Top 10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

by Kate Barrington

October 7th, 2014 12:00 AM

We’re committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more here

When it comes to selecting the right dog for yourself and your family, there are a number of factors to consider. In addition to thinking about the size and exercise requirements for the dog, you also need to think about its temperament. If you have a family with small children, it is essential that you choose a patient, mild-mannered breed that will get along with children. While the temperament of individual dogs may vary, the dogs on our friendliest dog breeds are largely recognized for being sociable, and are always happy to make a new friend (especially if you have treats!). (Photo credit: Lilun/Bigstock.com)

Bulldog: Though the Bulldog may look a little rough with its wrinkled skin and heavy head, they are actually quite sweet. The biggest advantage of this breed as a family pet is the fact that they are sturdy – even the most rambunctious children will be unlikely to get a rise out of a Bulldog. (Photo credit: sabianmaggy/Flickr)

Beagle: The Beagle is a happy-go-lucky breed that loves to be around people and other dogs. This breed is energetic but friendly by nature which makes them a great choice as a pet. Beagles do tend to be a little nosy so proper training is required to prevent the development of problem behaviors, but you can rest assured that they will always be loving and affectionate. (Photo credit: Judd Hall/Flickr)

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is largely recognized as one of the friendliest dog breeds out there due to their loving and gentle personalities. These dogs are not overly energetic but they do love to play and you can trust them to keep watch over your children. (Photo credit: Sonja Lovas/Flickr)

Collie: The Collie is largely known for its long, flowing coat, but it is also a great family breed. These dogs are well suited to large, active families because they have a great deal of energy to expend. Collies are intelligent and friendly – they also tend to react with patience when children climb on them or handle them roughly. (Photo credit: Hans-Joachim Schneider/Bigstock.com)

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized breed that has consistently rated in the top 5 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. based on AKC registry statistics. In addition to being friendly and energetic, this breed is also very gentle and patient with children. When properly socialized and trained, Labrador Retrievers make great family pets. Just keep in mind that they require regular exercise and attention – if they become bored they may be prone to developing problem behaviors. (Photo credit: ots-photo/Bigstock.com)

Boxer: Though the Boxer is commonly used as a guard dog, they are actually friendly and gentle by nature. This breed craves human attention which makes them a great choice for families with children. Boxers are patient and spirited which makes them fun for children to play with, but they are also protective so you can be sure they will keep your kids safe. (Photo credit: ninare/Flickr)

Poodle: The poodle is largely considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds out there which means that they are responsive to training. This, combined with their gentle demeanor, makes them a great choice on our friendliest dog breeds list. Poodles are outgoing by nature, friendly with everyone they meet and gentle with children. As an added bonus, there are three different sizes to choose from: standard, miniature and toy. (Photo credit: Michael Porter/Flickr)

Newfoundland: The Newfoundland is a very large breed of dog known for its gentle nature and love for children. This breed is impossible not to fall in love with, with their loving nature and affectionate personalities. Newfoundlands may drool and shed a lot but you can be sure that they will always be a good friend – they are always willing to cuddle and will keep an eye on your children at all times. (Photo credit: Tracy Lee/Flickr)

Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is known for its long, dark red coat and for its endless energy. This breed is recommended for families with older children, especially active children who need a dog that will play with them. This breed has an outgoing, almost clown-like personality that lends itself well to being a family pet. (Photo credit: Reddogs/Bigstock.com)

German Shepherd: Though the German Shepherd dog is often used for police work, it is actually a gentle and patient breed which makes them a great choice for families. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable – they also tend to be very easy going, not reacting if children climb all over them. Additionally, German Shepherds make good guard dogs. (Photo credit: Nneirda/Bigstock.com)

