Experts say these dog breeds make the best family pets

There are so many benefits of adding a dog to the family, including companionship, increased physical activity (thanks to walks and playtime), and the joyous feeling you get when they greet you at home after a long day.

But that doesn’t mean that every dog is right for the role when your family includes children.

In fact, the professionals say when it comes to welcoming a dog into your family home, you’ll want to keep an eye out for specific breeds that fall into the category of the ‘best dog for families’, because of the traits that are most often found in these animals.

The experts say that there are a few things you can keep in mind when selecting a family-friendly dog that will make it more likely that you’ll find the perfect match, according to Dr. Antje Joslin (DVM), veterinarian at national dog daycare franchise Dogtopia, which include factors such as temperament, size, energy level, trainability, and potential health concerns.

“Also consider your family’s lifestyle, housing situation, activity level, and the number and age of people in the household.”

Now that you know what to consider, take a look at these 17 family-friendly dog breeds…

More Dog Breeds to Consider

Beagle

When it comes to dogs that make great family pets, Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow’s animal health and behaviour expert, says Beagles are a great option.

She calls the dogs energetic, curious, and friendly, three characteristics that are important when they’re spending their days with young children.

“[They’re] merry, affectionate, and great with kids,” she says, adding that these dogs are on the small to medium size, and typically top out between 20-30 pounds (9-13kg).

beagle dog — IzaLysonArts / 500px – Getty Images

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are friendly, tolerant, and affectionate dogs known for their gentle demeanour, making them great with children, according to Dr. Antje.

“They are large-sized dogs with a sturdy build who benefit from a yard to run in and need daily exercise,” she continues, adding that their long coats also require a bit of maintenance, since they shed quite a bit and require plenty of brushing. “They may be prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia and certain types of cancers, so regular veterinary check-ups are important.”

golden retriever outside — Mike Linnane / 500px – Getty Images

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle, patient, and protective. Erin says these sweet-natured dogs are also pretty calm, something that makes them a great option for families with children.

But, like some of the other large breed dogs on this list, Newfoundlands get big. These dogs fall into the “large to giant” category, with males typically weighing 130-150 pounds, and females 100-120 pounds (45-54kg).

a joyful newfoundland dog runs along a forest path. outdoor photo — Anita Kot – Getty Images

Cocker Spaniel

Disney fans may be especially eager to welcome a Cocker Spaniel to the family, since the breed was so lovingly portrayed as being a good family dog in the movie Lady and the Tramp. Erin calls these medium-sized dogs (they generally weigh in around 25-30 pounds, or 11-13.5kg) “merry, affectionate, and good-natured. “

Not only will a Cocker Spaniel get along well with your kids, they actually make good companions for your other animal family members as well, as she says they are great with other pets.

a beautiful red colored dog of the cocker spaniel breed runs around the lawn — Ekaterina savyolova – Getty Images

Portuguese Water Dog

Have an active family that enjoys hiking and swimming, or generally loves being outdoors? Erin says the Portuguese Water Dog may be for you.

These energetic, intelligent, and confident dogs are considered a medium-sized breed, and they typically max out somewhere between 50-60 pounds (22-27kg).

20 best dog breeds for families portugese water dog — Apple Tree House – Getty Images

Collies

Lassie fans may remember what a good dog the family’s Collie played on screen, but the truth of the matter is that her breed also makes the perfect pet off screen as well. Erin calls this breed graceful, intelligent, and loyal, adding that they tend to be very friendly and protective of family members.

You can expect your Collie to grow to be a medium to large sized dog. “Males typically weigh 60-75 pounds, females 50-65 pounds (22-27kg),” Erin adds.

20 best dog breeds for families collies — Jupiterimages – Getty Images

Labrador Retrievers

Dr. Antje says that Labradors are known for their friendly, outgoing nature. “They are typically good-natured and gentle, making them excellent companions for families with children,” she explains of the large-sized dogs, which are better suited to families with enough space and a garden.

“Labs are highly trainable and eager to please, which makes them easy to train for various tasks and behaviours.” That being said, Dr. Antje says that while Labs are generally healthy, they can be prone to obesity if not provided with adequate exercise and a balanced diet. As a result, “daily walks are essential.”

labrador in the car — Andrew Montgomery / Country Living

Bernese Mountain Dog

Families with a lot of room and a love of big dogs would do well with this fluffy breed. Erin calls the Bernese Mountain Dog gentle, affectionate, and sturdy.

