What's the best dog for an active family, comforting, not messy?

One of my favorite breeds is a Golden Retriever. A very intelligent dog, loyal, easy to train, and tends to get along with other animals. I had one, and she got along great with my other dogs and my cats. A Labrador Retriever would be another good option. I would see about getting one of those breeds. I hope this helps!

My favorite breed is a Golden Retriever. They are truly the best family dogs ever, great with kids. They do need exercise daily, but don't tend to have chewing tendencies. I had a Golden Retriever for 12 years, best dog ever, and she was protective as needed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your potential dog. I recommend a labrador retriever. They are wonderful family dogs, highly trainable and very loyal. They have a high energy level so will require a considerable amount of exercise. They are happy go lucky dogs, but can be protective of their families. I hope this information helps!

If you want a big, loving dog, a Labrador or Golden Retriever would be recommended. If a small breed is needed, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel makes a fantastic pet and companion. You should visit the local animal shelter and take a look at their offerings for adoption.

Great question! This is a bit of a tough question in that a number of breeds of dogs who are good guard dogs are also difficult. For example, a German Shepherd. Good guard dogs, but require a lot of training and are not for a first time dog owner. If you don't know how to handle them, they can be aggressive to humans and small animals. They are also high energy dogs. Personally, I would recommend a Golden Retriever. They are absolutely lovely dogs, extremely loyal, very easy to train, excellent with humans and small animals, and if need be, could defend the owner. I had a Golden for 12 years, and she was honestly the best dog I have ever owned. So sweet and caring, but I knew that if I was ever in trouble, she would defend me. Goldens are a large breed dog, and large breed dogs can be intimidating to strangers. My Minnie would bark if someone came to the door and knocked, but otherwise didn't bark much. Sometimes a bark is enough to scare someone off. I would look into getting a Golden Retriever for the reasons I listed above. I hope this helps!

Based on your desires I would recommend a Labrador or Golden retriever. They are eager to please dogs and so easier to train than huskies or hounds and tend to stay close. They also have less of a prey drive than some of the other breeds so less of a risk to your other pets though every dog can be different, I had labs growing up with rabbits and birds and little creatures and they did not harm them.

Any dogs with a wire coat or a curly coat will generally shed less than breeds who lack those features. Certainly checking out your local shelter is worthwhile as you may find the perfect companion right there! Otherwise, any poodle crosses will usually have these traits (although some may be more active). Miniature or Standard Schnauzers may be a good fit for you. Beagles and Cavaliers are generally very nice dogs but they do shed. Check out the AKC website as it has a wealth of breeds and information available. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any further questions!