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Popular Pet Guide

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

View Article

Top 10 Best Water Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a natural born swimmer? If you want a pooch who loves to splash around in the pool, check out our list of water dog breeds! You’re standing at the edge of a lake and decide to throw a stick into the water for your pooch to fetch. Which breeds are splashing down before the target hits the water and which are sneaking back to the car with their tail between their legs? Some dog breeds just can’t get enough of the wet stuff while others are born landlubbers who prefer nothing more than the dry warmth of terra firma. These water breeds below love the water. Why do dogs like the water? Many dogs love to swim. Seriously, think of the term ‘Doggie Paddle’ and wonder where that came from for a minute. The majority of dogs who love to swim do so for a couple of different reasons. One is that a dog’s body is often built to swim. The way their body weight is distributed along with their (sometimes) webbed paws and natural instincts makes them great swimmers. Their tails act like a great rudder to steer them along and their water-resistant coats mean that they stay warm and dry quickly no matter the water they go in. Additionally, dogs with longer legs love swimming because –well, they have the legs that are built for it. Long, lean kicks and movements in the water help keep them afloat and when you combine that with their desire to do smart things for their owners (like hunt and point)? Many dogs just love the water because it allows them to please their owners. Additionally, introducing dogs early on can make them love the water. You shouldn’t ever make your fearful dog get into water if they don’t want to, but take the time to train them and even use life jackets if need be if you’re not 100% sure they’re good. Even though they may be a water breed, they still have normal tendencies that play into their behaviors; be cognizant of that. Now, If you want to go for a dip, here is our Top 10 list of best water dog breeds. Newfoundland

Top 10 Affectionate Dog Breeds

Everybody needs someone to cuddle – why not make that special somebody a dog? You can count on any of these affectionate dog breeds to stay loyal and never stray! If you want a big kiss or you need to feel loved, nothing beats curling up on the couch with your loyal canine companion. Some dogs simply cannot get enough attention from us, and in turn, show us how much they adore us. In honor of this seemingly endless supply of adorable devotion, we’re pleased to present our top 10 most affectionate dog breeds. We know dogs have emotions. We know that they have feelings and they feel things and are sensitive to us when we are feeling things. We also know that there are just some dogs that we get along with and laugh and love with more because they seem to get us. Like, really get us. What is it about certain breeds of dog that makes that happen? What breeds are they, even that are more affectionate and free in their love? Most people look for a pet for those affectionate relationships and sometimes, when choosing a dog that’s less than affectionate by breed and history, they can be disappointed. It’s nothing against the dog, of course…they are who they are. But if you’re looking for an affectionate dog who’s going to love you forever (and show you too)? Check out this list of our most affectionate breeds (Photo credit: Christin Lola/Bigstock)

Top 10 Dumbest Dog Breeds

Some pooches aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer. There’s no shame with being or owning any of the canines on this dumbest dog breeds list. Is it politically correct to call any critter “dumb”? Let’s call this list of dogs the “not-so-bright” pack! I mean let’s face it, not all pooches (or people) can land within the top IQ percentile and there’s nothing wrong with that… in fact according to author and psychologist Stanley Coren in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, we can’t just broad-brush a breed, we need to be looking at three types of intelligence when ranking our clever canines: The first is instinctive which means he can perform tasks that are part of his natural make-up such as hunting or herding. E.g. the family cat can expect to be corralled.The second is called adaptive and that means he learns to independently problem solve based on past experience with the issue. E.g. the cat scratches so he stops corralling the cat.The third is known as working and obedience intelligence and it means he’s able to learn when being taught by humans. E.g. he’s taught to (and actually does) leave the cat alone before he is scratched. Of course, it should come as no surprise that cognitive studies exist and similar to those conducted on young children, they help determine which dogs are clever little guys and which are well, not so much… So which breeds land at the very, very bottom of the super-smart list? Basset Hound

Top 10 Cuddly Fluffy Dog Breeds

We like big fluff and we cannot lie! What’s not to like – there’s just more pup to hug. Check out our picks for our top 10 fluffy dog breeds. Pull out the hoover and grab your lint roller; we’re about to talk fluff! Not the soft and cuddly puppy-dog fuzz type that disappears when your pooch gets older. This is hard core fluff that grows with your best bud, fills the lint trap, produces tumbleweeds the size of melons and qualifies him to make our list of top ten fluffy dog breeds. Poodle

