What are the best family dog breeds? Well, as pack animals, dogs love to be part of a family. Many will consider it their job to protect and watch over the home, others are confident in their role as companions, while some are almost like an extra child, loving play, balls, exercise, and providing constant entertainment. Each type is an ideal family pup in its own way.
But it’s fair to say that some dog breeds are naturally more suited to particular families than others. First up, assess your own family’s characteristics. While kids do of course grow up, if you have a dog that isn’t a fan of excitable children, you could be in for an uncomfortable few years, putting stress on both the dog and the child.
Some breeds are physically unsuited to small children. For instance, ultra-delicate toy breeds are tempting to pick up and play with but are typically not appropriate for the over-exuberant child who wants to lug them around as a living teddy bear.
Is your family super-active? In this case, find a breed that relishes and needs plenty of outdoor exercise. One of the best dogs for runners is a good bet, while a low-energy breed is likely to be a letdown.
The one thing that all families have in common is a lack of time, patience, and an abundance of distractions. This means that a family dog needs to be trainable, not needy or anxious, and with a friendly disposition.
Let’s take a look at some of the breeds that are best suited to the overall needs of a family.
32 best family dog breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
There’s a good reason that Labrador Retrievers tend to be at the top, or thereabouts, of lists of most popular dog breeds. In common with many working breeds, this is a dog that loves to please, making it highly trainable. Labradors tend to be playful, affectionate, loyal, and kind, making them great family pets as well as stars out in the field.
2. Golden retriever
Golden retrievers are great family dogs for active families as they enjoy exercise and the great outdoors. However, in the home, they are typically kind-natured, patient and gentle, as well as trainable. They are naturally sociable with both other pets and people.
3. Newfoundland
Although these gentle giants are large – and sometimes rather clumsy around smaller children – a few things to know about Newfoundland dogs are that they are known for their kind, devoted, and affectionate disposition. They have a reputation as being a nanny for kids, and their large size can be an asset with a child learning to walk! Furthermore, they are not boisterous, which mitigates their impressive stature.
4. Irish Setter
Irish setters are fun and good-natured dogs suitable for active families, as they love outdoor adventures. They are friendly, affectionate, and super playful, as well as tending to get along well with children – the perfect playmates. They are highly sociable, so tend to fit into the heart of a family.
5. Basset hound
Basset hounds are wonderfully sweet and gentle dogs and typically form a strong bond with their families. They aren’t too demanding on the exercise front but simply love being around people, so are ideal for those with younger children who can’t always fit in a two-hour daily walk. They aren’t too boisterous, being naturally calm and patient – plus, this is a breed with a great sense of humor!
6. Poodle
Poodles are super smart and known for being easy to train – which makes them an ideal breed for family homes, where the last thing parents need is a four-legged, unbiddable addition to the brood. They also crave companionship, so will enjoy being part of the family, while they are typically playful with plenty of energy to satisfy active kids.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are renowned for their gentle, easy-going temperaments, making them a good choice for families. They are affectionate, sweet, and loving, so can quickly become special friends. Although they are bouncy and lively, they aren’t typically aggressive, preferring to join in the fun and be in the center of any action.
8. Border Collie
Border Collies are best suited to active homes in the countryside, as they have boundless energy and need to be stimulated, both physically and mentally. They are super-trainable but do best in an experienced home due to their intelligent and energetic nature. They don’t thrive when they can’t demonstrate their skills and talents!
They are brilliant teammates for any kind of activity, whether it’s frisbee, agility, obedience or simply hiking. With a naturally strong herding instinct, just watch out they don’t round up the kids, too.
9. Pug
Pugs suit a home where they can be your fellow couch potato, a snuggle bug that craves affection, company, and fun. They are naturally playful and love people of all ages, from the baby to the grandma. A bonus with this cute little breed is that they are physically sturdy, which comes in handy at playtime.
10. Beagle
Beagles are friendly and outgoing – the US’s most popular hound breed. They have stacks of personality, and as their status as pack dogs, they fit right into a busy family. Affectionate, yet independent, this breed is energetic and loyal, and their naturally sociable natures make them a fun and engaging family pet.
11. Shih tzu
While each dog has its own personality, Shih tzus are bred to be a loyal, affectionate companion breed (albeit to Tibetan monks rather than families) making them natural people lovers, who enjoy spending time in the heart of the home. They are known to be gentle, friendly, patient, and tolerant – so ideal for energetic kids, as they have a calm and peaceful demeanor, which can rub off!
Happy doing whatever you’re doing, this is a super dog that fits into family life – and looks cute and fluffy, too.
12. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are a friendly and robust little breed, quite capable of holding their own in a busy family (they’re fairly keen on making themselves heard), yet playful and fun. They are a neat, manageable size for smaller kids not to feel intimidated, and have loyal, fun personalities.
13. Greyhounds
Greyhounds are an excellent option if you are after a larger dog that fits well into family life. Although they are tall and leggy, they aren’t remotely boisterous or clumsy and don’t take up too much space or get in the way in a busy household. Although they’re competitive on the track, they adapt brilliantly to life in the home and tend to be laid-back and gentle. Yes, they love a good zoomie while out on a walk, but they’ll curl up for hours once on their bed.
Typically, greyhounds have been well socialized from an early age (being bred to perform), and tend to be kind and peaceful towards humans of all ages.
14. Dachshund
Dachshunds are renowned for being playful and affectionate, but they are also bossy little dogs! Their small size makes them a good fit for families, but they must be well-socialized as they are liable to throw their (minimal) weight around.
