Top 10 Best Family Dogs

	Golden Retrievers Those low barkers and “soft mouth” dogs are often considered to be the perfect family pet. As a matter of fact, the soft mouth, consists in a gentle bite, so gentle that these dogs are capable of picking 2 or 3 raw eggs at the time without braking the shell. At the top of family breeds, golden retrievers are versatile animals that can adapt to most environments, as long as they get the proper amount of exercise. Golden need to be groomed regularly because of their long coat. Because they are eager to please their owner or family, golden retrievers are highly trainable, making theses dogs amazing family pets.
	Boxers The record for the dog with the longest tongue is held by… a boxer! The boxer as we know today was unveiled in the early 1900, and have even been featured in some of the first motion pictures. Known for their great athleticism, boxers requires a lot of attention and exercise. Expressive and very obedient, boxers can be trained. They are easy to groom, but due to their short coat and flat face, this breed do not do well in extreme climates. The breed makes loyal guards, and funny friends, which make them great with families. However, because of their high level of energy, boxers have to be supervised around young children because they can push them over while playing. With the right supervision, this breed makes a great addition to any family.
picture by susieq3c
	Labrador Retriever It’s hard not to love them. Big, friendly, full of life, labrador originated in the early 1800′s in Newfoundland. Labradors love to swim and even have webbed paws, making it one of the stronger swimmer dog. Labs come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Just like golden retrievers, labs have a very soft mouth, or in other words, a bite so gentle then, when well trained lab, they can carry a raw egg in their mouth without breaking the shell. Labs have a unique ability to learn but while adults are extremely careful, Labrador puppies like to bite and chew stuff around. This is why if you decide to adopt a puppy lab teach the puppy bite inhibition very early. Overall, grooming of the breed is minimal, but labs are known to shed a lot in the spring and in the fall. They make wonderful family dogs and adapt well to cold climate or any environment, as long as they are given a lot of exercise.
	Beagles The beagle is, with no doubt, the most beloved hound. No wonder why Schulz choose to make Snoopy a beagle. Beagles can be recognized with their white, black and brown colors. Charming and upbeat, this breed adore their owner and loves to make new friends. Millenium of breeding has made this breed into an almost perfect hound. As a matter of fact, the Beagle we know today was popular as far back as in the Roman times. Because they love to run after rabbits and other animals, it is important to keep your yard fenced. Beagles are very healthy dogs, who have a high level of obedience and who love kids and their families. This affectionate happy breed will love hanging with its family, whether it is at the park on while watching tv.
	Collies Made extremely popular by The Tales of Lassie. Collies are an extremely intelligent and devoted breed. Developed in the country side of Scotland and Whales, collies were breed a guard dogs, herders and companions. Because of its origin, collies require a lot of exercise. Their long coat can shed a lot of hair and needs a daily brushing. Breed to work closely with people, this bread is excellent with families and are naturally protective of children.
	English Bulldogs Bulldogs are very easy to recognize by their unusual shape. Because of their flat muzzle, bulldogs do not tolerate warm weathers very well, therefore if you live in a warmer climate, a bulldog may not be the right dog for your family. Due to their stubbornness, Bulldogs are hard to train because they often like to do things their way. They also require a lot of cleaning because of the wrinkles that collect moisture which can cause skin infections. Some English Bulldogs can also drool a lot. Nevertheless, this breed makes an excellent family companion since they love to be in the company of their family and do very well around children.
	Newfoundland The most water adapted dog on Earth is with no doubt the Newfoundland. Newfoundland dogs are trained to retrieve anything that fell in the water, including people. Some dogs are even uses a life guards and can rescue up to 2 people at once. They are natural nurse mates, being one of the best, if not the best dog for children. The Newfoundland has such thick and long fur that it can make it difficult to maintain it. Surprisingly, they don’t require as much exercise as the lab or the golden retriever and can adapt very easily to city life. Paws down, this loyal and intelligent sure win the best family dog category.
	Great Dane Known as the tallest dog in the world, you have probably seen the Great Dane in the comic Marmaduke. Strong and powerful, Great Dane are extremely calm, so calm they’ve even been nicknamed the “world’s largest lap dog”. Because of its size, the Great Dane is not a dog to be cramped in a small apartment. Also, it is critical to train this dog early, to ensure control as the dog becomes larger. Grooming of this breed is easy like a breeze. Despite some health concerns, Great Danes fit well in any family, but remember to give the Great Dane plenty of space.
	Poodles Surprisingly, the poodle is originally a hunting dog and water retrievers of Northern Europe. Poodles come in three sizes : the standard size or full size, the miniature and the toy version, which stands less than 10 inches. Poodles, unlike other dogs, don’t shed and are great dogs for people with a lot of allergies. Poodles are extremely intelligent and born performers. Poodles is high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and need to be bathe every 2 to 3 weeks to keep their coat in a proper condition. Poodles tend to be very active dog and are great family dogs.
	Pugs Very humorous and looking like straight out of a cartoon, pugs has become one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Pugs facial characteristics may appear ugly to some but very cute to others. Pugs come in 4 colors, black, fawn, apricot fawn and silver fawn. Because of their elongated face, pugs can have breathing problems, especially in the heat. While grooming is not a problem, the pug’s face needs to be keep clean to avoid collection of moisture in the wrinkles. Small size dogs, pugs are one of the few dogs that do well in any time of family unit.