Top 10 Dog Breeds Commonly Found in Shelters

Looking to adopt a pooch? Check if your favorite dog breed can be easily found in shelters and rescues. One of the most common misconceptions about adopting a dog is that only mixed breed dogs and mutts end up in shelters. People who are set on a particular dog breed think that they have to go to a breeder if they want to get a furry companion, but they’re unaware that their dream pet might be waiting for them in their local shelter. 1. Pit Bull Terrier

Wax On or Wax Off – What You Need to Know About Paw Wax

Paw Wax. One of the most intriguing doggy aides of recent times. Sure, it might sound quirky, but what if it actually works? And what exactly have you heard about paw wax? Kevin Roberts clears up a few common myths about paw wax and the right way to use it. Could it be the next best thing for puppers and their owners? Let’s find out.

French Boodle

French Boodle BasicsOh la la! This lovely little pooch who traces back their parentage all the way back to the land of croissants and art is ready to conquer your heart. The fun-loving little French Boodle is a great fit for families with kids and other pets. He brings the intelligent, playful personality of the Poodle together with the affectionate, friendly characteristics of the French Bulldog for an entertaining yet willful dog that loves to be the center of his family’s attention. He will thrive with people that will shower him with love and can spend a lot of time with him – that’s why big families, seniors in their retirement, or singles that work from home all make a great match for this breed. These dogs are not overly active, so they can fit most lifestyle – they’ don’t need strenuous daily exectice to stay happy and healthy, but rather regular short walks around the block and some quality playtime. The fun-loving French Boodle brings the playful Poodle together with the friendly French Bulldog.OriginAs the French Boodle is classed as a designer dog, he doesn’t have a well-documented history. There’s a murky line between when people started intentionally producing first Poodle and French Bulldog mixes and crossbreeds of this parentage that were results of, well, “accidents”. Either way, it’s safe to ssume that the French Boodle shares its origin with most other designer dog breeds – dating it back to 1990s and 2000s when most of these unique “hybrid” dogs came to be. This is the period when breeders started intensively mixing and matching purebred DNA to produce a dog that was ideally free of the health issues that often plagued the parent breeds. In addition to a healthier animal, breeders also began to develop dogs that met the demand for smaller, hypoallergenic and gentler forms of popular breeds.Pedigree

Top 10 Flyball Dog Breeds

An exciting sport that’s perfect for active dogs, flyball competitions are drawing large crowds. There are pooches that are built for the game – check out these flyball dog breeds. New to flyball? In a nutshell, it’s a canine relay race in which teams of dogs take turns jumping hurdles and retrieving a tennis ball. The twist is that in order to get the tennis ball, each dog must pounce on a spring-loaded box that ejects the ball and once he has it, he has to return to his team before the next dog can start the course. And there are certain pooches that can be considered flyball dog breeds. Teamwork, speed and agility are needed and the upside is that it’s a competition where mixed breed, non-pedigree and even rescue mutts can compete with the pure-breeds to bring home the ribbons. If your pooch is a hard worker, quick on his feet and a team player, this may be the sport for him. Ready to learn which canines made our Top 10 flyball dog breeds? On your mark, get set… Border Collie

