Getting a dog is a huge responsibility, especially if you have children. It means a new family member that needs love, care, and attention. However, once you’ve decided that you’re ready to get a new furry friend, it’s time to determine which breed you’re going to get. Before getting a dog, you should understand that not all dogs are compatible with kids. Some of them require exercise and attention, while others are not suitable indoors. Each breed has its own pros and cons that you must be aware of before bringing the dog home. That way, you can guarantee that you’ll be able to provide a loving home for this new family member.
Here’s how you can pick the right dog breed for your kids.
Affordability
Before getting a new puppy, you should know whether you’ll be able to afford this new member or not. By affording a puppy, we don’t mean the price you’re going to pay to get the dog. It’s the monthly cost you’ll be paying for them. Getting food for a large breed dog is a lot more expensive than getting it for a small breed; the same applies to healthcare costs. Ask other dog parents how much their food costs per month so you can decide whether to go for a large breed or a small one.
Where To Get Your Dog
Some breeders in Florida sell dogs that have serious health issues without disclosing that fact, which leaves the new pet parent with an unhealthy dog who needs medical care all the time. That’s why you should ask your friends and neighbors where they got their dogs and if their breeder is trusted or not. However, you should first make up your mind whether you’re going to adopt or buy a puppy as it will ease the process for you. Pet lovers at Your Puppy FL recommend getting a fully vaccinated puppy to ensure that it’s healthy. When puppies take all of their vaccination, they are less prone to common diseases and are usually healthier than puppies who didn’t. Getting your new furry friend from a trusted breeder or shelter will guarantee that it’s a purebred.
Lifestyle
Your kids’ lifestyle should be taken into consideration when you’re getting a new puppy. If your kids spend most of their time indoors, it will be exhausting to get an active dog such as an Australian shepherd, Dalmatian, or Border collie. These dogs require a minimum of one hour a day of exercise and can be destructive if they stay indoors for too long. However, if you and the kids play sports and spend a lot of time outdoors, these breeds will be ideal for you as a family.
Grooming
Regular grooming is a must for every dog, but some breeds need more care than others. Poodles, Puli, Akita, and similar long-haired dogs, need to be groomed twice a week and sometimes more. They need care that most children cannot provide, especially if they’re younger than 10 years old. When long-haired dogs are not groomed properly, their hair becomes dirty and matted, which can cause their skin to irritate. If you’re getting the dog mainly for your kids and you want them to be responsible, then it’s better to get a low-maintenance dog. Almost all short-haired dogs are low maintenance as they need grooming once a week or once every 10 days.
Temperament
Choosing a breed that has the same behavior as your kids are the perfect way to ensure that they will get along. If your kids are full of energy and spend a lot of time playing around, then you should choose an energetic breed that can keep up with their energy. If your kids love to play indoors, then getting a Labrador will be preferable. Bolognese Pugs and Japanese chin are considered lap dogs and are great for a toddler. Your children’s behavior and age is a major factor when deciding which breed you should get.
Consider the size! From Dog Puppy to Dog Adult
Your ideal dog is just waiting for you! The only thing left to do is identify who he or she is. Consider the beginning size that you would like for your eventual adult dog. Dogs typically come in three sizes: little, medium, and huge, with some subcategories like a teacup or enormous. Chihuahuas and other little dogs have quite different temperaments and demands than, say, a large Golden Retriever. If you have young children at home in that roughhouse, you may need to teach them the correct methods to play with the puppy or think about getting a larger dog because small canines are more sensitive to handling.
To make up for their diminutive stature, small dog breeds may also acquire a “Napoleon Complex” and a rougher demeanor. Not that it could not be resolved with appropriate puppy training, but it is something to be aware of! On the other hand, large dogs require more room to run about. Imagine a large tail swinging and colliding with your coffee table. Picking things up all the time is annoying for you, but it is also bad for your dog. If you are aware that your house would not be suitable for a large puppy, you can completely prevent causing a tail injury. more canines also have more expenditures! Depending on the breed, there may be additional dog supplies, food, and health issues. Similar to tiny pups, large puppies also need to be trained and can benefit immensely from socialization puppy training programs.
Energy Levels Vary from Puppy to Puppy
Early on, the personalities of puppies begin to form. You probably already know that many breeds have different activity levels, but you should also pay attention to the puppy you are interested in. Given this circumstance, think about your lifestyle. Do you prefer spending your weekends lounging on the couch at home or running lengthy trails? Do you like to unwind at home after a 9 to 5 job or do you have a free schedule that allows you to travel anywhere you want? Try to keep up with your puppy friend, whatever your speed.
As early as 4-6 weeks, puppies start showing their personalities and levels of activity. While some pups may be content to laze around and observe their environment, others will explore and travel. How do they get along with you and your loved ones? Do they care about your family and you? Or are they wary or uninterested at all? As you choose the puppy with the degree of energy that best matches your lifestyle, keep these questions in mind and write them down.
Your Schedule
Consider your schedule and the amount of time you can devote to your new role as a dog parent when picking your dog. You will want assistance if your schedule prevents anybody from being there for four to eight hours at a time. If this is the case, you might want to completely avoid purchasing a puppy. If you do not have time to take your dogs for frequent long walks and runs, you should steer clear of breeds like huskies, Labrador retrievers, border collies, and Jack Russell terriers. It is generally advisable to avoid those breeds’ hybrids as well. However, if your schedule allows, feel free to choose an energetic breed because they may also help you keep active.
