Bringing a new family member into your home is a big decision. Especially when that member has four legs and a wagging tail. Choosing the best dog breed for families means more than just picking a cute face. You’ll want a dog that fits your family’s lifestyle, has a friendly disposition. And interacts well with children, other pets, and adults.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Labrador retriever has consistently ranked as the most popular family dog for over 30 years in the US. However, it’s far from the only great choice.
From small dogs perfect for apartments to medium-sized dogs with playful energy, there are breeds suited for active families with very young children. Whether you need an affectionate dog, a loyal companion, or a wonderful companion, there is a perfect match out there for every family.
Best Dog Breeds for Families
1. Labrador Retriever
As noted by Purina, this is a classic family dog known for their friendly demeanor and easy-to-train nature. Labs are highly intelligent and adapt easily to a household with small children. This makes them one of the best dog breeds for families.
They need daily exercise, like long walks or fetch sessions. They also thrive on human companionship. Labrador Retrievers are also generally healthy, though proper training is essential to manage their boundless energy.
Their weight is usually around 55 to 80 pounds. It makes them sturdy enough to play with little kids without being too weak. Labradors have short, smooth fur that’s easy to care for, but they do shed quite a bit.
Brushing them once a week with a comb or bristle brush and giving them a bath when needed can help reduce shedding and keep their coat clean.
2. Golden retriever
The VCA Animal Hospitals emphasize that the Golden Retriever is another top pick for families with children. It is known for its gentle nature and sweet-natured personality. This affectionate dog fits perfectly into homes that are loving and playful. Goldens are excellent family dogs, offering loyalty and a fun-loving spirit.
They require mental stimulation, lots of play, and daily brushing due to their thick coats. These friendly dogs weigh around 55-75 pounds and thrive in loving homes with enough space to run. They’re also very social with other dogs and kids of all ages.
They are known for being patient and tolerant, even with energetic kids, and their playful nature makes them great companions for active families. While they’re gentle, it’s important that all family members—including young children—treat them with kindness and respect, as even the most patient dogs have limits.
3. Beagles
Compact and full of charm, the beagle is one of the best dogs for families living in smaller houses and apartments. They have a big personality, are easy to train, and make great companions for kids and other dogs.
They enjoy sniffing, exploring, and being around people. Their playful nature makes them a good family dog, but without enough daily exercise, they may start misbehaving. Beagles weigh 20-30 pounds and are quite suitable for both young children and adults.
Beagles are fairly low-maintenance overall, but they do need daily exercise—either a long walk on a leash or active play in a secure, fenced yard. Some Beagles are known to be escape artists, so strong fencing is a must.
Britannica states that their short coat only needs brushing once or twice a week to manage shedding, though more frequent grooming helps during shedding seasons. Beagles also tend to gain weight easily, so it’s important to monitor their food intake to keep them healthy.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog breeds
With their sturdy build and gentle nature, Bernese dogs are ideal for families who have enough space and enjoy daily walks. They’re often seen as excellent companions for children because of their calm, affectionate demeanor.
Although they’re considered good with children, they do best with proper training from an early age. They typically weigh between 70-115 pounds, so their large size means they may be more appropriate for a bit older children rather than toddlers.
Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular, moderate exercise along with consistent training and socialization to stay happy and well-behaved. Grooming is simple but does require effort—expect a good amount of shedding and the occasional bit of drool. Regular brushing helps manage their thick coat and keeps them looking their best.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for a small dog with a loving heart, the Cavalier King Charles is a perfect fit. These excellent family dogs are known for their outgoing nature, friendly disposition, and adaptability.
Cavaliers love cuddles and get along great with very young children. They are also a good option for homes with low activity levels or elderly pet parents, due to their laid-back personality. They weigh just 13-18 pounds, making them ideal for families living in apartments.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are usually easy to care for, especially when it comes to grooming and basic training. Their medium-length coat needs regular brushing to stay tidy, but doesn’t require trimming.
They’re smart, eager to please, and pick up training quickly. However, they can be prone to certain health issues, like heart and neurological conditions, so regular vet checkups are important to keep them healthy.
6. Irish setter
The Irish setter is best known for its striking red coat and playful nature. They have a high energy level and need lots of space to run, making them perfect for active family members who enjoy outdoor activities. Weighing between 60-70 pounds, Irish Setters have a slim, graceful frame and a feathered coat that needs frequent grooming.
Setters crave human companionship, and their fun-loving spirit keeps children entertained. They’re friendly dogs with minimal health issues, though regular grooming is a must.
The Irish Setter is a happy, affectionate dog who loves to please and is full of energy. They enjoy having a purpose, so giving them a job or task keeps them engaged. Training should be consistent but fun to prevent boredom.
They respond best to positive, reward-based methods and don’t do well with harsh or heavy-handed corrections. Early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended to help them grow into a well-mannered companion.
7. Bulldog
The bulldog is laid laid-back, affectionate dog with a calm demeanor that makes it one of the best dog breeds for families. Especially those looking for a lower-energy pet. Bulldogs are known for their gentle nature and strong bonds with young children. It makes them a favorite for homes with very young children or first-time pet parents.
They usually weigh between 40-50 pounds and don’t need intense daily exercise, but short walks and playtime are important to prevent health issues like obesity. They do require the same attention to health, particularly for breathing issues and skin folds, which need regular cleaning.
With a sturdy build and loving personality, Bulldogs do well in both houses and apartments. They’re also friendly with other pets and thrive on human companionship.
8. Collie
Made famous by Lassie, the Collie is a gentle, loyal companion known for its friendly disposition and love for children. Collies are extremely affectionate dogs and are considered excellent family pets, particularly for families with small children.
They weigh 50-75 pounds and need regular daily walks and mental stimulation. Their highly intelligent nature makes them easy to train, and they are quick to pick up on routines and family dynamics.
Collies are also known for their protective instincts and are often good-natured with other pets when properly socialized.
Their thick coat does require brushing, but their outgoing nature and strong desire to spend time with family make them an ideal choice for loving homes. They come in both rough and smooth coat varieties, both requiring regular brushing. While generally healthy, they may be sensitive to certain medications, so a vet familiar with the breed is recommended.
Conclusion
Choosing the best breed for your family involves more than looks or popularity. It’s about understanding your household’s needs. Consider your home size, daily exercise routine, and how a dog interacts with kids, other pets, and adults. The Labrador retriever and Golden retriever are two of the most popular and trusted choices for families. They are not the only ones. Breeds like Cavalier, Collie, and Beagle are also excellent companions for homes with young children.
It’s also worth noting that many mixed breeds make wonderful family pets. In fact, their blended traits often create dogs with balanced temperaments and fewer health issues. Shelters are full of sweet-natured, loving dogs just waiting for a second chance.
While some American Staffordshire Terriers have had a bad rep, with proper training and socialization, they can become loyal, protective, and good with children in the right home.
Ultimately, the best dog breed for families is one that matches your lifestyle, energy level, and affection. With time, love, and care, any dog, purebred or mixed breed, can grow into a cherished family member and your child’s best friend.
