5 Best Dog Breeds to Keep at Home

Getting a dog can be an exciting decision! Dogs make an excellent addition to the family and can teach kids compassion, responsibility, and cooperation. Some dog breeds are great for younger kids, while others are a better option for older children or adults. When deciding which breed to go for, always choose one that befits your situation and lifestyle. Your living arrangements, daily schedule, activity levels, and budget are all deciding factors.

If you live in a house with a yard and enjoy an active lifestyle, a mid-sized or larger breed with high energy levels is a good choice. If you live in an apartment and own a large breed dog that requires daily exercise, you will have to take it out for a walk or jog every day.

Smaller breeds are a better choice if you live in an apartment or if your living space is more compact.

Also, if you have a busy work schedule or do not enjoy physical exercise every day, a smaller breed will be a more convenient option.

If you have kids at home, breeds like retrievers, beagles, and huskies are an excellent choice. They make great family dogs and are affectionate, playful, and loving. They are also great companions for children. They are not known to be aggressive and are friendly even with strangers.

If you want a breed that is a little reserved around strangers and can also guard your home, German Shepherds and Dalmatians are suitable. These breeds are not overly friendly with people they are not previously acquainted with yet are loving and responsive to their owners.
Here are the 5 best dog breeds to keep at home.

1. Golden Retrievers

One of the top ten most popular breeds in the US, Golden Retrievers get along well with all types of homes and families. They are intelligent, loving, sociable, and loyal companions and are very protective of their humans, and they get along extremely well with children. Golden Retrievers have a silly, playful personality and retain these traits up to 4 years of age. Many also exhibit puppy-like qualities during old age.

They have high energy levels and require daily exercise. Regular walking, jogging, playtime in the yard, or a run at the beach are all enjoyed by Goldens. Just like physical exercise, Golden Retrievers also require daily mental exercise. They need regular tasks such as retrieving the paper or competing in dog sports to keep them occupied. The primary drawback with Golden Retrievers is that they do not make good watchdogs. They are usually friendly and affectionate with strangers.

2. Siberian Husky

Originally from Siberia, the Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog with wolf-like looks and a thick coat. They come in different colors with unique markings. Originating as sled dogs, huskies are medium-sized working dogs with a sharp ability to learn new things. They are intelligent, independent, and friendly. They make good house dogs and get along well with children. They are warm welcoming with everyone, even with strangers.

Despite all these qualities, huskies are a good choice for experienced dog owners. They are a little challenging to train and need to be kept occupied with different tasks and activities. They also require regular exercise; therefore, it’s best to keep them in larger homes, preferably with a yard.

3. Beagle

Beagles make great house pets. They are sociable and friendly and can blend in with all family members, including children. They are small yet active dogs and get along well with humans and other dogs alike. The best part about keeping a beagle is that it is a low-maintenance breed. They do not have long coats and don’t shed as much as other breeds.

Small in size, ranging from 13 to 15 inches, Beagles can be kept indoors. You can easily keep a beagle in an apartment as well, provided you frequent the dog park for some regular exercise as they can be quite energetic.

The disadvantage of keeping a beagle is that this dog breed can be loud and stubborn at times. Do keep an eye for neighbors’ complaints in case your beagle gets too loud. Also, make sure to keep your beagle on a leash when taking it for walks outside!

4. Dalmatian

Dalmatians generally have energetic personalities, are playful, loyal, and patient with children. They have all the qualities to make good family dogs. But these dogs require a substantial amount of time and attention. They need a large amount of daily exercise, and like all working breeds, need activities to keep them occupied. If you are usually very busy or spend large amounts of time away from home, this breed is probably not the best choice for you. Dalmatians are usually polite dogs but are reserved with new people. They have a short albeit dense coat that is easy to brush. Invest enough time with your Dalmatian, and you will have a lovely and loyal companion for life.

5. German Shepherd

One of America’s most popular breeds, German Shepherds are intelligent and courageous working dogs. They can excel in almost anything they are trained to do. They make excellent herding dogs and they are also used for search and rescue purposes.

They are also a great breed to keep at home if you are willing to invest your time and energy with these dogs. They have high levels of energy and can get anxious and bored easily. They need to be kept busy working, playing, and learning. They require daily physical and mental exercise such as jogging, running, and regular training sessions. German Shepherds make great watchdogs as they tend to be aloof and suspicious with strangers. Obedience training is crucial for these dogs so that they are comfortable with other humans as well as other dogs.

German Shepherds also shed a lot, so they need to be regularly brushed and groomed. An excellent breed, German Shepherds, usually respond well to a single owner. Invest time to create a bond with your German, and you will get yourself a guardian and best friend like no other.


by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™

Facts About Animal Homelessness:

  1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.
  2. The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
  3. Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.
  4. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
  5. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of cats and only 15 to 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
  6. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
  7. About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
  8. It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
  9. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, sees millions of these “excess” animals killed annually.
  10. Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
  11. According to The Humane Society, there are about 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the US and 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries in North America.

Here are a some adoptions for consideration:  puccicafe.com/adoptions