Universally loved, cherished, and admired, dogs are more than just pets – they’re our best friends and family members. Loyal to a fault and uninhibitedly loving, dogs are truly a blessing. As Louis Sabin put it, “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.”
With these creatures all being so ceaselessly disarming, one is spoilt for choice when adopting a dog. Read on to uncover the best dog breeds for families.
Golden Retriever
Best known for their lustrous, double-layered gold coat and their winsome personality, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs. It is the fifth most popular breed in the UK and the third most popular in the US. According to a survey-based study by Forbes, Golden Retrievers are one of the top two breeds known for “welcoming newcomers warmly.”
The breed is the result of countless dog-breeding trials by Scottish businessman Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who aimed to create the perfect Scottish retriever. Finally, the mixing of flat-coated Retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels and other native British breeds signalled the fruits of Marjoribanks’ labour.
There were rumours that the flat-coated Retriever used for creating the first line of Golden Retrievers was of Russian origin, implying that the Golden Retriever has Russian roots. These rumours were later dismissed by Marjoribanks’ nephew, who used his uncle's written documentation to prove the breed’s pure Scottish roots.
The Golden Retrievers' exceptionally friendly persona immediately won everyone over. They are easy to train, eager to please their owners, and incredibly kind to children and other pets. They’re used for dog shows, obedience shows, and as guide and therapy dogs. Some families also rely on their Golden Retriever to be their hunting companion.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a universally loved breed for its affable personality, kindness, and playful disposition. It is the most popular dog breed in the United Kingdom and the United States.
This breed is a result of the mixing of the Newfoundland dogs with the Buccleuch Labrador. It was used as a retriever gun dog, which is a dog used by hunters for obtaining their kill.
Today, owing to their pleasant and empathetic demeanour, Labrador Retrievers serve as therapy dogs for abuse victims. They’re also trained to work as guide dogs and rescue dogs.
Moreover, Labrador Retrievers are ideal family dogs, as they get on well with children and the elderly.
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is an energetic little dog with silky smooth fur, long drooping ears, and a sweet-natured personality. It is also known as the “Merry Spaniel,” due to its perennially wagging tail.
There have been various kinds of Cocker Spaniels documented throughout history, from Welsh Spaniels to Devonshire Cockers and Sussex Spaniel puppies. This led to the reorganisation of the breeds — the Welsh Spaniels were reclassified as Springers owing to their larger size.
The English Cocker Spaniel became extremely popular as canine shows became more common during the late 19th century. At Crufts, a globally acclaimed dog show, the English Cocker Spaniel has won the “Best in Show” title seven times.
The Cocker Spaniel boasts a miscellany of coat colours and patterns, from orange and white to blue roan and tan, and black and tan. Known for its alertness and intellect, this dog ranks 18 in Stanley Coren's “The Intelligence of Dogs.” guide. They’re happy around people and easy to train. Besides being happy family dogs, they are predominantly used as hunting companions and sniffer dogs.
Great Dane
The Great Dane, popularly known as the “Gentle Giant,” is a German breed descending from mediaeval hunting dogs.
The Great Dane has also served as a guard dog for Germany’s aristocracy and royalty. They were bred by the country’s nobility to protect the princes and princesses from attackers at night. Rumoured to be incredibly dextrous and mighty, the Great Dane was imported by England in the early 19th century. While breeders tried to emphasise its German roots by naming it “German Mastiff,” the term Great Dane (given by the French: Grand Danois) persisted.
The Great Dane is one of the two largest breeds in the world, with males measuring 30 inches at the shoulders, and females, 28 inches. One Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 40 inches at the shoulders before his passing, was declared the tallest dog on record by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014.
Even today, these dogs bear an air of dignity and majesty, probably owing to their royal pedigree. Their strength, combined with their steadfast loyalty and tender disposition, make them great family-friendly dogs.
Dachshund
Recognised as the “weiner-dog” or “sausage dog,” Dachshunds are incredibly family-oriented and intelligent dogs, notwithstanding their infamous stubbornness.
This breed originated in Germany and was bred to be scent-trained hounds. Their signature build — an elongated torso with tiny muscular legs – served well for sniffing out and capturing badgers from their holes. Their ancestry displays a mix of German, French, and English terriers.
Their distinctive build also rendered them popular among nobility across Europe – Queen Victoria had her very own Dachshund. Today they’re popular home dogs, as they’re smart, easy to maintain, and loyal to a fault.
Beagle
Beagles are admired for their infectious energy, uninhibited affection, and delightful mischief. The modern version originated in England in the early 19th century from the mixing of various breeds, such as the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, and the Southern Hound. Not much is known about the origins of the original Beagle, though there are records of the breed arriving in Britain during the 11th century.
Beagles have been keeping the Royals company since the Middle Ages. Henry VII and Edward II had a pack of Beagles each. Queen Elizabeth I had a mini Beagle of her own, which was small enough to fit in a pocket.
In 1890, the Beagle Club was formed – it was dedicated to defining the standard characteristics of the breed and safeguarding its interests. At this juncture, Beagles were also being exported to the United States. This breed was popular among the affluent throughout the following century and has maintained that repute to this day.
This tricolour paw-pal, standing at 13 inches tall, is extremely playful with children and receptive to strangers and other dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Hailing from Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the Sennenhund-type (Swiss mountain) dogs. With roots tied to the Roman mastiff, the Bernese Mountain Dog is large, muscular, and strong.
In the past, this breed was used for pulling carts, guarding farms, and overseeing dairy cattle. They were also used to transport carts of the farm’s dairy produce to people’s homes, giving them the name “Cheese Dogs.” During the early 20th century, when dog shows became the norm, the Bernese Mountain breed caught the attention of breeders from Bern. This led to the establishment of a club for them, and they were finally classified as a breed in 1912.
Bernese Mountain dogs may be civil with strangers but are highly affectionate towards their owners. They’re perfect guard dogs and have proven to be very patient with children. They’re also known to be quite energetic at home, so days of amusement and frolic are assured.
There is little doubt that adopting a dog would be an incredibly enriching experience, although it carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment. A dog completes a family with its unflinching loyalty and unconditional love; such a bond is truly priceless. From the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog to the graceful Great Dane, these are some ideal dog breeds for families.
