People get dogs based on their preferences, and every owner considers the breed of his own dog to be the best. And this is correct, because each of them has its own undeniable merits and can claim the right to be called ideal.
Let's figure out which dog breeds are on the list of the best and what criteria are used to make such ratings.
What makes the breed popular?
There is no single factor contributing to the popularity of the breed. And, sometimes, dogs are popular despite some disadvantages.
Research into dog selection shows that the above characteristics are not necessarily the only ones considered when purchasing an animal. The breed is selected for size and appearance - "refinement" and "fierce" are determining factors for different people - with little consideration for other important characteristics of the breed.
Some breeds are chosen for their cuteness, while others are chosen for their protective qualities. However, in the future, owners may encounter behavioral problems that they may not have thought about when choosing a pet.
However, size (small or giant) plus appearance (cute or scary) have made some breeds more popular than behavioral problems might lead one to expect.
It's not just about appearance
Other, perhaps unexpected, factors also influence the popularity of dog breeds. For example, after the release of the film, the popularity of the breed increases for up to 10 years. The release of the 1943 film Lassie Comes Home led to a 40% increase in sales of collie dogs. Thanks to the film “The Shaggy Dog,” the popularity of the Old English Sheepdog increased a hundredfold. It's no surprise that sales of Dalmatians increased after the 101 Dalmatians movie appeared in 1985.
The effect of films these days is less pronounced than in the past. Although many people still buy pets based on a beautifully shot movie. Again, dogs popularized by movies don't necessarily have the most valuable traits. In general, we see that breeds that exhibit good behavior or are in better health do not show significant popularity compared to other breeds.
It is also surprising that some of the unhealthy breeds are also among the most popular. The size of the country also affects popularity. If a dog breed is very popular in a country with a large population, then this will skew the statistics in favor of that breed - even if it is relatively unknown outside the specific country.
Thus, there are many factors that determine the popularity of a breed compared to others. However, the only statistic that actually measures a breed's popularity is the number of dog registrations. This way it becomes known which dog breeds are more popular.
Below is a list, brief description and photos of the best and most popular dog breeds in the world.
General selection rules
When choosing a breed for urban conditions, you should consider the following factors:
- Dog size.
Small and medium-sized breeds get along better in an apartment. Bowls and a bed can be placed literally two meters from each other. And big dogs need a vast “territory”.- Temperament.
Active pets need a lot of space to play. They are also very noisy, which can annoy neighbors. Such dogs get along in multi-storey buildings only when they receive intense physical activity. Otherwise, dogs will become real destroyers. It is better to have calm, balanced breeds.- Tendency to shed.
Dogs with thick undercoat shed the most: huskies, shepherd dogs, spitz dogs. But short-haired breeds also cause trouble. If long hair is easy to collect from floors and furniture, then small, hard hairs dig into the coverings and are not easy to get rid of.- "Slobberiness."
Some breeds are prone to excessive drooling: bulldogs, boxers, bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands. If you keep them in an apartment, drool will be everywhere - not only on the floor, but also on the furniture, bedspreads, and walls. You will literally have to walk after such dogs with a rag.
Small breeds are not always better suited for apartment living. For example, spaniels are too active, they make a lot of noise, and you need to exercise them for a long time. Whereas mastiffs would prefer to lie on a bed all day.
They also take into account the lifestyle of the owners, the presence of children and other pets.
It is advisable that the dog is not left alone for a long time. If the owner only has a couple of free hours in the evening, it is better to refuse to buy a puppy. Otherwise, the animal will develop behavioral problems. A small child is incompatible with small dogs - he can injure the pet.
Also, most popular dogs (dachshunds, pit bulls, terriers) were originally bred for hunting. Therefore, they can chase the owner’s and other people’s cats, birds, and rodents. Taking into account the general rules for choosing a puppy, we can identify the most suitable breeds for living in an apartment.
We recommend reading: Should you get a dog? 10 important aspects to make the right decision.
Labrador Retriever
Few breeds are as deserving of their enormous popularity as the Labrador Retriever. He is a kind, easy-going family dog, especially known for his friendly, warm personality.
Labradors are ideal dogs for people of all ages. Because they are retrievers, Labradors are used to working with people and serve them very well. These dogs need to be part of the family. They will follow their owners, seeking human company. Their gentle and social personality makes them suitable dogs for families with children. They are very loyal and playful pets.