Chorkie

Chorkie BasicsThere are many reasons why prospective dog owners may choose a specific breed. Some are looking for working dogs, while some value dogs who do well with children. Others seek a dog to fulfill certain therapeutic needs. There are almost as many reasons why owners choose their dogs as there are breeds themselves! Of course, the number one reason why most people choose their pup isn’t even remotely practical. It all comes down to cuteness. Chorkies are without a doubt one of the cutest breeds of designer dogs available to the modern dog owner. A relatively new breed created in the early 1990s, a Chorkie is the result of a crossing between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua. So what happens when you put the two tiniest and cutest pups together? You certainly don’t end up with anything other than a cutiepie.As with most mixed breed dogs, the Chorkie’s physical appearance can sometimes have subtle variances depending on the genetic contribution of the parents. However, like their parents, they are extremely small toy-sized dogs that make for excellent indoor pets. Chorkies generally retain the long and silky hair of the Yorkshire terriers and the head shape of the Chihuahua. Their ears are generally erect like the Chihuahua’s, but can sometimes be droopy. Unlike Yorkshire terriers which are usually tan, grey and black in color, Chorkies can come in a variety of colors due to their Chihuahua genetics. It’s all quite tricky to predict with hybrids, but rest assured that no matter which mixture of traits pop up in your Chrokie, the results will be absolutely adorable.Some people also call these dogs Yorkie-Chi or Chiyorkie, but these are not common or official breed names.Chorkies are without a doubt one of the cutest breeds of designer dogs available to the modern dog owner.Origin As is the case with most new designer breeds, origins are often hazy and obscured, with no dates known for certain. Although it is impossible to trace the first intentional Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua crossing, sources indicate that Chorkies were initially bred in the early 1990s. This is the time when the popularity of designer breeds soared, and many of the hybrids were created with success. Sadly, nothing more is known about where these pretty pups came from. However, they have since gained a great deal of popularity and are an extremely beloved choice of designer dog. They aren’t going anywhere. This breed is growing exponentially.Pedigree

Say Bye to Tug O’ Walks: Best Dog Harnesses to Stop Pulling

There are many different dog harnesses to stop pulling to pick from–find out how to make the right choice.Every dog is excited to go outside and strut their stuff, but some pooches can get a bit too excited on walks, pulling and tugging you along. Not only that leash pulling can be frustrating as heck, but you might also experience shoulder and wrist pain from trying to keep your eager pooch under control. If you want your dog to behave when you walk them on a leash- and avoid those red sore palms and painful joints, no-pull dog harnesses are the answer. These specially designed dog harnesses to stop pulling use humane but effective tactics to prevent your dog from wiggling and tugging on the leash.

Cumberland Slider

Cumberland Slider General InfoBecause Cumberland Slider Turtles are related to the Red Eared Slider Turtle, they make great pets, and when it comes to their care requirements, they need the same things that Red Eared Slider Turtles would.The differences between the Cumberland Slider and the Red Eared Slider include where they are found and their color (Cumberland Sliders are more yellow, as well as lighter in color, than Red Eared Sliders, and they don’t have the distinctive “red ear” either).Cumberland Sliders make great pets.Native Habitat

American Ringtail Cat

American Ringtail Cat Breed History The American Ringtail Cat is also referred to as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling. This is a fairly new experimental breed that started with a rescued cat named Solomon in 1998. When Susan Manley found him, he was a 2-day-old kitten who needed to be bottle-fed in order to survive. As he grew and reached the age of 4 weeks, she noticed that he had a unique tail that would curl over his back. After having Solomon examined by a veterinarian, it was determined that there was no underlying medical issue or deformity that caused his tail to curl. The cat seemed perfectly comfortable and content, holding his tail curled over his back when relaxed. In 1999, Susan started a breeding program whose goal was to reproduce this curled tail, which she had also noted in other feral cats throughout the northern California neighborhood where she lived. A few breeders began working with Susan by 2005. The cats with curled tails were bred with purebreds and Domestic Shorthair cats. And in that same year, The International Cat Association, also known as TICA, gave this new breed “Registration Only” status. The American Ringtail Cat (also known as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling) is a fairly new experimental breed. Breed Traits

