| When choosing a dog for a family, it's important | | | | English cocker spaniels are intelligent, affectionate, |
| to choose a breed carefully. Particularly nervous | | | | and happy dogs. They love playing with children, |
| or highly strung breeds would not be great around | | | | and so make good family pets. They have a very |
| children, particularly younger kids. In their desire to | | | | gentle nature. |
| play with this cute new addition to the household, | | | | * Old English Sheepdog |
| they may frighten or irritate the dog, which could | | | | Old English sheepdogs are large dogs. They are |
| lead to defensive behaviour like nipping or biting | | | | very affectionate, and get along well with children |
| your children. | | | | - as long as they are not teased or treated |
| * Golden Retriever | | | | roughly (or with rough play). So, if you have |
| Golden retrievers make great family dogs. They | | | | young children, this would not be a suitable breed. |
| love attention, and are extremely friendly. They | | | | Older children would probably be fine, however. |
| are good with children, and can be quite goofy | | | | When training Old English sheepdogs, it's important |
| and playful. Some can be aggressive, but this is | | | | not to be overbearing, as this can cause these |
| usually a problem with poor breeding. It tends to | | | | dogs to be timid, or respond aggressively based |
| affect those with a reddish colored coat more, | | | | on fear. These dogs need company, and a |
| and is often associated with an underactive | | | | reasonable amount of space. |
| thyroid. So, it's important to get a dog from a | | | | Other good choices for a family dog include pugs, |
| good breeder whose first priority is the | | | | beagles, basset hounds, and Brittany spaniels. |
| temperament of the dog. | | | | Whatever type of dog you choose, it's important |
| * Labrador Retriever | | | | to understand that buying a puppy will require a |
| Labrador retrievers are very athletic dogs, so | | | | lot of time in training, particularly with regards |
| they need quite a bit of exercise. This is especially | | | | house training. Not only does the puppy need a lot |
| true of black labradors (my sister can testify to | | | | of affection, attention, and guidance, but the |
| that!). But they are happy dogs, very affectionate | | | | children will also need to be taught how to interact |
| with both adults and children, and gentle. They | | | | with your puppy so that they don't accidentally |
| love water. My sister's dog chewed the hose one | | | | hurt them. If you have young children, or toddlers, |
| day when they were away and the people looking | | | | and your hands are full with them, it may be |
| after her didn't give her the daily play with the | | | | better to buy an older dog who has already been |
| hose she so loved. | | | | trained. |
| * English Cocker Spaniel | | | | |