Better suited to older children, as they can be snappy if not played with appropriately – plus they are prone to back injuries, so should be handled with care.
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ideal mix of a companionable toy breed with the trainability and enthusiasm of a larger spaniel (yet with lower energy levels – a bonus for those families with more than enough wattage as it is!).
They make great family pets, being typically fantastic with children, tolerant, patient, and gentle – and they’ll follow their human friends around all day long.
16. Bichon Frisé
Cheerful, playful, and naturally sociable, Bichon Frisés thrive on companionship and are typically adorably patient and gentle with children.
Bred originally to perform in circuses, this a smart little dog who will respond well to the kids training him to perform tricks.
17. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are laid-back and affectionate, not just tolerating children but relishing interactive playtime. Although they are small they are fairly robust, but as a brachycephalic dog breed, they are prone to breathing issues so their activity levels should be kept to a moderate level.
18. Japanese Chin
If your family loves a cute little lap dog then the Japanese Chin is the answer. Small, loyal, and full of personality, this is a breed that thrives on apartment life, doesn’t require tons of exercise (though won’t say no to a family adventure), and gets along with everyone from zero to 100 years old.
19. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are amazing family dogs due to their high emotional intelligence and their desire to form strong bonds with their dedicated humans. They do need consistent and experienced training because although they are highly trainable and smart, this can work in the wrong direction if they are not sufficiently stimulated or do not understand where they stand.
They are natural guard dogs with a reputation for being tough but are typically gentle with children and staunchly loyal.
20. Great Dane
Great Danes are the archetypal gentle giant, the antipode to a lap dog. They are loyal, sweet-natured, and gentle, and although their size may look intimidating, their hearts are soft as butter.
Due to their stature, they might not be the best fit for families with very small children, as they are a touch on the clumsy side although rarely boisterous.
21. Maltese
With looks this cute, it’s a good job that the Maltese make a great family dog. They are gentle yet playful, intelligent, and fun. They love to learn tricks, which gives kids an enjoyable training challenge with rewards for both parties.
They love people of all ages, just bear in mind that their frame is small and frail, so they can’t cope with rough and tumble.
22. Yorkshire Terrier
With their delicate, fine-boned physique, Yorkies aren’t a plaything. However, in the right hands, they make a wonderful family dog because they are affectionate, fu,n, and loving, yet they have all the grit and courage of a terrier.
Their diminutive size, silky fur, and adorable faces make them look like cuddly toys, but they have plenty of attitude to spice up the home.
23. Cavapoo
Cavapoos are a hybrid breed (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x poodle) popular with families due to their low-allergen coats, cute looks, and fun personalities.
They tend to cherish human interaction, being friendly and adaptable, though they can be so attached to their families that they suffer separation anxiety.
24. Cockapoo
Like other poodle hybrids, the cockapoo has a low-molt coat that makes it popular with families with allergy issues. The blend of a poodle’s intelligence with a cocker’s energy levels makes for a fun family dog who is trainable, playful, and smart.
They are likened to teddy bears because of their soft, cuddly coats, and tend to be sweet and gentle companions.
25. Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a hybrid breed blending the poodle with a Labrador Retriever. They are popular among families because of their high trainability, intelligence, and love of playtime. They tend to be great with kids, being naturally patient and gentle, with the added bonus that their coats are low-shedding.
26. Bernese Mountain Dog
Plenty of families love a big dog, and the large Bernese Mountain Dog is a fantastic addition to the home. They are typically gentle, sweet-natured, and affectionate, making them ideal for cuddles, while their moderate activity need tos make them great playmates. Known for being super around kids.
27. Springer spaniel
If you want a loyal sidekick for every family adventure, the fun-loving springer spaniel is the dog for you. Adorable with children (they seem always to think they’re bottom of the pack), with limitless energy, they will play fetch all day long, and love nothing more than pleasing humans, whether they’re two or 82!
28. Collie
Which family doesn’t want a Lassie dog? The super-smart collie is hardwired to bond with his flock – and if that’s a family so be it. They are gentle yet programmed to protect their own, full of energy yet with a wise not scatty temperament. More suited to outdoorsy, adventurous families, who will make the most of this breed’s considerable assets.
29. Boxer
One thing to know about boxers is that they have high energy levels and are a decent size, so are best suited to families with older children, who will relish this fun-loving, active playmate. Although they tend to be gentle around kids, they can be on the boisterous side, especially as adolescent dogs, but are loving, loyal, and protective with plenty of personality.
30. Welsh Corgi
The Corgi is a spritely breed, with a strong work ethic, affectionate nature, and a sense of humor. These busy, bustling herding dogs might be low to the ground, but they have the attitude and boldness you’d expect of a much larger dog. They relish outdoor fun but can be a touch on the bossy side, so don’tbe surprised to see them playfully nipping the heels of anyone not toeing the line. Best suited to older families.
31. Vizsla
For those families that are after a striking dog with sky-high energy levels, the gentle yet energetic Vizsla fits the bill. This russet hunting breed has a very short coat that sheds minimally, making it popular with allergy sufferers.
They require an extremely active home, where they will thrive, enjoying outdoor adventures with all the family. Best suited to older children as their natural enthusiasm can be a bit much for toddlers and they require hours of vigorous exercise, which new parents might not be able to give.
32. Samoyed
Which child wouldn’t want a fluffy white Samoyed? With the looks of an adorable snow-white wolf cub, the Samoyed is wonderfully friendly and sociable, with upturned lips giving the impression that he is smiling!
They are naturally gentle and patient with kids, however, they do require significant daily exercise so are best suited to active homes.
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