THIS LIST IS GOING TO THE DOGS. BUT IN A GOOD WAY.

10 Great Dog Breeds to Own if You Have Children or Grandchildren.


Published on June 6, 2024


Image: Minnie Zhou

Parents and grandparents thinking of getting a canine companion should keep in mind that some breeds are friendlier to children than others. Every dog is cute as a puppy but as time goes by, character disposition and genetic traits play an important role in a dog’s relationship with humans. We have compiled a list of ten children-loving dog races that are patient, playful, protective, and safe. You will be surprised to find breeds that were thought to be more aggressive than they really are and the last one will truly shock you.

1

Labrador

Image: Ivan Louis

We will start with the obvious so, no surprises here. Labrador dogs are often ranked as one of the best breeds for families, because of their fondness for children and good relations with other home pets as well.

A playful, affectionate, and kind dog that enjoys spending time with his pack, the labrador is full of energy, smart, and well-suited for families with an active lifestyle. Keep in mind that young Labradors are full of energy and can be quite messy, jumping around all day.

2

Golden Retriever

Image: Richard Burlton

Resembling a Labrador’s cousin with longer hair, and a much more epic name, the Golden Retriever is also a great option for families with kids. It has a kind temperament and friendly attitude, and the younglings tend to be a bit calmer than their Labrador cousins.

The Golden Retriever is named like that because of its hair and the fact that it enjoys fetching and retrieving things. This dog has tons of energy and adores playing with kids, to the point of following them around in order to keep playing.

3

Beagle

Image: Arun B.S

Another easy pick here. The Beagle is an amazing breed for families and one of the friendliest dogs out there. It has a vibrant, energetic, and playful personality, and loves to hang out with its pack and to fool around with kids.

Yes, Beagles can be quite excitable and messy but this breed is well known for being extremely patient and calm with children, which is why it makes such a great family dog.

4

Pug

Image: Matthew Henry

This breed might not be the most elegant one on the list but it certainly wins its place by being specially kind to children. Pugs have expressive faces that win the hearts of their owners and make for great Instagram posts.

While Pugs are not the most agile dogs out there, their strong legs and curiosity make them an active breed that needs exercise and mental stimulation. That being said, pugs are equally comfortable in small apartments or country homes, adapting easily to all kinds of situations.

5

Irish setter

Image: Ryan Stone

A breed that embodies the expression "good boy", the Irish Setter is a good-natured and trainable animal that is always looking for its owner's approval.

Irish Setters are very outgoing, sociable with other dogs and people alike, and an overall great choice for active families with children. This breed loves spending time outdoors, where it can spend its endless energy.

6

Collie

Image: Kanashi

A Hero dog if we ever saw one, the Collie is a legendary herding breed, known for its ability to watch out for its pack. Collies make for great companions, as they are strong, loyal, responsive, and affectionate animals.

Active families with children greatly benefit from Collies, as they love to move around and play. And, while they certainly need their daily dose of energy spending, these dogs are happy to relax at home with their family.

7

Bulldog

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Don’t let their grumpy faces deceive you, Bulldogs make top-notch family dogs. Loyal, adaptable to most atmospheres, and wonderful companions to children, this breed is a jack of all trades when it comes to finding a four-legged friend.

Bulldogs are not the most active dogs out there but they certainly need their daily exercise and play, like any other breed. They are calm dogs, courageous, protective of their pack yet friendly, and good candidates for training.

8

Bernese Mountain Dog

Image: Jovana Askrabic

As we move further away from the obvious choices for family dogs, we encounter this big fellow. Bernese Mountain dogs are surprisingly loving creatures, with fun personalities, patience, and kindness toward kids.

Due to their big size, this breed is better suited for households where the children are older. This is simply because the dog can inadvertently knock over a small child or hurt them accidentally when playing. Other than that, Bernese Mountain dogs make for excellent companions, great for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring, and camping.

9

Newfoundland

Image: Ticka Kao

And speaking of big dogs, this one takes the prize. The Newfoundland is a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and, yes, sweetness. This massive animal is a soft and tender companion to families with children.

This breed is patient and devoted to its owners. It needs exercise to stretch its legs and stay happy and healthy. Great for long walks or hikes, the Newfoundland makes for an excellent family dog.

10

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Image: darolti dan

We don't usually hear the term "bull terrier" and children together but the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may very well be the exception that makes the rule. This dog is a great breed for kids as it is playful, patient, and loving to no end. Well-socialized Staffordshire Bull Terriers make for amazing companions. They are sweet, love being around their families, and have great overall character.

Unfortunately, due to bad press and stereotypes, this breed is usually seen as more dangerous and less family-friendly than it really is. But, whoever takes a chance with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and has the love and care that it deserves, will encounter a golden heart for life.


