Some parents may have visions of taking their young ones to the local pound or animal shelter and choosing a dog from many lonely and loving dogs.

The truth is, adopting a dog can be risky, and may take a lot more commitment and patience then you might think. As wonderful and rewarding as it is to give an older dog a deserving home, sometimes this isn’t the best idea when you’re household includes small children.

Many dogs that have been surrendered recently to city animal shelters due to “life changes” or financial difficulties. Others have been captured as strays and may not have the training and temperament necessary for life among a family or be the best dogs for children. Some also, as unfortunate as it may be, are animals that have been abused or neglected, giving them insecurities and fears that may lead to neurotic or aggressive behavior.

This is definitely not true all of the time and there are absolutely wonderful dogs to be found at city shelter facilities, but it’s very important before choosing a dog to get a feel for the over all temperament and background of the dog.

You may also want to consider contacting local independent rescue groups when choosing a dog. These groups usually have more information on a dog’s history and current condition. They are also very good about working with dogs on training and temperament issues and have a better understanding of the dog’s needs and issues. There are organized rescue groups for most every breed, so it should be quite easy to find one in your area or region.

If you still feel that your family is ready to rescue an older dog, there are definitely positive experiences to be had. For example, older dogs will most likely not need to be house trained, giving your family the chance to simply bond with your new dog right from the start. Older dogs may also need less exercise and tend to be more independent in nature, making them a great fit for a young family that is busy and on the go.

Puppies are the more popular choice for a family, and for obvious reason, quite simply they’re really cute. However, adopting a puppy also means interrupted sleep, chewing, potty training, socializing, leash training, nipping or biting, training and discipline. The flip side to this is that if your family purchases a puppy there is no risk of bad temperament due to previous experiences, and your family can bond with their dog as he grows.

Which ever route your family decides to take, remember, choosing a dog is an all-important task. Whether, an older rescue dog or a puppy, both dogs will need training, commitment and patience—but over time will also bring a joyous new dynamic to your family.

When thinking about what is involved in grooming dogs and how it may fit into your family life, some breeds to consider are those with short coats, who don’t shed much. Dogs such as Smooth Coated Collies, Fox Terriers and Greyhounds are much easier to manage than Afghan Hounds or Rough Collies, for example.

If you speak to people involved in grooming dogs for a living, they will suggest that you get your dog used to being bathed from a young age. Use warm water and a soap free shampoo, and try and make the experience as stress free for your puppy as possible.

Another aspect of grooming dogs is ear care and foot care. Some dogs need the hair between their toes trimmed, and most dogs will need a manicure at some stage. Ears may need to be cleaned on occasion and your vet will give you guidance on how to do it and what products to use. It’s a good idea to also handle your dog’s feet frequently from puppy hood, so it gets used to having its nails clipped.

Grooming dogs is not likely to be something your child can manage alone so you will have to be involved on a regular basis. If you can choose a low maintenance breed with a short coat that doesn’t need clipping, avoid floppy ears and get it used to having a nail clip, then grooming dogs won’t take up your whole weekend.

Physical traits
Looks are the way most people unfamiliar with dog types categorize different varieties of dogs. Some people prefer large, athletic dogs while others want a cute lap dog. Some look for a short, low-maintenance coat, while others don’t mind a little extra grooming work if they can get a luxurious or unusual coat type. Physical traits may be easy to identify and important to some extent, but they don’t tell you much about the dog’s personality.

Temperaments
A better way to organize dog types is by personality, also called “temperament” or “demeanor.” Not only are there major character traits like energy level, sensitivity, and intelligence to consider, there are also little breed-specific personality quirks to look for like Labrador retrievers’ love of water or Rottweilers’ love of snow.

When choosing a dog breed by personality, first consider why you want a dog. If you prefer a calm, indoorsy dog, a pug or Chihuahua may be a good choice. For a dog you can run and play games with, you might want a Great Dane or Collie. The Giant Schnauzer, German Shepherd and Rottweiler can be both good guard dogs and family pets. All these breeds can do well with children once properly socialized and trained.

Jobs
Another way to categorize dogs is based on the work they were breed to do. For thousands of years, dogs were bred for specific jobs and the personality traits needed for those jobs remain even in pets. Terriers were breed as rat-catchers, so they love to hunt. Labrador and Golden Retrievers love to fetch, as their names imply, and Sheep dogs like the German Shepherd and Puli are naturally protective and will “herd” their human family around if give the chance.

The fact that there are so many dog types means you’ll most likely be able to find a dog that will fit right in with your family’s life style. While every dog is an individual, researching the breed’s history and typical personality can give you a good indication of whether it’s the right breed for you.

The most important thing to remember is that only you know your family, your lifestyle, your interests, your schedules and these are the things that you should really keep in mind when getting a dog. Bellow are five of the AKC’s top breeds for 2008 and some information about them;

1. Labrador Retriever- This friendly and seemingly joyful breed has been the top choice for families for years. They can be very gentle with children as well as other animals and can be easily trained.

2. Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkie as they are sometimes called is a small dog with a big heart. Yorkshire Terriers are very loyal and affectionate to their owners; however this behavior also makes them wary of strangers and other dogs. Yorkies, mainly due to their size are recommended for families with older, more considerate children.

3. German Shepherd – These dogs have been at man’s side for centuries. As service dogs, this breed is unmatched for strength and intelligence but as a family dog they need an owner that is strongly committed to training and obedience to avoid any aggressive behavior.

4. Golden Retriever – These dogs are as easy going as they come but they can have an abundance of energy in their first few years. Goldens could easily be the best family dog, behaving well with children and acting as a very loyal companion.

5. Beagle- If your family has the space to run; this dog may be a perfect fit. Due to this breeds heritage as a hunting hound, Beagles need to be active and love to follow a trail with their nose to the ground for hours. For this reason Beagles are not well suited for city living.

If your family is looking for a dog, research some different breeds that you feel might be right and visit a few breeders to interact with the dogs in person. Just remember, with the right amount of training and commitment any dog can be a great family dog.

American Cocker spaniel
This variety of Spaniel is cheerful, even-tempered, and enjoys being around children of all ages. As a plus, their small size (less than 30 pounds) makes them unlikely to frighten younger children. Their energy level and coat type, however, mean they need daily exercise and regular grooming.

Golden Retriever
Nearly always listed among the best breeds for children, Golden Retrievers have an exceptional love for kids and like to spend time playing with them. They’re eager to please, so obedience training is rarely difficult. Give them plenty of daily outdoor exercise and they can even handle apartment life.

Labrador Retriever
The Lab is laid back, sociable with humans, and happiest when it can tag along with family members throughout the day. Its friendly look makes the dog’s size a little less intimidating, too. Although this breed is excellent with children, it’s very high-spirited and needs obedience training to avoid developing bad habits.

Old English Sheepdog
With the classic shaggy dog look and a playful nature, this breed is a delight for children. Sheepies love to act silly, but are quite intelligent and often try to “herd” their humans away from perceived dangers. These gentle, sensitive dogs are generally out-going and friendly towards guests, too. Just keep in mind that unless you trim the coat short, you’ll need to brush it weekly.

Shelter dogs
Sure, the mutts at your local shelter may not hold prestigious pedigrees, but many have already been socialized with babies and children. Because they’re almost always adults, you won’t have to guess at their personality like you would with a puppy. Remember, a lot of people give up their dogs because of a move or financial problems, not because there’s something wrong with the dog.

While the best breeds for children are naturally affectionate and patient with little kids, temperament’s not everything. You’ll also want to consider the breed’s exercise needs, grooming and clean-up requirements, and potential health problems. Take your time to read up on the breeds that interest you and you’re sure to find a dog that’s perfect for your family.

Some dog breeds such as hounds and retrievers have a strong sporting instinct. This part of their character is what makes them a very attentive and alert companion, great if you live an active lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors. Sporting breeds tend to be very easily trained and are quite successful in any sort of obedience or agility training. These dogs are also easy to walk on leash and teach to perform simple tricks. It is because of this, that breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Labs, are a great choice for first time dog owners and families with small children.

However not every breed is so easily introduced into a family. When choosing a dog, information is everything.

Some breeds such as Boxers, Germans Shepherds and Bull Dogs can develop aggressive tendencies if not trained properly. These dogs are extremely smart and can learn commands very quickly with the help of a committed owner. Due to the fact that these types of dogs can be intimidating in appearance, it is important to have them well-behaved when surrounded by unfamiliar people and other animals. These dogs can be very successful as loving family pets, but they do need owners that have a lot of time and patience to devote to training.

It is common, when a family is choosing a dog, for them to think that “smaller is easier”. However smaller breeds of dog can be just as much work as larger breeds—sometimes more. Due to their size, smaller dogs tend to be more vocal and can bark excessively to help themselves feel secure when protecting their home or territory. When it comes to training, smaller dogs can also be a bit more difficult to train than larger dogs. On the other hand, smaller dogs do have advantages, they tend to need less exercise, are easier to travel with, and are quite independent, making them a good choice for a working couple or senior.

Choosing a dog isn’t difficult when you take the time to do your homework with regard to the dog breeds that fit in best with your life style.

It is important to remember, all dogs are a long term commitment and your decision should be made with much forethought and consideration.

How do you know what are the best dog breeds for children?

There are several breeds of dog which are considered ideal children’s pets, however with the right training and socialising, most dogs can become a great friend to children.

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are considered by many to be some of the best dog breeds for children. They are usually even tempered friendly dogs, however their size may not make them suitable for small children.

Many smaller breeds may not be good with young children as they may be snappy, and can be easily injured.

Apart from size and temperament, another issue to consider when choosing the best dog breeds for children is maintenance. A short coat which needs little grooming is ideal. Also, consider the health of your preferred breed – some breeds have genetic health issues which may cause problems later in life.

Consider also how much time you have to spend training and exercising a dog, and how much space he will have to play in your back yard. How big a fence will you need? How much will he eat, and can your family budget cope with that? You may have found a breed you consider to be one of the best dog breeds for children but it may not fit your lifestyle.

There are many other things to take into consideration when choosing the best dog breeds for children, but with careful planning and forethought, your child will have a companion to love, play with and share adventures with for many years.

Choices for children: allergy-friendly dogs

Maltese
Maltese are adorable, fluffy little dogs that love babies, children and even cats. That out-going attitude is part of their natural fearlessness. They shed very little, but their soft, silky coat does require regular grooming to preventing matting. Keep in mind that toy varieties are too fragile for children, so choose a Maltese larger than seven pounds.

Poodle
Surprisingly, the dog breed famous for its abundant hair is actually low-allergy. The toy size may be the best known, but poodles come in several sizes, ranging from toy (less than 11 inches) to standard (over 15 inches). These curious, acrobatic dogs make great playmates and, in fact, require lots of interactive play or they’ll invariably get into mischief. They don’t like to roughhouse, though, so children should be taught to play gently with them.

Puli
If you’re looking for a larger dog with an unusual look, the Hungarian Puli might be for you. Highly intelligent, agile, and protective, these dogs are ideal both as watch dogs and companions for active children. Just remember that they were breed as working dogs, so they need plenty of daily exercise to prevent boredom and behavior problem. Also, although their coat is low-allergy, it does require considerable up-keep.

Minimize allergens in the home
A little extra work can also cut down on dog allergy symptoms. Vacuum the floor and furniture daily to pick up hair and dander. Regularly wash your dog’s bedding to make sure no hair builds up. Groom your dog as required for the breed. Be aware, though, that over-bathing can cause dry skin, which leads to more dander and more allergic reactions, so only wash as needed.

For most children, allergy problems don’t have to mean a childhood without pets. Choose a low-allergy dog like a Maltese, Poodle or one of the many other allergy-friendly dog breeds and your kids can have a puppy playmate to love without any sniffles or watery eyes.

The term temperament refers to a dog’s general attitude and outlook.

Dog temperament not only varies between breeds, but also between individuals within a breed. For example, working breeds are known to be active and may not like to sit still, whereas terriers can be tenacious and quite strong willed.

When choosing a dog, consider your family’s lifestyle. If you have older children you may be happier with an active dog who will rough and tumble with them. Younger children would prefer a quieter dog temperament. Some dogs are dominant, and less suited to families with younger children. Submissive puppies may be afraid of noisy children and defend themselves with a nip.

Another important aspect of dog temperament is trainability. Intelligent dogs who are easy to train and learn what’s expected of them quickly are easier to teach to fit the family lifestyle. However, these dogs are also easily bored and may be destructive if they don’t have enough mental stimulation.

It’s often much easier to predict dog temperament with purebred dogs as they tend to have a characteristic demeanour. Whether you’re choosing a purebred or a crossbred pup, see if you can meet the parents as the pups will often take after them.

Many breeders now are performing dog temperament testing to match each pup to the most suitable home. This is an excellent way of reducing the chance of a pup being rehomed.

The internet is abuzz with what breed the Obama dog will be. With daughter Malia suffering from allergies, this will be a major influence on their choice.

There is also some suggestion that the Obama dog could be a rescue from a shelter. However, with a non shedding dog or a hairless breed possibly being the best choice for Malia, it may not be easy to find one at a refuge.

While Malia is keen on a labradoodle, this may or may not be a good choice, depending on whether the coat tends towards the lab or the poodle. It won’t be easy to fully evaluate the coat while the dog is young. Apart from that, a labradoodle would be a great Obama dog – they’re smart, fun and active.

Although poodles are thought to be safer for allergic people and as such may make a good Obama dog, they do still shed dander and can still trigger allergic reactions.

The Mexican Hairless dog and Chinese Crested dogs are possibly the best choice for allergies, but will they be rough and tumble enough for Malia and her sister Sasha.

Whatever breed the Obama dog is, there’s no doubt it will have a great time at the White House with its two young owners and their young dynamic parents.