Domestic Longhair

Domestic Longhair Breed History Considered one of the most popular cats in the United States, the Domestic Longhair is also one of the most common breeds. But it is actually a combination of several breeds, so you can call these cats mutts. In other words, the Domestic Longhair is not a recognized breed. Today’s Domestic Longhairs are descendants of the Domestic Shorthairs that lived more than 400 years ago. Their fur grew long because of a spontaneous mutation that allowed the coat to be thicker and fuller so the cats could stay warm in cold and icy areas like Russia, Turkey, and Persia. When the early settlers made their way to America, they brought Domestic Longhairs with them in order to help control the rodent population on their boats. Today, these super cute kitties with luxurious coats make wonderful pets, and they still have that natural instinct to hunt down prey. Also, even though they might be a bit harder to find than Domestic Shorthair cats, if you check your local animal shelters, you may discover that some Domestic Longhairs are patiently waiting for their forever home. Considered one of the most popular cats in the United States, the Domestic Longhair is also one of the most common breeds. Breed Traits

Morkie

Morkie BasicsTiny and adorable, the Morkie is an affectionate crossbreed who loves people and will get along with all of your other pets. By combining two popular breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese, breeders managed to create a beautiful dog with a loving personality. These petite balls of fluff are not all cuddles and smooches though. A Morkie can be as bullheaded as they come, so previous experience with small breed dogs might be beneficial. These little dogs can cause big problems if you aren’t careful. Morkies are also playful and will run to chase a ball for quite some time or find fun in interactive dog toys. They will surely keep older children in the home busy playing and then cuddle up in their beds at night to sleep. So it’s no wonder why these tiny pooches are one of the favorite family dogs! The Morkie attaches to his family quickly and tend to form strong bonds with their pawrents. While heartwarming and cute, his love for the family can create a problem when he needs to be left alone. These pups will become so attached to their families that they won’t be able to handle time on their own, so training them early and often in a must.Related: 10 Best Harnesses For MorkiesDue to their small size, Morkies are fragile and can be hurt easily if you’re not being careful with them. This crossbreed does best with families without small kids, who can seriously injure this furry baby in careless playing. They are best suited to families with mature children or even elderly couples looking to add a little fluff to their lives. As an adaptable and easy going pooch, a Morkie can be happy with a big yard in the suburbs or in a minuscule city apartment. A few, short walks each day will keep this Yorkie and Maltese cross content and well-exercised. That’s good news for urban dwellers. They can keep their pup in their apartment without fear of denying them the space they need to say happy and healthy.

Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie Basics The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent breed of herding dog that likes to work hard. The name for this breed is similar to a creature from Scottish and Irish mythology – a Kelpie is a magical water horse that has ill intentions toward humans, particularly children. In reality, the Australian Kelpie is nothing like this mythological creature – it is friendly and playful, always eager to please its human companions. If you are looking for a clever working breed, particularly for herding, the Australian Kelpie is definitely a breed to consider. The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent breed of herding dog that likes to work hard. Origin The origins of the Australian Kelpie can be traced back to the early collies that were imported into Australia during the early 19th century as working dogs. These working collies were bred with other breeds, possibly wild dingoes as well, to improve their abilities for working stock without direct supervision. Though dingoes were illegal to keep as pets, physical similarities between the dingo and the Australian Kelpie suggests that the two were crossed at some point in the past. The first dog to carry the Kelpie breed name was a black-and-tan female purchased from a litter by Jack Gleeson during the early 1870s. Different colors of Kelpie carry different names. Black Kelpies are often referred to as Barb Kelpies, after Barb, the Kelpie who won the Melbourne cup in 1866. Red Cloud Kelpies are the descendants of John Quinn’s Red Cloud that became well known throughout Australia. Related: Australian Cattle Dog Pedigree

Best Horses for Heavy Riders

Contrary to popular belief, heavy-set riders can enjoy riding horses without any issues. Sure, some mounts cannot bear the extra weight and might end up hurt, but not all horses are equal. While no horse can safely support excessive weight on their back, some breeds that excel in hard work thanks to their strength and stature can be a good choice for plus-size riders. Thanks to their unique traits, they are ideal mounts for heavy riders, as they will maintain their balance under the added weight, and won’t lose stamina or endurance. So, if you are of a heavier build, here are which breeds you need to consider. Read on as we discover the world of strong and stout horses, and the prerequisites for riding one – here’s our list of the 10 best horses for heavy riders.

