When you’re looking for the great dog for your family, it’s crucial to choose a breed that fits well with your family’s lifestyle and energy levels. Do you want a playful companion who can keep up with your kids’ energy, or are you seeking a calm, cuddly dog to relax with after a long day?
Consider your living situation as well—do you have a spacious backyard or live in a more compact home? Some breeds thrive in larger homes or open spaces, while others are perfectly content in apartments or smaller settings.
Bringing a great dog into your family is exciting, but it can also be challenging to find the right fit. We’ve rounded up the best loyal dog breeds that are great for families with children. Each one has unique traits to make sure both your children and your new pet enjoy a harmonious, loving relationship.
Best Loyal Dog Breeds Perfect for Families With Kids
Here are the delightful breeds that top the list for family suitability.
1. Golden Retriever
Personality & History
Originally bred for bird hunting, Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence and gentle patience. They’ve since become one of the most popular dog breeds, beloved for their friendly demeanor and iconic status in movies and TV.
Affectionate Behavior with Kids
Goldens are incredibly patient and affectionate with children. Their calm temperament makes them popular family pets and cuddle companions, and they form strong bonds with their young family members.
Loyalty Traits & Training
Loyalty: Golden Retrievers are extremely loyal, enjoying being part of family activities.
Training: Easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, but they need early socialization.
Exercise Needs: Highly energetic, requiring daily exercise to prevent boredom.
- Grooming: Regular brushing is essential due to shedding, as per PDSA.
2. Labrador Retriever
Personality & History
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature. Originally bred for hunting and retrieving, they’ve become ideal family pets due to their high trainability and playful demeanor.
Affectionate Behavior with Kids
Labs are highly social, best family dogs who get along well with children. Their patient and loving temperament makes them excellent companions for kids, and they enjoy being part of family activities, whether it’s playtime or cuddling on the couch.
Loyalty Traits & Training
Loyalty: Labs are a loyal dog breed and bond closely with their families, forming strong connections.
Training: Highly trainable due to their eagerness to please. They thrive on positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs: Labs need plenty of physical exercise. They’re happiest in active households that can keep up with their energy levels.
Grooming: Labs shed moderately, so regular brushing is recommended, especially during shedding season.
3. Boxer
Personality & History
Boxers are known for their boundless energy and playful nature. Originally bred for guarding and working, they’re highly intelligent and eager to learn, according to Britannica. Though they may look serious, they are incredibly loving and thrive in active households that can match their energy.
Affectionate Behavior with Kids
Boxers are an affectionate dog breed and protective of their families, especially children. Their playful personality makes them great companions and the best dog breed, but they can be too boisterous for very young kids. They form strong bonds and are often quite attached to their family members.
Loyalty Traits & Training
Loyalty: Boxers are fiercely loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs plus family dogs.
Training: Smart but occasionally stubborn, Boxers enjoy learning and excel in activities like obedience and agility training.
Exercise Needs: Boxers are high-energy and require plenty of exercise, including walks, runs, and playtime.
Grooming: Low-maintenance coat but needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
4. Collie
Background & History
Though the exact origins of the Collie are unclear, they are believed to have originated in Scotland as sheepdogs.
The breed gained popularity in England after Queen Victoria took an interest in them, and Collies became famous show dogs, according to WebMD. They are known for being the smartest dog breed, with energy and a loving nature.
Temperament with Children
Collies are gentle, affectionate, and patient, making them fun-loving family dogs for children. Their calm demeanor and strong bonds with their families make them loyal and protective, ensuring they’re the best dog breed for households with kids.
Loyalty & Training
Loyalty: Collies are deeply loyal and protective of their family, always eager to please their humans.
Training: Highly intelligent and trainable, Collies thrive with positive reinforcement and consistent training. Early socialization is key to ensuring they adapt well to family interaction.
Exercise Needs: They’re active and require regular exercise, including playtime and mental stimulation, to keep them from getting bored.
Grooming: Their thick coat requires regular brushing to maintain, especially during shedding season.
5. Newfoundland
Background & History
Newfoundlands are known for their sweet, gentle nature and massive size. Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen in Canada, they’ve become excellent family dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and calm demeanor.
Temperament with Children
Newfoundlands are fantastic family dogs that are good with children, thanks to their patient and affectionate personalities. While they’re gentle giants, their large size means supervision is necessary around small kids to prevent accidental knocks.
Loyalty & Training
Loyalty: Newfoundlands are deeply devoted and loyal to their families, thriving on companionship.
Training: They are easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They do well with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs: While not an overly energetic breed, they still require daily walks, swims, or light hikes to stay healthy.
Grooming: Their thick coat needs regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Background & History
The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from the Bern region of Switzerland, where they were bred to herd cattle, guard farms, and pull heavy loads, as per PetMD.
Their strength and versatility made them invaluable working dogs in rural areas. Today, they’re cherished for their calm and affectionate nature as a friendly dog breed.
Temperament with Children
Bernese Dogs are affectionate and gentle, making them great companions for children. Their laid-back temperament and love for being around family members make them a good choice for homes with kids as the best family dog, though they’re a large dog breed that requires supervision, especially around younger children.
Loyalty & Training
Loyalty: Berners are loyal family dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They enjoy being part of daily activities and are typically friendly toward strangers and other pets.
Training: Easy to train due to their intelligence and desire to please, although their large size and strength may require extra attention, especially with young kids.
Exercise Needs: Despite their size, they are relatively low-energy. Regular walks, some playtime, and mental stimulation keep them content.
Grooming: Berners shed significantly, and their thick coat requires regular brushing. They are also prone to drooling.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Background & History
Named after King Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel combines the elegance of a toy breed with the energy of a sporting spaniel, as per Hill’s Pet. This breed’s noble lineage traces back to British nobility, where they were cherished as companions, blending athleticism with grace.
Temperament with Children
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and great with children. Their sweet nature and playful spirit make them the best family dogs, and they enjoy both active play and cuddling on the couch, adapting well to various household activities.
Loyalty & Training
Loyalty: Cavaliers are loyal, smart, and loving dogs, always eager to be close to their family members.
Training: They are intelligent and easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs: They enjoy moderate exercise and outdoor play but are also content with lounging at home.
Grooming: Their silky coat requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best.
Conclusion
Selecting the best loyal dog breeds for families with kids depends on your family’s lifestyle and the space available. Breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog offer a perfect blend of gentle nature, loyalty, and affection, making them great companions for children and active families. Whether you’re after a medium-sized dog or a charming small dog breed like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there’s a perfect match for every home.
You can also consider adopting from local animal shelters, where you’ll find both purebred dogs and mixed-breed mutts that are equally great family pets. Dogs like the Boston Terrier or the Newfoundland provide a sweet-natured, affectionate bond with their families, making them terrific family pets in any setting.
Ultimately, the right dog for your family will depend on your specific needs, but with a little research, you’re sure to find the ideal canine companion who will thrive in your home and bring years of joy to your family life.
