Here are 7 breeds I’m ready to seriously consider
“Mom, get a dog!” This phrase is heard more often than any other in our house. My daughter is five, and for her, it’s simple: if there are dogs in the world, then we need to get one immediately. Although we already have a cat at home. Apparently, that doesn’t count.
Not a single walk goes by without a dog. And every time, the same ending: “Mom, let’s get one just like him?”
I’m still looking at breeds. And the more I research the topic, the more confused I become.
Somewhere the character is like a perpetual motion machine.
Somewhere the care is like in a beauty salon.
And somewhere the intelligence is such that you are no longer the master, but the master.
So I put together my list of those I could actually imagine living in our apartment.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is in almost all the top lists of the best family dogs.
Pros : affectionate, friendly, adores people and tolerates children’s hugs (almost heroically).
Cons : The dog is clingy. You have to be with it 24/7.
Leaving is easy. But you will no longer have personal space.
Beagle
A small, cheerful, sociable dog.
But there’s a catch. If the beagle smells something, that’s it. You can go home without him. He’s on the case. He’s on the trail.
And yes, he’s kind and great with kids. Just don’t expect him to be more interested in you than in evidence.
French Bulldog
A dog with the philosophy that “activity is overrated.” Five minutes of running and he’s already tired. A perfect match for parents.
He’s good with kids,
especially if they’re not running a marathon around the apartment.
Grooming is easy, which is a plus. You just need to keep an eye on the wrinkles on the face, which can’t be said about the next breed on my list.
Poodle
Very smart. Too smart, in fact. Follows commands faster than you can give them.
No shedding—almost magical.
But grooming is a whole other life. But at least there’s less hair at home.
But the next breed surprised me the most.
Sheltie
A miniature version of a collie. And this is about parental dreams.
According to owners, Shelties are confident that the family couldn’t cope without them. They happily participate in everything from walks to repairs. And they sincerely believe that they should be kept up to date with all household chores.
They have a fairly thick coat, which requires regular brushing. Otherwise, the breed is quite easy to maintain.
Bichon Frise
A real fluffy cloud. My daughter really likes it.
Very sociable.
Very “pick me up.”
Very “pet me some more.”
With children – ideal.
But the fur has a life of its own. Without regular grooming, this “cloud” turns into… a less photogenic cloud.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A friendly, intelligent retired German Shepherd—that’s how I envision this breed. Grooming is simple: regular brushing and standard hygiene procedures. But their personality is full of surprises.
According to owners, corgis genuinely consider themselves large dogs, just a bit compact. And they act as if they’re guarding an entire estate, not a two-room apartment.
Why do I still doubt?
The more I study breeds, the less I think about “cuteness” and more about reality.
I’m worried about something else. Now my daughter is sure that it will be:
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walk;
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feed;
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take away;
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and generally live in perfect harmony with the dog.
And it sounds very convincing.
But will this enthusiasm last in five to seven years?
Because a dog isn’t a “summer project.”
And it’s definitely not a toy you’ll lose your liking for.
How did it work out for you? Did your child actually continue to care for the dog a couple of years later? Or was it a project reserved for the parents?
It is very interesting to learn the real stories of families who have already gone this route.
