Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have exploded in popularity due to their versatile nature and smooth personality. Their easy-going attitude and intelligence when responding to commands makes them a perfect gundog, and their loving and gentle nature towards others have escalated their standing as the ideal family pet as well. Hailed as one of the most popular breeds according to the registry at the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever will continue to climb in people’s hearts.

Labrador Retriever

A compact, medium-sized dog who stands approximately 21 to 24 inches tall, the Labrador Retriever is a powerful dog, built to retrieve game. The Labrador is one of a few breeds distinguished by webbed feet, to help it retrieve waterfowl more easily. An “otter” tail also facilitates this, acting much like an otter’s tail in steering the dog in the water.

Boxer

Fun Loving, young at heart, playful and exuberant are the best words to describe the boxer. This is a breed who is a great companion to adults, children, as a running companion, or to cuddle with. They get along well with other pets, provided they are properly introduced, and they love children more than anything. Males and females in this breed are very similar in temperament.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Affectionately called “The Nanny Dog” in England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier belies the reputation given to him by those who are unfamiliar with him, and is a trustworthy companion to children and adults alike. True to Terrier nature, however, he can be stubborn at times and requires firm, but loving handling to prevent him from taking over the home.

Shetland Sheepdog

A small dog of even temperament and rough coat, the Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie, for short) is a dog that fits well in a family unit. That said, the Shetland Sheepdog is also, first and foremost, sheepdog with important needs regarding exercise. In order to be a well-behaved pet, plenty of interaction and exercise is a must. Lack of interaction will bring out the mischief in these dogs, and they can become annoying barkers without stimulation. An intelligent and gentle-natured dog, Shetland Sheepdogs deal with children and other animals.

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting. It’s long-legged build puts it in the front of the spaniels for speed.

Newfoundland Dog

Large and powerful-looking, the Newfoundland Dog can be an intimidating sight if you aren’t used to dogs, but his size is but a small part of the overall dog. Loyal, and intelligent, the Newfoundland Dog is a wonderful working partner or dependable, sweet-natured, and affectionate family pet. This cuddly giant is one of the most tolerant breeds around unexpected chaos, and is a kid magnet due to both his size and wealth of soft fur.

Poodle - Standard or Miniature

Lively, intelligent and affectionate; Poodles are a versatile breed that make great family dogs, or hunting companions. Sturdy enough to take a toddler’s (gentle!) hug, and energetic to play tirelessly with older children, the poodle is a favorite with people of all ages. Although there are three sizes of Poodles, I do not recommend Toy Poodles as a dog breed suitable suitable for families with younger children.

Old English Sheepdog

With his shaggy fur and distinctive grey and white coloring, the Old English Sheepdog looks more like a child’s stuffed toy than the intelligent and alert dog he really is. A natural guardian, the Old English Sheepdog is also a laid-back companion, easily able to go from being your early morning jogging partner, to a sofa-hound in the afternoon, and a rambunctious play companion to the kids in the evening. He does take quite a bit of brushing time though, to keep his luxurious coat in order, but the bonding time it gives you is well worth the effort.

Mixed Breed Dogs

Available in every shape, size, color and personality, most mixed breed dogs are excellent family pets, and can be found wherever you live. If you plan to adopt one, be sure to listen to the shelter workers: they have spent time with the dogs and can help you choose one that will fit your needs as a family.

Source: Your Guide to Dogs

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 11:15 am and is filed under Family Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.