The Best Dog Breeds for Families: Find Your Next Family Dog

This article will break down the best dog breeds for families, offering 5 kid-friendly dogs to choose from.

After all, what’s better than packing up the car for a trip to the park with you, your partner, your kids, and the family dog?

Let’s get started!

Top 3 Considerations for Family-Friendly Dog Breeds

No single dog breed is right for every family out there. Every family is different and has their own preferences and needs.

In fact, a feature in a dog breed that one family might love could be the reason another family decides to choose a different one.

Before we get into a deep dive of each breed, let’s review the three basic factors every family should consider before getting a dog.

1. Size

The dogs on this list range from small to large breeds so there is a good fit for different family preferences.

With that said, size is a big factor when you’re looking for the best dog for kids.

Bigger dogs generally require more space than smaller breeds. That means families with smaller living spaces, apartments, or condos may need to think carefully before choosing a larger breed.

Smaller dogs, on the other hand, can sometimes be a less-than-ideal fit for families with very young kids. Young children may not always know how to properly treat a smaller dog and might be a little too rough with it.

2. Temperament

Depending on the temperament of the breed, some dogs may bark more or less, some may have higher or lower energy levels, and some may or may not be prone to chewing.

All of those are important things to think about in a dog breed.

If you have young children who might get bothered or upset by a loud, barking dog, or if you have fragile items that you don’t want an energetic dog to chew on, temperament matters.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an energetic jogging partner or an active playmate for your kids, you’ll want to get a breed with a more spirited temperament.

Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect furry friend to curl up with on the sofa between you and your kids. Whatever your taste, there’s a great fit for you.

3. Care Requirements

All dogs require care and maintenance, but different breeds require different commitments.

A longer-haired breed, for example, will require more brushing and grooming than a short-haired breed.

If you already have a busy schedule with work, kids, hobbies, and house care, and you are looking for a lower-maintenance dog, a short-haired breed may be a better choice.

Our Top Five Dog Breeds for Families With Children

Without further ado, these are our top five picks for the best dog breeds for kids. Keep in mind they are not in order. Evaluate the pros and cons and pick the breed that fits best for your family.

1. Beagle

We kick off our list of the best dog breeds for families with an American icon: the Beagle. This hunting dog is packed with energy for anything you and your family want to do, and it is also a main character in one of the most famous Sunday comics of all time as Snoopy in “Peanuts.”

Beagle Breed Pros

The Beagle has a relatively smaller size, which makes them easier to carry and hold, and they have a calm yet energetic temperament that’s great for families.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, a Beagle is right at home in almost any outdoor setting.

If you have kids who love playing outside, hiking, or going on outdoor runs, the Beagle can be a trusting companion because of their deep-seated love of nature.

Smart, friendly, and happy, the Beagle is a short-haired breed that also tends to get along with other pets. And, of course, you can always name them Snoopy.

Beagle Breed Cons

Despite being a short-haired breed, Beagles do require a bit of grooming. They tend to shed quite a bit, and because of how active and high-energy they are, they tend to get into things and need more frequent bathing.

Since they’re hounds, Beagles are known for being more vocal, with a loud bark and some howling.

They can also be a little stubborn, which can make obedience training and house training more difficult.

2. Golden Retriever

We might be a bit biased here, but the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in America and is synonymous with the American lifestyle.

You see them everywhere from service and guide dogs to major motion pictures like the “Air Bud” series.

As you’ll see, Golden Retrievers earn their place as one of the best dog breeds for families many times over.

Golden Retriever Breed Pros

As one of the smartest, most confident, kind, and loyal dog breeds out there, the Golden Retriever is a great choice for many types of families.

With neither an overly aggressive nor timid temperament, their innate patience makes them a great match for kids of many ages and families of many sizes.

Goldens are as smart and kind as they are obedient and trainable, meaning anyone who comes across you walking your dog may fall under their adorable spell instantly.

While their fluffy coats do require some brushing during the week, they usually do not get very dirty because they prefer to live indoors with their family rather than outside for long stretches of time.

On top of all of that, they even have their special soft mouth grip, showcased in the popular egg challenge, so you don’t need to worry about your dog hurting your kids. Not that you would have to worry about them biting your kids in the first place.

Golden Retriever Breed Cons

You’ll need to dedicate time to playing with this dog because Golden Retrievers love to exercise and need stimulation.

Anything your dog can fetch, whether it’s a ball or flying disc, your Golden Retriever will probably love it.

Fortunately, it’s a pretty easy con to take care of.

More: Learn about the different types of golden retrievers.