The Labrador Retriever has also been the most popular dog breed in the United States for many years.
Pekingese
These small dogs in their historical homeland - China - once had an almost sacred status.
They could belong exclusively to the emperor's family. They were kept in the palace and were not available to subjects. These cute creatures owe their name to the capital of the “celestial world” - Beijing.
Pekingese is one of the most ancient breeds - it was bred approximately two thousand years ago. A variety of colors are acceptable for dogs of this breed, but red is considered the most common. At the same time, there are black, fawn, and colored Pekingese. White Pekingese are considered a real rarity.
Pekingese are playful and fearless. He can be friendly with children, but in any case he will consider himself the main creature in the house and demand attention .
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, popular in Europe and the USA.
This is an intelligent breed that is often used as a service dog. The dedication and courage of the German Shepherd has no limits. Although this breed has many positive characteristics, it is not suitable for everyone. This is a high energy dog and needs a lot of activity and plenty of exercise. Without this, she may become bored and destructive, and will howl and chew on things. The German Shepherd can sometimes be aloof and suspicious - it is an excellent watchdog breed, but not a family breed. However, if it is properly trained and socialized from an early age, it makes an excellent family pet.
At what age can you buy a dog for children?
Experts agree that the most favorable age for a child to purchase a dog is 10 years old. From this moment on, the baby may begin to feel the need to transfer his care to someone else, and a pet in this case is a very good solution. At this age, children will be able to calmly feed the dog, take it for a walk or play with it. It is recommended that parents and younger family members agree in advance on how responsibilities will now be divided so that adults do not have to fully provide for the pet.
Younger children often do not perceive dogs as living beings, and therefore can accidentally harm the animal, which, in turn, when defending itself, will scare the child, and nothing good will come of it. Of course, if there is already a four-legged pet in the house, then there is no need to throw it out into the street or give it to a shelter. Here, dogs most often perceive a new family member positively and try to protect him and show him care.
Buying a dog for a preschooler can result in a “nightmare” for parents who will have to raise not only the child, but also the animal.
The following helpful tips will make it a little easier to make the right choice in favor of one breed or another:
- When choosing a puppy, parents are advised to take into account the characteristics of the animal’s temperament and the child’s character, health and lifestyle. If any difficulties arise, you should take the advice of experienced dog handlers who will be able to suggest which breed should be chosen in a particular case.
- It is also worth considering how much weight the dog will gain when it reaches adulthood. The weight of the pet and the child should not differ significantly. A child should not experience difficulties while walking with a four-legged friend, for example, if a dog rushes after a toy or wants to chase a cat.
- Fans of large breeds need to remember about the mandatory training course that the future pet must undergo. Here he must learn to clearly carry out all the commands given by family members.
Golden retriever
This athletic breed has a sweet, obedient, and people-oriented personality. A well-trained Golden Retriever does not have strong guarding instincts, so don't expect him to guard your home from burglars. Most likely he will become friends with them.
Fun-loving, easy to train, and eager to please, the Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for everyone, especially children. He gets along well with new people and strange dogs. The breed's loyalty, intelligence and balanced temperament have made them favorites in many countries around the world. These dogs require a high level of activity as well as attention from their owners, otherwise they will become destructive.
Welsh Corgi
English Cattle Dogs. They are characterized by great love of life, energy, and good nature.
Corgis are very loyal, they love all members of their owner's family. These famous dogs usually react loyally to other people and animals and get along well with cats.
In terms of learning ability, representatives of this breed are second only to border collies. Mastering a command the second or third time is not an achievement, but a norm.
Yorkshire Terrier
Calm and intelligent, the Yorkshire Terrier loves to play, gets along well with cats, and tends to dominate larger family dogs. This dog's beautiful coat requires good care, even if it is cut short. The breed is popular among many dog lovers due to its button eyes and soft coat.
Yorkshire Terriers are alert, easy to train and unobtrusively curious. Typically weighing less than 3.2 kg, Yorkies are lap dogs, but they also need plenty of exercise. These dogs will happily take long walks and can be quite determined and rambunctious watchdogs. York is not a good choice for families with small children because the child may injure the animal.
Bichon Frize
Cute fluffy clouds with long curly hair. These lapdogs have an interesting original appearance and miniature size, which makes them show decorative pets. They love to be the center of attention and happily participate in exhibitions.
