Are you looking to add a new furry member to your family? Have your kids been begging for a dog? When it comes to choosing the right dog for your family can be a difficult decision. There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect dog for your family. Here at five qualities to look for in a family dog.

Child – Friendly
One of the most essential qualities in a family dog (especially if you have, want, or interact with children) is ensuring that your dog is child-friendly. That means your dog should be tolerant and able to cope with rough love and play (now and again). Big or small, you want your dog to be able to love everyone in your family (safely).

Affectionate
Are you ready to add a new member to your family? Adding a new family member, especially the four-legged furry one, can be challenging. You want a dog that will get along with everyone and everything. So, no matter your living situation, if you want to get a dog, you will want one that is friendly, loveable, and affectionate. This is especially true when you are looking for a family dog.

Trainable and Intelligent
It doesn’t matter if you adopted an older dog from a shelter or you got them as a puppy from a store or breeder. One of the BEST things you can do for your dog, yourself, and others around you, is to get your dog trained early on.

When you were thinking about getting a dog, do you remember all of those concerns you had? Of course, training your dog early on helps develop your dog’s intellect, but ensuring your dog is properly trained will help alleviate safety concerns.

Energetic
When it comes to family homes, there is always a lot going on – Kids playing and laughing, adults cooking, cleaning, watching tv, etc. A life with a family is always non-stop. If a dog is lazy or nervous, they might get scared or confused and react badly in these situations. But, if your dog is loving, friendly, and energetic, they will always be happy with extra love, playtime, belly rubs, and walks.

Easy To Groomed
Are you someone with a busy life, both family and professionally? Between caring for your loved ones and working, do you barely have time to sit down and relax? Are you thinking about getting a dog? If the answer is yes, think about a dog that is easily groomed.

While there are other options, like having professional groomers help maintain your fur baby’s appearance, those visits can add up over time. With a dog that is easily groomed, not only are they brush-and-ready-to-go, but they can also help you save money (since they don’t need to visit the grooms as often as some dogs).