6 Best Big-Dog Breeds for Families
Deciding to bring a dog into your home is one decision that should not be taken lightly
and never is it truer than when you have kids.
Bringing a pet into your life will require dedication and training for both you and your children. While some dogs are better suited for life with families, all dogs need to be trained and given limits, plus a whole lot of love. Any dog can become aggressive, big or small, so it is vital that young children are never left alone with them even for a second. It is also important that children are taught how to treat their pets.
One of the first things people should consider when looking for a pet pooch is if they want a big or a small pup. Large dogs are not for everyone. They naturally require more exercise on the whole, not to mention ample space and food. But rest assured because many of these gentle giants make fabulous additions to family life.
Related: The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2012
If you are fond of big dogs and are looking to bring into your family, check out these 6 large dog breeds that make great pets for families:
1. Collie
Who wouldn't want a Lassie look-a-like in their family? Collies are highly trainable, gentle, intelligent, and well suited as pets. In fact, their tenderness and loyalty also make them highly compatible with children. While not huge dogs, they are usually between 60-75 pounds and require a daily walk and moderate exercise.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labs are easy going, lovable dogs with high intelligence and a keen sense of smell. They are high energy and require a lot of exercise but adapt to family life the best because they usually want nothing more than just to be part of the family's daily activities, except maybe food!
Related: 10 reasons to adopt a Labrador
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very active dogs, excellent guard dogs and also suitable for search missions. Shepherds have a very loyal nature and bond well with people they know, particularly the head of the household, and tend to become very protective of their human family. Highly intelligent and obedient, with adequate training, they make amazing family pets.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are kind friendly and confident. They make wonderful family pets and get along great with children. Unlike German Shepherds who don't like strangers and safeguard their families, Golden Retrievers like everyone. This makes them not very good guard dogs but they are intelligent, learn tricks easily and are very social, loving creatures. For these reasons, they are especially good for families with very young children.
Related: 10 ways a dog prepares you for parenthood
5. Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog are good natured, self-assured, placid towards strangers, and docile. They can do very well in homes but require a large outdoor space since they are outdoor dogs at heart. For such a large size dog, they are very fast. They are affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable, intelligent, and sometimes shy. The majority of Bernese are friendly to people, and other dogs. Eager to please, they also get along well with other household pets.
6. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog is known its calm nature and strength. Incredibly loyal, they are also known as "the gentle giant" and have a sweet temper. Although exceptionally good with children, small children might get accidentally leaned on and knocked down simply due to their size. They also need a very large amount of space and a committed grooming regimen.
- By Danielle Sullivan
Follow Danielle on Babble
For 4 more big dog breeds that are great for families, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
12 great pets for people with allergies
13 hilarious photos of cats in weird places
12 celebrities who prefer pets to parenthood
10 pets my family will NEVER own
25 hilarious awkward family pet photos