The breed is absolutely non-aggressive. It was bred to catch rats and mice, so it does not get along well with rodents. Although Bichons usually do not react to cats. The dogs are active and make good companions for jogging, traveling, and long hikes. They love to play outdoors and require frequent walks.
They do not try to dominate in the family; they love all members of the household equally. They get along well with children, do not snap or get angry. They have a positive attitude towards strangers, although they may bark due to a protective instinct.
- Thanks to their sharp mind and good abilities, Bichons are well trained, easily follow all commands, and learn tricks. You can often find dogs in circus arenas or among street performers. The dogs have bright facial expressions and even know how to smile.
- Such pets are only suitable for home keeping and require careful care and attention. They need a loving family who can give them enough attention. Future owners need to be prepared for the playfulness and hyperactivity of lapdogs. Pets are not suitable for busy and working people who are not prepared for frequent hygiene procedures and high material costs.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and is considered one of the most beloved on Earth. This breed is truly common and can be found in the deserts of Mexico, on the boulevards of Paris and in the chic apartments of New York.
Like a rare and expensive spice, Chihuahua can change the taste of life. The Chihuahua is much more than a small dog. The special status of this breed is determined by its function in life. Other breeds had to earn their living by catching rabbits, herding sheep, or hunting ducks, but not the adorable Chihuahua. From the very beginning, people seem to have reserved a higher calling for them: friendship.
Shih Tzu
These are miniature long-haired dogs bred in Tibet. An ideal dog for a small apartment. Shih Tzus are intelligent, obedient, good-natured and playful. They will get along well with both neighbors and their children. There will be no problems with keeping and raising a Shih Tzu; these dogs are well trained. The coat requires constant care; such a dog needs to be trimmed and combed regularly. Shih Tzus are great at litter box training; such a dog doesn’t need to be taken outside at all. In the absence of the owner, they can whine, thereby causing discontent among neighbors.
Read Top 20 smartest dogs - breeds with a high level of intelligence
Rottweiler
Confident, brave, alert and imposing, the Rottweiler is a popular dog breed due to its ability to protect. As befits a confident character, he tends to be stubborn and often domineering. This is a reserved dog that is often wary of strangers.
A Rottweiler may become overly defensive if it feels its family is in danger. This is a powerful dog that requires socialization, consistent training and daily exercise to grow into a loyal, controlled pet.
Cocker Spaniel
An active dog, ideal for families with older, restless children. Cocker spaniels are light and fast and can follow their little owners everywhere. Pets love active walks, forays out of town, hunting, and traveling.
These animals are kind and flexible. They are non-aggressive towards strangers and other pets, and get along with cats. Although rodents are not favored, just like poultry, they are mistaken for prey.
A pet is not suitable for everyone:
- Firstly, long wavy hair needs to be looked after, combed, cut;
- Animals are prone to many diseases;
- They need frequent walks and constant care.
Spaniels can live in any conditions. They usually prefer apartment living.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a breed of dog that was bred to hunt badgers and other tunnel animals, rabbits and foxes. Packs of dachshunds were even used to follow wild boars. Today, their versatility makes dachshunds excellent family companions, show dogs and small hunters. Dachshunds come in three varieties that differ in weight and size. Regardless of size, these dogs are a delightful addition to any family, which is why they have been on the list of the most popular breeds since the 1950s.
It's hard not to smile when you look at the confident dachshund who proudly carries his long and muscular body on his short legs. However, this cute breed was bred for more important tasks. The dogs' short legs allow them to maneuver through tunnels and even fight badgers and other animals. Dachshunds are brave, but they can be somewhat stubborn and independent, especially when hunting. They are active and love to chase other small animals, birds, and toys. Dachshunds often become very attached to one person rather than to all family members. However, this playful dog will happily chase the ball. The Dachshund gets along well with children as long as they do not harm it.
Rating of the best dogs in the world
The best dog is an animal that fully meets the requirements placed on it. And what they will be like - it all depends on the purpose for which the pet is selected.
Border Collie is the smartest breed
The Border Collie, bred in Great Britain, has been recognized by scientists at the University of British Columbia as the smartest dog breed. It belongs to the herding category and is of medium size (15–20 kg in weight and 47–53 cm in height at the withers). Border collies can have short or medium-length hair, they have a well-developed undercoat, and any color is allowed, but with a predominance of white.
