Getting a new pet is introducing a new family member into your life, which is why it’s so important to get it right if you already have a growing family. You’ll want a breed that fits in perfectly with your family life and also one who is happy to play with and be around children.
Knowing what the best breed might be can be tricky, but this guide is here to help.
Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?
Before you begin researching dog breeds and committing to the decision to get a new family pet, it’s important to know whether your household is ready for one. Even if you desperately want a dog, you need to be sure that your home and lifestyle can offer everything a dog needs in order for it to be best cared for.
In deciding whether your family is ready for a dog, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does my budget allow for the expense of a dog?
- Will I be home often enough to care for my dog?
- Will my family be able to walk the dog as much as it needs?
- Is there room for a dog?
- If I have a newborn or young children, will I still have the energy and time for a dog?
- Can I make the long-term commitment of having a dog with an average span of ten years?
3 Top Tips for Finding the Best Breed
If you’ve explored these questions and come up with positive answers, here are three top tips for finding the best breed of dog for your family.
- Consider the Best Breeds for Children and Family Life
Some breeds are a lot more playful and sociable than others, and some are perfect for being around young children. Popular breeds like Labradors and retrievers are great choices for families because of how well they fit in. You can narrow it down by looking at the breeds which may not be suitable for large families or children and canceling them out.
- Think About a Breed’s Dietary Requirements
The larger the breed of dog, the more it is going to need to eat. This not only means a higher food bill, but also a requirement for ample food storage in your family home so that you can stock up. With larger breeds also comes the risk of bigger health problems, so being able to adequately feed your dog in terms of amount and healthy ingredients is a must.
Therefore, if you’re on a smaller budget with less space, a smaller breed may be better. You can also research the highest-quality food suppliers to make a better investment, here introducing the best recipes made with ancient grains.
- Think About Exercise Requirements
Certain breeds of dog will need significantly more exercise than others. Breeds like collies and huskies will require a lot of stimulation and exercise, as you can usually find this to be common with worker breeds.
Therefore, knowing whether your family can commit to the amount of exercise required is important. If you don’t have a lot of energy because of the demands of a growing family, think about breeds that require less exercise and won’t get restless being in the house.