Dogs. They’re a man’s best friend.
During the pandemic, my two English bulldogs, Daisy and Otis, were my stress relievers. I left my house three to four times a day to take them on walks, wrestle with them and just talk to them at random. If you or someone you know is looking for a furry friend, I am here to help.
The Golden Retriever
To be honest, this probably shouldn’t come as a surprise. Golden Retrievers are well known for their kindness and overall friendly nature. From personally having a Golden Retriever at one point, I can say they are all that and more. Goldens receive an 8 out of 10 for appearances because they do shed big clumps of fur, and if you have allergies, you will suffer. They receive a 10 out of 10 for attitude because I have never once seen a Golden agitated, upset or violent. They are always in a sweet, playful state. As for relationships among children, another 9 out of 10. These dogs were built for family life. They know how to be gentle with little kids and do a fantastic job at detecting the mood of a room and matching it.
The Rottweiler
The Rottweiler isn’t an obvious choice. Between their dark, mean look and the horror stories people have heard, it’s understandable that the dog breed has a negative connotation. But these dogs are the opposite. Many fail to realize dogs are violent when they’re trained to be. One of my friend’s neighbors has two Rottweilers. They are the absolute sweetest dogs I have ever met. For appearances, this type of dog receives a 9 out of 10 because their look is unique and different, but one point is taken off because that type of look can scare people. As for attitude and friendliness, this dog gets an 8 out of 10. These dogs are giant cuddle bears and love nothing more than to be with their family. However, they do need their personal space away from the family to rewind and relax. As for relationships with children, I have always found them to be naturally gentle giants around children, so they receive a 9 out of 10. I’ll never give a dog 10 out of 10 for this category because I believe dogs should never be left alone with children who are incapable of talking and walking.
The Newfoundland
These dogs might be the cutest dogs I have ever seen. They are huge and fluffy. On average, they weigh around 120 pounds. Lots to cuddle with. Traditionally they are a dark black color but have also been found to be a chocolate color. What I found interesting about these dogs is their intelligence. They are quick learners. I met a couple of these dogs in Colorado and was shocked when the owners said they quickly learned how to sit, shake and roll over. They said they understood the tricks incredibly fast, and it was almost an effortless process. For looks, these dogs get a solid 10 out of 10. I mean, they’re adorable fluffballs. As for attitude and temperance, these dogs are comfortable go-getters. I would say I met over 10 in Colorado, and every one of them was gentle, calm and just happy to be out and about. These dogs were approached continuously by others, and the dogs were accepting all pets and back scratches given. As for relationships among children, I’m a bit at a standstill. I haven’t seen or heard of any accounts with these dogs, so I couldn’t say whether or not they would be good with families, but I would think they would be, considering how good they were with strangers.
The Komondor (AKA the Mop Dog)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Is that a dog? And you might be saying, ‘ew.’ But these dogs are so unique looking that it’s hard not to be intrigued by them. These are typically sheepdogs that work on farms and large lots of land but have become increasingly popular in cities and urban areas. As for looks, this dog is a solid 10 out of 10. I mean, how many dogs can you say look like that? None. But these dogs are so much more than looks. As for attitude, I have only had friendly interactions with these pupsters. They’re smart, follow commands, think they’re a lot smaller than they are and are loyal to their owners. As for their attitude, these dogs receive a 9 out of 10. When it comes to family relationships, these dogs are excellent with children. The only thing I would say is that they do have dreadlocks, so they can sometimes scratch if rubbed the wrong way. But overall, they are amazing with the family, 10 out of 10.
The English Bulldog
Of course, I had to add this breed. But unfortunately, they are last on this list for several reasons. First of all, they can be aggressive towards other dogs if they sense danger or irritation. There have been many times I was worried my dog Daisy was going to eat a small white dog. Secondly, they’re incredibly high maintenance. They need their folds to be continuously cleaned, and if they don’t have a little nub for a tail, you’ll be wiping their butt the rest of their life. But they do have some positive qualities—for instance, their appearance. 10 out of 10 simply because they are so wrinkly and have lots to cuddle. Their faces look like a melted pancake and their bodies are very disproportional. But those are what makes them cute. Next is their attitude. I’m not going to lie; these dogs are pint-sized tyrants. They will let you know when they’re not happy or want attention. But for some people, that’s what makes them fun. They receive a 5 out of 10 for attitude. As for friendliness with families and children, surprisingly they do well. I have had a couple of toes nibbled on, but overall they are great with the family. They are very loyal and protective of their owners, especially the alpha. 7 out of 10.