The Border Collie is considered the smartest dog breed
By temperament, dogs of this breed are very energetic, receptive and active. They learn easily and quickly, and quickly respond to commands. They require constant physical and mental stress and cannot be left without training and games. Without sufficient activity, the animal will direct its energy to self-destruction, gnawing its paws, stripping hair from its tail, or destroying objects in the house. Therefore, this dog is not suitable for beginners; it requires an experienced person in training. The breed is not suitable for families with children and low-active individuals.
There are usually no conflicts with other animals.
There are no difficulties in caring for a border collie; it is enough to just brush it a couple of times a week and bathe it when necessary. These are hardy and mostly healthy dogs, but they may have congenital ailments (hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, etc.).
The Central Asian Shepherd is an ideal guard
The SAO, or Alabai, is one of the oldest dog breeds. Its representatives are large (65–70 cm at the withers, 40–50 kg), strong and muscular build with a massive head and powerful jaws. The main purpose of the breed is security and protection, which is possible thanks to its innate qualities: fearlessness, suspicion, high speed of reaction to stimuli. This is an ideal dog for a private home, where it will be kept in a spacious enclosure. Not a single attacker who tries to violate the borders protected by the Alabai will be able to escape from a confrontation with him without serious consequences for his health.
Alabais mature late, mentally and physically the dog becomes an adult no earlier than 3 years.
Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their tendency to make independent decisions (both in the presence of the owner and without him). But there is an important nuance here - without proper and regular training, the dog will not only not perform its functions, but can also be dangerous. It is important for the owner to gain the respect of the Asian and teach him to correctly recognize the situation in order to correctly determine how much aggression is necessary. This breed is exclusively for experienced dog breeders. At the same time, Alabai are kind and gentle with their family, so they can live peacefully next to children. But they can show aggression towards other pets. The breed has no difficulties in caring for, but their size makes them prone to a number of diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems).
Alabai are ideal for protecting territory
French Bulldog - family companion
French bulldogs are medium-sized dogs (up to 35 cm at the withers, 9–14 kg), which are distinguished by a large brachycephalic type (short) muzzle, a large nose, a pronounced groove between the eyes and a strong build. These are cheerful and active dogs that have a stable psyche, are excellent for keeping in a family and are considered the best companions. They love children, are patient with other pets, do not show aggression towards house guests, but in case of danger they can protect their owner. French bulldogs are quite strong and courageous, they react quickly to situations and are well trained. At the same time, they are full of love and devotion to their owner; in his absence they become very bored and may even refuse food.
The French Bulldog is considered one of the best breeds to keep as a companion.
Caring for representatives of the breed is generally simple, but in addition to combing out the short fur, the owner will need to regularly examine the skin folds for signs of inflammation. Your pet's ears and teeth require attention. It will be difficult to do without experience in training - usually French bulldogs are quite stubborn and quickly lose interest in learning, but using affection and treats, you can overcome these difficulties. Difficulties with health often arise due to the brachycephalic structure of the head; bulldogs have difficulty breathing, they are prone to respiratory ailments, and do not tolerate heat and excessive physical activity.
Pomeranian Spitz is a popular handsome guy
The Pomeranian is one of the varieties of German Spitz (according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale), having miniature dimensions (18–22 cm at the withers). This breed of dog is often called the most beautiful, and all thanks to its cute “fox” face with round eyes and very fluffy fur of various colors. Show Spitz dogs often look like little balls of fluffy fur.
Because of their cute face and fluffy coat, Pomeranians are often called the most beautiful dog breed.
Pomeranians are playful and cheerful dogs, they have a very loyal character and excellent hearing. Even despite their small size, Spitz dogs are very brave pets; they rush to protect themselves and their family members without fear. This dog is not suitable for passive owners - it is active and will always prefer playing rather than lying on the sofa. Pomeranians play tirelessly with children, but it is better for them not to come into contact with children - a small pet can easily be harmed, so a child of a conscious age should have contact with it.
Difficulties often arise in raising Spitz dogs due to their strong and slightly stubborn character, but with regular training this is not difficult to cope with, since Pomeranians love to please their owners. The main difficulty in care is the luxurious coat; to make it look good, the owner will have to comb it daily, sort out tangles and regularly shape it at the groomer. Otherwise, these are picky pets with good health.
