One of the most popular and family-friendly pets, dogs, occupies more than 50% of households. There are about a hundred different breeds, each one is unique in their appearances and characteristics. Owing to their individual traits, temperaments, size, and furs, dogs can be trained for guarding, hunting, and for various other purposes. They can also assist humans as therapy dogs. These furry friends have an innate ability to provide unconditional love. Dogs are one of the cognizant creatures that care for another life by showering immense affection. Kids can learn several life lessons from a wonderful canine companion. With an array of diverse dog breeds, here are some important features that you can consider before choosing your pet companion:
Dog Breed Characteristics to consider
Size
When choosing a dog or pup, it is essential to consider a few practical inputs. Small and medium-sized dogs like Chihuahuas and Terriers are ideal for families and grown-up children living in a small space. Big-sized breeds are preferable for families with large outdoor spaces and not suitable for smaller apartments.
Grooming necessities
Poodles and border collies look adorable with their long hair. However, their fluffy coat and decorative bows mandate several grooming sessions. On the other hand, short-haired breed like Dachshund or Beagle requires occasional grooming and brushing. Make sure to consider the amount of time that you can spare for these little beauties before buying one.
Exercise requirements
Larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds require regular exercise and enough space around. A large breed can turn out to be ideal for you if you can make regular walks a daily feature. Whereas, if you are a person who travels frequently or cannot pledge enough time, choose a Shih Tzu or Pomeranian. These pups require more affection and less cardio.
Allergies and shedding
Whether short-haired or long, all dogs shed. However, you can choose breeds such as border terriers that comparatively shed lesser. Similarly, if you are susceptible to pet allergies, select dogs with hypoallergenic coats. Irish water spaniels and Schnauzers shed less dander and are considered ideal for homes with little kids.
Lifespan
Any dog’s longevity is around 10 to 15 years. It is also said that smaller breeds have a slightly higher lifespan than the larger breeds. Bichon Frise lives up to 12 to 15 years whereas the bulldog has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Ideal Dog Breeds for a Family
It is imperative to look out for a dog that gets along well with kids and adults. Children tend to spend more time with the new pup and the inevitable eye pokes and tail pulls could be a common practice. And, the dog should seldom bite. So, choosing a dog breed that is smarter and can be trained enough is a wiser option. Also, pets are a little pricier. It is important to consider their expenses for food, boarding, annual shots, sick vet visits, flea and tick infestations, medications and accessories. The Puppy Joy brings a loving to connect and helps you find a new canine companion. When choosing a family dog, it is essential to count on their breed reputation. Poodles and pugs are some of the popular family breeds. So, here’s a list of more family-friendly breeds and their unique traits that you can check out for:
- Newfoundland
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Size: Extra large
Qualities: These breeds are companionship, excellent swimmers, devoted, furry, patient, child-friendly, often referred to as “nanny dogs” owing to their caring nature. They possess heavy coats but require brushing only once or twice a week.
- Golden Retriever
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Size: Large
Qualities: Golden Retriever has a gentle temperament, water-friendly, obedient, intelligent, and ideal companions for children. It requires regular exercise.
- Labrador retriever
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Size: Large
Qualities: Labrador retrievers are outgoing, active, ideal for sporting and therapy. They are very obedient, loving, and respond well to people, places and training classes. That are child-friendly also. It requires regular washing owing to its shedding features.
- Collie
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Size: Large
Qualities: They are lively, graceful, loyal, and enjoys human company. They are child-friendly, obedient, and excellent family pets. They are well-known for their luxurious coats and require regular brushing.
- English Cocker Spaniel
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Size: Medium
Qualities: The English Cocker Spaniel is an upbeat, compact, ideal companion for families, easy to train, and respond to positive reinforcement, suitable for hiking and long walks.
Brittany
Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
Size: Medium
Qualities: Brittany is very friendly, suitable for canine sports and hunting, they are highly sociable, enthusiastic, and ideal for domestic life. They have a short coat which requires little grooming once or twice a week.
- Havanese
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Size: Small
Qualities: They are very affectionate, sociable, and suitable for indoors with limited space. They are also loyal companions, cheerful, intelligent, and love spending time on the couch. They require frequent grooming to prevent their long tresses from getting tangles.
- Boston Terrier
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Size: Small
Qualities: They are very companionship, lively, friendly, amusing, easy to train, interact well with children, and very enthusiastic. Their size is a unique trait that can suit rural, urban, and semi-urban environments. These little wonders shed less, and an occasional brushing is enough.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
Size: Small
Qualities: They are known for its royal British heritage, gentle, athletic, versatile with families, love to spend time with children and sits on their laps, affectionate, and easy to train. They have a strong desire to please their possessors. These breeds shed occasionally and require less grooming.
- Papillon
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Size: Tiny
Qualities: They are very lively, companionate, observant, friendly, versatile, and adapt well to different environments, easy to train and weigh lesser. They love to spend time with families.
Beagles, Basset hounds, German shepherds, Shih Tzus and there are many more breeds that are smart, gentle, loyal, calm and friendly. Trainability, temperament, maintenance, and grooming are some of the key factors to make you choose the best furry friend. However, every breed if looked after properly and treated with care and affection, can add great value to your home. Dogs are wonderful companions to make and spread the love!!!
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