Dogs make great pets and are particularly popular with growing families. It’s a well-known fact that growing up with pets can help a child’s development, and dogs are often considered an ideal choice thanks to their adaptability.

After all, a dog can go almost anywhere with your family and is a clean, fun alternative to smaller, less adaptable pets like rabbits and hamsters.

Still, dogs need a lot of care and training, and they can be tough for families, particularly those with young children.

The first step when considering bringing a dog into your family is to find the right breed. There are hundreds of different breeds out there, each with its own unique characteristics and specific purpose.

One group of dog breeds that many families overlook is the terrier class. Terriers were bred as working dogs to help flush out small pests, such as rats and mice, or as such, they need a lot of exercise and training.

However, many terrier breeds also make great additions to any family, provided they get enough attention and care. Here are some of the best terrier breeds for families so you can find one that suits your lifestyle.

Lakeland Terriers

Lakeland terriers are often considered one of the most adaptable options for terrier lovers with families, as they get along well with both kids and other dogs. They are sociable, loyal, compact dogs that are great for homes without a large garden. For anyone who’s considering one of these amazing dogs, read this Lakeland terrier guide. You’ll then be able to learn more about the breed and start exploring local breeders and rescues.

West Highland White Terriers

Often known as “Westies”, these little terriers are friendly, affectionate, and adapt well to living in a small flat or home. They are generally good with children but may require early socialisation due to their tendency to bark. Still, their small size and friendly nature mean they can be an ideal choice for families.

Boston Terriers

With their squished faces and small stature, it’s easy to confuse the Boston terrier with a Pug. However, these lively and affectionate dogs are a distinct breed known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. They are relatively low-maintenance, unlike other choices on this list, due to their smooth, shedding coat, which can cut down on grooming costs and reduce the amount of brushing needed.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Another smooth-coated breed, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a great choice for families. Despite being originally used in dog fighting, Staffies later became known as “Nanny Dogs” thanks to the strong bonds they often formed with children. These patient, gentle dogs are popular with parents due to their trainability, low-maintenance coats and love of children.

You’ve Picked Your Breed: What Comes Next?

When buying any dog, you need to make sure you take the time to find the right breeder or select a dog from a reputable rescue organisation. It can take time to find the right dog, even once you’ve done your research and selected the perfect breed for your family.

To reduce future health and behavioural issues, try to find a breeder who carries out health testing and works on puppy conditioning from the beginning to give your new pet the best chance of a stable temperament.

If you want to rescue a dog, make sure you go to plenty of meet-ups and discuss the situation with the rescue in detail so you know what you’re getting yourself into and feel confident being the forever home for a dog that might not have had the best start to their life.

All in all, the hard work isn’t over once you’ve picked out your breed, but hopefully, it’ll all be worth it when you have a happy, healthy dog as part of your family.