When parents consider adding a dog to their family, the trusty golden retriever is the first breed that comes to mind, but there are a number of other breeds that can make fabulous family pets too. Today, our Los Angeles County veterinarians share a few family-friendly dog breeds that you may want to consider.
Picking the Best Dog Breed for Your Family
When choosing the right breed of dog for your family, it's important to look beyond the cuteness factor and consider more important things like the breed's temperament and how much space and exercise the dog needs to be happy.
Please take your time to find a dog that suits the space you live in, as well as the energy level of your family, and how much time each family member is willing to commit to training your new canine companion.
Here are a few of our favorite breeds to help you get off to a good start in choosing the best dog for family life:
English Bulldog
English bulldogs weigh between 50 and 55 pounds, which makes them suitable for apartments and smaller homes. They are happy to just cuddle up on the couch to watch a movie and relax because they seek out social interactions with their family. English bulldogs are a sweet, gentle, and reliable breed that makes for an excellent family pet.Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The compact size of this lively but gentle breed makes it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. It weighs between 10 and 18 lbs. Cavaliers tend to get along well with other dogs and children. This sweet-natured pooch is both playful and cuddly, making it a great pet for children of all ages and energy levels.Boston Terrier
These people-loving bundles of fun weigh in at about 25 pounds or less, and come with their own easy to care for "tuxedo" coats. It is a charming dog breed that enjoys playing with the kids and taking short walks. It adapts well to apartment living and makes a great companion for children of all ages.Irish Setter
The Irish setter is a beautiful breed that is a little bigger. This breed typically weighs around 65 pounds and is a great family pet. These dogs are lively, intelligent, and have a great sense of humor. Irish Setters enjoy playing in the backyard with children, as well as chase balls and go for long runs. If you have high-energy children, they will love spending time with an Irish Setter.
Beagle
A dog like the Beagle is one of the best medium-sized dogs for family life. The medi-sized pooch typically weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and enjoys spending time with its people, playing games, and going for walks. Beagles are intelligent and loving dogs that can make great family pets if they get plenty of family interaction and exercise. Beagles are not good for families who are often away from the house.Pug
These adorable little characters will please your family! The pooches are generally happy to eat and sleep. If you have small children or lower energy dogs, a pug may be the right breed for you. They like to play indoors and will curl up on the couch with you to watch TV. This is a breed that weighs around 15 lbs, and does not require much space. It only requires a couple of short walks each day to be content.The Mutt
Looking for the perfect pup to add some extra love and loyalty, your family dynamic? Consider heading down to a local animal shelter where an awesome mutt may be just waiting to meet you! Not only are they truly unique, but there’s also less chance of running into genetic issues. Before committing, take advantage of all that knowledge from the friendly staff - often times these shelters provide you with doggie report cards, so you can double-check fit before adoption!