French Chow

French Chow Basics It’s quite true that French Bulldogs, commonly known as Frenchies, are infinitely cute and charming. But what if we told you that there is an even cuter, fluffier, and goofier breed? The French Chow is an attractive mix of a French Bulldog and a Chow Chow that is an endless source of fun and affection. Mixing the cuteness of the Frenchies with the size and the protective traits of a Chow Chow, the breeders came up with this great designer dog breed. With the mix of chubby, fluffy looks, great character traits, and affectionate nature, the French Chow is a true conqueror of owner’s hearts – no doubt about it! The French Chow is smart, affectionate, and protective of its family. Origin The origin of individual designer breeds is often hard to track down. When it comes to the French Chow, a lot remains to be guessed: we simply don’t know for certain when the crossbreed first appeared. What we do know is that the craze for designer breeds was at its highest in the 1980s, and during this period a lot of established breeds were crossed to create new breeds. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the French Chow originated during this time as well. Still, when it comes to the parent breeds, the history is hefty. As the name suggests, the French Chow is a unique combination between the goofy French Bulldog and the fluffy Chow Chow. The former actually originates in England (contrary to its name), where it was first bred and known as the “Toy Bulldog”. The emergence of a smaller, “lap dog” version of the English Bulldog came about with the banning of “bull baiting” in 1835. This was a dangerous “sport”, in which bulldogs were pitted against enraged bulls. From England, the Toy Bulldogs crossed over to France, where the small breed was refined and grew immensely popular as a cuddly and affectionate family pet. The Chow Chow, on the other hand, is an even older breed. It has a quite enigmatic history! It was first bred in China, where there is mention of this powerful breed being used for warfare and sled-pulling. Its true origins might be even older – some 2,000 years before the present! Pedigree Not unlike most designer breeds, a unified look is hard to pinpoint when it comes to French Chow. Breeders often have no clue how a litter is going to turn out: the mix between the parent breeds is often unpredictable. However, the French Chows do have some traits that are shared across the breed. And in recent years, increased attempts were made at creating a unified French Chow appearance. One of the iconic appearance traits that is unpredictable is the bluish dark tongue that can be inherited from the Chow Chow. Your French Chow could or could not have one. The same goes for the ears! But usually, the French Chow will have the iconic “bat” ear shape. Another unpredictable part of their appearance is the tail. The French Chow might have a bobtail or a tail with a curl. Either way, the size of it won’t be too great. When color is considered, French Chow pups can come into the world in black, brindle, fawn, red, or cream colors. In some rare cases, a hybrid may appear, being white, with black or red patches. Food / Diet When it comes to caring for your four-legged friend, their diet should be one of your primary concerns – it has a big impact on their health and wellbeing. Both Frenchies and the Chow Chows can be somewhat voracious, with a great tendency for overeating. The French Chow could also share that tendency, so make sure that their portions are measured according to their weight and exercise levels. If overfed, the French Chow could very well become obese, and that is a situation that can lead to numerous health problems down the road. Of course, if you are ever in doubt about which type of food to go for, don’t hesitate to take the advice of your local veterinarian. They can give you the best insight into the diverse types of food and the nutrients that your pet can need the most. In general, French Chows do well with high-quality dry food formulated to meet their nutritional needs. As long as the portions are measured with care and supplemented with other vital nutrients! The French Chow is an attractive mix of a French Bulldog and a Chow Chow that is an endless source of fun and affection. Training It’s no secret that Frenchies can be a bit willful. These are the true goofs of the dog world and are often stubborn, mischievous, and inquisitive. The Chow Chow, on the other hand, can be somewhat aloof and more serious. The result of their combination is quite unique when the ability for training is considered. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to meet some initial stubbornness when you attempt to train your French Chow. The breed is certainly intelligent, and a bit strong-willed. They will learn commands without many flaws, but a bit of persuasion will be needed first. Arm yourself with patience and some treats, and you should see progress in due time. Of course, the best way to make this progress quickly is with positive reinforcement. Reward your dog for good behavior, and avoid punishment for errors! Weight Where the French Bulldog is a generally small-sized breed, the Chow Chow is without a doubt robust and bulky. So what about their outcome? Who do the weight and size lean to? And the answer is no one! The French Chows are somewhere in the middle between the two parent breeds and can be fitted in the medium-size category. In general, you should expect your pet to be between 30 and 50 pounds in weight, and around 14 inches tall. Temperament / Behavior The French Chow is a unique breed, with many qualities that make them great pets for families of all sizes. They are noted for their goofy expressions and antics, but also for their great intelligence and affectionate nature. And it’s no secret that they can even be a bit protective of their family! And to make things even better, the French Chow can be superb around children. All of this makes them ideal as companion pets and family pets. Of course, a lot of these traits need to be spurred forward while your dog is still in the puppy stages. If you fail to socialize the puppy and neglect it in any way, these positive traits might never develop properly. The main thing to curb with socialization is possible aggression. The Chow Chow can be protective of its family and territory, so make sure to give them a puppyhood surrounded with love and positivity. Common Health Problems The French Chow is generally a hardy and healthy breed, especially when given ample care and regular vet checkups. However, no dog is exempt from possible health problems. For the French Chows, one of the common threats is a brachycephalic syndrome. This is inherited from both parent breeds. The Frenchie is of course a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short muzzle. Interestingly, the Chow Chow is brachycephalic as well, although it might not be as obvious as with the Frenchie. Due to this, the French Chow could have a short muzzle and the problems that come with it. Mostly these are obstructions of the upper airways. You will have to avoid over-exerting your dog and avoid great heat. Another possible threat is hip dysplasia, an inherent condition with the hip joints that affect many dog breeds across the world. Also, both Chow Chows and Frenchies have the possibility of forming kidney stones. This possibility is passed on to the French Chow. Urinary stones are quite a painful condition, but they can be treated. Life Expectancy Considering the healthy lifespans of both the Chow Chow and the French Bulldog, it can be safely said that the French Chow can have a general life expectancy between 10 and 15 years. Taking into account the fact that 15 years is the maximum for most established breeds, the French Chow really has it good! But this shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the breed’s good genes, robustness, and a good health foundation Of course, this is still just an estimate. To make sure you have a healthy puppy that grows to its golden years without many issues, get your French Chow from a reputable breeder and provide optimal care throughout their life, from a balanced diet to regular vet checkups. Exercise Requirements The Frenchie can be quite a spunky breed, while the Chow Chow can be a bit sluggish and composed. Because of this difference, the French Chow can have unique energy levels. It might become your duty to motivate your pet to do some important exercise. But in the end, the French Chow won’t prove to be an overly athletic breed, and its exercise requirements will be moderate. You should establish a healthy daily routine of classic leashed walks, and some energetic play in the park. An occasional outdoor adventure in nature might be great fun as well! French Chow won’t prove to be an overly athletic breed – their energy levels are moderate. Recognized Clubs A relatively new and hybrid dog breed, the French Chow is not listed on the American Kennel Club list of accepted breeds. Likewise, it is not listed on the worldwide Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), or the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC). Still, this doesn’t mean that the French Chow is not on a stellar path towards inclusion in either one of these lists! Coat French Chow dogs can safely be considered moderate shedders. Inheriting the fluffy coat of the Chow Chow, these hybrid dogs might leave some hairy trails on your furniture, especially when it’s shedding season. To that end, you should establish a regular grooming routine, brushing lightly a few times per week. This will help you maintain good hygiene and to keep your pet’s coat as free from loose hair as possible. Baths, on the other hand, should be kept down to a moderate level, as you wouldn’t want to dry out your pet’s skin. Puppies French Chow puppies can be such adorable balls of fluff! It will be hard to resist that cuteness! But still, this is not an open invitation for eager hands to come and give endless snuggles to the pups. This can be harmful and stressful, especially in those early stages of life. But as soon as your French Chow puppies become stable and aware, they will begin expressing their inquisitive and goofy side. And you should not deprive them of some important early socialization! Socialization is crucial for developing important character traits. Introduce your puppy to new dogs, kids, and adults. This will help prevent some nasty behavioral issues from developing. Neglected as puppies, the French Chow dogs can exhibit traces of aggression, aloofness, and over-protection. And that is never good! Photo credit: Hitomi Hi/Shutterstock

