The friendship between dogs and humans goes a long way. Dogs have always been homo sapiens’ best companions & efficient work partners. Not to forget the serving looks part; dogs are the most beautiful creatures to ever exist.
And as a dog lover, choosing one breed can be difficult as each has its own charm and characteristics.
However, before adopting/buying a dog breed as a family dog, factors like the breed’s temperament, overall sociability, shedding proneness, size, and, most importantly, your lifestyle need to be considered.
So, read this article until the end and find the right dog for your family.
Best Family Dogs for Your Humble Abode
We have listed below the best dog breeds for you that would make great family pets.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers always tend to dominate the list of best dog breeds as family dogs. Their super-friendly & affectionate nature makes them one of the best dogs for kids; great babysitters. Compared to other dogs, this social breed is least prone to aggression and is a loyal companion.
And if trained properly, they are pretty obedient and have a strong urge to please their human family. The bark level is moderately high; the prey drive is prominent, making them great hunting dogs and the cutest guard dogs.
2. Bulldog
Bulldogs make great dogs for a household due to their high compatibility with children. They have calm yet amusing personalities. They are like your low-maintenance roommate; they just require weekly breeding. Moreover, they are willing to learn and respond well to obedience training sessions.
With this breed, it doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment. As this wrinkly breed adapts well to its surroundings. Bulldogs are quiet and don’t have a brimming passion for exercise/playing either and will love to be your Netflix and chill partner, laying comfortably on the couch.
3. Golden Retriever
Quite similar to Lab Retrievers in appearance, Golden Retrievers tend to be more considerate, and gentle overall. This breed is a high-energy goofball with a never-ending passion for playing, running, and tugging on things. Thus they require lots of exercise sessions.
Golden Retriever is an all-rounder breed: quick-witted, medium-sized, good with children, and gets along well with other dogs. However, they demand a great deal of your attention and are susceptible to separation anxiety, which is why they are more suitable for active families.
4. Beagle
Referred to as ” Merry” by their admirers, Beagles are one of the most famous hound dogs. Their small size makes them perfect cuddle partners.
Beagles tend to be vocal (in other words, bark) when it comes to expressing their views: it’s going to be hard beating them in an argument. Although, they are not ideal as guard dogs.
Beagles make great family dogs due to their cheerful nature, minimal maintenance needs, and pretty good social skills. They are hound dogs, so they have a high energy level to play, run and accompany you on your hiking adventures. These pack animals don’t like to stay alone for longer periods.
5. Pug
The Pug breed is the goofiest-looking breed, with their ultimate destination being your lap. Pugs are an even-tempered breed that loves to be pampered and held and can be a little mischievous. Their wrinkly face gives them an adorable wiggly appearance, and their sparkly eyes add to it.
This small-legged breed doesn’t bark unnecessarily like other breeds. It is a moderately active dog and requires exercise regularly. They are affectionate, but it’s better to supervise their time with kids, a new pet, and other animals. Their compact size and easygoing nature make them perfect for human companionship.
6. Irish Setter
Irish setters are not only great dog breeds for families but are also super competitive in the world of dog sports with exceptional herding skills. It is the sweetest and most caring breed that loves its owners unconditionally. However, they need regular grooming and great coat care to keep looking magnificent all the time.
Moreover, it’s a hyperactive breed with an unending love for playing outdoors and requires a lot of exercise for proper mental and physical stimulation. It is companionable, likes spending time with kids, and has the ability to befriend other dogs.
7. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon is a very intelligent breed that responds greatly to positive, consistent training. But you must ensure they are physically and mentally stimulated for best behavior.
This beautiful breed is loving and sensitive and loves going on brisk walks with its owners. Their coat sheds seasonally but requires weekly brushing and grooming.
You don’t need big backyards to adopt Griffons; they adjust easily to apartment living. It generally does well in families with children and other pets. Although, it’s best to supervise their time with toddlers and young children. They bark only when they need to.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are admired for their outgoing and sociable nature, and they enjoy spending time with others.
They are also known to be good with children and other pets, making them great companion dogs. Cavaliers are also popular for being adaptable and peaceful dogs.
They are relatively small in size and one of the best dogs to train, making them well-suited for families with limited space. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please. Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving breed that is suitable for families and individuals looking for a companion dog.
9. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is the most patient furry companion and wins everyone’s heart with their swoon-worthy soft-shaggy coat appearance. It is smart and likes to be productive by pretending to help its owners do something.
