In principle, the friendship between a child and a four-legged friend is something wonderful. But let’s be honest: in most cases, adults carry the responsibility and do the work. The consideration of the perfect family dog is often not just about finding a breed that gets along well with the child, but also about choosing a dog that is easy to handle. Especially in family life, things can get hectic, routines can be interrupted, or there might be a desire to take the dog on vacation.
In other words, the perfect family dog should be undemanding, playful, good with children, and obedient. Family leaders usually also wish for a nice extra: the furry friend should shed little hair and not get dirty. Rarely can a dog fully meet these ideal expectations. However, there are some dog breeds that come quite close to the ultimate package and can become the perfect family dog with appropriate training. Let’s take a closer look at them.
A piece of advice for parents who don’t want a four-legged companion: Beware of animal-themed children’s movies! The idea “I want a dog” can quickly burn into the imaginative minds of the offspring.
Beagle
His animated counterpart Snoopy is quite close to the Beagle, except for a few exceptions. Besides a considerable amount of stubbornness, the Beagle is equipped with attributes that make him an ideal family dog. In terms of size, he hits the golden mean, making him easily leash-led by children. Even in somewhat boisterous play, there is no need to worry that the kids will lose control.
Beagles are good-natured and peaceful. Since they were bred for the pack, they don’t behave shyly and fit in excellently with the family pack. However, they don’t like being alone very much.
With a few rules in place, you can have a lot of fun with Beagles. The energy in this little four-legged friend should be put to good use. If the furry friend can’t burn off energy, it quickly finds its own entertainment – not always to the delight of the owners. Additionally, Beagles tend to gain weight, so they must always stay in training. You need to stay brave with a dog that can give one of the most award-winning dog looks of all time.
Caution is advised with Beagles in wooded and field areas. Even if the original hunting intention is no longer the focus for all breeders, every Beagle has a little hunter in them. Therefore, Beagles need a lot of consistency and patience in training. Once they pick up a scent, nothing can stop them.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The large Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most popular family dogs. The most famous relative is probably the St. Bernard Beethoven from the eponymous family comedies.
Mountain dogs are cozy Alpine herders and perfect family members with their loyal souls. These gentle dogs are hardly disturbed and quickly adapt to their surroundings. Unfortunately, due to their size, they are not easy to handle for children and, of course, need a lot of space. The pronounced play instinct diminishes rapidly as the Bernese Mountain Dog matures. So, children who wish for a permanent playmate could be disappointed by the equilibrium.
Ideally, a house with a garden would be perfect, and then it doesn’t always have to be a long walk. The friendly four-legged friend is not sensitive to cold but must deal with a few hereditary diseases. Unfortunately, it belongs to the very susceptible breeds, and its life expectancy is not the longest in the canine realm. Breeders are currently trying to counteract this cycle with targeted pairings. Therefore, breeding dogs must currently meet certain health requirements.
Collie
One of the most famous dogs in film history is the Collie Lassie. In her first story, the female dog experiences many exciting adventures on her way to her master. After the movies, the breed became an absolute trendy dog and still counts as an ideal companion for children. Collies are loyal, intelligent, and uncomplicated.
Much depends on their education because of their highly developed sensitivity, especially when it comes to behavior towards strangers. However, the friendly furballs are always very affectionate and protective towards their direct caregivers – being excluded from family life is unthinkable for the pack dog. If a Collie senses danger, it will loudly announce it but will not react aggressively and prefers to leave active threat prevention to others. In general, Collies are very affable – children are allowed to play a bit wilder without disturbing the dog.
Collies are much more willing to learn than many of their counterparts when it comes to education. They are motivated and want to please their owners. However, these dogs are not as enduring and are therefore less suitable for peak performances. Very tidy people may be annoyed by their dog’s unwillingness to forego long walks in wind and weather. The adventurous long-haired Collies also like to explore their surroundings more intensively. And if the object of desire is a mud puddle, it will be thoroughly inspected. But no one should be deterred by that.
