What's the Best Family Dog

What's the Best Family Dog

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2013-04-05 by Lorraine Afollow
?



For me having a pet is an important part of our family, Lady joined our family a few months ago. Lady is a gorgeous little cross bred dog with an amazing personality and a calm gentle nature, perfect with children.

Though finding a dog like her was extremely difficult, we went to dog shows, talked with many breeders and trialled a few different breeds to find the perfect fit for our family's needs.

On the top of the recommendation list was;
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for their placid temperament and family friendly nature.

You do need to be careful as this breed often have heart problems. The best way to avoid this problem is to buy from a reputable breeder that can provide the parents' heart check paperwork.



Next was Pugs, a small dog with a big personality, very cute and fashionable, great with children.

We had a gorgeous Pug called Tinkerbell, fantastic with children, never barked, happy little dog and we loved her to bits.

Before buying a pug you must understand their health issues. Often Pugs get dumped because their owners don't realise that Pugs are high maintenance. Pugs are prone to eye problems, ear infections, sleep problems because of their restricted airways and they shed hair like no other dog we have ever owned.

Golden Retriever was another suggestion from breeders for their loyalty and intelligence, they are fairly robust without too many medical conditions to worry about.

A great family dog, that consistently rates as the best family dog.

Labrador Retriever is protective, playful, patient and reliable and great with children. Obesity can be a problem.

Poodles are smart, gentle, patient and great for people with allergies.

Poodle cross breeds such as Spoodle, Cavoodle,Moodle, Groodle, Labradoodle, are easier to maintain with their lack of shedding, but you do need to have them clipped every 10 weeks or so depending on how fast the coat grows. Choose the mix of breeds carefully, and meet the parents as it usually gives you a good indication.

A Cavoodle (Cavalier cross poodle) is a great choice with the nature of the cavalier being gentle and the poodle intelligent.
Spoodles (Spaniel cross Poodle) which I have owned, and plenty of other Spoodle owners who I have met, agree they are a bit nutty. Ours was still like a puppy at 7 years of age and not particularly intelligent. Others were jumping 6 ft fences and chewing houses to bits. Hopefully they are not all the same.

Maltese are great little dogs, but are less likely to put up with really young children that may pull their coat, however it really depends on the dog's personality. They can have problems with Little White Shaker Syndrome and don't like to be left alone.

The breeds we were advised to avoid were Terriers as they can be unpredictable and nippy with young children, with the only exception being the Miniature Schnauzer which are less aggressive, playful and curious but can bark a lot and can get diabetes.

If you have plenty of room a Collie (Lassie Dog) has a sharp mind, friendly nature and is great with children. Newfoundland nick named 'natures baby sitter', is sweet, intelligent, large and love children but require a big yard.

Dogs from the local pound can be the most loving and loyal dogs. They may not have had the best start to life or may have been surrendered by an elderly owner that can no longer care for them.

These dogs will reward you for years to come, as long as you take the time to make sure it's the right breed/fit for your family.

After all who else is going to get excited every time they see you, follow you, protect you and wake at all hours of the night to keep you company?

#questions
#lists
%wneverywhere
89950 - 2023-06-11 08:14:42

Tags

Music
Free
Arts_culture
Film_tv_reviews
Outdoor
Random
Nightlife
Family_friendly
Festivals
Community
Food_drink
Fundraisers
Educational
Holiday
Markets
Copyright 2022 OatLabs ABN 18113479226