Experts Say These Dog Breeds Make the Best Family Pets
There are so many benefits of adding a dog to the family, including companionship, increased physical activity thanks to walks and playtime, and the feeling of joy you get when your four-legged love greets you when you come home after a long day. But that doesn't mean that every dog is right for the role when your family includes children. In fact, the pros say when it comes time to grow your furry family, you'll want to keep an eye out for specific pooches that fall into the category of the best dog breeds for families because of the traits that are most often found in these pups.
The experts say that there are a few things you can keep in mind when selecting a family-friendly dog that will make it more likely that you'll find the perfect match, according to Dr. Antje Joslin (DVM), veterinarian at national dog daycare franchise Dogtopia, which include factors such as temperament, size, energy level, trainability, and potential health concerns. "Also consider your family’s lifestyle, housing situation, activity level, and the number and age of people in the household."
Now that you know what to consider, you're going to want to take a look at these 20 family-friendly dog breeds that the pros say are sure to get your tail wagging.
More Dog Breeds to Consider
Beagle
When it comes to dogs that make great family pets, Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow’s animal health and behavior expert says beagles are generally good options. She calls the dogs energetic, curious, and friendly, three characteristics that are important when they're spending their days with young children.
"[They're] merry, affectionate, and great with kids," she says, adding that these dogs are on the small to medium size, and typically top out between 20-30 pounds.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, tolerant, and affectionate dogs known for their gentle demeanor, making them great with children, according to Joslin.
"They are large-sized dogs with a sturdy build who benefit from a yard to run in and need daily exercise," she continues, adding that their long coats also require a bit of maintenance, since they shed quite a bit and require plenty of brushing. "They may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and certain types of cancers, so regular veterinary check-ups are important."
Related: What's the difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever?
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands — or "Newfies" as they're sometimes affectionately called — are gentle, patient, and protective. Askeland says these sweet-natured pooches are also pretty calm, something that makes them a great option for families with children.
But, like some of the other large breed dogs on this list, Newfies get big. Askeland says these pups fall into the "large to giant" category, with males typically weighing 130-150 pounds, and females 100-120 pounds!
Cocker Spaniel
Disney fans may be especially eager to welcome a cocker spaniel to the family, since the breed was so lovingly portrayed as being a good family dog in the movie Lady and the Tramp.
Askeland calls these medium sized dogs (they generally weigh in around 25-30 pounds) "merry, affectionate, and good-natured. "
Not only will a cocker spaniel get along well with your kiddos, they actually make good companions for your other furry family members as well, since Askeland says they are great with other pets!
Portuguese Water Dog
Have an active family that likes to go hiking, swimming, and generally loves being outdoors? Askeland says the Portuguese Water Dog may be for you! These energetic, intelligent, and confident dogs are considered a medium sized breed, and they typically max out somewhere between 50-60 pounds.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Once known as "the nanny dog," the American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, loyal, and affectionate dog, according to Askeland.
"[They're] friendly, good-natured, and love being part of the family," Askeland notes. These are medium sized dogs, and Askeland says that the males typically weigh 55-70 pounds, while females 40-55 pounds.
Collies
Lassie fans may remember what a good girl the family's collie played on screen, but the truth of the matter is that her breed also makes the perfect pet off screen as well. Askeland calls this breed graceful, intelligent, and loyal, adding that they tend to be very friendly and protective of family members.
You can expect your collie to grow to be a medium to large sized dog. "Males typically weigh 60-75 pounds, females 50-65 pounds," Askeland adds.
Labrador Retrievers
Joslin says that labs are known for their friendly, outgoing nature. "They are typically good-natured and gentle, making them excellent companions for families with children," she explains of the large-sized dogs, which are better suited to families with enough space and a yard to run in.
"Labs are highly trainable and eager to please, which makes them easy to train for various tasks and behaviors." That being said, Joslin says that while Labs are generally healthy, they can be prone to obesity if not provided with adequate exercise and a balanced diet. "Daily walks are essential."
Bernese Mountain Dog
Families with a lot of room and a love of big dogs would do well with this fluffy breed. Askeland calls the Bernese Mountain dog gentle, affectionate, and sturdy. "[They're] Calm, good-natured, and devoted to family," she continues.
But again, and this is important, these are big dogs. Askeland says that the males typically weigh 80-115 pounds whereas females tend to max out around 70-95 pounds.
