Mans best friend…. Can he be your best friend? By AJ McRobert (The Husband of the blog)

For many families, bringing home a do marks the beginning of countless memories- muddy paws on clean floors, bedtime cuddles, and childhood lessons in love and responsibility. But not every dao breed is equally suited for life with kids. Temperament, energy level and adaptability all play a crucial role in how well a dog first into a busy house hold. What dog is best for loud homes with little humans running around? Let me tell you from experience with lots of family pets, not all dogs are suited for family life.

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After years of having dogs I truly believe that they are incredible companions for kids. I loved my dog growing up as well as our pup that my wife and I had when our children were babies. They are truly man’s best friend. They are the longest domesticated animal in human history. Dogs have been by our side longer than any other domesticated animal- Over 12,000 years. Throughout history, humans have depended on one another for survival, protection and companionship. We used them to help us find food, guard our families and belongings, herd livestock and help us mentally. This is much different to the stark contrast of the feline that was worshiped on a throne. That trait has never left cats.

I like to imagine how this relationship got started between canines and homosapiens. I often imagine a man forced to go into the dangerous wilderness, fishinng so that his family can have food. As he pulls out his first fish, he sees a wolf nearby. She stares him down, curious about this stranger. Fearing for his life, he tosses the fish away as a distraction. The wolf takes it and runs off to her pups. Day after day, this exchange continues. Over time, trust builds, and one day a bear approaches the fisherman and the and mans new best friend chases it away! While that’s certainly a romanticized version, researchers believe the relationship began as a simple symbiosis humans discarded food and the wolves stuck around!

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Picking the right dog can make people nervous. It is wise to do a lot of research and try to understand everything you can about the type of dog that you will get. But there is truly a breed that fits every lifestyle that is out there. With 12,000 years of selective breeding, you can find a breed for your family. There are dogs for running, pest control, farming, first responders, military and police, apartments, childcare, disabilities; the list is nearly infinite.

There is no particular order to this list. And just like I said in my post about picking the right kind of pet, the right answer really depends on your needs, ability, lifestyle and living situation. I will also say that when it comes to dogs, most of them can be trained and loving. However, CAN and WANT are very different. I CAN take a month-long walk during the winter so that I can see the snow in New York City. But I WANT to just take an airplane.

Staffordshire Terrier

Man, these are good dogs. Despite their reputation, Staffordshire Terriers are one of the most affectionate and people-pleasing breeds when responsibly bred and trained. I have never had one, but I have had 3 in my life via family and friends. I know what you are thinking “red alert, pit bull – bad!” But this simply is not true. They are loyal, intelligent, and deeply devoted to their families.

Although inbreeding (in many animals and humans) can cause excessive amounts of aggression, physical deformities and stupidity, pure bread dogs are great pets. If you ever purchase a purebred of any kind, the breeder should be able to give you proof with paperwork through the AKC, UKC or CKC. They record a few generations back. This is to prove that the dog is not inbred.

These dogs work great with children because:

• They are extremely loving with children

• Highly trainable and eager to please

• Thrive in active households.

They are such smart, friendly and loving dogs. When I was young, my former martial arts teacher had one named Chyna. I remember as the “little ninjas” (his youngest students), would just climb all over this poor thing. They are very trainable and did I mention also smart? My brother took her outside to go to the bathroom once and he came back into the martial arts studio saying

“Sifu, I don’t know what happened, but Chyna is hurting. When we started going down the stairs, she started limping.”

“Did you put her on the leash?” my teacher asked.

My brother responded “yes, I don’t know how it could have happened. Maybe when we were going down the stairs.”

“No… she’s faking,” my teacher says.

Four of the people there just stared at him a little bit. He was a little known for saying eccentric and sometimes outlandish things. My mom said “dogs don’t fake injuries. She probably stepped on something.”

“Nah, she’s just faking.” My teacher reached down, took off the leash and off ran Chyna. I have a lot of stories like that. She was a very special dog. He could tell her to pose for pictures, she would crawl behind things to sneak away, she was just a cool dog. She didn’t even need a leash. She would always stay within 20ft. This dog breed is the perfect breed for families that have lot’s of energy.

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If you love the qualities of a Staffordshire Terrier but want a slightly less energetic dog, American Bulldogs are an excellent alternative. I had one growing up, and she was incredibly loyal, intelligent, and gentle. They’re often for pit bulls but tend to be larger, calmer, and were historically working dogs and rather than fighting dogs.

‍ ‍American Bulldog

If you like the traits of a Staffordshire Terrier but are looking at getting a slightly calmer dog, an American Bulldog may be a good match for you! They are loyal, intelligent and historically bred as working dogs rather than fighters. They are great with kids and very playful. I had one as a kid and into adullt-hood and she was amazing! Especially as a young dog. She was very easygoing and listened better than any dog I have ever met. Although it might have just been her I believe that it was also because of the breed that she was. While these dogs enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, they are generally more relaxed indoors than some higher-energy breeds. Their affectionate temperament and natural desire to stay close to their people make them a dependable and loving family companion.

