The saying goes that dogs are man’s best friend, and there’s no denying the special relationships dogs form with their owners.
Especially as a family pet, dogs can help nurture and support children and teach them about responsibility and care. But with so many dog breeds each with unique features, how do you know which kind of dog is best for your family?
We’ve done our research to create a guide to the five most popular dog breeds. Based on allergy, relationship with children, size, grooming, and exercise needs, here’s your guide to the perfect family pet.
Shih-Tzu
- Allergy: Excellent; light shedding and recommended for allergy sufferers
- Relationship with Children: Good; Shih-Tzus are playful and alert
- Size: small; 9-16 pounds
- Grooming: Moderate; daily brushing needed
- Exercise needs: Need a daily walk
Labrador Retriever
- Allergy: Poor; average shedding and not compatible with allergies
- Relationship with children: Excellent; affectionate, patient and highly intelligent
- Size: Large; 55-75 pounds
- Grooming: Moderate; daily brushing recommended
- Exercise needs: Heavy; long daily walks
Golden Retriever
- Allergy: Poor; average shedding and not compatible with allergies
- Relationship with children: Excellent; loveable, smart and gentle
- Size: Large; 55-80 pounds
- Grooming: Moderate; suggested brushing regularly
- Exercise needs: Heavy; long daily walks
Yorkshire Terriers
- Allergy: Excellent; light shedding
- Relationship with children: Moderate, recommended for older children, brave
- Size: Small; approximately 7 pounds
- Grooming: Heavy; regular grooming recommended
- Exercise needs: Moderate; daily walk needed but play fulfills most exercise needs
American Cocker Spaniel
- Allergy: Poor; sheds frequently
- Relationship with children: Good; amusing, trustworthy and charming
- Size: Medium; 15-30 pounds
- Grooming: Heavy; depending on length of coat, drippy eyes are common
- Exercise needs: Moderate / heavy; need daily, long walks
Learn more about local shelters PAWS Chicago (1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago) and Wright-Way Rescue (5915 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove).
