Congratulations on your decision to bring home a new furry companion! Today, our Natick vets list 10 different dog breeds that could be great for families and explain some of their key characteristics.
The Best Dog For Your Family
When choosing the type of dog you want to bring into your family, it's important to look past their cuteness and consider more important factors, including the amount of space the breed needs, how much exercise the dog has to get every day, and the overall temperament of the breed.
Take your time to find a dog that is appropriate for the size of your home, as well as your family's energy level. You also need to determine how much time each member of your family will be willing to commit to training your new pup. To help you pick the best breed of dog for your family, our vets at Wellesley-Natick Veterinary Hospital have listed 10 of our favorite family dogs and the key characteristics of each:
Newfoundland
If you have a large home and want a dog that will help fill space, the Newfoundland could be a good choice for your family. This sweet-natured dog is also called 'Nature's babysitter'. They are intelligent dogs who love to be around kids, therefore they are excellent family pets.
Irish Setter
Weighing around 65 lbs, this breed is more than just very beautiful! They are lively, intelligent, and have a great mind for mischief. Irish Setters love chasing balls, going for long runs, and playing in the backyard with children. If your kids have high energy levels, they will love spending time with this breed.
Golden Retriever
If you have kids that will have fun throwing a ball, playing with the family pup, and teaching the dog new tricks, this may be the right breed for you. Their weight ranges from 55 to 75 lbs. Golden Retrievers are confident, friendly, smart, kind, and loyal, making them perfect for family life.
English Bulldog
This breed doesn't have as much energy as the ones noted above and weighs an average of 50 to 55 lbs, which makes them suitable for smaller homes and apartments. These dogs actively look for social interactions with their people and love cuddling up with the family to relax and watch a movie. English bulldogs make sweet, gentle, and dependable family pets.
Beagle
Weighing between 18 and 30 lbs, this medium-sized breed craves social time with their people. They enjoy playing games and going for walks. They are also very smart dogs and can make very loving family pets when they are given lots of exercise and family interaction. This is not the best breed for families that are out of the house a lot.
Boston Terrier
On average, Boston Terriers weigh just under 25 pounds. These people-loving dogs come with their own easy-to-manage "tuxedo" coats. They are content playing with the kids and going for short walks. This charming breed adapts easily to apartment living and makes a great companion for children. Boston terriers have a complete personality your kids will love.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weighing between 10 and 18 lbs, this portable size pup is lively but gentle. They are an ideal breed for smaller homes or apartments. Cavaliers get along well with kids and other dogs, loving to play and snuggle in equal measure. These sweet-natured dogs can be great pets for kids of any age and energy level.
Pug
These adorable little pups love to eat and sleep. If your kids are small, have lower energy levels, and would appreciate a dog that will play indoors and curl up to watch TV, a pug might be the right breed for your family. At approximately 15 lbs, this breed doesn't need much space just a couple of short walks a day.
The Mutt
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs that can be fantastic for families! These dogs often come with the best traits of many kid-friendly breeds, including a gentle loving nature and loyalty. These dogs can be as good with children as purebred dogs, are generally less susceptible to genetic diseases, and are less expensive. The perfect breed for your child could be waiting for you at your local animal shelter.
French Bull Dog
This small breed dog is very adaptable and perfect for city-dwelling families. They are very easygoing, not very active, and respond well to training. Overall, they are generally very affectionate and great for new families.