Raising children is difficult, to say the least, and everyone will agree that the challenge of bringing up a child in this world is one of the hardest and rewarding times in one’s life. However, for others, dogs are their children, and the love and affection they show for their pets is comparable to having a kid. The responsibilities of raising a child properly can seem overwhelming, and understandably so. The same holds true for raising and training a puppy.
If you are fortunate enough to know a reputable breeder, raising your dog may be easier with the knowledge and advice a breeder can impart to you. Being aware of potential problems before they happen is the perfect form of preparation and troubleshooting.
There is nothing wrong with purchasing a purebred dog. They have a pedigree and a family tree that can be traced. Purebred dogs are also usually microchipped and up to date with the most important vaccinations.
Based on the information provided for purebred dogs, here is a list of the 11 easiest dogs to train and raise.
11. Labrador Retriever
Labs are great with kids, which goes hand in hand with obedience. Labrador Retrievers are easily trained and enjoy pleasing their owner via performing tasks they are assigned. Lab Retrievers are lovable for their big heads and mouths as well as their overall gentle and trusting nature.
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10. Rottweiler
Although initial impressions are that it’s an imposing and intimidating animal, the Rottweiler is actually a very loyal pet to its family, parents and children alike. A strong animal with a stocky and solid figure, the Rottweiler is wary of strangers and does not need too much instruction to figure out that his or her loyalty lies with its family. It is well established that the Rottweiler can be fiercely protective if it senses danger.
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9. Australian Cattle Dog
A small but sturdy animal, the Australian Cattle Dog is full of energy, intelligence, and always ready for the next task. The breed is also known as the Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler and Blue Heeler. This breed of dog needs to be challenged constantly, both mentally and physically. With regular exercise and attention, the Australian Cattle Dog is an easy (and manageable) breed.
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8. Australian Shepherd
This shepherd, commonly called the Aussie, is known for its agility, both mental and physical. The breed grew in popularity along with the boom of western riding after WWI. Australian Shepherds are medium in size but built with the strength to keep up with, and influence, the direction of wayward cattle. Once again, this breed needs to be put to task and without sufficient training and exercise may become destructive.
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7. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed. Border Collies have great speed and agility, as well as energy to herd and chase day in and day out. This breed needs exercise, but can also be one of the breeds most receptive to direction and structure. The Border Collie was specifically bred for intelligence and for obedience. The breed was ranked #1 in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs.
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6. Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi, which originated in Wales, has a tendency to bark, but that may be its only perceived drawback. The breed is small in stature but they are large in spirit. The Corgis are loyal and devoted dogs. Corgis often compete in agility trials and other events. There are two distinct recognized breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke breed is the more common.
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5. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are of German origin and have an intimidating look with their angular head and wiry, muscular body. They can be excellent guard dogs. Eager to please, Dobermans make a wonderful family pet. They are also very loyal. The breed was originally developed, somewhere around 1890, by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann who was a German tax collector.
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4. German Shepherd
Also known as an Alsacian Wolfhound, the German Shepherd is a large, fierce and loyal companion. It is also a good family dog and has been used to assist police and the military. The breed can be traced back to the late 1890’s. One of the more intelligent canines, shepherds are easily trained and wary of strangers. The German Shepherd is the second most popular breed of dog in the United States.
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3. Golden Retriever
Devoted and intelligent, the Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog due to its mild and loving temperament. Retrievers are often popular with young families looking for a friendly and gentle playmate for kids. The Retriever is a large-sized breed. They are playful, affectionate, eager to please and highly trainable. Retrievers are used for important jobs like guide dogs for the blind, bomb sniffing efforts and rescue missions. Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers.
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2. Papillion
A member of the Spaniel family, Papillons are known for their small head and almost bat-like ears. The Papillon is quite attentive, intelligent and willing to take direction. Unlike some toy breeds, Papillons are at ease and affectionate with children. They are very active and enjoy a brisk walk. The name actually comes from the French word for “Butterfly.” They are also referred to as Continental Toy Spaniels.
1. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle may seem like the choice for “snobby” people looking to showcase a dog by shaving it and making it look silly, however, that isn’t all true. The Standard Poodle does more than just make appearances at dog show competitions. They are actually full of energy and eager to take commands from people.
Raising a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience. Adoption is also a great way to bring a new dog into your life or that of your family. These are dogs which have experienced abuse, abandonment, malnutrition, neglect, and mistreatment. The love and life dogs like these are capable of will astound you. It goes without saying that a trip to your local dog shelter will change the lives of everyone involved once you adopt a dog who cannot wait for a second chance at life with a loving family.
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