Bichon Frize - hypoallergenic lap dog
The Bichon Frize is a breed with French roots, characterized by its small size (25–29 cm) and long (about 10 cm) curly coat. The soft and silky coat of Bichons should be strictly white, the nose and eye rims should be black. Representatives of the breed do not shed seasonally, the hair does not fall out intensively, and its structure resembles human hair - thanks to this, the Bichon Frize is considered one of the breeds with a low risk of causing allergies in people.
By nature, such dogs are very cheerful and playful, they are active and brave, but not aggressive. They can be very distrustful of strangers, but they easily find contact with the owner and can be trained without any problems. A big plus of the breed is that they can be trained to relieve themselves in a litter box - this makes them ideal for a city apartment. Despite this, daily walks are important for your pet in terms of socialization. Representatives of the breed are usually friendly towards other animals and children.
The Bichon Frize is a type of lapdog with curly hair.
The main task of caring for such a dog is to maintain the coat in proper condition. The Bichon Frize needs to be regularly scratched, bathed, and the area around the eyes wiped with special compounds to remove yellow spots. Owners of this breed cannot do without regular visits to the groomer for hygienic cutting and shaping of the coat.
German Shepherd - a combination of the best service qualities
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular working breeds in the world; it was originally used only as a herding and detection dog. In terms of size, the representatives belong to the large category, their height at the withers is 55–65 cm and their weight ranges from 22 to 40 kg. German Shepherds have a balanced character, they are intelligent and amenable to any type of training, and therefore are often used in various sports. Children, people and animals are usually treated absolutely calmly, but only if they are not on duty.
A distinctive feature of their character is the ease of changing owners - although the dog will be more effective in its work with a permanent handler, if it is necessary to change it, it will not worry and lose productivity. This makes the breed ideal for service, for example, for police officers on patrol or other jobs where the companion may change almost daily.
German Shepherds are great for work tasks
These are unpretentious pets in terms of care; standard brushing and bathing as needed is enough for them. They are famous for their endurance and good health. It is worth noting the only disadvantage of the updated breed standard - due to the requirements of a low pelvis, show animals often develop problems with the musculoskeletal system and joints.
Kurzhaar is a born hunter
The Kurzhaar is a German breed of pointing dog used for hunting game birds with a gun. Externally, representatives of the breed are slender and fit, belong to the large category (58–66 cm at the withers), they have short hair covered with numerous spots.
Many hunters prefer the universal shorthaired pointer. They take a stance when they spot feathered prey or small game. Such dogs swim well, work well in the field, and can also be used as bloodhounds following a blood trail. Shorthaired Pointers tolerate low temperatures well when moving (down to -20), and due to their hard coat they are not afraid of insect bites.
Shorthaired Pointers are used for hunting game birds and small animals.
In everyday life, such dogs are unpretentious; they can even be kept in an apartment. They are curious, love to play with children and become very attached to their owner. You cannot leave your pet alone for a long time, otherwise he will exhibit destructive behavior out of boredom. In training and socialization, it is important to start at an early age, otherwise raising a shorthaired pointer will be extremely difficult. Health is characterized as good, but after swimming in icy water while hunting, it is better to wrap the animal in a cape so that it does not catch a cold.
Rottweiler - a model of devotion
The Rottweiler is a large-boned service dog with a stable, strong character. The representatives are large in size, height at the withers is 51–68 cm, weight on average is 50 kg or more. These are hardy and energetic animals, full of strength and excitement. They are considered the most loyal; to protect the owner, such a pet will do everything possible. Most representatives of the breed are comfortable with close relationships with only one person, behaving affectionately and tenderly with him. In the event of a long absence of the owner, large dogs become very sad, refusing food.
Rottweilers are very attached to people and are considered the most loyal dog breed.
Rottweilers are very capable in training due to their intelligence, but they often use cunning and shy away from tasks. It is important to provide such a pet with regular physical and mental exercise, otherwise problems with excess weight may arise due to its love of food. Otherwise, Rottweilers are easy to care for; they only need to be bathed when necessary and their short hair brushed 1-2 times a week.
The best dog for an apartment is the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are decorative dogs of English origin that belong to the category of companions. Small in size (18–20 cm, up to 3.2 kg) and visually attractive, they have become very popular specifically for apartment living. Yorkies are dogs with long hair that falls evenly over the body, parted from the nose to the end of the tail. This is a compact and graceful animal that becomes a real decoration of the home. Yorkshire Terriers are cheerful and intelligent dogs, they easily adapt to any conditions and love to play.
