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Most popular dogs for families
Posted on 3 October, 2016
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There are over 200 recognised breed of dog in the UK ranging from the smallest – the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian and the Pug – to the largest the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane and Mastiff.
Which breed is best for families depends on a number of factors such as the age of the children, how much time you have to exercise them and the size of your house. But one things for sure – there is bound to be one that is just right for your family.
Interestingly there are many breeds which you think may be completely unsuitable but who can actually make ideal family pets. Greyhounds for instance. Most people think they need a huge amount of exercise, whilst in fact they are one of the breeds that doesn’t need as much as you may think.
A Greyhound has low to moderate exercise needs so whilst they are large dog and this should be taken into account – they could make ideal pets for families with older children.
On the flip side, people often think smaller dogs will be more family friendly but this isn’t always the case. Small dogs such as the Chihuahua can be both yappy and nippy, plus they are not as patient with children as other breeds.
Breed traits and tendencies are only a guide and dogs even of the same breed will have different characteristics. Here is our round up of the most popular family dogs:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – a medium sized dog that can make a great family companion. They love to walk but are just as happy relaxing on the sofa. Along with their close breed neighbours the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel they are eager to please, happy and content dogs.
Being the smaller of the spaniels they suit families with younger children, whereas the cocker and springer need a lot of exercise so will suit families with older children that can help exercise them.
Beagle – another medium sized dog that makes a good family dog. They are very active and so energetic families who are able to give them the exercise they need are more suited to this breed. They do however have a reputation for disappearing if chasing a scent, so should be well-trained from an early age or kept on a long lead.
Pugs – these small dogs are growing in popularity because they are so cute and affectionate. They are very sociable and really enjoy being part of a family. You do have to be careful though in hot weather as they are a short-nosed breed which can make it difficult for them to cool down.
Labrador – one of the most popular family dogs in the UK. They are a good all-rounder, enthusiastic, good natured and calm – hence them being used as guide dogs for the blind. They are fairly easy to train, but do need quite a bit of exercise to keep them fit and healthy, especially as they have a tendency to put on weight.
Cockapoo and Labradoodle – two mixed breed dogs that have been growing in popularity since they were first bred in the 1960s. Popular because they don’t moult, making them a good choice for people with allergies, plus they are affectionate, easily trained and very people-orientated. The cockapoo is a Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Poodle and the labradoodle a Labrador Poodle cross.
Remember a dog is for life and with many breeds living on average between 12 to15 years it’s important before you can take on such a commitment that you do your research and select the breed that best suits your circumstances.
With over 35 years of experience and having successfully completed over 90,000 bookings, we're well prepared to look after a multitude of dog breeds. If you're going away on holiday or on a business trip and are looking for dog care and home security, call Homesitters on 01296 630 730 or click here to make a booking.
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