Which dog breeds make the best family pet?
On a walk over the fields or around the country lanes it’s unusual not to come across at least one border terrier and a labrador or two. Choosing the right breed for your family is a big decision. The following all make a great addition to the family and are breeds that slot well into an active country lifestyle:
LABRADOR
Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular breed of dog in the UK for years, with good reason. They make fantastic family pets, they can be well trained (food is a great incentive) and will quickly become a loving and affectionate member of your household. They really are hard to beat as a family dog – calm and relaxed at home, great fun on walks, and quite happy sitting quietly in pubs and coffee shops.
BORDER TERRIER
If you’re looking for a smaller dog, the Border Terrier makes a great family pet who is eager to please. They are sociable, playful, and cheeky and thrive in a family home with lots of activity. Bred to work in the countryside alongside horses and hounds, this little dog is adaptable to both urban and rural life. A bundle of energy, they love countryside walks and are very affectionate and love to curl up on a rug – or a lap – in the evenings. The only thing to bear in mind is that without proper training they can become yappy when excited.
COCKER SPANIEL
The cocker spaniel is the UK’s most popular spaniel breed – everyone from the Royal Family to the Beckhams and Gordon Ramsay are fans. These dogs do have a reputation as tricky to train, leading to issues with resource guarding, barking, pulling on the lead, chasing other dogs and livestock, and poor recall. Working breeds have five main instincts — find it, chase it, catch it, kill it, eat it — and these can be particularly strong in Cockers. With the right training however, they are the ultimate family countryside dog.
SPRINGER SPANIEL
Taller than the cocker, the springer is affectionate, eager to please, and loyal. The ultimate outdoor dog, who will work, run, swim, and play all day long whatever the weather. These medium-sized dogs, with long floppy ears, are known for their boundless enthusiasm, energy, and affection, while they are also sweet and good-natured in the home. The English Springer Spaniel is an ideal working gundog as well as an endearing family pet, best suited to those with a love for outdoor adventures.
DACHSHUNDS
Small, yet sturdy on their short little legs, this sausage-shaped dog with its smooth, sleek coat, is known for its sparky personality and fearless spirit. While they might not look speedy, the dachshund is no ordinary lapdog. Bred to hunt badger, they have a determined character and string personality making them a fun companion both in and outdoors.
FRENCH BULLDOG
Small, stocky dogs with big personalities, this bat-eared breed is known for its playful and affectionate nature. They don’t need as much exercise as many other breeds, making them ideally suited to city dwellers. A word of caution – their surge in popularity caused indiscriminate breeding and an increase in the respiratory issues associated with flat-faced breeds. The best way to avoid this is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Golden Retrievers can be a great family dog for an active family due to their high energy levels, but also calm nature and intelligence. They can be easy dogs to train and make good first dogs for new dog owners, if you know what you’re getting into taking on a larger breed.
JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
Fearless and friendly, these little dogs were bred to work, and are as athletic, lively, and as intelligent as they come. Jack Russells are a bundle of fun, and if you live on a stable yard, this is the dog you need. They are outstanding at catching rats. Above all they need a lot of exercise and play to stop them becoming bored.
COCKAPOO
The Cockapoo was first bred as a designer dog in America. Also known as a Cockerpoo or a Spoodle, this dog is bred from the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, most commonly the Miniature Poodle. Cockapoos are renowned for their friendly personality and love people, often choosing one member of the family as ‘their’ person. With a friendly nature and hypoallergenic coat, their versatility and sweet temperament have helped increase their popularity in recent years. Being a mix of two intelligent breeds, they thrive on learning and are easy to train.
