It is officially summer! And as it goes for the kids in the Heffley family, this may be the best time to finally let your family adopt a furry friend! Apart from the obvious advantages of having a pet, it is also healthy. According to helpguide.org, people can benefit from pets in terms of their mental and physical health! This is because, over time, pets have grown accustomed to human emotions and body language, which means they can sense when you need a serotonin-boosting cuddle session with them or they will do a quirky little trick to get you out of a slump. Aren’t they just so precious!? When it comes to families in the US, 70% of them own pets! And around 63 million of these own dogs! Before taking that decision, it is always necessary to conduct important research to know what things to keep in mind when adopting a dog. Make sure to check out 9 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Dog by Starr Vartan before taking the next step!
Assuming you have done thorough research on what to know and be prepared for, the next step is deciding which breed of dog you should adopt, and for that purpose, this article is just for you!
1. Golden Retriever
Many western countries love this dog as a house pet. They are friendly, good-natured, and have a calm temperament. They are not only highly intelligent but are also loyal and sociable. They love to be a part of family activities and usually keep their puppy-like traits even when they venture into adulthood. They are very energetic and love exercise. A tired golden retriever is a happy golden retriever! Like it was mentioned at the very beginning of this article, dogs can sense when their family is feeling down, so their energy is just what you need to keep the spirits going! Here are some of the features of this lovable family dog that may help to make up your mind:
· Occasional grooming
· High trainability level
· Great with children
· Easily socialize with other animals!
2. Labrador Retriever
According to American Kennel Club, this is the no. 1 dog for families! He is not only friendly but also versatile. These dogs can hunt, dock dive, and be super obedient at the same time! They have beautiful brown eyes that instantly make you fall in love with them! A close friend of mine has had a lab for a few years now, and this is what she has to say about him:
“It’s great having a dog, someone who is so happy to see you at the end of the day. Even if you’re annoyed at something they do, you can’t stay mad. For kids, just having something they can grow up with is a feeling I cannot describe. Of course, you have your siblings but a dog is so loyal and loves you unconditionally. Don’t get me wrong it’s difficult at times because it’s really expensive for one, and two, if you don’t train them right, you end up with a dog that’s maybe uncontrollable but that is always the owners’ fault. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. People will often keep pets without actually caring for them and it’s just so infuriating!” – Ayra Azhar, 20
Here are some important features to help you make up your mind:
· Low tendency to drool, bark, and snore
· Sturdy and solid in appearance
· Excellent family dogs
3. Mutts
According to petmd.com, mutts are the top pick for the best family dogs. These are mixed-breed dogs and many suggest that they are an excellent pick. They have what purebreds may not! They are a testament to how nature can create something so loving out of such a diverse genetic pool. They have so many different appearances, colors, shapes, and sizes. They represent inclusivity, how precious! As mentioned earlier, people go for the purebred and this inevitably leads to the neglect of mixed breeds, which is an understatement. Always keep in mind, that every dog is unique and deserving of love. Here are some features that may help you decide before actually falling in love with these adorable creatures!
· One of a kind
· Affectionate
· High adaptability and energy levels