“They’re calm, good-natured, and devoted to family,” she continues. But again, and this is important, these are big dogs. It’s important to remember that the males typically weigh 80-115 pounds (36-52kg) whereas females tend to max out around 70-95 pounds (31-44kg).

Young Bernese Mountain Dog — Jennifer A Smith – Getty Images

Basset Hound

Erin says you can instantly recognise this affectionate dog breed due to their physical features, which she says include being low-slung, long-eared, and sturdy.

“[They’re] gentle, laid-back, and affectionate, making them wonderful family pets.” Bassets grow to be medium to large sized dogs, and can weigh 40-65 pounds (18-29kg).

basset hound dog sits on a bench in a local park — Cavan Images – Getty Images

Poodle

These fluffy dogs are intelligent, trainable, and affectionate dogs known for their hypoallergenic coat and friendly disposition, according to Dr. Antje.

Owners will have a variety of types to pick from, since Dr. Antje says Poodles come in various sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), making them suitable for different living environments. “Poodle coats require regular trimming and brushing,” she adds, which means your dog may need a trip to the salon every four to six weeks.

While poodles are generally healthy dogs, she says they may be prone to certain genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions.

Springer Spaniel

These athletic, merry, and versatile dogs make great family pets because they are friendly and eager to please. Erin says that this breed (which maxes out around 50 pounds, or 22kg) is especially great with children.

Whether that’s because they both have boundless energy — and Erin says it is truly boundless — or because this medium-sized dog is the perfect size for toddlers and little kids, the fact remains that Springer Spaniels make excellent family dogs.

springer spaniel close up head shot looking into camera while sticking tongue out. — MatthewCrissall – Getty Images

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

“Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle, and friendly dogs known for their loving nature and tendency to form strong bonds with their families,” Dr. Antje says of this smaller-sized breed that is well suited for families living in apartments or those without a big garden.

“They are a lower energy breed and appreciate short daily walks and interacting with their family members,” she continues. “Cavaliers are intelligent and eager to please, which facilitates training sessions.” Owners will need to be aware that while generally healthy, Cavaliers can be prone to certain genetic health issues such as heart problems and neurological disorders.

close up of cavalier king charles spaniel on field — Hana Zargi / EyeEm – Getty Images

Norfolk Terrier

Looking for a smaller dog that will mesh well with the little people in your home? Erin says the Norfolk Terrier — which she calls “small, sturdy, and fearless” — may be the perfect match.

“They’re alert, lively, and affectionate with children, though may have a stubborn streak,” she adds of the small dog, which only reaches 11-12 pounds (5kg) at maturity.

norfolk terrier in summer pastures — Michael Robbins

Bichon Frise

These cheerful, affectionate, and playful dogs known for their friendly demeanour and love for human companionship, according to Dr. Antje, who says this is another small-sized dog breed that’s great for families living in smaller homes.

“They appreciate daily exercise and playtime but are not a high-energy breed,” she continues, adding that their coats require routine trimming and brushing, and that they’ll need to see a groomer every four to six weeks. “Bichon Frises are relatively healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain skin and allergy issues,” she adds.

a close up shot of a white bichon frise looking up — Wirestock – Getty Images

Boxer

Dr. Antje calls Boxers playful, energetic, and loyal. She says they’re known for their affectionate nature and protective instincts toward their families, which makes them a great option for households with kids.

“They are medium- to large-sized dogs with a muscular build,” she continues of the dogs that she calls intelligent and eager to please. But, that doesn’t mean that they don’t take work.

“They can be strong-willed, so consistent training is important,” she says. “Due to their protective nature, early socialisation is important.”When it comes to health concerns, boxers may be prone to certain issues such as heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and certain cancers.

boxer dog on the grass — Diana Spiridovska

Wheaten Terrier

These “friendly, spirited” dogs are a terrific addition to the family, according to Erin, who calls them “affectionate, confident, and good with kids and other pets.”

These medium-sized dogs typically weigh 35-40 pounds (15-18kg).

friendly soft coated wheaten terrier with collar outside looking away — sjallenphotography

Mixed Breed Dogs

Of course, there’s something to be said of the mut. “Mixed breed dogs tend to pick up general temperament from their parents, though, just like purebred dogs, there are no guarantees of a specific type of temperament,” Erin says.

“There are millions of dogs in shelters and rescues, many of which are mixed breeds and many of which would make a wonderful family pet.”

And rescuing your new family member comes with more benefits than just giving a dog a home, Erin says there’s some other pros when it comes to picking these dogs. “An advantage of a mixed breed dog is their genetic variety, meaning they may be less likely to have certain genetic markers for disease or even behaviour.”