subject: Family Dogs [print this page] Dogs are some of the best pets you'll ever find. If you love animals, and you love an animal that is loyal to you, a dog is right for you. It takes a lot of work to maintain the proper quality of life for dogs, and it is important that you understand how to take care of them properly. Taking care of a pet is potentially a very overwhelming task.
Dogs are great pets because they are loyal. There is a reason why they are called Man's best friend. Loyal to the bone, and there for you when you need them. People have had these pets for years, and many have added them to their families as essentially another child. Depending on your needs, there may be a breed that is better for you or your family.
The best family dogs are breeds like the Black Lab or a Retriever. These dogs are very friendly and they are very easy going. They have very mild dispositions and are easy to train. If you have children, because they are a larger breed, then can handle a little more rough play, they are ok being jumped on. These dogs are great companions for children.
Smaller dogs like the Chihuahuas and Poodles are better for families with older children or no children. These smaller dogs can be a little more aggressive and have a bit more of a temperamental attitude. Of course, you can always train them to change, but it does take some work. In generally though, children are sometimes rougher on smaller dogs, simply because they are smaller and it doesn't take as much to hurt them.
Always getting a bad rap, the bully breeds are a great family breed. Dogs included in the bully breeds are the Boxer, the American Bulldog, and the Rottweiler. These dogs, while they can be trained to be aggressive are generally nice dogs, if treated correctly; they are great pets for the home. If you're looking for a great guard dog, these are the dogs you want.
As with any dogs, it is important to fully understand the breed you're getting. Just like water is dangerous no matter how much you're in, so is potentially every breed of dog. Proper training can make this better, and positively affect behaviors.
Also, your dogs' attitude will depend on where they came from, and how they were treated. Dangerous dogs are generally trained that way, and if they are trained and treated correctly, it generally shouldn't be any issue. Any pet can be respectful; you just have to train them that way.
Before you get a dog, you need to read up on any dog you may purchase and understand their temperament. If you want to add another member to your family, look at a great dog. There are so many at any rescue shelter just waiting for a good home.
