When it comes to finding the perfect family dog, there are a lot of things to consider. Not every dog is a good fit for every home, and some breeds just make better companions than others.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 26 best family dogs, perfect for any home.
From the small and playful Boston Terrier to the big and lovable Great Dane, there’s sure to be a dog on this list that will fit your needs and lifestyle perfectly. So read on to see which one is right for you.
26. Beagle
Beagles make excellent family dogs because they are so loving and loyal. They will play with your kids for hours, and then curl up at your feet when it’s time to relax. Beagles don’t require a lot of grooming, and their exercise needs are moderate, so they’re not too high-maintenance.
Also, they are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States, due in part to their friendly dispositions and low maintenance grooming needs.
While they are not the best choice for everyone, beagles can make great pets for families with patience and a little bit of extra space for them to run around.
25. Basset Hound
Basset Hound is a family-friendly dog breed because of their gentle, loving, and laid-back nature.
They are also known for being good with children. Basset Hounds are loving and affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their family.
They are not known for being aggressive or territorial, which makes them great around other people and animals.
24. American Cocker Spaniel
Cockers are known for their playful nature, and friendly and can form a healthy companionship with your children. You can go sporting and brisk walking with these dear Fidos, but you’ll need to sacrifice time to groom them.
The American Cocker Spaniel possesses dark eyes, and measures 14 inches with lush ears that make them one of the prettiest family dog breeds. Even more, these four-legged furry friends come in a variety of colors and will match your preferences.
23. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes need to get attention and have an adequate space to play. They are also high-shedding breeds, so you will need to groom them regularly. Also, these dear Fidos don’t relate well with apartments but will cope well if trained.
Because of their sturdy body and shape, these canine buddies are powerful and strong. You’ll need to keep these furry friends active to avoid getting them bored. Finally, these furry companions belong to a category of dog breeds that have their original looks.
22. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are friendly and can get along with every family member and in any home. However, these canine buddies need plenty of exercise. Once in a while, take them out for training, and don’t forget to offer them dog treats.
In contrast with other dog breeds, the Boston Terriers were created to be fighting dogs, though, as of today, they are one of the most gentle pups. These canine buddies have tuxedo-like markings, which have made them earn the name “American Gentlemen.”
21. Griffon Bruxellois
Griffon Bruxellois are social, and alert, and you can efficiently train them. However, these furry companions are not the perfect playmates for your children because of their sensitive nature.
Griffon Bruxellois are close to humans, so rest assured you will get the best company for as long as you live. These dear Fidos possess a black muzzle bearing the name “bearded dogs.” They also have a thick, sturdy bodies and move like they know what they want.
20. Dachshund
Apart from being family dogs, Dachshunds are watchdogs with big-dog bark. They are not suited for long-distance runs or leaping, but they are vigilant and intelligent to make a good family and watch dogs. These furry friends can get stubborn at times, but their beautiful looks will win your heart.
The phrase “icon” is often misused, but you will agree that this dear Fido is genuinely an icon with its little legs and long body. These family pups weigh between 16 and 32 lbs and can be found in any of these three coats – long-haired, smooth, or wire-haired.
19. King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier takes pride as one of the dogdom’s noblemen. It has a height of not more than 13 inches. The gentle expressions conveyed from its large and round eyes make it a great family dog. Another distinctive trait includes the silky, richly colored coat.
Its aristocratic nature makes it ideal for the family to relate well with kids and other dog breeds. Apart from being aristocrats, this furry friend is faster than the squirrels and athletes.
18. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are pretty similar to bulldogs, except that they have “bat ears.” This pooch possesses a large and square head with wrinkles located just above this dear Fido’s short nose. French Bulldogs have a muscular and compact body with a smooth coat.
These canine buddies are more gentle and not very playful. They bark less but more alert, which makes them one of the best watchdog breeds. Also, they can adapt to family life – whether a large or small family. And finally, these dear furry friends can make good companions with other pets.
17. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are social, always happy, and can get along with humans fast. They will love it if you take them out for training and spend the most time with them. Also, these canine buddies are sturdy, muscular, and longer.
They have a distinctive head shape, which shows how these furry friends can be keen. They have tight skin, and short, harsh, and flat coats. Make it a habit to take this dear Fido out to play and to exercise to keep fit.
16. Boxer
Boxers are very patient, playful, and protective, which is why they can create an excellent companion with children. Apart from their perfect relationship with children, these dear Fidos can also take the roles of a family guardian and a watchdog.
Male Boxers are much taller (25 inches) than females (approximately 21 inches). These furry friends possess a wrinkled forehead, portraying their curious and alert nature. Also, they have a brindle or fawn coat with white markings.
15. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is one of the most beautiful family dogs any homeowner will wish to have. This pooch has a perfect coat of chestnut or mahogany with sinewy legs. The Irish Setters are swift, which makes them one of the best family dogs for sporting activities.
Irish Setters are lovable and ready to make friends. Also, these furry companions make a perfect companion for your kids. Irish Setters are cooperative and are ready to please you when you are out on training.
14. Vizsla
The Vizsla is best known for its golden color. These dear Fidos are muscular and measure between 21 and 24 inches, but they will surprise you at their speed. These canines have a thick and dense coat, protecting them from dangerous objects and elements.
You will love this pooch’s light, smooth, graceful, and ground-covering gait. The Vizslas have silky ears, which makes them lovable at a glance. Finally, these canine buddies can form good companions with hunters who quite often go out to hunt.
13. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a lovable, large, and powerful breed strong enough to rescue a drowning man. This furry friend is friendly but dramatic at times. Newfoundland is longer than its height with a dense and coarse coat.
Male Newfoundlands usually weigh 150 lbs and measure 28 inches in height. On the contrary, female Newfoundlands weigh between 100 to 120 lbs and measure 26 inches in height. You can get these canine buddies in black and white, brown, and black colors.
12. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are good companions with family members, especially children. These dear Fidos are always alert and can make decent watchdogs. The Bichon Frises are not fighters but lovers who will assume there are no strangers but only family members.
The Bichon Frise is confident, which makes this breed a perfect match for city life. These dear Fidos love going out to train and will do everything to please their master. They have a happy good look, which makes them quite lovable.
11. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are good family dogs weighing between 64 to 79 lbs for males and between 55 to 71 lbs for females. Labrador Retrievers measure between 22 and 24 inches for both males and females. These canine buddies have a life expectancy of between 10 to 12 years.
It would be best to feed your Labrador pooch with high-quality food – home-prepared or commercially made. This breed can feed on any diet, whether a puppy, adult, or senior. Some Labradors can get overweight so keep a watch on their calorie intake.
10. Pug
Pug is a small, muscular dog breed and can make a good watchdog. They are available in three color varieties – black, silver, or apricot-fawn with a black face mask. It has a large round head with big sparkling eyes, similar to those of a human being. Their facial expressions are also human-like.
This dog breed is most preferred for kids due to its curiosity and surprising nature. The best part? They can adapt to any environment, whether it’s the city or country. Additionally, this dog breed has an excellent appetite, and as such, its diet needs to be trimmed.
9. Poodle
Poodles will light your home with happiness. These canine buddies are athletic and eager most of the time, making them “real dogs.”
They come in three sizes – Standard, which should measure more than 15 inches tall from the shoulder; Miniatures, which measure at most 15 inches; and finally, the Toys measuring less than 10 inches.
Poodles are also friendly pups and can get along with any family member. Finally, these dear Fidos enjoy going out to train.
8. Rough Collie
Rough Collie is another large dog breed with an average height of up to 26 inches. Collie takes pride in its showy coats with a subtle texture. These coats are sable and include various colors such as white, blue merle, and tricolor. The fanciers boast of its beautiful wedge-shaped head and almond eyes that exhibit a variety of expressions.
Like any other dog breed, Rough Collies are fond of kids and make exceptional family pets. More often, they thrive on regular exercise and company. Also, they are good learners when trained with patience. What’s more, this furry friend is intelligent and loyal.
