Are you considering adding a new dog to your family? Congratulations! Dogs can make great family pets, offering companionship, loyalty, and protection. In fact, studies have shown that children who grow up with pets benefit in many ways, including a higher emotional intelligence.
Choosing the right dog breed is an essential step in creating a happy house and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. While dogs of any breed can be nice and friendly, some breeds are notoriously well-suited to family life. These family-friendly dogs are known for their patience, gentle temperament, and love of children.
To help you find the best fit for your family, here is a list of ten popular dog breeds that make excellent friends and companions for families with kids of all ages:
Best Family Dogs for Homes with Kids
Poodle
If you or a family member suffers from pet-related allergies, you may be interested in owning a hypoallergenic dog. Despite the claims, no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds significantly lower the risk of trouble. Most experts will agree that the best example is the poodle.
The poodle is a highly intelligent, low-maintenance breed. Despite the breed’s frou-frou reputation, poodles can be seen participating in (and dominating) many dog sports and activities. They are available in several colors and a range of sizes, from toy poodles to the standard poodle, which weighs an average of 40-70 lbs.
Beagle
Playful and highly social, the beagle is a great choice for families looking for a loving connection and that special “human-animal bond.” These friendly dogs have moderate energy levels, meaning your new dog will happily play with the kids while also settling in for a quiet night at home.
Beagles perform well in scent work, making tracking and scent games a fun way to spend some quality time together. The breed is very outgoing and vocal, which may not be the right fit if you’re concerned about noise. However, the beagle is an incredible family-friendly option if you’re willing to overlook the barking.
Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, the Labrador Retriever is best known for its kind, intelligent, and playful persona. Labs are patient and incredibly tolerant, making them a great choice for families with younger children. (Note: This doesn’t mean any dog should be left alone with children unsupervised.)
The Labrador Retriever is an intelligent and highly trainable breed, making it easy to teach your new companion the basic commands and expectations to be a well-behaved family member. Labs are fun and playful, adapting well to most lifestyles.
Newfoundland
Often referred to as the “gentle giants” of the dog world, Newfoundlands are large dogs with an equally large heart. The breed is known for its calm, gentle, and loving temperament. Newfoundlands enjoy all the love and affection of being part of a family.
Another reason many experts recommend the Newfoundland for families is the breed’s strong protective instincts. While this breed wasn’t created with a focus on being guard dogs, they bond closely with “their people” and will go to great lengths to keep the family safe. But be warned, the breed’s large size requires larger spaces.
Irish Setter
This beautiful dog will surely draw compliments anywhere you go due to its long, silky coat. But the breed has much more to offer than just a beautiful appearance. Irish Setters are high-energy, active dogs, making them a great option for families that enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or even just playing long games of fetch out in the yard.
The breed is highly trainable, allowing you to teach the basic commands and behaviors necessary to fit well into your home. However, these dogs can be a little mischievous or destructive if they aren’t getting enough exercise.
Golden Retriever
Often credited by experts as being the best choice for families with young children, the Golden Retriever is a loving, gentle, and loyal breed. The breed thrives on attention and companionship, the foundation for a loving bond and relationship with even the youngest family members.
Golden Retrievers have moderate energy levels and exercise needs. They will need to go for daily walks and enjoy some energetic playtime to give them a safe outlet for this energy. However, this is a great opportunity for quality family time. The breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and incredibly devoted to the family.
Pug
Small in stature, the Pug is an excellent choice for families with smaller living spaces, such as those who live in apartments. The breed has been a popular choice among royalty throughout history for its gentle and loving personality. Pugs often form solid and affectionate bonds with “their people,” quickly cementing their role in the family.
If you are interested in adding a pug to the family, take some time to familiarize yourself with the potential health issues. The pug’s “smushed” face means it is prone to breathing problems and vision-related issues. A conversation with your vet will help you prepare to take the necessary steps to keep your new dog safe.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed was created specifically to be companions, combining the affectionate personality of a toy breed with the playfulness and energy of a sporting dog. They served as the official dog of the royal family for decades through history, and for good reason! The breed is sweet, loving, gentle, and patient. It’s an excellent option for those with a more laid-back and relaxed family lifestyle.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to form incredibly strong emotional bonds with their people. But, like the pug, they do have some unique health risks to consider—the breed is prone to heart-related issues.
Shih Tzu
Another small dog well-suited for family life is the Shih Tzu. This playful and affectionate dog is conveniently packaged in a compact package. The breed’s love of engaging with its people makes it a great choice for children, as it will happily play fetch, tug, etc., as long as it gets the attention of the people it loves most. At the end of the day, this breed will happily curl up for a calm and relaxing evening.
They are great for smaller living situations, such as condos or apartments. However, be prepared for the grooming needs of this breed’s impressive, flowing coat. Shih Tzus require daily grooming to tame their coat and prevent matting.
Boxer
The boxer is similar to the pug in many ways, just in a larger body. These playful and friendly dogs will quickly bond with kids of all ages. The breed’s affectionate and loyal personalities allow them to create a strong bond and unmatched friendship, making them an ideal family-friendly dog.
Boxers are easy to train, picking up basic obedience commands with ease. However, they have higher exercise needs than some other breeds on this list. This is a good option for families with more active lifestyles. They do have a history of cancer and heart disease, health issues to consider when making your decision.
BONUS: Mutts!
Of course, mutts (or mongrels) are not a “breed.” However, some of the best family-friendly dogs available will be a mixed breed of some form. Consider checking with your local shelters or rescue organizations to see which child-friendly dogs are in their care.
Mixed breed dogs can offer unique benefits, combining the strengths of multiple breeds in a single “super dog.” However, be aware that there is also unpredictability and the risk of the dog exhibiting several weaknesses in each breed.