3. French Bulldog

It’s easy to see why French Bulldogs have become one of the most popular family dogs in America. Their compact size, playful personality, and affection for their people make them a strong choice for many households.

French Bulldogs tend to form close bonds with their families and are often happiest when they’re included in everyday life. Whether you’re relaxing at home, taking a walk through the neighborhood, or spending time with the kids, a Frenchie usually wants to be right in the middle of the action.

French Bulldog Breed Pros

For families looking for a smaller companion breed with a big personality, French Bulldog puppies can be a great option. French Bulldogs are known for their friendly, people-oriented temperament. While every dog is different, many Frenchies are affectionate companions who enjoy spending time with both adults and children.

Their smaller size makes them a practical choice for families living in apartments, townhomes, or homes with limited yard space. Unlike some high-energy breeds, French Bulldogs typically require moderate exercise and are often content with a few walks and plenty of family time.

Frenchies are also known for their entertaining personalities. They’re playful, expressive, and often provide their owners with plenty of laughs.

French Bulldog Breed Cons

French Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, which means training requires consistency and patience.

Because of their short muzzle, they may also be more sensitive to heat than many other breeds and should be monitored carefully during hot weather and strenuous exercise.

Some French Bulldogs can be prone to snoring, grunting, and other noises that many owners find charming, though not everyone appreciates a noisy sleeper.

As with any breed, prospective owners should research common health concerns and work with responsible breeders who prioritize health and temperament. You can learn more about common French Bulldog health concerns before bringing a puppy home.

 

4. Collie

When it comes to pop culture, the only dog even close to the Golden Retriever for its fame is the Collie, also known as “Lassie.”

Not only are they a well-known breed, but they easily make our list of best dog breeds for families.

Smart-as-a-whip, they’re a great long-haired option for families looking for a loyal, dependent, medium-sized dog.

Collie Breed Pros

This typically mild-mannered herding dog is packed full of energy, easily trainable, and ready to play for hours on end.

Collies are gentle dogs, although they may not be particularly fond of rough play with very small children.

For first-time dog owners looking for a dog that’s trusting and trainable, the Collie is a fantastic pick.

Collie Breed Cons

While Collies are mild-mannered and smart dogs, those features can make them a bit stubborn until they’re properly trained.

Also, if you don’t consistently challenge your Collie with new tricks and tasks, they can get bored. PetMD notes that a lack of activity may lead to frustration in the breed.

Their long, silky fur can also be challenging to keep clean and groomed. They should be brushed often and taken to the groomer for regular care so their coat stays healthy and beautiful.

You may need to spend extra time, energy, and money grooming a breed like the Collie.

5. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle, which gives you the best of both.

Imagine combining the loyalty, intelligence, and energy of a Golden with the beautiful, curly hair of a Poodle.

Goldendoodles can easily be considered one of the best dog breeds for families.

Goldendoodle Pros

Known as smart, trainable, and well-tempered dogs, Goldendoodles come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s not hard to find one that could fit your home.

Also, consider this: They’re one of the few low-shedding dog options around, which can be helpful if you tend to suffer from allergies, and they come in a wide range of colors.

Their short, wavy coats generally don’t require much grooming.

And they can live up to 15 years, making them a great choice for families looking for a companion their kids can grow up with.

Goldendoodle Cons

This dog breed has a lot of energy, loves to play, and can wear out even the most energetic family with its love of play.

Daily outdoor exercise is a must for this breed.

Another issue is that if they’re left alone for too long, much like their Golden Retriever cousins, they can feel separation anxiety and chew things to deal with the stress.

Remember: The Best Family Dogs Don’t Come From Puppy Mills

Now, hopefully, you have a better idea of which dog breed fits best with your family. But when choosing the next member of your family, there’s one more extremely important thing that requires your vigilance.

Please avoid supporting puppy mills. These mass-production “factories” use unethical practices to maximize profits and the number of puppies, and they can condition their dogs to fear humans and be anti-social.

At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we aim to raise the standard. We are a network of small, independent Golden Retriever breeders, and each breeder must be committed to:

• Carefully planned breedings
• Striving to raise healthy, socialized puppies that represent the Golden Retriever breed well and are ready to transition smoothly to new homes
• Backing each pup with our 2-year genetic health guarantee
• Working closely with licensed veterinarians to be sure puppies are healthy and that deworming and vaccination protocols are current

Even better, each puppy grows up with daily socialization so they are ready and excited for a loving family life with children.

More: Dogs and Depression: 13 Ways A Dog Can Make You Happier