What Kind of Dog Family Are You?

Christine Parker, the trainer and owner of Manners for your Mutts in Medford, has suggestions for what types of dog breeds do well with certain types of families.

Active families willing to take the dog along:

Huskies, herding dogs such as border collies, Labrador and golden retrievers – basically dogs that are bred to go all day.

Mellow families that like to stay home a lot and read, cook and watch television:

Large breeds including St. Bernards, Great Danes and greyhounds (known as 40-mph couch potatoes). “If you can make it through the puppy stage, they like to lie around and watch,” Parker says.

Families that are out often and can’t take the pet:

Parker does not recommend leaving any dog alone for extended periods of time. Unless dog day care is an option, don’t get a dog. A more independent feline or a hamster might be a better choice. “If you’re going to be gone a lot, fish don’t care,” Parker notes.