Choosing A Friendly Dog for Your Family

If you have decided to add a dog to your home you may be looking for a friend and a companion. While many people do choose dogs to be watchdogs and protectors, most potential pet owners are looking for a dog to fit in with their family. Friendliness in a potential dog is an extremely important attribute if you plan on having the dog bond with your family. So here is what you need to know about how to choose a friendly dog-

· The first step is to rule out dog breeds that can be a bad fit for your family. For example: Herding dogs, especially a breed like the Corgi, tend to nip at the heels of children. They do this to herd them from one area to the next. In addition, if you have an active, noisy family, breeds that tend to be timid are a bad idea. Also it is important to keep in mind that a house filled with kids who like to wrestle and be a bit rowdy is not going to mix well with a tiny toy dog breed. Overall any aggressive breed is a bad idea for any family. Also if you have children with allergies, certain breeds will not be a good choice. Pediatricians and vets both recommend against bringing breeds like the Golden Retriever or Pug into the home if anyone has allergies.

· Do your research. Both online sites and research books can provide information on dogs that have even dispositions and enjoy living with kids and families. There are a few small breeds that fit the bill which include: Pugs, Shi Tzu's and Yorkies. If you have toddlers or other small children, slightly bigger dogs, like miniature schnauzers or wire-haired fox terriers may be an even better choice. For people who like big dogs, Golden Retrievers, St. Bernard's, Old English sheepdogs and standard poodles are wonderful choices for friendly, family-oriented dogs.

· Visit the breeds you like. After you have found a few dog breeds that you like try to find a specialty club for those breeds in your area. You can check the American Kennel Club website for contact information and call or email local clubs to ask for breeder referrals. Be sure to ask the breeder if there are any traits the breed that you are considering tends to have that would make it a bad choice for a family pet. Also it is important to inquire about any potential health problems common to the breed.

· Narrow your search. After doing your research you can then contact some of the breeders you were referred to and ask to see their puppies. Keep in mind that breeders often will have waiting lists, so you may not be able to get your puppy for several months.

· Look at your options. If you are willing to do some remedial training, you may want to contact a breed rescue instead of a breeder. Many times, these dogs that are up for adoption are under a year old and simply need some tender loving care and basic obedience training to turn them into fabulous family companions. Most dogs in the shelter can provide you with boundless love and companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But it is still important to understand that some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why you should take the time to make a thoughtful and informed choice. After all, you are choosing a companion that is likely to be with you 10 to 15 years or even longer. Select the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the very fullest.

More Dog Breeds

« Ten Steps to Your Well-Groomed Dog | Only Dog Beds | Where to Find Info on Dog-Grooming »