How to Choose the Best Dog Breed for Your Family

Most people have a breed or two that they prefer. Now that you have kids, however, it's time to take practical information (instead of personal bias) into consideration. Here are some of the issues you need to consider when choosing a dog:

Size: Generally, small or toy-sized dogs such as Chihuahuas or some of the smaller terriers are not the best choice for families with children younger than age 7. These pups are fragile, and an inadvertent squeeze or a fall off the bed could do serious damage. The opposite is true for large dogs, which can sometimes be too rough with babies and small children. Big breeds are also not ideal for smaller homes, like apartments or condos.

Exercise needs: Again, big dogs, like German shepherds or Labrador retrievers need space to run around. If you have a fenced-in backyard or are able to take your pooch for long, daily walks, a large breed might be perfect for you. If you travel frequently or can't commit to the exercise needs of an active pup, you should probably consider a pooch that requires less cardio and more affection, such as a Pomeranian or a shih tzu. Whatever you do, don't believe your kid when he says, "I'll walk him every day, promise!" He won't.

Grooming requirements: There's no doubt about it; long-haired breeds like border collies and poodles corner the market on adorability. But that fluffy coat and array of decorative bows require frequent grooming sessions by you or a professional. If you prefer not to spend more time and money grooming your pup than you do on yourself, you might go for a short-haired breed, such as a beagle or dachshund. These kinds of dogs usually only require an occasional bath and brush.

Shedding: Large or small, long-haired or short, dogs shed. It's a fact of life that can't be avoided. If the idea of sweeping up regularly makes you cringe, there are certain breeds, like border terriers and bichon frises that shed less than others.

Allergic potential: Dogs with hypollergenic coats are an option for people with pet allergies. Schnauzers and Irish water spaniels are just a couple of the breeds that produce less dander, the allergy-causing culprit.

Lifespan: Smaller breeds tend to live longer than large breeds. Although there's no money-back guarantee a pup of any size will hit a certain birthday, a breed's general longevity is certainly something to consider if you don't want your child to face a hard goodbye at an early age. For example, the lifespan of a typical English bulldog is eight to 10 years, whereas bichon frises average 12 to 15 years.

Since your kids will undoubtedly be playing with your new canine friend, it's important to choose one that'll not only get along with them, but will also tolerate the inevitable tail pulls, eye pokes and other indignities. The last thing you want is a dog that bites. Many experts insist that highly trainable breeds are smarter, making more appropriate for families [source: Eckstein]. Although it can be difficult to avoid, some experts advise against puppies of any kind if little kids are involved, thanks to young dogs' tendency to bite and scratch [source: Schultz].

When selecting a family dog, it sometimes pays to rely on breed reputation. Certain pups, like Labradors or golden retrievers, come by their good name honestly. Here's a quick rundown of a few popular family breeds and the traits they're known for:

There are countless breeds to choose from, but don't forget about those loveable mutts! If saving a life is high on your priority list, simply visit a local animal shelter or rescue group to find a furry friend. Staff members have usually spent enough time with each pup to know if the dog will thrive in a home with children.

Of course, any discussion about dog breeds begs the age-old question: Are there breeds that families should not consider? Some pet experts insist that each and every breed can be a great addition to your household if cared for appropriately and treated with love. Still, many families choose not to consider breeds that have a reputation for excessive strength and aggressiveness, like Rottweilers, chow chows and, most notoriously, pit bulls. However, plenty of families have raised kids around these breeds with no issues, so it's really a judgment call on the part of the parents.

No matter what breed you select, you must always closely monitor your pet's interaction with children. Dogs are wonderful, but they're still animals, and that's a fact you should never forget.