Yorkshire Terriers are the best dogs for apartment living
Long hair is not particularly difficult to care for, since due to the lack of undercoat it sheds little. The dog needs to be washed and combed regularly to prevent tangles from appearing, and if desired, you can take it to the groomer and have the coat shortened. Yorkies can be trained to relieve themselves in the litter box, which, combined with a low need for physical activity, makes long daily walks unnecessary. It is still worth going outside with an animal for its socialization, but you can do this solely for pleasure. Representatives of the breed are generally in good health, and their life expectancy is 12–15 years. Diseases that occur in Yorkies more often than in other breeds are mainly associated with their small size: cryptorchidism (undescended testicle into the scrotum), luxation of the patella, disruption of the replacement of baby teeth, etc.
Labrador Retriever is the best choice for families with children
In the “best dog for children” category, the Labrador Retriever confidently leads. Although the breed was originally bred as a hunting dog, today it is actively used both as a working dog (as a rescue or guide dog) and as a companion. The size of the representatives is quite large, height at the withers is 54–57 cm, weight is 27–40 kg, the body is built and strong. They have short, coarse hair and a weather-resistant undercoat. The main advantage of Labradors is their flexible and loyal character. These are smart and affectionate dogs, they get along well with children and enjoy playing with them. At the same time, a small child will not be able to harm a Labrador, like, for example, a small decorative dog. Representatives of the breed have a soft mouth - this property was important in hunting when serving game, but it is also very useful when playing with children - even if the dog takes a child by the hand, it will not cause harm.
Labradors are smart and calm dogs that get along well with children and enjoy playing with them.
Any dog without proper training and affectionate treatment will not behave well. Even calm and gentle Labradors can be aggressive if force is used and they are not trained or cared for.
Caring for Labradors is not particularly difficult; the coat only requires brushing 1-2 times a week and bathing when dirty. Walking and food control are important for them - dogs of this breed are prone to obesity, so it is important to keep them physically active.
It is impossible to name one breed that would be unquestioningly considered the best. Experts talk about dogs that are more useful for specific maintenance purposes and individual jobs, already highlighting the best breeds based on their purpose. Thus, there are ratings of service, hunting, companion dogs, etc., which allow a person to make the right choice of pet.
Poodle
The Poodle is an elegant, intelligent and active dog that loves to be part of the family. This breed has been popular for a long time because it is an obedient, dexterous and friendly companion. Such a dog cannot be judged solely by appearance, because under the beautifully groomed shell there is a lively, active and very intelligent personality.
There are three recognized sizes of poodles. These dogs are affectionate and love their family, and are generally very good with children. They can be a little aloof with strangers, but are usually not aggressive. This is a highly trainable breed that needs a lot of physical and mental exercise. The Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed, making it suitable for people with allergies.
Pug
Even children know this breed. Bug-eyed wieners with short legs, a flat muzzle and an upturned nose. The appearance of dogs is truly unique. Pugs are cute and funny, they can cheer you up and support you in difficult times.
The animals are non-aggressive, calm, patient. They cannot be called active even in puppyhood; by old age, dogs completely stop running and prefer to snore on the owner’s bed.
Perfect for small children. Pets will tolerate all hugs and other displays of affection.
- Pugs are passive towards strangers, as they are towards other animals. They are real phlegmatic people, happy only with the attention of the owner. Mental abilities allow you to train, but laziness and low activity slow down the training process. Dogs need to be motivated with treats and encouragement.
- Dogs are kept indoors only . They are suitable for inactive people and children, because long walks, especially jogging, are contraindicated for Pugs. However, pets need constant attention and careful care.
Beagle
The Beagle is a hunting dog breed that is distinguished by its friendliness, gentleness and energy. These dogs are not aggressive and are great for people of all ages. Although the Beagle is a territorial dog, it is a playful, sensitive and loving companion to its owners. Beagles can often be seen with their heads down while walking. This is due to the fact that they are known to be particularly sensitive to different odors, thanks to the presence of a large number of olfactory receptors.
Beagles are known to be social dogs, accustomed to living and hunting in packs, in the company of other dogs or people. Sometimes these dogs can cause a lot of problems. If a beagle gets bored, it will begin to bark, howl and dig, as well as explore forbidden places and objects. Special toys will help suppress this behavior, but if no one is home during the day, the dog can become destructive.
