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There’s nothing quite like the family dog. It’s almost a slice
of Americana. In ever cheesy fifties image of the Perfect
American Family we see a nice little house with a white picket
fence, Mom and Dad, two children (usually a boy and a girl), and
a family pooch happily prancing around the yard. As clichéd as
that image may be, the fact remains that people love dogs and
some families just don’t feel right without a family dog.
When choosing a dog for a family, there are important traits to
keep in mind. Some breeds of dog are wonderful for families
while others simply don’t have the proper temperament to deal
with family life. They may be too rough with small children, to
needy of their own space to deal with the incessant coming and
going of a large family, or simply too naturally aggressive to
respond well to a family setting. Other breeds are just perfect
fits for family life. Here are some of the best dog breeds for
families.
Golden Retrievers
Originally bred as a bird dog (like most retrievers), the Golden
retriever is an amazingly loyal and very protective breed. They
are perfect for families that enjoy outdoor activities because
they love to run, jump, and play.
Irish Setters
Irish Setters are known for their pleasant personalities and
their eagerness to please humans. They were also originally bred
as hunting dogs and can serve well in this capacity, but it is
their aptitude for companionship that makes them a beloved
family breed.
Collies
The Collie may be one of the breeds most easily associated with
the qualities of a family dog due to the popularity of the
Lassie television programs. Collies are characterized by a
combination of intelligence and patience uncommon in other
breeds.
Boxers
Boxers look large and scary and have a deep, resonating bark
that makes intruders wary, but they are truly gentle, loving,
and loyal dogs. Their size may make families with small children
want to wait a few years before owning one, but they are a
perfect family pet once the kids are a little older.
Newfoundland
Remember the dog “Hooch” from the Tom Hanks movie Turner and
Hooch? This is Hooch, a big, friendly, loving pooch. They tend
to slobber and drool rather excessively, but the Newfoundland is
a loving and protective pet. Like the boxer, the dog’s size may
be of some concern, but it will be hard to find a more loyal dog
for a family than this breed.
About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.dog-obedience-
guide.net
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