Adding a new dog to your family is a great decision! Dogs make wonderful 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, these 10 popular dog breeds make excellent friends and companions for families with kids of all ages.
Poodle
Mother and daughter playing with poodle dog in living room.
If you or a family member suffers from pet-related allergies, consider 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
Beagle dog, trotting on the grass.
Beagles are playful and social, making them an excellent choice for families seeking a loving connection and a strong “human-animal bond.” With moderate energy, they enjoy playing with kids and then relaxing at home.
Beagles excel at scent work, so you can have fun bonding through tracking and scent games. Outgoing and vocal, they’ll entertain you with their howling. If you’re okay with their soulful serenades, beagles make wonderful family companions.
Labrador Retriever
Golden retriever dog at home.
The Labrador Retriever ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, known for its kind, intelligent, and playful personality. Labs are patient and incredibly tolerant, making them a great choice for families with young children.
Note: Always supervise interactions between dogs and children.
Labradors are intelligent and highly trainable, so you can easily teach your new companion basic commands and expectations to help them become a well-behaved family member. Labs are fun and playful, adapting well to most lifestyles.
Newfoundland
Young girl with huge dog breed 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
Purebred Irish red setter standing on the beach.
The Irish Setter’s long, silky coat will surely earn you compliments wherever you go, but this breed offers much more than just a stunning appearance. Irish Setters are high-energy and active, making them a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or playing fetch in the yard.
The breed is highly trainable, so you can teach them basic commands and behaviors to help them fit well into your home. However, if they don’t get enough exercise, they can become mischievous or destructive
Golden Retriever
Woman is with two golden retriever dogs at home.
Experts often recommend the Golden Retriever as the best choice for families with young children due to its loving, gentle, and loyal nature. This breed thrives on attention and companionship, forming strong bonds with even the youngest family members.
Golden Retrievers have moderate energy levels and exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks and energetic playtime, which provides a great opportunity for quality family time. The breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and incredibly devoted to the family.
Pug
Close-up of a pug puppy.
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
Portrait of adult blenheim cavalier king charles spaniel dog.
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
Full length portrait of cute Shih Tzu dog in cozy home interior.
Another small dog well-suited for family life is the Shih Tzu. This playful and affectionate dog comes in a conveniently 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
Woman and German boxer on lawn together.
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
A playful brindle and white mixed breed dog in a play bow position.
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.
Conclusion
The perfect family dog is one that fits seamlessly into your home, offering love, loyalty, and companionship. Whether you choose an energetic Labrador, a gentle Golden Retriever, or a playful Beagle, each of these friendly breeds brings their own unique qualities to the table. With the right training and care, any of these dogs can become a cherished member of your family, creating lasting memories and bonds that will bring joy for years to come.