7. Bulldog
You can’t mistake this furry friend for any other dog breed. The loose skin on the head, sunken nose, furrowed brow, small ears, and exceptional rolling gait are enough specifications to describe this little Fido as a “Bulldog.”
Bulldogs are quite heavy, with weights of up to 50 lbs. As such, they need regular exercise and diet supervision to help with weight management. Meanwhile, you can enjoy brisk walks during the summer due to its short snout that results in labored breathing in hot conditions.
6. Golden Retriever
Agility, outgoing, easy-to-train, and trustworthiness are some of the go-to qualities of a family dog, and that’s what you get from Golden Retriever. They approach life with a lot of energy and take their puppyish behavior into adulthood. More often, they enjoy outdoor play with children.
Additionally, this dog breed is sturdy and muscular to tolerate any harassment from children. The fanciers often describe it as “merry” due to its intelligent and friendly nature.
5. Maltese
Maltese is a hypoallergenic dog breed that’s best for kids. They have long coats but with minimal sheddings. Apart from being in love with children, Maltese relates well with other pets, including other animals. Like Shetland, this pooch requires adequate attention and grooming. Also, they love keeping themselves busy at all times.
Their aristocratic feature makes them hardy and adaptable to any environment. They are also fearless – the top-notch quality of an excellent watchdog. Although this dog breed can be stubborn, sometimes, these dear Fidos are responsive when it comes to training.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is a family-friendly dog breed because of its size and temperament.
They are easy to handle and can be great around kids. They don’t require a lot of exercises, but they do need some daily activity to stay healthy.
Their small size also means they are easier to potty train than some larger breeds. Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent dogs that can be easy to train if you use positive reinforcement methods.
Overall, the Miniature Schnauzer is a great breed for families who are looking for a small, low-maintenance dog that is still intelligent and friendly. If you have the time to commit to training and socializing your dog, then this breed could be a good fit for you.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog is another elegant breed that’s best for super energetic kids. This is because they’re consistently on the move trying to ensure your child doesn’t get bored. Meanwhile, this dog breed requires adequate attention and grooming.
If you’re looking for sensitive and affectionate family dogs, you should check out “Bright and Eager Shelties.” Also, they are great trainers and exceptional competitors in obedience. The best part? These furry friends will bark and behave towards strangers – specifications worth considering in a watchdog.
2. Labradoodle
Labradoodle is not a full breed on its own. Instead, it is a crossbreed of either a Standard Poodle or Miniature. Labradoodle is friendly, reasonably active, and intelligent, just like their parent breed. These furry companions have a curly coat, which you will need to maintain.
Labradoodles are a good bet if you are allergic to canine danders because they can possess a hypoallergenic coat just like their parent breed. According to a report, every home in the United States has traces of dog danders.
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most friendly and gently furry friends you can ever want in your home. These dear Fidos are always pleasant to children but will get more attached to you if you treat them well. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are aloof to strangers.
This canine buddy has all you need in a family dog. First, it has a silky and thick tricolored coat – rust, jetpack, and clear white. The Bernese Mountain Dog is sturdy and measures 27 inches, which is fair compared to some of the tallest family dog breeds measuring 28 inches.
Related Questions
What Is The Best Dog For A Scared Child?
Beagles are the best dog breed for a child who gets scared easily. However, other dog breeds should be good enough for your scared child. Below are some of them:
- English Springer Spaniel
- Newfoundland
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Field Spaniel
- Sealyham Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
What Is The Least Dangerous Dog In The World?
Basset Hound should be the least dangerous family dog. When choosing a family dog, you must check on every breed’s trait before deciding to buy. Below are some other least dangerous family dog breeds:
- Beagle
- Bergamasco
- Irish Setter
Which Is The Most Loyal Dog?
Xoloitzcuintli is the most loyal family dog breed, according to most pet owners. Below are some other loyal family dog breeds you can opt for:
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Dobermann Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
