Isabella Hobby - How to look after your Puppy: Pet Care for Children

Puppies

Lively, yet gentle

Mischievous, yet smart

Wild, yet tame

Adorable, yet ditsy

Inquisitive, yet energetic

Playful, yet kooky

The Friendliest of Dogs

All dogs have the potential to be a mans best friend, but there are a few particular breeds that are almost guaranteed to be well-behaved and doting pets. These dogs have extensive family lines that have practically the same physical traits and personalities. Here are six especially personable dogs:

Golden/Labrador Retriever

There are good reasons as to why Labrador Retrievers are the most popular and owned dogs in America and Golden Retrievers are the third most (with German Shepherds coming in second). Labrador Retrievers have short hair that is black, chocolate or yellow, with sturdy, medium bodies. The Golden Retriever is very similar in behavior, but quite different in appearancethey have long, wavy hair that gleams gold under the sun, hence the name.

The retriever is an all-around great dog that is both playful and docile around kids but also obedient and willing to work hard. They enjoy playing fetch and romping in the water. A house with a fair-sized backyard would be ideal for the daily exercise these dogs need.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you are looking for a smaller, yet dependable dog, a King Charles Spaniel may be just for you. Their name comes from British royalty, for King Charles II made them popular in the mid-1600s. Their markings range in color, but often feature black, tan, red or white fur in tri-colored patches. These are small spaniels that make excellent lapdogs and have fairly long, silky, wavy coats and floppy ears. Due to its size and the fact that it is not a high-energy breed, this would be an excellent pick for families who live in apartments or small spaces. A short walk everyday would be sufficient exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and crave human attention; they are also bold and hardy in new settings, and will be a friend to anyone.

Beagle

Beagles are small to medium sized dogs, a member of the hound family, a group of dogs with a keen sense of smell and hunting ability. They have broad and sculpted bodies, with short, smooth fur that is typically tri-coloredwhite, rust and black. Beagles are pack animals, meaning that they consider their owners their family, and will sometimes get anxious if left alone for too long. They also make good watchdogs, as many tend to bark or howl with excitement if they see strangers approaching, while others are shyer and more demure towards new people.

Beagles are extremely intelligent dogsif you are looking for a dog to exercise with or to teach tricks to, this one is a good choice. Taking long walks everyday is ideal, along with a game of fetch or two. Sometimes their attention span is short because they can easily become distracted by the scents around them, but they still are obedient and eager-to-please dogs. Beagles have even tempers and gentle dispositions, making them a true companion.

Pug

Pugs are little dogs with a comical appearancea wrinkled, muzzled face and muscled body with a curly tail. They are either fully black or light brown/silver with black patches. They have a remarkably large personality despite being small in size, for they are strong-willed and vivacious. However, they are not aggressive, and love the company of children, being excellent and patient playmates.

Pugs energy tends to come in short bursts, so 10-15 minute walks or little romps with toys are great ways of keeping this breed in shape. Pugs are not independent, in fact, they expect to be treated like a member of the family and will stick to you like glue. They are the epitome of a companion dog. When it comes to training, they may be slightly stubborn, but they will always come through with time.

Poodle

Poodles are often regarded as the most clever and keen of all dog breeds. They range in sizes from toy to standard, but often the larger ones make the best pets as the little ones tend to be yippy or stubborn. Though their coats can be a rainbow of colorswhite, cream, silver, gray, beige, brown, apricot, red, etc.they are classified by having naturally curly and very dense fur, giving them an elegant and unique look. Poodles are alert and active, so providing them with a sufficient amount of exercise and toys is key, to prevent them from boredom. They are very trainable, so teaching them a variety of fun tricks is more of playtime then a burden. Poodles are faithful dogs that enjoy the company of kids, especially ones that are as energetic as them.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These Switzerland-originated pups have a distinct look about themthey are all very large dogs with a strong square head and huge paws. They have shiny, wavy and long black fur with a white chest and paws with rust accents that give their face true character. Berners are an up-and-coming breed with charming personalities; they are extremely affectionate, cuddly and gentle. They are the teddy bears of the canine world.

Historically, they were cart-pulling dogs on farm so this results in a muscular body and a requirement for having daily long walks, or even hikes. But just as much as a Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys a activity-filled day, they enjoy peaceful evenings curled up by their owners. Berners take well to little children who climb over them or are rougher; they are truly the sweethearts of dogs.

Where Should I Buy My Puppy?

Pet Stores are the first and obvious choice to get a puppy. They carry all sorts of purebred puppies that are waiting to be brought home, but beware; the prices can be expensive, and sometimes the puppies come from puppy mills, or places that breed puppies for stores at an alarming rate. Make sure the puppies seem happy and healthy.

Breeders also sell purebred puppies, right from their backyard! If you are looking for a specific breed, your best bet is to search for local breeders that have litters a couple of times per year.