Considering adding a dog to your family? While any individual dog can turn out to be a wonderful family member, in general not all dog breeds are appropriate for families. Dogs that are too protective, naturally aggressive, or oversized and rambunctious, can lead to accidental injuries or, worse, deliberate attacks on kids who were in the way or did the wrong thing at the wrong time.
The two most important characteristics to consider when selecting a family dog are temperament and energy level. Though size can be a factor — a large dog can knock over a small child — it doesn’t have to be an issue. Several large dogs are excellent (and gentle!) with children.
Temperament
You want a “happy” dog. While that’s not an official breed characteristic, you want a dog that’s generally agreeable, likes people, and, generally, is just happy-go-lucky. Liking people is especially important. You want a pup that will form strong bonds with his human family but also won’t be so overprotective that your friends and family have to worry about it being aggressive.
Energy Level
Are you a high-energy family? Have small kids that like to run around? Or have teenagers that would rather play on their computers than take the dog out for a run? You need a dog that matches the energy level of your family.
If your family likes to hit the hiking trails or go kayaking every weekend, you’ll want a dog with lots of energy to keep up with you. Families that are more laid-back, spend their time reading or playing boardgames, will want a calmer dog with less need for regular exercise.
Mismatch the energy level and you could wind up with a dog with behavioral problems (high energy dog/low energy family). Alternately, you might find yourself frustrated that your dog doesn’t want to join you on all your adventures (high energy family/low energy dog).
Ready to bring a dog into your family? Here are the top 15 family dogs to consider.
Alaskan Malamute
Ready to add a fiercely loyal pack member to your family? The Alaskan Malamute, bred to be part of a sled team, is happiest when it’s part of a pack. Malamutes are affectionate, playful, and love people. They’re also active dogs, so are best with kids that like to run around and play. Parents that are active — joggers, hikers, etc. — will find a willing companion in a Malamute.
They do need early puppyhood training to ensure they know who the boss is, but other than that, they make great family members.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a big dog (about 2.5 feet tall, and 90 to 115 pounds) with a mellow disposition, making it ideal for families with kids — even the younger set, with whom they’re naturally gentle. They love people, but most of all their family, and often select one member of the family as their favorite.
Though they are calm dogs, they do enjoy play, like to be outside, and require about 30 minutes of active exercise a day. Berners do best in colder climates, so if you live in the deep South, they might not be the best choice for you.
Beagle
These high-energy dogs thrive in big families, where there’s always someone to play with. They’ve got sweet, happy dispositions, are perfectly child-sized, and like nothing better than exploring the outside world with their human best friends.
Smart and curious, a little bit of training never hurt a Beagle. Additionally, they are rather vocal so aren’t best for families living in apartments.
Boxer
Looking for a dog that is just as good as keeping an eye on your kids as it is on playing with them? Look no further than the Boxer. Fun-loving and playful, boxers have a lot of patience and enjoy a good romp with the kids. But they also take their jobs as guardians seriously and will keep strangers away if your child is out and about.
Because they are so fiercely protective, exposure to lots of people at a young age and training are needed to ensure they don’t keep the wrong people away too aggressively.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Once recommended to us as the best dog breed for first-time dog owners, Cavaliers are an excellent choice for a family with children. Just over a foot tall, they’re sweet and easy going but lively making them a great childhood companion.
They’re also a good fit for active or stay-at-home families as they’re just as happy to spend the day playing as they are to hang on the couch.
Collie
What kid doesn’t need his or her very own Lassie?! Collies love kids, are super loyal, and love to play. They’re also super intelligent, take quickly to training, rarely misbehave, and have generally happy-go-lucky personalities. Collies are also fairly active and vocal dogs, so definitely best for on-the-go families.
Collies are also naturally protective, but you’ll want to nip their tendency to herd the kids in the bud.
French Bulldog
One of the more popular small-dog breeds, French Bulldogs are easy going, playful and smart. They’re low-energy, so best suited for families that like to stay home, watch TV, or play video games. Frenchies get on well with other dogs, as well as cats, and enjoy meeting new people so you don’t have to worry about friends coming over.
They’re also quite adaptable, and do well in city apartments or suburban homes.
Golden Retriever
The epitome of a family dog, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Always happy, eager to please, loyal, patient, and playful, Goldens really are the perfect companion for any child. Goldens are also super intelligent and great for things like agility training and competitive obedience trials.
Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy, are very active, and need regular daily exercise, so need to be with kids that like to play a lot.
Irish Setter
One of the more beautiful dog breeds, the Irish Setter is also a wonderful family dog. They love people, are super playful and good with kids. They’re best for families with yards as they require lots of exercise and running around. Kids that never tire of throwing a ball will find a great friend in an Irish Setter.
Incredibly outgoing, Irish Setters need lots of attention and don’t like to be left alone so they’re best with families that like to take the dog wherever they go.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have been the number one dog breed in the U.S. for more than 20 years, and for a reason! Highly intelligent, loving, protective, patient — there’s really nothing bad you can say about a Lab. They get along with other dogs and like pretty much everyone.
Among the most active dogs out there, Labs need lots and lots of exercise. They’re particularly fond of water so would do well with families that like to swim, raft, and kayak.
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Newfoundland
Another giant dog that is, despite its size (over two-feet tall, 100 to 150 pounds), an excellent family dog. Highly intelligent, super gentle, patient, and especially fond of kids, they’re super protective of their “family,” which has earned them the nickname “nature’s babysitter.”
Newfies require regular exercise and love to be outside. They’re also natural swimmers and love the water, so are great for families that live near the ocean, lakes, and rivers.
Poodle
Highly intelligent and elegant, Poodles are also gentle, patient, and loyal making them great for families. They’re especially good for homes with kids with allergies as they don’t shed much. They like to play and are great partners for families that want to participate in obedience or agility competitions.
Poodles can be shy with people, but they do bond with their human families
Pug
The child-sized Pug is a even-tempered, loving dog that lives to spend time with its family. They are eager to please and adaptable, making them great for house and apartment living. They’re also very curious and can be mischievous so a little training doesn’t hurt.
Pugs aren’t overly active but do need regular exercise to prevent them from getting chubby.
Terriers
Though there are many, many varieties of terriers, almost all of them have one thing in common — they make wonderful family dogs. They’re friendly, playful, and loyal. They’re also all a little bit mischievous, which make them great partners in crime for young kids. Because there are so many kinds of terriers, families have lots of choice when picking the right one for their home.
In general, terriers have lots of energy and need regular exercise. Couch potato households are not the best place for a spirited terrier.
Mutts
One option every family should consider when planning on bringing a dog into the fold is adoption. Mixed-breed rescue dogs can be the friendliest, happiest dogs on earth. And rescue groups are adept at matching families with the perfect pup because they’ve had time to get to know each dog, its personality, and its needs.
Plus, when you adopt, you not only get an amazing best friend, you help save lives, which is a wonderful lesson for any child.
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