Dogs That Are Good As Pets

Although any dog can become a good pet with care, exercise and training, some breeds are far more easy-going and less aggressive than others. These breeds also tolerate the sudden noises and movements made by young children better than other breeds. When looking for a pet, do not overlook mongrels or mixed breeds. Animal shelters and dog rescue groups can help match an individual dog's personality to your lifestyle and needs.

  1. Beagle

    • Beagles are medium-sized, shorthaired and intelligent. They also are highly food-motivated, so food can be used as a successful reward when training the beagle. Beagles also get along well with other dogs and with children, other animals and other dogs. They do not need as much exercise as larger breeds and can adjust well to living in apartments, according to "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs." Caroonist Charles Shulz based his famous character Snoopy on the Shulz family beagle.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    • This toy sized spaniel was bred to be the lapdog of royalty. They do well with older children, other dogs, senior citizens and other animals. They adjust well to apartment life and are good city dogs. Although they were originally bred to hunt rabbits, much of their drive to chase and kill other animals has been bred out of them, according to DogBreedInfo.com. They need even less exercise than a beagle, but need more grooming than a beagle. They are so sedate that they generally like the fuss of being groomed.

    Greyhound

    • Although this is the fastest dog breed, reaching speeds of 60 mph, greyhounds make undemanding pets. They prefer to spend most of the day sleeping, but need a good bout of exercise in the morning and evening. This can work well with a person who has a regular 9-to-5 job. Greyhounds generally are not prone to excessive barking or attacking other dogs. They have short coats that require little grooming. Even greyhounds that used to be racing dogs can be trained to learn how to live in a home and be pets, according to the Marin Humane Society of California.

    Pug

    • Pugs have a high cute factor.

      This is another toy-sized breed with a short coat that does not require a lot of grooming. Pugs can adjust well to apartment living and living with senior citizens. They are very friendly and have a lot of their hunting instincts bred out of them. They have a brachycephalic (nearly flat) face, requiring the owner to clean the pug's facial skin daily, because the pug will not be able to do so itself.