October 11, 2013
The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Newport Area
The Newport News
5 Best Dog Breeds for Families By Ashley L Do you have a child that is bugging you constantly for a dog? Are you running out of excuses for getting one? Maybe it’s time to add that new furry member to your family, but before you decide, there are a few key factors you should take into consideration. While we all tend to choose the cutest puppy we see, it’s not necessarily the best way to choose a dog. When looking for the perfect dog for your family, be sure to also consider size, temperament, your living situation, and cost of ownership. Gaining knowledge of these factors, will ensure you find the best suitable breed for your family’s lifestyle. With over 150 dog breeds to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming finding the right breed for you. So, to lend you a helping hand, I have compiled a list of 5 of the best known dog breeds for families. 1. Labrador Retriever Recognized by the AKC, as the most popular dog breed in the United States, these gentle and affectionate dogs make excellent pets for families. Smart, obedient, and devoted, Labs are good with children of all ages, as well as other dogs and pets. Although, they are known to be very friendly, they are also a very protective breed, and are great choices for those wanting added security for their family. As a member of the working class, Labradors are extremely energetic and require lots of exercise to stay healthy. 2. Golden Retriever Similar to the Labrador, Golden Retrievers are very sweet and affectionate family dogs that love pleasing their owners. Their patience and gentle disposition, make them great companions for children of all ages. Whether it’s chasing a ball, swimming in a lake, or hiking in the mountains, these highly intelligent animals are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. Like other larger dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are extremely energetic and require daily exercise, to keep healthy and burn off excess energy. 3. Beagle Known to most as the hunting dog, these floppy eared hounds make great pets for families with children. They are very gentle, loving, and loyal animals with spunky personalities, that are sure to win over your heart. Although, Beagles are very intelligent animals, they have been known to be quite stubborn, and love to get into mischief. Their innate ability for tracking and curious nature often get these pups into trouble. For this reason, they do best in homes, with large fenced in yards, to provide security and decrease the chance of your pet running off. Beagles do well in most living situations, but are very energetic and require lots of exercise. 4. Bulldogs Don’t let their tough exterior fool you, Bulldogs are one of the most gentle dog breeds and have a very sweet personality. Their thick, rugged build make them an excellent choice for families with rambunctious children. Although, they are not the most energetic of dog breeds, they love to play and require lots of attention. The Bulldog’s mellow attitude make them a great indoor pet, and perfect for families who live in apartments or have small yards. 5. Dachshund Nicknamed the “weiner dog”, for its hot dog shaped appearance, Dachshunds have been a family favorite for years. Their short, stubby legs and long, floppy ears are sure to make you smile. Similar to the Bulldog, Dachshunds are definitely not the most energetic breed, but love attention and make great indoor pets. Although, they tend to be shy around new people, they adapt well to most living environments, and get along great with other pets and children of all ages.
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Bulldogs
Dachshund Page 2
Labrador Retrievers
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