Picking a Family Dog

Here some good dog breeds that not only make wonderful and loyal pets but are also great when picking a family dog for children.

Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world, and with good reason. It’s intelligence, gentleness, energy, obedience, and loyalty make it a wonderful companion dog as well as an efficient working dog. This breed ranges in size from 50-80 pounds and 20-25 inches in height. Loveable, huggable, seldom aggressive and very patient, Labs are great with when picking a family dog for kids and will stand by as the young ones hug them. While these dogs are eager to please and very intelligent, they’re also highly energetic and free-willed, so a little patience should be shown when training them.
Training Your Labrador Retriever (Training Your Dog Series)

Dachshund

Dachshunds are small dogs with very long torsos and are often referred to as “wiener dogs”. They are clever animals, but their stubbornness makes them fairly difficult to train. They grow attached to families and children relatively easily; however they are distrusting of strangers and will often grow, bark, or snip at unfamiliar faces. Dachshunds are more suited toward picking a family dog for older children who recognize that the animal has a weak back structure and won’t be rough with them.
Dachshunds (Barron’s Dog Breeds Bibles)

Beagle

Beagles are extremely lovable and loyal. They will often bark or howl at unfamiliar people or things, making them a great watchdogs. They will become attached and love very quickly, making them poor guard dogs. A smaller version of a Foxhound, they’re wonderful when picking a family dog and have great stamina, allowing them to exercise and play for extended period of time without getting tired.
Beagle Handbook, The (Barron’s Pet Handbooks)

Boxer

Boxers are very people friendly dogs and are very energetic. They need a great deal of exercise and play or they may become easily bored and start to chew on things they shouldn’t or dig. Boxers are generally not aggressive and are patient with children and small dogs and puppies; however spats between them and other big dogs are likely.
The Boxer: Family Favorite (170 color photographs) Winner–DWAA Award–Best Single Breed Book of 2000

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are ranked as the 4th most intelligent dog breed, and can in fact learn more than 200 commands, words and phrases. They’re extremely gentle and friendly to not only their owners but strangers as well. They’re very fun loving and love to retrieve things such as in a game of fetch and can be entertained by retrieving for hours. Their gentleness and patience, coupled with their love of play, make picking a family dog easy.
Golden Retriever (Kennel Club Classics)