Grooming is quickly practiced, and heavy hair loss usually only occurs during shedding. At that time, daily brushing and detangling are required.
Dalmatian
This strikingly colored dog is well-known to many from its 101-fold appearance in the Disney classic “Pongo and Perdita.” Even from a distance, the black spots on white fur make it clear that it’s a Dalmatian. The versatile dog is an active playmate and cuddle partner at the same time.
It’s unknown how this breed originated, but it’s very likely that they were never used for hunting purposes. Instead, they were assigned the role of escort and siren dogs for carriages and fire trucks. Therefore, the amusingly spotted dog still serves as the mascot of the U.S. fire department. Speaking of spots: Did you know that the breed standard for Dalmatians specifies that the spots on the white fur should always be either black or brown and never both?
Dalmatians are extremely adaptable and sensitive. Improper training can quickly lead to unintended results with this breed. Therefore, while Dalmatians are suitable for beginners, they are best for people who have some experience with dogs and, above all, can handle the energy of these four-legged companions. If Dalmatians feel comfortable and fulfilled in their adoptive family, they will cherish each member of the small pack.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a dog breed star. Many people see it as the perfect four-legged partner and immediately mention the breed when it comes to choosing a family pet. Its qualities seem almost too perfect to be true: eager to learn, child-friendly, active, and affectionate.
However, like many of its counterparts, the Golden Retriever was originally bred as a hunting dog. This means, among other things, that it needs long walks and a lot of exercise. Therefore, the dog is not suitable for couch potatoes or less athletic owners. Golden Retrievers need action and love walks with many opportunities for exploration.
Much to the dismay of household cleaners, they also enjoy jumping into mud puddles and other bodies of water. In principle, the family dog can also be calm and composed. It doesn’t mind strangers and would probably cuddle with intruders.
Labrador
Labradors, alongside Golden Retrievers, are among the most popular family dogs. In terms of temperament, they are very similar to Golden Retrievers. Both breeds are retrievers, and in this role, the bond of trust between owner and dog must be extremely strong. Labradors also need a lot of exercise and are not deterred by bad weather and bodies of water.
However, the hunting instinct is usually manageable with appropriate training. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, the Labrador has often fallen victim to unethical breeding practices. Results often include emotional as well as physical damage to the puppies. Hips and joint problems are widespread in Labradors.
Maltipoo
Are you familiar with Maltipoos? Don’t worry if not, as this breed, originating from America, is slowly gaining fans in Europe. The Maltipoo belongs to the smaller dog breeds, combining the lively Maltese and the trainable Poodle. And this mix has a lot to offer.
The combination of zest for life and affection makes it an excellent family dog. Additionally, the Maltipoo is an absolutely uncomplicated representative of its kind. With its size, it can also cope with a bit less space, and its coat requires minimal effort – quite the opposite: Maltipoos shed almost not at all.
Pug
When it comes to family dogs, the Pug must not be missing from any list. This robust little guy or gal is good-natured and playful at the same time. With its compact size, the Pug can easily be taken on vacation or for a visit. Although the athleticism is limited in this uncomplicated breed, it doesn’t mean that the Pug wouldn’t make a perfect playmate.
The small furball makes it easy for its owners to train it, but sometimes, the dog may overdo it with its attachment. Occasionally, the four-legged friend can stage a jealousy scene with a brilliant performance. Unfortunately, due to overbreeding, Pugs now face several health problems, such as breathing difficulties and snoring. Therefore, it’s important to buy from responsible breeders.
Found a favorite?
Before choosing a new furry addition, it’s essential to consider the age of the dog. It’s heartwarming to see a little puppy grow up alongside a child. However, with a young dog, its individual characteristics are not immediately predictable.
When selecting a small companion from a litter, it makes sense for the breeder to choose one of the quieter ones as the new family member. Alternatively, a trip to the nearby animal shelter can also lead to the desired goal. The caregivers there have usually formed a comprehensive picture of the dog’s characteristics and can select the perfect four-legged friend based on the family’s profile and the individual preferences of its members.
