Top 10 Dog Breeds

Regardless of their size, temperament, intelligence, behavior, or any other factors, there are many people who enjoy having a dog as a part of their family. Truly, dogs provide companionship for not just adults, but children as well. However, there are certain dog breeds which are considered as unsafe around small children; they may intentionally or accidentally harm them. It's not the dogs or a certain breed that's dangerous or looked upon as unsafe for kids. The reason why some dog breeds are feared so is because the past trainers have used these dogs that way. Instead of training and breeding the dogs to become more friendly to other people and animals, they are taught to fight amongst one another and even hurt others physically. So, if you're wondering which are the top dog breeds for families (and which you should steer clear of), then read the rest of the article for more information.
Dog Breeds for Children and Families
If you are a dog lover, then you may already have a list of best dog breeds for families with kids. But before you make the addition to your family, perhaps you'd like to take a look at the top 10 dog breeds mentioned below, who are considered "best" for families with children.

	Golden Retriever While choosing a dog for family, the first obvious choice is a Golden Retriever. They make good family dogs because of their loyalty, friendliness, and protective nature towards children and family (if they are in any danger). They are medium-sized dogs, need proper care and nutrition, should be given plenty of physical activities, and kept in safe environment.
	Labrador Retriever Another Retriever breed, which is a popular choice by families is, the Labrador Retriever. They adjust well in almost any type of homes, have a laid-back attitude, get along with other dogs and pets in the house, and are loyal towards their owners (although they are picky eaters). This breed can get relatively large. They require constant love, care, and attention, good physical activity on a regular basis, and be given a well-balanced diet.
	Pug Unlike other "toy" breeds, Pugs are very affectionate, friendly, and don't become nervous around people. A plus point about Pugs is that they are low in maintenance and don't need excessive grooming or exercising. Pugs aren't aggressive and that's what makes them a good addition in families.
	Irish Setter Originally used as a hunting dog, like Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters are now bred as family dogs. These dogs are very accommodating, love to please people, and are easy to train. They are not at all aggressive as they greet guests enthusiastically, are affectionate towards people, have an active nature, and are extremely intelligent. However, enough physical activity is required or else they tend to get bored and lazy.
	Beagle Personally, I think that Beagles are one of the cutest dog breeds ever. Although it isn't widely popular as a family dog, they are incredibly active, love to be out a lot to play, and make amazing companions. The only downside to this sweet breed is that they like to chew on things; so you need to spend more time on their training. You require to give them adequate physical activities in order to keep their weight under control.
	Australian Shepherd Used as ranch or herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are medium-sized and make great family dogs. They are loyal, loving, caring, smart, affectionate, and easy to train. They are highly active and hate being idle. So, if you're planning on getting an Australian Shepherd, be ready to give the dog lots of love, affection, and attention.
	Basset Hound Basset Hounds are large, long, strong, and short in appearance. Their long backs and floppy ears are just adorable. Although stubborn by nature, Basset Hounds are very gentle and sweet towards children. They are highly intelligent, energetic, calm around children, and are rarely nervous or aggressive. Don't the sad, droopy eyes make you want to kiss them all over!
	Bichon Frise In French, Bichon Frise means "curly white lap dog". Their white, fluffy, ball-like fur makes these happy-go-lucky dogs, one of our top dog breeds for any home. Bichon Frise are faithful, obedient, cheerful, gentle, sensitive, playful, and affectionate dogs. They make amazing companion dogs, and get along with children and other animals or pets.
	Border Collie A herding dog breed, Border Collies make perfect family dogs. They have incredible hearing and eyesight. They are smart, energetic, and live longer than most dogs of the same size. These medium-sized dogs need daily physical exercise or else they end up digging holes or chewing things around the house.
	Bulldog They snore, they snort, and they are stubborn. Bulldogs are very gentle and make incredibly loyal pets. They are known to adjust well with the kids and other animals or pets. They don't need much exercise (but make sure they don't become obese), friendly, social, and sometimes willful. They truly make amazing house pets.

Dog Breeds that Require Proper Training as House Pets
Every dog has its own set of personality traits and temperament. These two elements are a product of their breeding, training, and environment they are raised in. There is no such concept as "bad dog breeds" in the world. The fact is that all dog breeds, when provoked or egged, become aggressive and often bite. Take a look at the ten dog breeds, in no particular order, that require (more) proper training, grooming, and breeding environment in order to become house pets.

	Pit Bull Pit Bulls can be sweet and adorable house pets, if the owner wishes to train them so. However, there have been some case where Pit Bulls have mauled people to death. Often times, they are looked upon as fearless dogs because they are brave enough to take on any opponent. They have the tendency and strength to hold their prey.
	Rottweiler Aggressive by nature, Rottweilers have keen territorial instincts. This is the reason some people use Rottweilers as guard dogs. Once they begin to trust you, then there's nothing to worry about. However, Rottweilers are known to attack their owners as well (for various reasons).
	German Shepherd They are fast, intelligent, alert, fearless, and confident dogs. Which is why, German Shepherds are highly selected by local authorities like police K-9 unit. Some people do opt for German Shepherds as pets, but that decision will depend entirely on you.
	Siberian Huksy Most often used as a sled dog, Siberian Husky is highly active and playful. They have a high prey drive and strong-willed temperament, which means they are not suitable for families with small children (they easily make a mistake of thinking small children who run or squeal as prey).
	Alaskan Malamute These wolf-like dogs are true pack animals that have a natural instinct to lead or be led. If not trained properly, Alaskan Malamutes can turn incredibly aggressive, if forced to become submissive. They are powerful, muscular, and extremely athletic dogs with high prey drive.
	Doberman Pinscher Aggressive when provoked, Doberman Pinscher makes a great guard dog. They are alert intelligent and loyal, which is why a pet Doberman will attack only if it thinks that its property or the family it stays with is in any kind of danger.
	Presa Canario These dogs are often bred as guards and fight with the cattle. Any kind of attack by the dog to humans or other animals is thought to be "hopeless for the victim". Presa Canarios can literally stop a man, have incredible power, and are unbelievably fearless.
	Old English Sheepdog Protective towards their owners by nature, an Old English Sheepdog tends to become aggressive, if a stranger gets too close or seems threatening.
	Cocker Spaniel These dogs often suffer from a dangerous genetic disease called "rage syndrome". Which is why, Cocker Spaniels spontaneously become violent towards strangers and at times, family members. If you or a friend has a Cocker Spaniel pet dog, you should ask the breeder if the dog is free from this disease.
	Jack Russell Terrier The last addition is Jack Russell Terrier. These dog breeds are known to have feisty nature. If early training by the breeder or owner is not followed, Jack Russell Terriers tend to bite and have digging problems.

There you have it folks, the best dog breeds in the U.S. and around the world. Perhaps the information provided in the article can help you make a better judgment, and make the decision on which dog breed to choose from as an addition to your family. A dog, or any other pet for that matter, gives you an opportunity to be responsible for someone else's life, apart from yours. So be extra careful and be the best pet owner there ever was.