate and patient with children, making them a great choice for families with kids. German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, meaning that they love to be used for work or to be trained in order to be happy. Families with kids who love to get outside and go on adventures will be happy to have a German Shepherd around.
Beagle
Beagles are another excellent family dog breed. They are playful, fun-loving, and patient with children. Beagles are also very friendly dogs and enjoy being around people, making them a great family pet. Beagles are easy-going, very friendly, and patient with kids, making them a great family pet. Beagles love to play, but they’re also laid-back dogs who can easily chill out and be patient when kids are around. Beagles are also pretty low-maintenance and don’t require a lot of exercise or attention. Beagles are perfect for families with kids who don’t want to spend a ton of time walking or playing with their pet.
Spanish Bulldog
Spanish Bulldogs are another breed that is well-known for being great with families. They are friendly, affectionate, and patient with children. Spanish Bulldogs are also intelligent and make excellent family pets because they are happy to just chill and relax while you’re busy doing other things around the house. Spanish Bulldogs have a laid-back and easy-going temperament, making them a great choice for families with kids of all ages.
Pug
Pugs are playful, fun-loving, and affectionate dogs that are known for being great with families. They are patient with children and make excellent family pets. Pugs are also very intelligent dogs, making them easy to train. Pugs make excellent family pets because they are patient with children and are easy to train. Pugs are also playful and fun-loving, making them a great family pet for both kids and adults who want to play with their dog.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are patient, easy to train, and are great with children. Shih Tzus are also very affectionate, patient with kids, and are easy to train, making them a great family pet. Shih Tzus are also very friendly and make excellent family pets because they are patient with children and don’t require a ton of attention or exercise. Shih Tzus love attention and affection, but they also enjoy chilling out and relaxing while you’re busy doing other things around the house.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are another breed that is known for being great with families. They are friendly, playful, and patient with children. Yorkshire Terriers are also very intelligent dogs and make excellent family pets because they are easy to train. Yorkshire Terriers are also very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. Yorkies are great with kids and make excellent family pets because they are easy to train, are friendly, and are patient with children. Yorkies are also very playful and fun-loving, making them a great family pet for kids who love to play with their pets.
Dachshund
Finally, Dachshunds are loyal, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. Dachshunds are patient and gentle with children, making them a great family pet. Dachshunds are also very intelligent dogs, making them easy to train. Dachshunds are great with kids and make excellent family pets because they are patient with children and are easy to train. Dachshunds are also playful and love to play, making them a great family pet for kids who love to play with their pets and roughhouse.
Is the Breed Noisy?
If you’ll be living in an apartment, are you able to train a breed that doesn’t have a loud bark? The following examples are of dogs that don’t bark much and are generally quieter.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Scottish Deerhound
- Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Rhodesian Ridge back
- Labrador Retriever
In Conclusion – Research the Breed of Dog Before Adopting it
Solely owning a dog is a big responsibility, as they require attention and exercise every day. Before deciding to adopt a dog, you should consider if you have enough time and energy to care for them, and if you have enough space in your home or yard for them to run and play. Before bringing a dog into your life, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the dog breed you’re considering is right for your lifestyle. Some breeds are better suited for families with children than others. The dogs on this list are great family dogs and are sure to bring love and joy to your home.
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