Top Five Most Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
Adding a dog to your family is a big decision, but for many, it’s a necessary way to find companionship, instill valuable skills in children, and ensure protection. While training, age, and experience are important factors to consider when choosing the right dog for your family, you shouldn’t discount breed traits that can benefit your lifestyle and prevent injuries or damage such as a dog bite. Read on to learn about some of the most popular family dog breeds and why they may be safer choices when adopting a pet.
Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular breeds in the United States, the Labrador Retriever is a famous hunting dog turned kid-loving family pet. Labs are friendly and outgoing dogs that love kids and adults alike. They are known for having “soft mouths,” a term used to describe how strong their bite is. Labs typically do not clamp down hard during play or when retrieving. This trait, along with their trainable and obedient nature, made them desirable for retrieving birds during hunts. Now, their soft mouths ensure this dog is unlikely to bite to harm.
Golden Retriever
There’s a reason bright, excitable, friendly people are known as having “golden retriever energy.” Golden retrievers are obedient and sweet dogs with a love of playing and cuddling. These dogs are both athletic and excellent couch potatoes. They bond quickly and fiercely with their families and are easily trained. Goldens have long fur which will need some grooming and upkeep, but their love for families is nearly unparalleled.
Beagle
Beagles were originally a hunting dog with a distinctive howling bark, but their traits make them excellent family pets as well. These small, energetic dogs are happy-go-lucky and curious. They require significant play and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and temperament. Beagles are also strongly bonded to their families. Because of this, they do not do well alone for long periods of time. Beagles’ energy and fun-loving personalities make them fantastic pets for families with young kids.
Pug
Perhaps one of the most famous lap dog breeds, pugs are professional layabouts with hearts of gold. Though they love spending hours on the couch, they also are curious and quirky little dogs with a love for kids. Pugs are known for having big, fun personalities, despite their size. Whether in an apartment or mansion, pugs are excellent pups with fun-loving energy.
Collie
Collies are a more unusual breed nowadays, but their traits make them excellent family pets, nonetheless. As a herding breed, collies are fast, highly intelligent, and extremely obedient. They also have a protective streak, despite their elegant coats and regal faces. Collies are energetic and eager to please with a need for frequent exercise and grooming. However, the effort put into caring for collies is paid back in deep affection and protection for the family. Though they aren’t likely to be the perpetrators of dog bites, they may warn strangers off if they feel their family is threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to adopt a dog?
Caring for a dog is a large responsibility. Families need to prepare with food and water dishes, healthy foods, deworming and flea medication, vaccinations, a humane leash and collar, toys, and a crate.
What do I do if my dog bites?
If your dog bites another dog or person, it is your responsibility to ensure they receive medical attention and compensation, per California law. However, there are exceptions. If your dog bites an intruder or a person or animal that was threatening or attacking you, you likely will not be held accountable for the dog bite as it was done in defense.
Do these breeds never bite?
A common misconception about certain dog breeds is that some never bite and others always bite. The truth is ALL dogs bite when threatened. All dogs also communicate their discomfort long before they lash out with a bite. It is our responsibility to familiarize ourselves with dog body language so we can identify when a dog is afraid or upset and liable to bite. If a dog displays body language like wide eyes, crouched posture, a lowered tail, bared teeth, or flat ears, back away and give the dog space.
Do I need a dog bite lawyer if my dog or I suffer a dog bite?
If you or your dog are the victims of a dog bite from another animal, get medical attention immediately, collect the other dog owner’s information, and contact a dog bite lawyer from Abogados Fuertes as soon as possible. While many dog owners are kind, it is rare that owners provide compensation for your medical bills. A dog bite lawyer can help you fight for your right to comepensation.
How to Retain a Successful Dog Bite Lawyer in California
If you were bitten by a dog in California due to dog owner’s negligence, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your injuries. Follow these steps to contact a personal injury attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your bite injuries. Keeping photos, journal entries, and medical records to present to your attorney at BD&J can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team here. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
Protecting Responsible Dog Owners and Their Pets for Decades
While owning a pet is a big responsibility, it’s also an extremely rewarding way to enrich your family. Whether you have children, other pets, or live alone, responsible dog ownership should always be of the utmost importance. If you or your dog is injured by another dog, you deserve justice for your injuries and losses. Contact our team today to find out if you’re eligible for compensation!
