Are you a dog lover? With over 300 dog breeds in the world, have you ever wondered what’s the best dog breed for your family? There are many factors when considering which dog to get – trainability, temperament, and activity requirements just to name a few.
On top of that, everyone also has their own subjective criteria when choosing a dog, as the size of the dog or how fluffy their fur is! When choosing a dog, do consider whether you can commit and if you are ready to have a new member in your family! Here are 5 dog breeds which we feel are great for families or first-time dog owners, and we hope that it would help you make a more informed decision when you do decide to get one.
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Labrador Retriever
Introducing the Labrador Retriever. Look familiar? Well, that’s because it’s been featured in many movies including the critically acclaimed “Marley And Me”. Its cheerful, tail-wagging nature make it an easy choice for families with small children, and its friendliness is also not limited to just people, but also other dogs. It is no wonder it’s not only ranked the most popular dog in the U.S. but also first on our list!
Many Labradors are considered to be more conservative with their affection, so they’re perfect for those of you who want a furry companion who isn’t overzealous. One setback you may encounter with labs is their tendency to chew on objects.
In addition to their personality, Labs are also relatively easy to take care of; requiring minimal grooming with their short easy-care coat. With their eagerness to please as well as their responsiveness to training, it is no wonder they’re a favorite among dog owners.
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Golden Retriever
Ranked as the 2nd most popular dog in the U.S., their friendly and tolerant attitude make the Golden Retriever the second most family-friendly dog on our list! These dogs are people-pleasers; they would do anything for just a bit of praise or some food. Their even-tempered and well-behaved nature also makes them a breeze to train, making them a popular choice for service and therapy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are social dogs. They adore people and thrive on companionship. Owners are advised not to leave them alone for too long, as they may develop separation anxiety, which could lead to destructive chewing. Nonetheless, their cute appearance coupled with their warm and friendly persona makes them amongst the most popular choices for first-time family dog owners!
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Labradoodle
A cross between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever, the Labradoodle possesses traits commonly displayed by both breeds! The Labradoodle is intelligent, friendly, affectionate and of course, very loyal. On top of that, it is also very easy to train and has a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction amongst pet parents! Grooming for Labradoodles is relatively easy as well. Labradoodles are moderately active and we would recommend setting aside at least 2 hours each day of physical activity. Labradoodles also require some attention from their family! Should they be left alone for long periods of time, they may get frustrated and vent that frustration on furniture or other household items. Maybe you could consider a pair of them, for company!
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Toy Poodle
Toy poodles are amongst the most popular in Singapore, and it isn’t hard to see why. Don’t be fooled by their cute expressions! Poodles are in fact one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. A “thinking” dog that pays utmost attention to its owner, it is also a quick learner and is highly responsive to positive training methods. To be happy, these dogs do best with some regular mental stimulation in their routine.
On top of that, their polite and non-aggressive nature makes them excellent family dogs especially with little ones in the house. Because of their lively and active nature, these dogs require regular exercise! They may also need some attention as they are highly “soft” and sensitive dogs. Your furry pal may flinch if they’re startled by a sudden loud sound or are unexpectedly touched. They may also get emotionally upset if there’s too much activity or conflict in the household. I mean, they’re peace-loving balls of love!
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Beagle
Originally bred as a pack hunter, we would recommend regular walks and outdoor activities for your Beagle. And don’t worry, their sturdy build means they’re never too tired to play games! Beagles do, however, shed a lot and may require frequent brushing and bathing.
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