I’m a dog behaviourist & here’s the three best dog breeds for families – and it’s good news if you’re a fan of Labradors
A DOG behaviourist has revealed the three breeds that are the absolute best for families – and it’s good news if you’re a fan of Labradors.
Will Atherton suggested cavalier King Charles spaniels due to their kind nature, or Newfoundlands if you’re after something a little bigger.
He also had high praise for the already very popular labrador.
Known online as @iamwillatherton, the dog expert regularly shares his top pet tips with his 844,500 followers.
In a new TikTok reel, he said: “What is the best dog breed for families?
“Now that’s a great question and a question that should be taken very seriously because you want to make sure that you get this right.
“As a canine behaviourist, I see when these things go wrong. All the way from slightly annoying behaviours, all the way to attacks on children.
“So choosing the right breed for your family is critical, and I’ve got three breeds of different sizes that I tend to go for when it comes to people making that decision.
“On the smaller size, I always recommend the cavalier King Charles spaniel.
“Loving, affectionate, almost zero aggression across the entire breed. A great choice.
“Medium to large breeds, I’m always recommending the retrievers, whether that’s the labrador retriever or the golden retriever.
“Yes, they’re popular, but they’re popular for a reason. If you get one, you can thank me later.”
Finally, he also suggested Newfoundland dogs, revealing their share many of the same qualities as the other breeds he’s mentioned.
He added: “And on that large to giant side of the spectrum, it has to be the Newfoundland.
“Everything that I’ve talked about with the labrador and the golden retriever time and time again is pretty much identically applicable to the Newfie.”
Fans loved his recommendations, with the video gaining more than 7,700 likes and 66,400 views.
In the comments, dog lovers shared their reactions, many agreeing with his judgements.
One wrote: “Thank you for this! It helped reassure me of planning to add a Newfie to my family.”
“Our Newfie, Honor (RIP), was 150# of pure love. She wouldn’t attack someone for you, but she would damn sure get in between you and them,” shared another.
A third added: “I’m on my 3rd Golden Retriever.”
Others shared their own suggestions, with another adding: “For a giant breed I’d recommend an Irish wolfhound amazing with kids and people can’t ask for a sweeter giant.”
Someone else put: “Staffies all day long.”