Irish Setter
A hunting dog, well built, harmonious, intelligent and reserved. He looks good, moves gracefully, and is ideal for exhibitions. Dogs are still considered good hunters, so for people who prefer this hobby, the Setter is simply irreplaceable.
In addition, the pet is good-natured and flexible. He loves children and other animals. Ready to play and run around the clock, often becomes the “tail” of the owner, supporting all his activities.
The Irish dote on everyone in their household, but they also treat strangers well. There is not a single hint of aggression. Although, while protecting his property, the dog will bark loudly.
- The dog does not need frequent hygiene procedures, haircuts and trimming. They are not considered particularly painful, so there is no need to bother. A common problem is lack of activity. Hunting breeds need to burn off their energy, and they can only do this on walks. Long walks are the main rule of keeping Setters.
- They can get along in an apartment, but cramped conditions will cause depression. Pets will feel best in a spacious country house with a large yard. They are suitable for active families, with children of any age and idle adults.
German boxer
Boxers are large, muscular dogs that have an intimidating appearance. This is an intelligent, alert and fearless breed that is playful and friendly. The typical boxer is devoted to his family, but he is also stubborn, especially if harsh methods are used during training.
With minimal grooming needs and legendary patience and gentleness with children, Boxers make wonderful family companions. However, they need a lot of mental and physical exercise. Boxers are famous for their great love and devotion to their owners. They are often distrustful of strangers at first, but will not be aggressive unless they feel a threat to the family. Due to their strength and courage, Boxers are widely used in the army and police, as well as for search and rescue work.
Requirements
As any experienced dog breeders know very well, the ideal dog is obviously unattainable. It is not in vain that hundreds and even thousands of breeds have been bred, each of which has its own unique set of characteristics. But at the same time, there are several points that are strictly required when choosing a pet for a family with children. The first place is certainly the absence of any aggression towards the owners. As practice shows, sometimes representatives of harsh, outwardly protective breeds also love children.
Such a companion in the yard, on a walk, in the entrance or in the elevator will not allow anyone to encroach on the child. But if a dog in a normal situation begins to behave rudely, cruelly or in some strange way, you need to get rid of him immediately. Such animals are even more dangerous than explosive devices because of their unpredictability. However, even if the purchased pet turns out to have an easy-going character, this does not guarantee success.
The next important parameter is the size of the animal. Any dog grows much faster than a person. Sometimes it’s surprising how quickly the initially miniature individual reached the size stipulated at the genetic level
This circumstance is important to consider when choosing a specific breed. Outbred puppies can grow not only quickly, but also in completely unpredictable ways.
Even experienced veterinarians and dog handlers cannot always predict the outcome of this process.
As for choosing by gender, everything is purely individual. It is best to seek advice from a specialist. However, with proper training, this factor is practically leveled out, since any dog can be instilled with suitable qualities. Another circumstance is much more important - pets must be safe for children. This is expressed in:
- absence of infectious diseases;
- absence of parasites;
- minimal spread of allergens.
If a child suffers from allergies (even food or seasonal, it doesn’t matter), a potential reaction to dog allergens should be analyzed. In the absence of negative reactions of this kind, you can safely choose a suitable animal. But additional consultation with allergists is required. But choosing exclusively hairless dogs for children suffering from allergies is almost pointless. Sometimes even densely overgrown, but low-shedding individuals turn out to be quite safe. At the same time, completely “smooth” dogs can intensively spread an even more active allergen – their own saliva. Based on the sum of allergy-causing factors, the most attractive choices are:
- miniature poodles;
- Bedlington Terriers;
- Chinese Crested;
- Shih Tzu;
- Giant Schnauzers;
- Russian terriers.
Lack of fur can even be a bad trait. After all, there is an urgent need for unpretentious dogs that can live peacefully in the Russian climate. Therefore, the approach to hair size must be carefully thought out and balanced. Another requirement for children’s four-legged companions is the size of the animal. Very small breeds often have a complex disposition and are prone to hysterical reactions to various stimuli.
They usually lack balance and calm. But there are still a number of relatively small breeds that can behave calmly
You should also pay attention to the following points:
- breeder's reputation;
- pedigree of the animal;
- its color.
