Your best companion for life!
Seeing how much your children have grown, perhaps this year’s the time to cave into their wishes for a dog. They make a wonderful addition to any family looking to expand their brood (minus the dirty diapers) and are great teachers for educating your children on responsibility. But before you make that leap, know that different breeds bring different life and energy to your household. Some canines like to tussle with kids, some are more gentle while others love to sleep and be inactive. If you ever need help making your pick, consider these three things: temperament, size, and energy level. It’s a personal journey for every family, but we’re here to give suggestions!
Temperament
AKA personality. If you’re not looking for a dog to guard the house, perhaps you should be avoiding hunting breeds. Rottweilers and Huskies have high prey drive, which can pose a hazard risk to small children. So instead, look for those with an agreeable temperament. Calmer dogs have the ability to form stronger bonds with the family, making great lifetime companions.
Size
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” applies even to dogs. Size doesn’t determine whether a dog would be good with the kids. Say a Chihuahua who desperately needs a relaxed environment or they’ll snap by nipping. Fun fact, they tend to also be very bonded to one person, and many aren’t interested in being nice to anyone else.
Energy Level
This really depends on your family’s preference as some dogs would need more exercise than others. If their needs aren’t met, their excess energy level could lead to behavior problems down the road. So, be realistic about the lifestyle that you can provide to the dog. For instance, if you’re an avid runner and are looking for a furry friend, then a Border Collie would live up to that match.
It can be hard finding one that checks all the above boxes. But have no fret, we’ve done the homework for you.
1. Labrador
Personality: Friendly, patient, outgoing
Energy: Very active & high-spirited
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Requires supervision
Shedding: Regularly
2. Bulldog
Personality: Calm, courageous & friendly
Energy: Not very active
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
3. Golden Retriever
Personality: Intelligent, friendly & devoted
Energy: Very energetic, requires daily exercise
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Barking: When necessary
4. Cocker Spaniel
Personality: Gentle, playful & dependable
Energy: Very energetic, thrives outdoors
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Barking: Notorious
5. Poodle
Personality: Even-tempered, well-behaved, smart
Energy: Energetic
Good With Children: Yes, are protective of children
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Barking: Occasionally
6. Beagle
Personality: Loving, playful, friendly, good natured
Energy: Energetic
Good With Children: Yes, makes great guard dogs too
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Barking: Likes to be vocal
7. Border Collie
Personality: gentle, reliable, mild-mannered
Energy: Energetic, blend especially well with active families who love the outdoors
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes (and cats)
Shedding: Seasonal (but sheds a lot)
Barking: Often (when stimulated)
8. Newfoundland
Personality: “The nanny dog’, among the gentlest of all breeds
Energy: Moderate
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Moderate (seasonal during spring & fall)
Barking: only when danger is near
9. Irish Setter
Personality: Sporty, gifted athletes
Energy: Very active
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes (but caution is needed when introducing to smaller house pets)
Shedding: Moderate (needs to be groomed daily from being tangled)
Barking: A lot and loud
10. Bichon Frise
Personality: Smart, friendly, calm & a good listener
Energy: Not active
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Dogs: Yes (even other pets)
Shedding: Very little, hypoallergenic
Barking: Rarely
Ready to get your household a new furry friend? You might also want to look at these pet supplies:
Go shop all your furry friend’s essentials today at ZALORA Philippines!