Basset Hound
Askeland says you can instantly recognize this affectionate dog breed due to their physical features, which she says include being low-slung, long-eared, and sturdy. "[They're] gentle, laid-back, and affectionate, making them wonderful family pets."
Bassets grow to be medium to large sized dogs, and can weigh 40-65 pounds
Poodle
These fluffy pups are intelligent, trainable, and affectionate dogs known for their hypoallergenic coat and friendly disposition, according to Joslin.
Pet parents will have a variety of types to pick from, since Joslin says poodles come in various sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), making them suitable for different living environments. "Poodle coats require regular trimming and brushing," she adds, which means your dog may need a trip to the puppy salon every four to six weeks.
While poodles are generally healthy dogs, Joslin says they may be prone to certain genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions.
Springer Spaniel
These athletic, merry, and versatile dogs make great family pets because they are friendly and eager to please. Askeland says that this breed (which maxes out around 50 pounds) is especially great with children. Whether that's because they both have boundless energy — and Askeland says it is truly boundless — or because this medium sized dog is the perfect size for toddlers and little kids, the fact remains that springer spaniels make excellent family dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
"Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle, and friendly dogs known for their loving nature and tendency to form strong bonds with their families," Joslin says of this smaller sized breed that is well suited for families living in apartments or those without a ton of yard space.
"They are a lower energy breed and appreciate short daily walks and interacting with their family members," she continues. "Cavaliers are intelligent and eager to please, which facilitates training sessions."
Pet parents will need to be aware that while generally healthy, Cavaliers can be prone to certain genetic health issues such as heart problems and neurological disorders.
Norfolk Terrier
Looking for a smaller dog that will mesh well with the little people in your home? Askeland says the Norfolk Terrier — which she calls "small, sturdy, and fearless" — may be the perfect match.
"[They're] alert, lively, and affectionate with children, though may have a stubborn streak," she adds of the small dog, which only reaches 11-12 pounds at maturity.
Brittany Spaniels
There are a lot of spaniel varieties on this list, and for good reason. These playful and affectionate dogs are just plain good with children! And Askeland says that's true of the Brittany breed as well, which is know for being "energetic, compact, and agile."
These medium sized dogs can weigh between 30-40 pounds and are known for their cheerful dispositions.
Bichon Frise
These cheerful, affectionate, and playful dogs known for their friendly demeanor and love for human companionship, according to Joslin, who says this is another small-sized dog breed that's great for families living in apartments or smaller homes.
"They appreciate daily exercise and playtime but are not a high-energy breed," she continues, adding that their coats require routine trimming and brushing, and that they'll need to see a groomer every four to six weeks.
"Bichon Frises are relatively healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain skin and allergy issues," she adds.
Havanese
Another tiny pooch with a big personality, Askeland says the Havanese makes a great family pet because they're so playful and affectionate, two great characteristics to have when raising them alongside children!
"[They're] Outgoing, social, and excellent with children," she continues of the small dogs, which she says typically weigh 7-13 pounds.
Boxer
Joslin calls boxers playful, energetic, and loyal. She says they're known for their affectionate nature and protective instincts toward their families, which makes them a great option for households with kids.
"They are medium- to large-sized dogs with a muscular build," she continues of the dogs that she calls intelligent and eager to please. But, that doesn't mean that they don't take work. "They can be strong-willed, so consistent training is important," she says. "Due to their protective nature, early socialization is important."
When it comes to health concerns, boxers may be prone to certain issues such as heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and certain cancers.
Wheaten Terrier
These "friendly, spirited" dogs are a terrific addition to the family, according to Askeland, who calls them "affectionate, confident, and good with kids and other pets."
These medium sized dog typically weighing 35-40 pounds.
Mixed Breed Dogs
Of course, there's something to be said of the mut.
"Mixed breed dogs tend to pick up general temperament from their parents, though, just like purebred dogs, there are no guarantees of a specific type of temperament," Askeland says.
"There are millions of dogs in shelters and rescues, many of which are mixed breeds and many of which would make a wonderful family pet."
And rescuing your new family member comes with more benefits than just giving a dog a home, Askeland says there's some other pros when it comes to picking these pooches. "An advantage of a mixed breed dog is their genetic variety, meaning they may be less likely to have certain genetic markers for disease or even behavior."
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