Family dogs are wonderful household pets. They are devoted, loving, and excellent playmates for kids. Yet it’s crucial to pick the perfect one, especially if you have young kids. The dog should be kind, understanding, and capable of managing children’s energy.
Are you ready to own one but can’t seem to choose from among the breeds of family dogs? We got you! Here are our top 15 picks of the best family dog breeds that get along well with kids, listed according to size.
Top 15 Best Family Dogs
Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This sweet little dog enjoys being around people and is kind and friendly. They are wonderful with kids and make excellent lap dogs. Cavaliers are also intelligent and easy to teach.
2. Boston Terrier
This cute little dog is energetic, friendly, and very playful. They are terrific family pets and are great with children. In addition, Boston Terriers are smart and simple to train.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are kind, affectionate canines who enjoy being around people. They get along well with kids and have a playful, energetic nature.
4. Bichon Frises
Bichon Frises are happy, energetic canines who make excellent companions. They’re a vivacious breed distinguished by their white, cotton-like coat.
They were initially developed to perform and appear in the circus. These days, Bichons make wonderful family dogs that can easily adapt to any environment.
Bichons are also considered to be one of the best non shedding family dogs because they have hair instead of fur, making them hypo-allergenic and perfect for people who have asthma.
Best Medium Dog Breeds for the Family
5. Boxer
A boxer has a lot of energy and can keep up with active kids. It can handle just anything your kids can throw at him because it’s a durable breed. It is extremely patient and has excellent tolerance for kids. A boxer is also very caring and affectionate.
6. Beagle
Beagles are popularly known as one of the best small to medium family dogs. They are amiable, friendly canines with a strong desire to please. They are also naturally highly spirited, and having them around kids might benefit everyone concerned.
Beagles also enjoy playing games, such as fetch and hide-and-seek!
7. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is calm and sweet-natured. It’s a great family pet since it is dependable, predictable and loving to most kids. As a people-oriented breed, it eagerly seeks out human attention.
Their relaxed and easy-going personality makes them great family pets.
Best Large Family Dogs
8. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are typically friendly toward strangers, other pets, and young children. They are energetic but kind to kids. These dogs have a strong desire to please, which likely explains why they respond to obedience training so well and are in high demand as service dogs.
9. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog and is considered to be one of the friendliest dog breeds.
The Labrador could make the ideal family dog because it is a devoted buddy, babysitter, and loyal companion. They are quite patient and won’t go hostile until provoked. They make effective watchdogs and protectors due to their loud bark.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their friendliness and good temperament and are thought to be one of the least aggressive canines toward humans, making them ideal family pets.
They are wonderful playmates for young children because of their laid-back disposition and eagerness to engage in play.
11. Standard Poodle
Poodles are wonderful family dogs because they are playful, intelligent, and highly trainable. They function best when getting lots of mental and physical exercise, and they enjoy being around others most of the time. They love being around kids!
Poodles also grow hair instead of fur, which makes them great for children who have respiratory problems. Regular grooming is a must for poodles to keep their hair from matting.
Best Extra Large Dogs
12. Great Dane
Remember the adorable dog Scooby-Doo? Well, the fun-loving cartoon character is actually a Great Dane. And yes, they tend to be more skittish than other breeds. Great Danes are often regarded as gentle giants.
They are affectionate, mildly playful, and wonderful with kids. You can guarantee they’ll give lots of love and socialization with humans and other animals, making them excellent family pets.
Moreover, they are very protective of their home, making them one of the best family guard dogs.
13. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are particularly good for families with children because they are amiable, gentle, and tolerant. Saints are known for having great patience and understanding and are cautious not to hurt children.
Due to their eagerness to please, training these dogs may be easier than with dogs of other breeds.
14. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a kind and devoted dog. Contrary to their serious appearance, they are actually very playful. They are very affectionate and love children.
These dogs are often confused with Siberian Huskies. One distinction would be Alaskan Malamutes are larger compared to huskies.
Since they are intelligent and loyal, they can make great guard dogs. So if you are into big, robust breeds, Alaskan Malamutes make good family dogs.
15. English Mastiff
English Mastiffs tend to be loving and patient with kids despite their size and protective instincts. They may be extremely friendly with their families and are frequently called “gentle giants.”
Protectiveness toward their family is a trait associated with English Mastiffs. They have a strong instinct to defend their loved ones and would often act as deterrents to potential intruders. They are indeed the best family guard dog one can have.
Caring and Training Your Dog
It’s really exciting to own a pet dog for your kids to play with! But remember, having a dog is also a responsibility. It takes more than feeding and bathing them to keep them happy. Taking care of and training your dog involves some effort too.
Here’s a short list of things you can do to ensure your dog is properly trained and cared for.
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Provide a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Ensure your dog has a comfortable living space with a proper bed, food, and toys. Secure your house and yard as well to keep your dog from running away or hurting himself.
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Basic Obedience Training
Employ positive reinforcement strategies, including food, praise, and fun, to reward good behavior and deter poor ones. Train your dog on basic instructions such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
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Socialization
To help your dog feel secure and at ease, expose them to various people, pets, and environments. Dogs display less aggression and fear when they are socially exposed.
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Exercise and Playtime
Give your dog regular exercise and playtime to keep them intellectually and physically active. Playtime allows you to strengthen your relationship with your dog and reward positive conduct.
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Consistency and Patience
It is important to be consistent when training your dog. To avoid confusion, make sure that everyone in your family follows the same commands and incentives. Remember to be patient and that training requires time and effort.
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Healthcare
See the vet regularly for your dog’s checkups, immunizations, and preventive care. Maintain excellent grooming practices as well to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Furry Friends for Life: Choosing the Perfect Family Dog
In conclusion, dogs may be amazing household pets and wonderful playmates for kids. But it’s crucial to consider your way of life, your living situation, and the breed’s disposition when selecting a dog for your family.
The 15 breeds we’ve covered in this article are renowned for being affectionate, loving, sociable, and getting along well with children. Any of these breeds can be a wonderful addition to your family with the right training, socialization, and care.
Though a dog comes with a lot of responsibility, it is all worth it for the love, joy, and companionship they bring into our lives. Hence, if you’re prepared for the benefits of owning a dog, consider choosing from one of these 15 breeds of family dogs.
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