Holland Lop

Holland Lop Breed History/OriginNot all rabbit breeds made it into this world naturally. Some were created with the help of careful breeders who wanted to ensure that their clients got the best bunnies that money could buy. The Holland Lop got its start in the 1950s in Netherlands. A Dutch breeder Adriann de Cock wanted to combine the qualities of a French Lop and a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit. These are two very different breeds, so it was an intriguing mix to say the least. Sadly, The resulting litter of six bunnies was unsuccessful. This was because their ears were erect and did not have the loping effect of the Holland Lop we know and love today. In 1952, de Cock took a doe from that litter of six and bred her with an English Lop buck. After a few hits and misses of breeding from these litters, de Cock successfully bred a Holland Lop with the French Lop’s characteristic floppy ears. The rest, as they say, is history - we got the wonderful rabbit breed that many love and cherish. This breed was recognized by Netherlands’ Governing Rabbit Council in 1964 and by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association by 1976. Ever since then, the whole world has enjoyed having the incredible Holland Lop in their lives. It’s also worth mentioning that there is a British relative and equivalent to the Holland Lop, the Miniature Lop, which is recognized by the British Rabbit Council (BRC). However, you should not confuse the two, as the British variant tends to be smaller in size. For now, we will focus on the Holland Lop, as we uncover all its traits and characteristics, and find out just what makes them so great. The Holland Lop is a dwarf rabbit, which means it should weigh about 4 lbs. once fully grown.Overall DescriptionThe Holland Lop is a dwarf rabbit, which means that it should weigh about 4 lbs. once fully grown. They have a wide, yet short body. This consequently gives these rabbits a compact body shape. Not to mention the cuteness that inevitably comes from such a diminutive stature! These bunnies pose similarly to a cat, resting mostly on their hind legs and only slightly on their two front feet. The Holland Lop’s head is broad with a distinct puff of fur at the back that has become known as the “crown”. The crown should be thick and wide and raised above the head. It is one of their distinctive, “trademark” symbols, and all Holland Lops are easily recognizable by this crown. While their stocky body and fluffy round head would have been more than enough to make these bunnies cute, it’s their floppy ears that make this breed district and endlessly lovable. Without a doubt, the Holland Lop’s most famous feature is their large fur-covered ears which fall on either side of the head. The ears are well-furred and thick and they are in the shape of a teaspoon (rounded tips and wider at the bottom). The slack ears that frame their adorable faces only add to the appeal these bunnies have for prospective owners. These rabbits were bred to be as adorable as possible, so you can expect them to worm their way into your heart at first site. Either way, it is hard to resist their endlessly charming looks! The Holland Lop is one of the most popular rabbit breeds, both in the United States and around the world. And it’s not merely their lovely appearance that charms people! Easy-going, sweet, and friendly, the Holland Lop will win you over with its wonderful personality. These bunnies will love you right back and bring joy to any home. That’s certainly not true of any breed of rabbit and it is what has kept this particular breed so beloved for generations. Needless to say, they make wonderful pets – both for solo owners, and for families. Treat them right, and they can become a full-fledged family member, bringing joy to any environment and every occasion. Coat

Top 10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

Popular Pet Guide

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Popular Article

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Top 10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles