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Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which breeds are more predisposed to love family life. What characteristics makes a good family dog? First and foremost, it's generally less about the breed of your dog and more about their individual personality. If you're looking to share your home with both pup and child, your chosen dog should possess the following characteristics: • A calm and even temperament: your new dog should be calm and patient enough to be able to cope with the excitement of kids and eventually grow into a great friend for them. • An appropriate size: on average, very small dog breeds may be more excitable, and they could also be more fragile - as a parent you'll know that kids aren't always the gentlest. Large dog breeds on the other hand tend to be more docile, but they can run the risk of accidentally knocking small children over whilst playing. • Energy levels: this will largely depend on how active your family is. If you choose a high-energy dog, you'll need to make sure you have the time to take them for regular walks and playtime. Also, if you have young children who run around a lot, you shouldn't choose a low energy dog that may become frustrated by the constant excitement. It's not just about choosing the best dog breed for kids, but it's also about teaching your children to be kind to dogs, this will go a long way in ensuring you have a harmonious household. Best dog breeds for families Now you know about the characteristics that make a good family pet, it's time to look at dog breeds that generally have these traits. It's important to note that just because many owners have good experiences with these dog breeds and they are usually well-behaved around children, each dog is an individual, so there's always the risk that this won't be the case for every single dog.

If you or a loved one suffers from dog allergies it can be really frustrating. But did you know that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more. If you or a loved one have a dog allergy it can be really frustrating, and you may feel like you're missing out on all the unwavering love that a dog offers. For those unfortunate enough to have an allergy, you may have heard of hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dog breeds are commonly recommended because they don't shed hair or they produce less of a protein that causes allergic reactions in people. But is there really such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog? Keep reading to find out what actually causes allergic reactions to dogs and which breeds could be best for you. What are hypoallergenic dog breeds? Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to come in two distinct varieties: the first is dogs with little or no hair, such as the hairless Chinese Crested, and the other is breeds that don't shed their coat, which will need to have their fur regularly trimmed or stripped. There is plenty of debate around what exactly causes dog allergies, and many people believe that the allergy lies within the hair, so dogs that don't shed won't cause allergic reactions. However, this is not the case as most people with dog allergies aren't actually allergic to the fur, it's usually either to dog dander - microscopic particles of skin that shed from all animals with fur or feathers - or a particular protein that is found in dander, saliva and urine of dogs. All dogs produce this protein, but hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less, meaning that they'll cause fewer allergic reactions. Despite claims, there is actually no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, so if you or a family member suffers from a dog allergy it's recommended that you spend time with your chosen breed first to discover if they will trigger any allergies. The following are hypoallergenic dog breeds that don't shed that may be suitable for people with allergies: 1. Bichon Frise This small, fun-loving pooch has curly white fur that keeps growing rather than shedding. Not only do they hardly ever drool, but their thick coat captures loose hair and dander, and this won't come out until the fur has been removed, so regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. The Bichon Frise is highly adaptable to a range of situations, and if you live in an apartment these dogs can adapt relatively easily.

You may be more used to seeing dogs with fur, but did you know there's a wealth of dogs without the fluff too? Hairless dogs are adorable in their own right and offer perfect cuddles thanks to their soft skin and warm bodies. Find out more about hairless dog breeds, here. If you're looking for a unique pup that'll turn heads everywhere you go, a hairless dog breed may be just what you're after. Where these canines lack the typical fur that's commonly depicted on our four-legged friends, they're just as adorable or playful as their fluffy counterparts! In fact, hairless dogs are super silky, often very warm to the touch and are known to radiate warmth, so they make the most perfect snuggle companions! Keep reading to find out more about which hairless dog breeds are out there and the special requirements that come with caring for a pup without the fluff. Caring for hairless dog breeds Some owners may consider getting a hairless dog thinking that they require far less attention on the grooming front, but this is not always true. Where they do have a lot less fur to brush (if any), their skin still requires plenty of care. Interestingly, the skin of hairless dogs needs similar care to humans and will need regular baths to keep the skin clean and free of dirt, moisturising creams to prevent dryness and sun creams to prevent sunburn. Hairless dog breeds can even develop dog acne too! But don't put any creams recommended for human use on your dog as these may contain chemicals which will irritate their skin or they may be toxic. Speak to your veterinarian for advice on the best creams to use for your hairless dog. It's also important to note that dogs without hair are very sensitive to the cold and wet so you'll need to ensure that you get them a good wardrobe full of raincoats and dog coats to keep them warm and dry during walks. Now you know how to care for them, here's our round up of our top 5 hairless dog breeds:

When it comes to naming a new four-legged friend, it can be tricky to find the right name for them. The right name isn’t just about choosing a moniker that sounds nice. The meaning behind it matters just as much. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have curated the perfect list of Welsh dog names for boys and girls, complete with the most popular and most traditional Welsh dog names too.

Round faces, and wrinkly skin - if you are thinking of adding a wrinkly dog to the family, then you have come to the right place. Over the past few years, wrinkly dog breeds have become much more popular. They are notorious for the rolls their skin makes and, no, it isn’t because these dogs are overweight. These adorable pooches are not just small dogs, like the Frenchie, but can also be quite large and come in many shapes and sizes. Some wrinkly dog breeds can be quite active, whilst others take a lazy approach to life. As with all dog breeds, their temperaments can be different too. So, keep reading to discover the wrinkly dog breeds that know how to steal your heart!

Merle dogs are super cute, but do you know which breeds are in this group? We’ve got them all listed below, along with other merle dog facts and potential health conditions that you should be aware of. Keep reading to discover lots about some of the most amazing pooches out there.

Every dog will change your life and will need your input – dog exercise, training your pooch,indoor games,outdoor games, grooming at home or a salon, and, of course, your company and love. Some, however, take high maintenance to a whole new level! Whether it’s due to their coat, behaviour, or both, see our list of the most high maintenance dog breeds below.

After careful consideration and many days dreaming about finding your new furry best friend, you finally decide that it’s the right time to get a dog. But what kind of pooch would be the perfect fit for a first-time owner? While all dogs have their own unique qualities, it’s important for a non-experienced dog owner to choose dogs that are easy to train so that they can more easily avoid all sorts of unwanted behaviours. When welcoming a puppy to your life, it’s also essential that you know how to properly train them so that you have a great relationship together. Here are a few things you should know about training your new pet and choosing the right breed for you.

Discover some of the most beautiful pups out there with our top grey dog breeds. From shimmery, silvery grey shades to light white grey fluffy breeds, here are the best companions with head-turning grey furs.

If you’re looking to adopt or get yourself a new furry friend, blue dog breeds are one of the most gorgeous-looking pups out there! Blue dogs can belong to many different breeds, as the ‘blue’ refers to their coat colour. We’ve got a list of blue dog breeds for you to take a look at so you can pick your favourite!

Warm fur colours, sunny personalities and amazing companionship, there are so many things to adore about the yellow dog breeds. From fawn to tan and sand, these yellowish pooches can’t help but impress everyone with their gorgeous looks. We have put together a great list of 10 beloved yellow dogs to consider welcoming into your life.

What are therapy dogs?