From stubborn Dachshunds to loyal Labradors and energetic Spaniels, all breeds come with their own quirks, likes and dislikes so it’s a good idea to think about the traits you’d like in a dog before you bring him or her home. There are tons of good family dogs in Australia, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when the time comes.
Below we’ll cover the which breeds make the best family dogs and why:
Labradors
Loving and incredibly loyal, Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Large in size but gentle and kind in nature, Labradors are known for their tolerance of children and their affectionate desire to be part of the family. Not only do they slot into the family unit quite easily, they’re also quite intelligent which makes them easy to train and ensures they will follow commands when out on walks together. As pups they are pretty energetic so will need lots of walks and playtime in order to keep them stimulated. This is something to bear in mind if you are out of the house for long periods of time as it’s likely they’ll get bored and start to make a mess.
Golden Retrievers
Kind, cuddly and known for their warm and friendly personality, Golden Retrievers are the ultimate family dog. Similar sized to a Labrador, Golden Retrievers are a large family dog but have a gentle and loving temperament which makes them ideal for bonding with young children. They can be extremely tolerant without snapping, which means children who are a little too rough by accident won’t get a surprise if they accidentally pull their tail or tug their fur too hard. The only thing to bear in mind with a Golden Retriever is that they can shed a lot of hair which means you’ll need to vacuum much more regularly when they join your home.
Spaniels
In lists of playful and friendly dog breeds, Spaniels always come up on top. With so many different types of Spaniel out there, you can also find the type that suits your family’s needs specifically. Spaniels are medium sized and full of love and energy, they adore going on long walks, playing with you and other dogs too. They are bouncy and fun, especially Springer Spaniels, which can be a little taller than Cocker or King Charles Spaniels, so it can be worth investing in a dog harness to give you a little extra control when on walks. All Spaniels also need a lot of regular grooming as they have long coats, this can be costly so it’s important to factor this into your budgeting when deciding whether or not a Spaniel is the right family dog for you.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Fluffy and gentle, Bernese Mountain Dogs make amazing family pets despite their large size. They’re strong, active and full of energy and the ideal companion for hiking and camping trips. They are known for their mellow outlook and intelligence which makes them easy to train and great around children. Not only do they love being active, they also like to be close to the family and are very affectionate so expect them to attempt to snuggle on the sofa with you too– even at their size!
It’s important to note that no matter which breed you choose to go for, how you train and treat your dog will shape the adult dog they become and how he/she fits into your home. Their socialising and training will influence whether or not they become a part of your home with ease or have behaviours which are more difficult to manage in later life. By choosing a dog which has the loving and friendly traits of the above breeds mentioned, you’ll have all the right foundations for a fantastic family dog but you will have to put the work in too. Time spent properly training and socialising your dog as a puppy will be invaluable as they grow up and will make sure they become the obedient and loyal family dog you’ve always dreamed of.
By choosing a playful and friendly dog breed which has the traits and characteristics you’d like in a pet, you have a great base for a new and exciting chapter in your family life to start.