The decision of becoming a dog owner for the first time should be something that you and your family will be excited and look forward to with great expectations. Dogs are a wonderful addition to the family because they are great companions and their love is unconditional. There are wonderful breeds to choose from that will easily fit into you and your family’s life.
- Golden Retriever – This breed originated in the 1800s in the Scottish Highlands and was a hunting dog and is energetic and an active Sporting breed that requires exercise daily. They can adapt to many different living situations. They shed seasonally and need brushing on a regular basis on their water repellant double coat. These beautiful dogs are known for their warm and loving nature and how patient they are with children, which makes them the classic American family dog. They are easy to train because they want to please their owners.
- Brittany (Spaniel) – Named for the French Province of Brittany. They are enthusiastic hunters, vigorous and very active. They need exercise and stimulation frequently because of their high energy. They are gentle and loving, eager to please, happy, alert and friendly. Grooming them is minimal. If they get into trouble they only require a sharp word or a stern look to be disciplined. If you are an outdoor lover this breed is a great match for you.
- Poodle – Throughout Europe the Poodle is famous but since the 1500s the French have loved this breed and made it their national dog. Poodles get along good with children and are very friendly dogs so for families this breed is ideal. They are odorless and for people who suffer from allergies they are Hyperallogenic and they shed a very small amount of their fur. They are very easy to train and one of the most intelligent breed of dog and for beginners they should be very easy to handle. They need exercise so they remain well behaved. They may try to take over so they need to be shown authority to respect their owner.
- Greyhound- The Greyhound was a sight hound that could run and catch game at a very fast pace. These dogs are laid back and very mellow and very easy to take care of even though they are used as racing dogs. Their short coats make maintenance very low. They are clean, quiet and their health is very good. Their temperament is independent and they are eager to please. They are reserved around strangers, timid and very sensitive and have been given the name “the world’s fastest couch potato.” They are well mannered, placid and quiet indoors. They will chase anything small that moves while they are outdoors. If they grow up with other pets they get along well with them.
- Labrador Retriever- For years these dogs have been popular in North America. Their temperament is described as willing, affectionate, loyal and loving. They are an intelligent breed. Their coat is short, smooth and silky and should be brushed daily. They grow to be quite tall reaching up to twenty four inches and can reach 100 lbs when full grown. Monitoring their diet and exercising them daily will keep them from gaining excessive weight. They love to play retrieving sticks, Frisbees, balls and also enjoy swimming. These dogs are very easy to train and make wonderful pets for children. Their size should not inhibit you from making one of these beautiful sweet dogs a permanent part of your family.
Choosing one of these special breeds of dog will give you and your family many happy years of a special bond to share and unconditional love and affection.
Photo credit: John/Flickr
