Finding the best family dog is a big decision. It's like adding a new family member to your crew. This means finding a breed that fits your lifestyle and gets along with everyone.
This guide explores what makes a dog a good fit for families in Australia, covering everything from temperament and energy levels to grooming needs and health considerations. We’ll help you discover the best family dogs for your family.
Adding a dog to your family is a joyous occasion. But picking the perfect pup can feel overwhelming. So, where do you start?
Let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best family dog for your Aussie household.
Key Takeaways
- It's important to put a lot of thought into what sort of dog would best suit your family.
- Look for a dog breed with a compatible temperament, energy level, grooming needs and size to ensure a good fit for your home.
- Researching popular dog breeds in Australia is a great way to get started.
- Consider the dog's age, medical predispositions and how training during puppyhood can impact your adult dog's traits.
Table of Contents
- What Makes the Best Family Dog?
- Popular Family Dog Breeds in Australia
- Beyond Breed: Choosing the Right Dog
- FAQ
- Ian's Wrap
What Makes the Best Family Dog?
When choosing a dog, the American Kennel Club recommends you first consider your family's lifestyle and expectations, and then research what breeds meet your requirements.
A great family pet beyond just being cute. It’s about temperament, trainability and overall health.
Temperament
Look for breeds known for their patience, especially with children. Beagles, for example, are generally good with kids due to their friendly nature. Breeds like the Brussels Griffon might be a safer bet for families with older kids.
But remember that every dog is an individual. Proper training and socialisation is key to having a friendly dog.
Energy Level and Exercise Needs
Match the dog’s energy level to your family's activity levels.
Active dogs with high energy levels suit active families. If long walks, runs or playtime together sounds fun, an energetic dog could be a great fit.
If your lifestyle is more relaxed, a low-energy breed such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Bichon Frise could be ideal.
Consider whether you’re looking for a small dog or a large dog, too, as this will impact their exercise needs.
Daily exercise is still important for even small and low-energy dogs.
Grooming Requirements
Consider grooming needs. Some breeds require more maintenance than others.
Golden Retrievers benefit from weekly brushing, while small white Bichon Frises typically need professional grooming every four to six weeks. A soft coated Wheaten Terrier or a Pomeranian both require plenty of brushing.
The amount of grooming will likely be a factor when choosing the right dog for you.
If you’re after a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, the Poodle might be for you. Their low-shedding coat requires professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Dog Size Matters
Think about your living space and family dynamic.
Large breeds, such as Newfoundlands, can weigh up to 70 kilograms. They thrive with space to roam, which can be a challenge for families with limited space or young children.
Medium sized breeds such as Irish Setters suit families with suburban backyards who can commit to a daily walk.
The smallest dog breeds like Bichon Frises or the Brussels Griffon are good family dogs for those with less space.
Popular Family Dog Breeds in Australia
When trying to decide on the best family dog, it’s helpful to research popular breeds in Australia. These include:
| Breed | Temperament | Energy Level | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Friendly, outgoing, loves everyone | High | Large |
| Golden Retriever | Gentle, intelligent, eager to please | High | Large |
| Cocker Spaniel | Playful, affectionate, prone to separation anxiety | Medium | Medium |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Affectionate dogs, gentle, good with children | Low | Small |
| Beagle | Energetic, curious, friendly | Medium | Small to Medium |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Affectionate, loyal, prefers cooler weather | Moderate | Large |
| Alaskan Malamute | Playful, strong-willed, howls occasionally | Moderate | Large |
Beyond Breed: Choosing the Right Dog
While breed offers some clues, it’s not the only factor. Individual personality, age and past experiences influence a dog’s behaviour.
Age Matters
Puppies are adorable, but they require lots of time, energy and consistent training. For families with little kids or busy schedules, an adult dog might be a better fit.
A mixed-breed dog from a shelter can be a wonderful addition. Shelters are great at matching adult dogs with families. You may also be able to find puppies at shelters.
Connect with your local animal rescue through Pet Rescue's directory to discover many dogs that could make great family pets.
Making the Most Out of Puppyhood
If you're bringing home a new puppy, keep these dog training tips in mind to help create the perfect family dog:
- Socialisation: Exposing your puppy to various sights, sounds and experiences builds confidence. This helps them feel comfortable at home, at the groomer and on walks. A confident dog is less likely to hurt someone out of fear.
- Energy Management: Puppies are bundles of energy. Channel this energy positively through play, training and exercise to avoid destructive behaviours. This is especially important with breeds such as the Bernese Mountain dog or Alaskan Malamute, both large-sized dogs with a medium energy level that still need plenty of exercise.
- Gentle Hands Training: Teach young children how to interact gently and respectfully with puppies. This prevents fear and negative behaviours in both the child and the pup. Ensure that all family members can safely be around your new dog.
Considering Canine Medical Care
Just like any family member, your dog’s health is important. Canine care today is advanced, with specialists in areas like allergies and nutrition.
Look for accredited professionals to ensure your dog receives the best possible care. Choosing a good vet from the beginning is essential. Check directories like the Veterinary Practitioners Board of New South Wales to find qualified local professionals for your chosen dog breed.
Some breeds, such as French Bulldogs or Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to certain health issues, so it’s good to be aware of breed-specific health predispositions early on.
Having pet insurance can help give you peace of mind.
FAQ
What is the #1 best family dog?
There’s no single “best” family dog. The ideal breed depends on individual family dynamics and preferences.
Breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are generally excellent choices, but the perfect match for your family might be a less popular dog breed altogether.
Consider your lifestyle, living situation, free time available for dog training and the ages of your children. If your family has small children, you may need to look at smaller dogs as large-sized dogs can accidentally injure smaller kids.
If you're a first time dog owner and are feeling unsure, consider a low maintenance breed such as a French Bulldog.
What is the best dog for a family in Australia?
Australia’s climate and lifestyle influence breed suitability.
Dogs with thick coats, such as Huskies, may not be suitable for northern Australian areas where it gets extremely hot in summer.
Active breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Kelpies are well-suited to Australia's outdoor lifestyle.
What is the safest dog breed?
“Safest” depends on your priorities. Gentle, kid-friendly breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are often considered “safe.” But proper training and socialisation are crucial for any breed.
It is best to do your research. Learn how to safely handle dogs. Follow the safe handling tips from AKC and similar sources.
This information will also be valuable for teaching young children how to interact with their four-legged family members.
Ian's Wrap
Choosing the best family dog is an exciting journey. With careful planning and consideration of your family’s needs, you can find the perfect four-legged addition to your home.
Here at Zach's Pet Shop, we recommend you think about your lifestyle, family, energy levels and yard size. Choosing a dog is about what a loving home needs and does daily.
Whether you choose to get a small dog, a medium-sized dog or a large-sized dog will largely depend on your house and your energy levels.
You can find your new furry family member through a breeder or rescue organisation.
