Which Breed is Right for Your Family?

If your family is thinking about adopting a puppy, you've probably wondered about the different breeds out there and what "type" of dog would be the best fit for your household. The answer to that question is often complicated by people's misconceptions of certain dog breeds – so it's important to research this decision thoroughly before you commit to a breed. Here are a few things to consider about your family life and the best dog for you:

For example, the Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog, but this loveable breed may not be a good fit for your family. If your family isn't around during the day or if they aren't energetic and active, then a Lab probably won't be a good breed for you. If left on their own for extended periods of time, Labs – and other breeds of herding and hunting dogs – can become bored and wreak havoc around your house just to find something to do. If you aren't prepared to spend several hours a day with your dog, don't even think about picking up one of those cute Labrador puppies!

If your family isn't that active but still prefers larger breed dogs, consider getting something like a Great Dane, a Boxer, a Mastiff, or even a Great Pyrenees. These dogs are massive, but their size can be deceptive. Since they're so big and grow large so quickly, they typically don't have the same amount of energy as labs and other herding dogs, so you won't have to constantly play with them to keep them out of trouble. For this reason – and despite their large size – these dogs usually make fairly nice indoor dogs.

But suppose a large dog isn't what you're looking for – instead you want something smaller and cuddlier that is a good lap dog. A lot of times people see television shows like Frasier with the cute little Jack Russell terrier and they think that would be the perfect little dog for their house. However, Jack Russell terriers and rat terriers are extremely intelligent and hyper-active dogs that take years to train. In general these dogs have such an abundance of energy and intelligence that if you aren't careful the dog will take over the house and run rampant. For this reason, these dogs are usually only recommended for couples without kids who have a lot of time to devote to their dogs.

If you're looking for a lapdog that's typically good around kids, consider getting a Shih-tzu, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, or Maltese. However, these dogs can require a lot grooming, so if you aren't up for that, a Chinese Pug, Boston Terrier, or Chihuahua might be a good fit for you. These smaller dog breeds are usually calmer and will do well with children if they are raised around them. Sometimes smaller dogs – no matter how comfortable they are with kids – can get frightened and snip if they're scared of a child or if they're being hurt. It's important to remember this and to teach your children the proper way to deal with smaller dogs and to be understanding when the dog is simply protecting itself.

So, which breed is best for your family? Well, the answer ultimately depends on your family, your living conditions and your lifestyle. It's imperative to fully research any breed you're considering getting beforehand. For more information, talk to a vet's office or ask your friends and family members about their dog experiences. There are pros and cons to every breed – how they fit into your life depends entirely on you.