Seven 'best family dogs' that are perfect for smaller homes
A full household can be a happy home, especially with the patter of small children, but if you're considering getting a dog, it needs to be a family-friendly breed.
Whether you have children of your own, or your son or daughter is now bringing children of their own to your home, you would want to make sure the environment is safe; this is also true if you have family friends who like to visit with their little ones.
Introducing a dog into the family can be an exciting time for all, but there are some dog breeds that are considered more family-friendly than others.
According to the American Kennel Club, there are seven dog breeds you might want to consider as they're the "best family dogs" – especially if you don't have a large amount of space at home for a dog to stretch its legs.
If you have a small garden, or live in an apartment, then you might wonder which is the best dog for your living space, as well as other factors.
One such factor could be how much they shed, or bark, or the amount of exercise they need: it would make sense that you research before you buy.
Beagle
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Can live up to: 15 years
Great with young children, and other dogs, the cute Beagle is the perfect dog if you don't mind a bit of shedding, want a pooch that is playful, and can be vocal.
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Border Terrier
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Can live up to: 15 years
The Border Terrier is affectionate, great with youngsters, but less so with other dogs. With its wiry coat, not too much shedding is expected and they're not likely to bark too often.
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French bulldog
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Can live up to: 12 years
French Bulldogs are lovey-dovey and great with children, but they might drool on those close by and furniture.
(Image: Getty)
Japanese Spitz
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Can live up to: 14 years
Fantastic with other dogs and young children, the Japanese Spitz requires a little bit of grooming but are easy to train.
(Image: Getty)
Pug
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Can live up to: 15 years
The adorable Pug is friendly to everyone but, surprisingly, they shed a fair bit but luckily they don't drool, nor do they bark too often.
(Image: Getty)