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Tips &Tricks
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Almost every family will benefit from getting a dog. Canine family members can provide companionship, humor, and unconditional love for everyone in your household. Of course, different dog breeds have different temperaments, and some dogs tend to do better in homes with children than others. Here is a look at seven breeds to consider making a new member of your family if you have kids.
1. Golden Retriever - It's no wonder that these easygoing, playful companions are well known for being great family dogs. Gentle and good-natured, golden retrievers tend to be kind to just about everyone they meet. One important thing to note, however, is that goldens are full of energy, so you need to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't accidentally knock down very young children.
2. Labrador Retriever - The most popular dog breed in the United States, Labrador retrievers are adaptable and easily trainable as long as you give them plenty of exercise. These silly pups are known for their love of fun, which is one reason why they tend to be great around kids. Labs are usually very patient as well, which helps them put up with children poking and prodding them.
3. English Bulldog - Docile and even-tempered, bulldogs make great family pets. Their stockiness makes them very resilient to child-inflicted abuse and makes them good partners for roughhousing. The breed actually has a reputation for having a "sixth sense" about protecting children, and they make great companions for little ones.
4. Poodle - No matter what size of dog you're looking for, there's a poodle to suit you--these dogs come in standard, miniature, and toy varieties. In general, standard and miniature poodles are known for being best with children. They have enough energy that they will enjoy playing, but they are also sensitive enough to avoid being too rough. Poodles are also one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds you can find, so they are an excellent choice for kids with allergies.
5. Beagle - This friendly breed is one of the few smaller dogs that does especially well with children. Beagles will never lack the energy to run around the yard with your kids, but they are also lovable lapdogs. A beagle will relish being a member of your family, and will always be ready to give you lots of love. They are an excellent breed to teach your kids about the joys of having a pet.
6. Saint Bernard - Known for being gentle giants, the bond between kids and Saint Bernard's was immortalized in the movie Peter Pan. These enormous dogs know how to be careful around children, and they are very patient with little ones. Just make sure that your tots realize they can't try to ride your dog like a horse.
7. Irish Setter - Like all dogs bred for sporting, Irish setters love to be around people, and they are known for their gentle and sociable dispositions. These clever pups love toys and games, and they have fun playing with rambunctious kids. You should realize, however, that Irish Setters often don't know their own strength, and they may knock down little ones if they get overexcited. While these breeds are all well-suited for families with kids in general, it's important to remember that every individual dog is going to be different. Make sure to involve your kids in the process of picking out the right dog for you so that you can see if the animal you're considering actually gets on well with your children in particular. With proper training, almost any dog can learn to get along with little ones, but choosing one of these breeds is a great first step.
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