Moreover, they are super sweet and caring with children. Besides that, they are intelligent and do an extraordinary job as rescue dogs.
Newfoundlands are gentle giants and get attached to their owners; they need daily human contact. And if separated for too long, they can get separation anxiety and chew on things due to mental distress.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, strong, and sturdy breed known for their calm, friendly, and loyal nature. These dogs have outgoing personalities and are considered to be good with children and other pets, making them good family dog breed.
These dogs are also famous for their intellect and trainability, but they can be stubborn at times. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent training. Their cleverness makes them protective of their family members, making them great watchdogs.
However, their long, thick, and glossy coat requires regular grooming and their strong, athletic build, makes them better-suited for outdoor activities.
11. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are the cuter version of bulldogs with the spirit of a wise old soul. They have what most people don’t have simultaneously; a striking appearance with an amazing, irresistible personality.
A celebrity among the small-dog breeds, French Bulldog is savvy, playful, and has an impressively adaptive nature.
If you aren’t a very energetic person, these dogs will suit you well as they aren’t very active either. They are calm, trainable, easygoing, and good with kids, which makes them great family pets, especially for city dwellers.
12. Collie
Collie has a striking resemblance to the Bernese Mountain dog, but these are two different breeds. Collies are well-known herding dogs. Their territorial nature makes them protective and, thus, great guard dogs.
They are athletic, graceful, and very high-energy dogs who will devote their life to you. A rigorous exercise session daily is essential to meet their activity levels so that an active family will be well-suited for them.
Their shedding is seasonal and maintenance occasional, which makes them good for first-time dog owners. They get along well with children.
13. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute looks a lot like huskies but is less dramatic and more strong than them. It is not a toy breed but a heavy-duty working, big, and strong breed, which can be quite overwhelming for some to have as a pet.
If you live in a cold temperature setting, then Alaskan Malamute will be an ideal dog to accompany you on your winter adventures.
However, they are not ideal for first-time owners. Only a well-experienced and confident master can tackle their stubbornness and train them properly. They are friendly with kids, but it’s better to have them around adults or older kids.
14. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a pint-sized bundle of energy and is loved for their lively and playful nature. They are affectionately referred to as “The American Gentleman” because of their dapper tuxedo-like coat and their well-mannered disposition.
These little dynamos are known for their curious and mischievous nature, always eager to explore and investigate their surroundings. They have a keen sense of humor and love to make their humans laugh with their silly antics.
Their compact size and low maintenance coat make them a perfect choice for both city residents and apartment dwellers. If you’re looking for a tiny breed with an easy-going personality, then get this gorgeous pup!
15. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This popular breed is appreciated for their boundless enthusiasm and happy-go-lucky nature, always ready for an adventure or a game of fetch.
These little balls of energy have a keen sense of curiosity that keeps them on their toes. Their fluffy, wheat-colored coat is a real attention grabber, it’s soft and silky to the touch, and it requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
They are a perfect companion for active families looking for a big fluffy dog, low-maintenance, and loving companion with a hyperactive personality. However, they tend to bark a lot if not properly trained.
16. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are renowned for being socially active, mellow, and gentle but energetic dog breeds. They are typically seen to be friendly with adults and kids alike.
Moreover, they are usually not aggressive toward people or other animals, this also means that they are fantastic family dogs but not recommended as watchdogs.
These dogs can be an excellent choice for first-time dog owners but remember these are high maintenance dogs with a range of potential health concerns that are typically higher than other dogs.
17. Havanese
Havanese can be fabulous addition to your family if you have kids around since it is a very gentle breed. Although these are high maintenance dogs due to their long coats but its a small price to pay for these gorgeous buddies.
These dogs are usually not aggressive if trained properly from a very young age. However, Havanese are super smart and can show their naughty side by nipping gently on hands or chewing on other stuff at home.
These dogs are prone to separation anxiety and aren’t a great choice if you’re going to leave them alone for longer periods of time.
Final Thoughts
If dog lovers could do that, they would adopt/get every breed and make them a part of their family. But that’s not realistically possible. Now, every breed is beautiful and has its own charm and distinct traits that make them unique.
So, before you adopt any breed, you need to ask yourself these questions. Whether your living space is ideal for it? Are you ready for the responsibility? Will you be able to devote your time, energy, and money? Will it be a better fit for your family and children?
If yes, follow your heart and give your favorite breed a forever home!
