46 Choosing the Right Dog - Which breed will work for your family?

Choosing The Right Breed of Dog For You and Your Family

Photogra hy: Millie Pilkington

Jasmin Mason, CEO of Paragon Dogs, provider of reward-based training and behavioral services for dogs, talks to Country Child about finding the right family dog.

When it comes to choosing the perfect dog for your family, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To make things easier for you, I’ve come up with a list of my favourite breeds for families welcoming their first dog. It’s important to note that with any breed, there is a difference between working line dogs (who have the traits to do the work for which they were originally bred) and show dogs (dogs with perfect breed conformation). As working line dogs are typically more intense, energetic and require more time for training and exercising, we recommend finding a good breeder and choosing dogs from show lines for those introducing their first fluffy companion.

Golden Retrievers

From movies to service dogs, you will have seen Golden Retrievers just about everywhere, and there’s a reason for that. Not only are they a smart, gorgeous and affectionate breed, they also have friendly temperaments and a laid-back nature. Originally bred as working gun dogs, they typically have a soft mouth - so they didn’t bite into the game they were retrieving - and a keen desire to learn, meaning they are easily trained.

Labrador Retrievers

In 2019 the Labrador Retriever was the UK’s favourite furry companion, and why wouldn’t you want the cute, adorable puppy shown on the Andrex adverts? Anyone who owns a Labrador will tell you just how much of a foodie they are: because they are so highly motivated by food, training them to become a social and polite member of society is a breeze. Due to their love of meal-times, it’s important to stick to clear food guidelines in order to prevent them piling on the pounds.

Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are a highly energetic breed perfect for active families who love the outdoors, and their smart and playful natures make them great companions for children. Due to their bubbly personalities, they are most suited to countryside living where they have space to roam. Being a busy and speedy dog, they are also prone to chasing and flushing out wildlife so it’s important you spend time training them to be obedient.

Greyhounds

Many see Greyhounds as racing dogs, which is often the case for their early lives. Once retired, and having found the perfect home they are often seen as couch potatoes, living the lazy life and enjoying their rest. They are easy-going dogs who enjoy occasional jaunts in the countryside but are also more than happy to spend the afternoon sunbathing in the garden. However, when you are out and about, be mindful of small animals and wildlife, as Greyhounds have a huge desire to chase.

Great Danes

Great Danes are larger than life lap dogs. They are laid-back dogs that require minimal grooming, enjoy a snuggle on the sofa and are happy to potter about at your local Sunday market. Of course, there are a couple of downfalls to being the size of a small horse; with size comes power so it’s important you put in the hard work training them to do a lovely loose lead walk. Their strength means they should never be walked by small children. Remember that at home everything you may consider to be ‘out of bounds’ is easily within reach for these gargantuan canines, so it’s important that you are mindful of where you place your food!

Boston Terriers

Ahhh the Boston terrier… a clown-like, lively and entertaining hooligan. These dogs are totally full of character, incredibly playful and are bound to keep you on your toes. Along with this high level of energy comes a need for physical exercise and mental enrichment, which we can supply through games with the children in the garden and woodland adventures. They are an awesome all-round companion and can adapt to both apartment living and rural life.

Paragon Dogs is a highly-successful Hordle-based company specialising in reward-based training and behavioural services for dogs of all breeds and ages. Jasmin specialises in science and ethics-based training that focuses on forming positive life skills - behaviours to help dogs be well-mannered, happy and social - rather than punitive-led instruction. info@paragondogs.co.uk or call 07532 825702

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