Best Family Dogs: 12 Dog Breeds Great With Kids
The best family dogs and best dog breeds for households with children, from Labs and Goldens to Beagles and Cavaliers, plus how to choose the right dog for your family.
In this article
The best family dog is gentle, patient, adaptable and sturdy enough for life with kids, and it matches your family's energy level. Every dog is an individual, but these 12 breeds have well-earned reputations as great family companions.
12 of the best family dog breeds
- Labrador Retriever: friendly, eager to please and endlessly patient. Needs lots of exercise.
- Golden Retriever: gentle, affectionate and very trainable. Sheds heavily.
- Beagle: cheerful, compact and sociable. Needs a secure yard, because that nose leads to wandering.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: sweet, small and adaptable. Prone to heart issues, so choose a breeder who health-tests.
- Poodle (standard or miniature): smart, playful and low-shedding. Needs regular grooming.
- Bichon Frise: happy, small and low-shedding.
- Boxer: playful, loyal and protective. Best with older kids due to its bouncy energy.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: a gentle giant, calm and affectionate. Has a shorter lifespan than many breeds.
- Newfoundland: known as a "nanny dog" for its patience. Very large, and it drools.
- Collie: loyal, intelligent and gentle. Lassie's breed.
- Bulldog: calm and sturdy. Prone to breathing problems in heat.
- Mixed breeds: many shelter dogs make wonderful family pets, and adult dogs' temperaments are already known.
How to choose the right family dog
- Match the energy level to your family's lifestyle. High-energy dogs need daily vigorous exercise.
- Consider size and your kids' ages. Very large or very excitable dogs can knock over toddlers, and tiny dogs can be injured by rough play.
- Think about grooming and shedding, and any allergies.
- Meet the individual dog. Temperament varies within every breed.
- Plan for the long term: dogs often live 10 to 15 years.
Teach kids and dogs to get along
- Always supervise young children with dogs.
- Teach kids not to bother dogs while they're eating or sleeping, and never to hug a dog tightly or pull ears and tails.
- Give the dog a quiet retreat, like a crate or bed, where it won't be disturbed.
- Involve kids in age-appropriate care, like filling the water bowl or practicing "sit."
See also: calm dog breeds for older adults, basic dog training tips and how to choose the right dog breed.
