About Family
Dogs
Many people don't consider a family complete without a family dog. A dog can help children learn empathy and responsibility, keep older family members company and be an activity partner for runners and hikers. However, there is no such thing as a "low maintenance" dog, and the best family dog is one that is chosen with care so the work associated with it is never a burden. Choosing a good family dog takes a little research to find the best dog for your family's lifestyle.
History
Dogs have been part of family life throughout history. Early dogs were chosen for specific purposes, like guarding the family habitat, hunting, herding and vermin control. In addition to selective breeding for working, dogs have been selectively bred for willing, friendly natures and companionship. Artifacts, fossils and cave paintings show they were domesticated as long as 15,000 years ago. Stone age burial sites indicate dogs were highly valued as both working animals and family companions.
Function
A family dog still performs some of the functions it was bred for. Big or small, a dog will be a home guardian, alerting the family to people at the door and strange noises at night. Dogs are social animals, and provide companionship for anyone in the house. While no child should be given full responsibility for the care and training of a dog, they can learn basic duties like refilling the water dish and helping with training. Dogs need to be walked and exercised. They help with overall family fitness by getting people out of the house for walks. Some families participate in dog sports as a hobby, like 4H, obedience, agility or conformation showing. Many mixed breed dogs are eligible for show and competition through venues other than the American Kennel Club (AKC.)
Features
Choose a dog with care by researching breeds. When evaluating mixed breed dogs, consider the predominant breed or type, and remember than many pure bred dogs are found in shelters and rescues. Have a family conference to come to an agreement about the type of dog you want. Learn about breed types and what the dog was originally bred to do, because this will give you an idea of its temperament. For instance, many herding dogs, like Border Collies and Australian Cattle dogs, were bred to work hard from dawn to dusk, and have abundant energy. These dogs require hours of exercise or else they will become noisy, destructive and unhappy.
Considerations
Long haired dogs will need routine grooming. Very large dogs cost more, in both feed and veterinary bills. Some toy breeds and terriers are not well suited to children because they don't tolerate much handling, and others, like Greyhounds, will be too aggressive around cats and other small pets unless raised with them. Large, exuberant dogs may be too rambunctious for small children or elderly family members. Akitas, Rottweilers, bully breeds and several others are banned or restricted in certain municipalities, so double check the laws where you live, particularly if you rent a home, if considering these breeds. A high energy dog will take a lot of time and may not be ideal for a busy family. Lower energy dogs like Boston terriers, Basset hounds and pugs are just some of the less demanding family dogs.
Time Frame
When choosing a family dog, take the breed longevity into account. Broadly speaking, the larger the dog, the shorter the life span. Great Danes and Mastiffs typically live 7 to 10 years, while poodles and smaller mixed breed dogs can live twenty years or more. Getting a dog for the kids is a wonderful idea, but think about the family situation in ten or fifteen years, and realize you may well still have the dog as a family member to consider.
Warning
Teach children treat and respect the dog, and never leave the family dog alone with small children. Because of their unpredictable movements and small size, children are frequent victims of dog bites. Don't forget that even quintessential family dogs like Golden and Labrador retrievers are still animals, and can and do bite. The best dog can be pushed to its limit. Usually tolerant dogs may be less tolerant if sick, or when they get older and arthritic.
Prevention/Solution
For a dog to be a valued member of the family, it must be healthy, trained and socialized. Involve everyone in the family in the care and training. Buy at least one good dog care book, and seek the advice of dog professionals like veterinarians and trainers when appropriate. Teach the dog to live in the house with the family, instead of being relegated to the back yard or a kennel. A well trained, indoor dog will have the most stable temperament and the strongest bond with the family.
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