Author: Debbie Davis Added: November 29, 2009
Having your child grow up with a dog as part of the family is wonderful way to have your child learn some of life's biggest lessons--responsibility, hard work, courage, and love. The secret to a great relationship between child and dog lies first in choosing a suitable breed. Here are 3 dog breeds that will make a fabulous friend for life. Golden Retriever - These dogs are gentle, kind, people-loving dogs who will greet even strangers with a beautifully feathered wagging tail. They are elegant in appearance with strands of golden hair throughout their coat that make them shimmer in the sunlight. Available in dark red (even though this color is not recognized by the AKC), a medium brown, or blond, you are sure to find a color that is appealing. They also come in a wide range of sizes with females being slightly smaller than males. The standard weight is 75 pounds, but you can find Goldens in all sizes. They are one of the smartest breeds which makes them a joy to train. Their eagerness to please is a perfect compliment to their great intelligence. Some tend to be high maintenance in terms of skin issues and grooming, but these dogs are absolutely worth every moment of care you give as they will return your attention with love 10,000 fold. You'll need a strong ego to walk into a room with this dog, as all eyes will be on the Golden. If you decide to get a Golden Retriever for your child when they are both young, your child will find no greater friend. American Cocker Spaniel - This is the breed that Walt Disney made famous overnight in Lady and the Tramp. Lady, of course, was the beautiful Cocker Spaniel with compassion, grace, and beautiful manners. This describes Cocker Spaniels in real life too. Small in stature their weight range is between 15 and 30 pounds and are generally 16 inches tall, give or take an inch. They have a luxuriously silky coat, long ears, a docked tail, and sweet facial expression. They come in solid brown or black, and many other color combinations too numerous to mention in this article. Research online or at your local library will give you a starting point for all the possible colors from which you can choose. Their silky coats do require maintenance, and because they are prone to ear problems, keeping their ears cleaned is a must. They also require daily exercise to maintain their proper weight. But a small yard will easily satisfy this requirement. Training, formal or informal, is a good idea to establish the pack leader, and help your Cocker be a well mannered family member. The Cocker is considered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to be the number 2 dog breed in America. A properly cared for Cocker Spaniel can live up to 15 years and will make an elegant pet, companion, and friend for your child. English-Style Labrador Retriever - Well built, intelligent dogs that are exceptionally good with children, Labs come in 3 solid colors-yellow, black, and chocolate. Most weigh in at 70 to 80 pounds with females being slightly smaller. Their coats are fairly easily maintained as they are short-haired without feathering. Obedience training is recommended while it is still a puppy to establish behaviors that will make it a great pet for your child. Bred as working dogs, they need plenty of exercise and a fairly large yard to keep them happy. They will retrieve anything for as long as you have the strength to throw it. And they are thrilled if retrieving takes them into water as they are strong swimmers. The English-Style Labrador tends to have a better health record because it is more selectively bred to avoid such conditions as hip dysplasia, elbow defects, and cataracts. Keep in mind that, like people, each dog has individual characteristics which may not conform to breed standards. Consulting a breeder about the dog you are considering will go a long way towards helping you choose a specific dog from the litter that is best suited for your lifestyle and your child.
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