Are you thinking of adding a dog to your family? While the loyal golden retriever often comes to mind for most parents, there are several other breeds that can also make amazing pets for families. Today, our vets in Harlingen, TX share a few family-friendly dog breeds you might want to consider.
Best Dog Breeds for Your Family
If you're trying to pick the right breed of dog for your family, it's important to look beyond the puppy dog eyes and their (considerable) cuteness factor and think about important factors such as the breed's general temperament and how much exercise and space a particular breed of dog will need to be content and healthy.
Dedicate time at the outset to find a dog that suits your living space in addition to your family's energy level, and how much time each family member can commit to training your new furry best friend.
Here are a few popular breeds we see families come in with to see our Harlingen vets, to help you get your search off to a good start:
Beagle
As one of the best medium-sized dogs for families, this pup will typically weigh between 18 and 30 pounds. Most beagles love spending time with their people, going for walks and playing games. Loving and intelligent dogs, a beagle can make a great family pet provided they get plenty of time for family interaction and exercise. A note of caution: This mid-sized breed is not appropriate for families who are out of the house a lot.
Boston Terrier
These terriers love people and come in style, with their own "tuxedo" coats that are easy to care for. Typically weighing about 25 pounds or less, most Boston Terriers are charming and will adapt well to apartment living. They also make an excellent companion for children of all ages and love to play with young ones and go for short walks. If you are looking for a vet near Harlingen for your Boston Terrier, we'd look forward to attending to their health and answering your questions.
English Bulldog
Since they tend to be less energetic than many other dog breeds, English bulldogs are usually content to spend time cuddling on the couch. They are sweet, gentle and dependable, and are likely to seek out social interactions with family. All in all, they make great family pets.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This compact but gentle breed makes it an ideal dog for apartments or smaller homes. They are lively and weigh in at about 10-18 pounds. With their even temperament, Cavaliers tend to get along well with kids and other dogs. This sweet-natured pup can be both playful and cuddly. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can make a great pet for kids of a wide range of energy levels and ages.
Irish Setter
A slightly larger breed to consider is the strikingly beautiful Irish setter. This breed typically weighs in at around 65 lbs and can make a great family pet. These dogs are lively, intelligent and have a great sense of mischief. Irish Setters love to chase balls, go for long runs, but also enjoy playing in the backyard with children. If you have high-energy kids, they will love spending time with an Irish Setter! If you're looking for preventive veterinary pet care for your Irish setter, our Harlingen vets would look forward to getting to know you and your four-legged companion.
Pug
Your family will love these adorable little characters! Pugs are pretty happy to just eat and sleep. If your children are small, or have lower energy and would appreciate a dog that will play with them indoors then curl up beside them to watch tv, a pug may be just the right breed for your family. Weighing around 15 lbs, this is a breed that doesn't need much space, and only requires a couple of short walks each day to be content.The Mutt
The ideal dog for your family may be patiently waiting for you at the local animal shelter. Mixed-breed Mutts can make loving and loyal family dogs! These dogs can be as good with children as purebred dogs. Mutts also tend to be less susceptible to genetic diseases, and less expensive. If you are considering a mutt for your family be sure to take your time to visit local animal shelters and be patient in your search for the right dog to fit in with your family life. Often shelter workers can provide you with a doggie report card that lays out all of the known personality quirks of the pooch you're interested in.
After you've brought your mutt home, bring them to Altas Palmas Animal Clinic for a wellness exam with one of our vets so their health can be assessed and vaccinations can be administered.