Ten Best Family Dogs

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What breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? When adding a new puppy or dog to your family, it can be difficult to decide which is the best fit. We’ve compiled 10 of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

Many breeds make wonderful family dogs, though some are better suited for suburban and farm families than households living in the city. Family dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters are playful and protective. Pugs, Brussels Griffons, and French Bulldogs love their families – particularly their laps.

When adding any dog to your family, it’s important that everyone is included in the decision-making process, including the kids. The AKC offers one-time dog breed classes online for kids 5-12.

Best Dog Breeds for Kids & Best Family Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States for a reason. The breed is friendly, patient, and trainable. The breed is extremely versatile, doing everything including hunting, showing, dock diving, tracking, obedience.

Personality: Friendly and outgoing, Labs play well with others
Energy Level: Very active; Labs are high-spirited and not afraid to show it
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Dogs: With supervision
Shedding: Regularly
Grooming: Weekly brushing
Trainability: Eager to please
Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Barking Level: Medium.

2. Bulldog.
The distinct and wrinkly Bulldog makes a wonderful companion to children. These loyal dogs can adapt to most atmospheres — city or country — and are happy to spend time with their families.

Personality: Calm, courageous, and friendly; dignified but amusing
Energy Level: Not Very Active; Bulldogs won’t beg to be exercised, but they require regular walks and the occasional romp
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Weekly
Trainability: Response Well
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Barking Level: Quiet.

3. Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers originally came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game, and waterfowl. Today, the breed’s versatility, intelligence, and agreeable personality suit it for many purposes, and it has become one of the most successful, recognizable, and popular breeds in all areas of competition.

Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.
Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic and needs daily exercise.
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Occasional
Trainability: Eager To Please
Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Barking Level: Barks When Necessary.

4. Beagle.
The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be obscure with no reliable documentation on the earliest days of development. Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat, and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog.

Personality: Merry, friendly, and curious
Energy Level: Very Active; This quick, energetic and compact hound dog needs plenty of exercises
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Weekly
Trainability: Response Well
Height: 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches
Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Barking Level: Likes To Be Vocal.

5. Pug.
The Pug is well described by the phrase “multum in parvo” which means “a lot of dog in a small space.” He is small but requires no coddling and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.

Personality: Even-tempered, charming, mischievous, and loving
Energy Level: Somewhat active; Pugs are not exactly natural athletes, but they do have strong legs and endless curiosity—exercise both regularly
Good with Children: Better with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: With supervision.
Shedding: Regularly
Grooming: Weekly brushing
Trainability: Agreeable
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Barking Level: Barks when necessary.