How to Pick a Friendly and Gentle Dog Breed

Know what breeds to look for before you seek out the perfect, gentle dog for your family. Whether you are the parent of a young child or prefer a dog with a calm demeanor, some varieties of dogs are better suited for family life. A friendly disposition is easy to come by if you know the right breeds to look for; and once you've found the perfect breed, you can look for certain characteristics in individual dogs when you inspect a litter. Choosing a family pet is a big responsibility; but with a little research, you will be able to pick the best dog for your family.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog breed book
  • Notebook
  • Pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research bigger dog breeds. Small breeds, such as those in the toy category like Chihuahuas, can be nervous around strangers, and also don't always tolerate the rough play of a child. Little dogs also bark often, which can be seen as a sign of aggression by people, even though the dog may just be frightened.

    • 2

      Use a dog breed book or the Internet to research different characteristics of each breed. First, make a list of the qualities you'd like a dog to exhibit. For example, the dog's size, its grooming needs, its activity level, its need for a big yard, any common health issues, and how it reacts around children and strangers. As you look up different breeds, make a note of each breed's pros and cons. You likely won't find a perfect match, but make some things non-negotiable, such as the dog's ability to adapt to a house with kids.

    • 3

      Look for reputable dog breeders in your area. Consult your local paper or hunt online for one nearby. Consider breeds such as the Golden Retriever. A much-loved and very popular family dog, a Golden Retriever is friendly, playful and gentle with children. Labrador Retrievers are also excellent family pets, remaining calm indoors, but active and playful outside. Bulldogs are cute as well as adaptable and they enjoy being in a family with small kids.

    • 4

      Prepare to spend time inspecting a litter for a potential pet. Bring your children along if you have them and arrange beforehand with the breeder to stay at least a half hour. Sit on the ground with the puppies and observe how they interact with your children. Puppies, in general, are more playful than the adult version, but some pups are more laid back than others. Look for a puppy that is inquisitive and doesn't mind your family's handling.