These dogs are

• Protective without being aggressive

• Great with children

• More relaxed indoors than staffies

‍ ‍Beagles

I would suggest a beagle if American Bulldogs and Staffordshire Terriers aren’t your thing. Beagles have some great qualities. They are loyal, lovable and snuggable. They make wonderful family dogs especially if you want a similar, lower-maintenance option. But they are hounds- which means a powerful noise.

• They are very sweet and welcoming.

My neighbor had one when I was young and it was very nice. There are a few negative aspects to them. I will start by saying that two reputable websites say that their intelligence and trainability are high or medium. I wouldn’t have added this dog that high on the spectrum. Maybe he was a unique case, but he really wasn’t terribly smart.

• They are generally gentle with children

One thing that all hounds have in common is their great nose and tracking ability. But that can also get them in trouble. You really can’t let them off a leash if you are not in a designated area. The American Staffordshire and American Bulldog will stay close unless they directly see a squirrel. But as soon as a hound smells a squirrel, it is gone and nearly impossible to get back until it is ready. They also sometimes like to howl throughout the night. So be ready to try to train that out of them. But really, if you want a safe, loving, lower maintenance dog, Beagles are great. However, they don’t like being left alone. B are sweet, friendly, kid-safe pets for your family.

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Great Dane

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Great Danes are often called “gentle giants”, and for good reason. Despite their size they are affectionate, calm, and suprisingly family-friendly. They can be barkers, but not as bad as Beagles in my experience. The way that they awkwardly bounce around, you will find them very entertaining. If you can deal with the cost of dog food, they are winners in my book.

• They are playful, and great with kids but clumsy.

• They are trainable and eager to please

• They need less exercise than other dogs

Even though they were guard dogs and hunting dogs, there tends to be no issue if you socialize them. But it is pretty important that you teach them to be with other children and dogs when they are puppies. Great Danes can be shedders but also don’t take a ton of maintenance besides a brush. They are trainable and want to please greatly.

Labrador ‍ ‍

There’s a reason labradors consistently top “best family dog” lists. They are incredible dogs as they are loyal, intelligent, and gentle. Labs are sweet, loving, trainable and gentle. They are America’s most popular dog breed and for good reason. However they need exercise. A bored lab can become a destructive one. With proper activity, they integrate beautifully. But, they need a lot of activity! They are so nice but get destructive when they are not properly exercised. If you know anyone who has a bad Lab, it’s very likely because they are not exercised enough. They will work their way into the family quickly.

Strengths of these dogs are:

• Gentle, friendly, and loyal

• Highly trainable

• Excellent with Children

Bull dog

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If you’re searching for a lower-energy, apartment-friendly companion, the English Bulldog is an excellent choice. One of my favorite quirks about my Bulldog is her ability to make everyone laugh—maybe it’s her goofy looks or just her personality, but she’s a true comedian. I remember one time when we got on an elevator in our old apartment building and an elderly lady stepped back as soon as we walked in. She looked at my dog and said, “Your dog looks scary.” I replied, “No, that’s just her face. I promise, she’s very nice.” As if on cue, my Bulldog’s tongue flopped out and landed right in front of the lady, who couldn’t help but laugh. She petted her for the rest of the ride, completely won over by that silly expression.

When it comes to intelligence, Bulldogs are a mixed bag. Sometimes she does something so clever I’m genuinely impressed. Other times, I’ll watch her spend several minutes trying to push through an object instead of simply walking around it. Determination is definitely in her DNA—they’re famous for it, which is probably why Bulldogs are the number one mascot for sports teams. But as for smarts? Let’s just say her goofy appearance might not be helping her reputation.

Part of their “slow-witted” reputation likely comes from how long it takes them to process information, especially if there’s food involved. I can ask if she wants a treat, and it takes a good five seconds for her to react—like an old computer booting up. I can never tell if she’s really weighing her options or if things just take a little longer to click. But when I say “watch out!” she responds instantly, a learned reaction from a past experience.

Most importantly, my Bulldog is wonderful with my two-year-old. Bulldogs might never win awards for intelligence, but they’re loving, loyal, and form deep bonds with their families. Their stubbornness is legendary, and just one look at those silly faces is enough to brighten your day.

• Entertaining, with a quirky personality

• Gentle and patient with children

• Extremely loyal and attached to their families

• Low exercise needs and good for apartments

• Known for their determination

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The truth is that most dogs will fit right into the family. But it will be easier on everyone if you know what to get and what to expect. I would caution you about mixed breeds from shelters. As fantastic as rescuing a dog is, the dog may have trauma that could end very badly. With little kids it may not be something that you should risk. If it is a friend and you know the dog isn’t inbred, she just got out one day, go for it. I’m sure they will be a wonderful dog. But with a shelter dog, you just don’t know what has happened in their lives that may cause problems. I am very much for rescue dogs, but when there is a little kid who does not know how to read body language, understand boundaries and unable to stand up for itself, it could have a very bad ending.

Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come,"