Allergies
The presence of any pet allergies in the household should be taken into account when choosing a family dog. The good news is that allergies to dogs are less prevalent than allergies to cats. Humans are sensitive to pet dander, which is present in both cats and dogs and is made up of dried proteins from skin secretions and saliva. On the fur of dogs and cats, you may see this shedding skin.
Even if the fur is not always to blame, it cannot hurt to have a dog that sheds less if you or your kids have dander allergies. Bichon Frise, Bedlington terrier, Maltese, poodle, and schnauzer are the best breeds for allergy patients since they have less pet dander.
Getting a dog for your kids is not an easy step. It’s a long process that needs a lot of planning, to ensure that you and your kids will be able to take care of this new family member. The reason why you need a puppy will also affect what type of breed you’re going to get. If you want a dog that plays with your children, teaches them how to be responsible and at the same time takes care of them, then a Golden Retriever or Labrador will be ideal for you. If you’re still not sure what breed you should choose, you can ask your kids why they need a dog and what breed they’re interested in. Reading the pros and cons of each breed will allow you to have a better vision of what to expect and whether it will be suitable or not.
Best Family Dogs for Kids
Newfoundland
Despite weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, these gentle giants are regarded as “Nature’s Babysitter” because of their vigilant nature, patience, and kind disposition. This amiable dog could be the greatest nanny you could want for on four paws if you have the space for a big furry pal.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a cheerful, active breed that is recognized for its red coat. These dogs are trainable, adore their owners, and are excellent companions for active children since they require a lot of activity. To keep their longer coat appearing clean and shining, they will need frequent brushing and grooming.
Beagle
This sociable, upbeat breed is ever eager for an outdoor experience. Its easy-care coat and amiable demeanor make it a popular choice for families with young children.
Bulldog
In contrast to the Irish Setter and other active breeds, the Bulldog is more suited to indoor play but may be gentle and tolerant given enough affection. They get along nicely with other animals and would work well for a busy household living in a big house or a tiny apartment.
Due to their unusual physical qualities, cleaning their teeth will require extra care and attention. Additionally, the folds and facial creases that set them apart will need to be cleaned often to prevent dirt from accumulating. The benefit of this trade-off is that their short coat won’t need as much maintenance.
Mutt
While purebred dogs are wonderful, mixed-breed canines combine the greatest qualities of two or more wonderful breeds into a single canine. Get to know a mutt’s unique personality and preferences, even if their pedigree is a little of a mystery—you could fall in love! In addition, adopting one gives you the wonderful sense of finding a new best friend and saving a dog’s life.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a brave, astute, kind, and loyal canine. Given that it is neither frightful nor aggressive, the Golden Retriever is a great dog for kids. The breed does need a lot of exercises, but they also like playing, especially when it involves retrieving.
The playful Golden Retriever is frequently found to be friendly and submissive as well, so your kids will like him/her right away. Their lovely golden coats require twice-weekly brushing to ensure good maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of THE most well-liked dog breeds, and for good reason—it is playful, tolerant, affectionate, protective, and trustworthy. Another benefit is that labs are quite clever and adapt easily to teaching.
They enjoy swimming, therefore they need A LOT of exercises, so be sure your family is ready for the challenge. Make sure kids have lots of space to play and run about.
Black Labs, Chocolate Labs, and Yellow Labs all possess the same qualities of endurance, strength, and obedience that have made them such a well-liked breed.
Since they have short coats and get along well with most people and other animals, these friendly dogs just actually require a weekly combing to stay clean and healthy. However, Labradors do shed, so be ready to routinely wipe off their fur.
Poodle
Aside from its very unusual hairstyles, the Poodle is also a very intelligent and kind dog. This dog breed is proud and graceful, loving, and devoted, and seldom gets bored or frustrated.
Poodles come in both miniature and regular sizes, so you may select the one that most closely fits your living situation. As they shed relatively little, they are excellent for children with allergies.
The benefits of each breed vary. For instance, the Standard Poodle breed is extremely obedient, intelligent, playful, and daring. Even though they are frequently reserved among strangers, they get along well with friends and little children.
On the other hand, miniature poodles are fine with other animals and children but tend to devote themselves to one person in particular. They are perceptive, receptive, submissive, and fun.
However, Poodles of all breeds do require routine maintenance for their coats.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Consider a gentle giant like the Bernese Mountain Dog for households that like to dream large. They may weigh up to 100 pounds, yet underneath all that fluffy exterior lies a loving companion renowned for its patience with youngsters.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes will do everything to satisfy their group. These strong puppies require a leader to establish a regular training and activity schedule because they were created to work as sled dogs. You will be rewarded with a devoted, kind face and wagging feather duster of a tail.
Collie
If you have ever watched Lassie, you will understand why collies are regarded as one of the brightest dog breeds. The loyalty of a collie is unmatched, and they are complete children’s lovers. Concerned about all that fur? Collies come in “rough” and “smooth” variants for those who are less concerned with grooming.
Vizsla
Consider getting a Vizla if you enjoy sporting dogs but want something a little different from the typical Lab or Golden Retriever. This is a dog that will create a close-knit attachment; “alone time” is not Vizla’s lexicon. It is a born-and-bred pointer that thrives on thorough exercise but has a sensitive, friendly personality when not it is “working.”