THE (SWEETEST) HUNT BEGINS!

Easter eggs in the Easter season.


Published on June 6, 2024


Image: George Dolgikh

Easter is a time of remembrance and rebirth. A passage to life after a long winter. It’s also known for being a tapestry of ancient rituals and contemporary customs. From the iconic Easter egg to the Easter bunny, let's find out these little hidden treasures to enjoy one of the most significant and sweetest holidays of the year.

1

The Origins of Easter

Image: geralt

Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar. Its roots are closely tied to another Jewish festival that dates back over 3,500 years - Passover or Pesach. Passover honors the Hebrew people's exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land and their liberation from slavery. In Christian tradition, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, representing the triumph of life over death.

This day marks the beginning of a new life, and it is a joyous occasion for all who celebrate it.

And things are about to get better.

2

Never the same day.

Image: Leeloo The First

According to tradition, the Jewish people fled Egypt at night, illuminated by the light of the first full moon of spring. Since then, Passover begins on the first full moon night of the spring equinox or fall equinox in the southern hemisphere.

The Christian celebration follows the same tradition, but to avoid overlapping with the Jewish Passover, it is celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon of spring. As a result, the date of the celebrations varies every year and does not have a fixed day on the calendar.

3

The goddess of Easter.

Image: Rana Sawalha

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many of the ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring were assimilated into the new monotheistic religion. One of these customs was the April Festival of Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, who likely may have offered her name to the current Easter.

4

What came first, the egg or…the Bunny?

Image: stux

Another of the most popular symbols of Easter time is the hare. After remaining hidden during the harsh winter, the new season invites them to enjoy the warm weather, bask in the sun, and do their, ahem, hare things. Therefore, they are often spotted being very active on spring's arrival and have been associated with the season since ancient times.

Over time, a legend grew that, much like Santa Claus, hares would make a list of children's behavior and then carry a basket of eggs to give to those who had behaved well. Later, when the tradition arrived in America, like many immigrants with their surnames, the hares changed their name and became our lovely Easter Bunnies.

5

An egg-squisite holiday!

Image: cottonbro studio

And how did the eggs arrive at this celebration? Well, according to tradition, the 40 days before Easter, a faster period known as Lent, the consumption of eggs was strictly prohibited. So that they would not be wasted, people used to boil them and keep them until Easter, when they were shared among neighbors and loved ones as a symbol of rebirth.

Decorating and giving them as gifts became a popular custom over time, and the first Easter egg hunts were organized to enjoy with the little ones.

6

It's all about chocolate.

Image: PublicDomainPictures

Second only to Halloween, Easter is the holiday where the most sweets are consumed in the world, and chocolate is the undisputed star of the show.

The tradition of filling empty eggshells with chocolate dates back to the 18th century at the court of Louis XIV. In 1873, British company Fry & Sons created the first chocolate Easter egg as we appreciate it today.

According to Guinness World Records, the biggest egg was created in 2011 in the city of Tosca. It was a colossal monster, standing over 32 feet tall and weighing 16,000 pounds, made of the finest Italian chocolate.

7

The Hunt for Egg October.

Image: David Everett Strickler

What happens at the White House every Easter? Every year since 1878, the President of the United States and their family have conducted a unique hunt known as the egg roll party. This event takes place on Easter Monday and is one of the most historic annual events held at the White House.

The First Family and considerable guests participate in a fun Easter egg hunt and receive many treats in the gardens of the presidential residence.

8

Hunting Hi and Low

Image: Jason Jarrach

And if The White House facilities aren't big enough for you and all your friends, you can just pay a visit to Florida, where the world's most massive egg hunt took place in 2007.

There, 9,753 children, accompanied by their parents, went in search of no less than 501,000 eggs that were hidden in the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven.

It's been a while now, but rumors say that there are still some lost eggs waiting to be discovered. Don't you feel in the mood for a little treasure hunt?

9

Why so elegant?

Image: ronvandersteeg

Another of our favorite traditions is dressing elegantly. Towards the end of the 19th century, the decoration of American stores became more ostentatious for this holiday, and textile design soon followed suit. As a result, a novel fashion emerged, with striking Easter hats being its most prominent exponent. The trend became so popular that American elites began to parade in public, giving rise to the famous Easter Parades.

10

The best of films: The Easter Eggs

Image: Krists Luhaers

The treasure hunt also literally went beyond the screens. It has become common, especially in the biggest blockbusters and films based on great sagas of games, books, and comics. It's a kind of secret dialogue between the audience and the filmmakers, who usually leave hidden references for most fans' enjoyment.

Naturally, these little treasures are known in pop culture as Easter eggs.

The popular Google search engine also has a whole section dedicated to Easter eggs, returning the most surprising and entertaining results.

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

bemused

/bəˈmjuzd/