When adding a new puppy or dog to your family, it can be difficult to decide which breed is the right fit.
There are many factors you鈥檒l need to consider to find a dog that fits your family鈥檚 lifestyle. For example, some breeds are better suited for suburban and farm families than households living in the city. When adding any dog to your family, it鈥檚 also important that everyone is included in the decision-making process, including the kids.
We鈥檝e compiled a list of dog breeds to help you find the perfect fit for you and your family:
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States for a reason. These affable and outgoing dogs play well with others and are eager to please. The breed is affectionate, patient, and trainable. If you鈥檙e looking for a medium-to-large dog that will bond with your whole family, look no further than the famously friendly breed.
Labs are enthusiastic athletes that require lots of exercise, so they鈥檙e a great fit for active families who have the time and energy to keep up with them.聽Plus, the breed is extremely versatile, doing everything from tracking and obedience to hunting and dock diving. obedience.
Bulldog
The distinct and wrinkly聽Bulldog makes a wonderful companion to children. These loyal dogs can adapt to most atmospheres and are happy to spend time with their families. Bulldogs aren鈥檛 very active and likely won鈥檛 beg to exercise, but they do require regular walks and the occasional romp. This breed is calm, courageous, and friendly. Plus, they respond well to training and adapt well to most environments, whether they鈥檙e in the city or countryside.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers originally came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling. Today, the breed鈥檚 versatility, intelligence, and agreeable personality suit it for many purposes. It has become one of the most successful, recognizable, and popular breeds in all areas of competition.
These energetic dogs are very active and need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. This eager-to-please breed is a great fit for families looking for a companion to join them on long runs or bike rides.
Beagle
The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be obscure with no reliable documentation on the earliest days of development. This curious and energetic hound dog needs plenty of exercise and weekly grooming. Beagles鈥� compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat, and intelligence make them an excellent family dog.聽
Beagles are happiest when they have company, and shouldn鈥檛 be left alone inside or outside for long periods of time. These merry and loyal dogs are a great fit for families with children or who can give them plenty of playtime.
Pug
The Pug is well described by the phrase 鈥渕ultum in parvo,鈥� which means 鈥渁 lot of dog in a small space.鈥� They鈥檙e small but require no coddling. Their roguish face can wiggle their way into the hearts of men, women, and especially children, for whom they seem to have a special affinity.
Pugs aren鈥檛 exactly natural athletes. But they do have strong legs and endless curiosity, so they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They鈥檙e comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, and easily adaptable to all situations.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter first came into popular notice in the 18th century. They鈥檙e a high-spirited, but eager-to-please breed and are responsive to training.The outgoing and trainable dog is great for active families, as the Irish Setter is high-energy and loves spending time outdoors. This sweet-natured breed is also good with children and other dogs, making them a great fit for many families.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a hearty, intelligent, and active companion. They thrive on interaction, activity, and mental stimulation. Their small size makes them a good apartment dweller, as long as you give them a chance to burn off some energy. Griffs are spunky and love to play and share long, daily walks with their owners.
While Griffs can be playful and rambunctious, owners should take caution when supervising any of their interactions with children, due to the breed鈥檚 small size and sensitive nature.
Newfoundland
Above all things, the 狈别飞蹿辞耻苍诲濒补苍诲鈥檚 best-known traits are their intelligence, loyalty, and sweetness. Newfs are patient, devoted, and famously good companions. This somewhat active breed is easy to train and needs some room to romp. They need moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy, and make great companions on long walks or hikes. Because of these traits, Newfoundlands make excellent family dogs.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the world鈥檚 most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The easygoing and adaptable breed is smart and responds well to training. Frenchies are easygoing, and not terribly athletic, but do appreciate a good, brisk walk. They get along well with children and other dogs and are a great pick for new families.
Collie
Collies are legendary for their herding skills. They鈥檙e strong, loyal, affectionate, responsive and fast. A Collie would be best suited for an active family as they鈥檙e high-energy and love to move around. While they need daily exercise, they鈥檙e also happy to chill at home with their family.