A professional dog trainer has shared his top five dog breeds for families – and the list doesn’t include the golden retriever or Labrador
A professional dog trainer has shared the five breeds he considers the “best” for families but revealed that golden retrievers and Labradors wouldn’t make his list. These two breeds rank among the most sought-after pet options due to their devoted, loving and gentle temperaments.
Casey Ray, a content creator and “dog behavior expert,” has disclosed his top picks for families, drawing from his decades of experience working with canines – but emphasized he wouldn’t be featuring the two cherished breeds. This is because, while they’re “fantastic” for families, “great with kids” and consistently appear in “best breed” lists, he wanted to spotlight other breeds instead.
Expert Casey noted it was virtually guaranteed that Labs and golden retrievers would remain highly endorsed by professionals and beginners alike. He continued: “Everyone knows those are great dogs. That’s why they’re always one and two in the AKC rankings.”
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No matter the breed, deciding to bring a dog into your household represents a significant choice and responsibility, so it’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages, along with your way of life, before making the commitment, reports the Mirror.
5. Boxer
Starting his countdown, Casey began his list with the boxer, a smart, spirited, faithful and high-energy breed.
Despite its substantial size, Casey called them “fantastic” and “great with children” He explained: “You can pretty much do anything you want with them. You know, some of them are more lower energy, some [are] higher energy.”
He stressed the significance of giving them “basic training and basic structure” to help them reach their potential.
4. Shih Tzu
In fourth place, Casey suggested the small, loving and sociable Shih Tzu.
The specialist said: “Fantastic breed. Again, minimal training, smaller. A lot of people can travel with these dogs. They’re very easy.”
He noted the Shih Tzu is a companion breed; dogs which are celebrated for their eagerness to offer companionship and devotion to their owners as opposed to working dogs.
3. Corgi
In third place, Casey placed the corgi. These small, smart and faithful dogs do need training, exercise and proper socialization but are recognized to be good family dogs.
Casey declared: “Fantastic dogs. They come from the [herding] group… there’s a lot of intelligence in there.
“So, as long as you do basic training, take this intelligence and do something with it, they thrive in family situations. I love this breed.”
2. Poodle
The specialist frequently praises poodles. They’re considered as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, with a unique look thanks to their tight, non-shedding curls.
Poodles come in a variety of sizes and are favored thanks to their gentle temperament and capacity to be trained well.
Casey said: “I love these guys. Non-shedding. You can do anything you want with them.”
He went on to praise their adaptability and obedience levels and continued: “You can do all kinds of things or you can make them more into a companion dog.”
The expert added: “But a poodle – whether toy, mini, or standard – are fantastic dogs for families. That’s why they’re so popular.”
1. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Casey ranked the Cavalier King Charles spaniel in first place, as he has done in previous videos.
These small dogs are famous and beloved for their mild, affectionate temperament and their intense eagerness to satisfy their owners.
Casey said it was the breed he’d most recommended to people because of how laid-back and sociable they are. He added: “All they want to do is love on you, be around you. They’re going to hang out with the kids.”
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Dogs are a serious responsibility and lifestyle change. Always do your research before deciding to get a dog and bear in mind, not all breeds are suitable for first time owners and training is usually essential.
Remember, never leave children unattended when with a dog.
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