10 of the Best Dog Breeds for Families

Les Listes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Having a dog as a pet is almost a right of passage for any family. However, it is important that you choose the right one for your particular situation. When looking at the best dog breeds for your family, there are three different things that you need to consider: temperament, size, and energy level. With that in mind, check out below for 10 of the best dog breeds for families.

#10. Collie

One of the best dog breeds for any family is the collie. In fact, there are many different types of collies to choose from including border collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, and much more.^[1]babble – 10 BEST BIG DOG BREEDS FOR FAMILIES They generally range between 60 to 75 pounds, making them a great medium sized dog.

What makes all of these dogs so great is that they are extremely intelligent, gentle, and highly trainable. In addition, they are extremely loyal and tender, making them great dogs to have with kids. Just be warned, that collies tend to have a very strong herding instinct and will even try to herd kids. While this might sound nice, it is best to train them early not to do so. In addition, since they come from an active working breed of dogs, it is necessary to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise.

#9. Boxer

The boxer is definitely one of best dog breeds for families. In fact, one of their most notable qualities is the fact that they love children. This makes them a great dog to have around little ones. Additionally, the boxer is just an all around people dog. They prefer to have their “pack” around them all the time.^[2]I heart dogs – The 10 Best Dog Breed for Children

While the boxer is affectionate, they are also very energetic. This means that you need to make sure to play with your dog quite a bit and give it plenty of time to exercise.

#8. Bernese Mountain Dog

#7. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland has the nickname of “nature’s babysitter”. They are extremely intelligent as well as very protective of children, making them one of the best dog breeds for families. In addition, the Newfoundland is an extremely patient, kind, and gentle breed of dog. This makes them almost the perfect dog for families and children.^[4]PetMD – Newfoundland

However, due to their large size, they can be between 120 – 176 lbs, you definitely need to have a house with a lot of space and a big yard. This doesn’t mean that you should leave them outdoors all the time. In fact, the Newfoundland would much prefer to stay inside with you and cuddle with the family.

Lastly, they are great swimmers and love the water. They have even been known to have saved drowning people!

#6. Vizsla

The Vizsla isn’t a common name on many lists of top dog breeds for families. This is most likely due to the fact that they need a lot of exercise. However, they are actually one of the best dog breeds for active families, especially those with older kids.

The Vizsla is a great dog that is lively, gentle, loyal, affectionate, obedient, confident, and smart. They tend to form very close bonds with their family.^[5]PetMD – Vizsla

#5. Beagle

Due to the Beagle’s small size and calm attitude, they are one of the best dog breeds for families. They are extremely smart, happy, and friendly. In fact, the beagle gets along great with other dogs.

Originally, beagles were breed to be hunting dogs. This means that even though they are small, small enough to be carried around in fact, they are very hardy and love running around in the outdoors.^[6]PetMD – Beagle

Just be warned, that they do shed quite a bit and require frequent brushing and washing.

#4. Poodle

Due to their curly hair, the poodle is one of the most distinctive dogs you can get for your family. In addition, they are extremely gentle and smart dogs, making them one of the best dog breeds you can choose.

One of the great things about poodles is that you can find them in almost any size from miniature to standard. This means that you can get the right one to fit your current living situation. However, there are some different personality traits depending on what size of poodle you are getting.

Standard breed poodles tend to be very obedient, smart, playful, and adventurous. However, at the same same time they can be quite shy with people that they don’t know.

On the other hand, miniature size poodles tend to be smart, obedient, responsive, and playful, but usually dedicate themselves to a single person.^[7]PetMD – Poodle

Lastly, no matter the size, the poodle is one of the best hypoallergenic dogs to get as they hardly shed at all.

#3. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the world for a good reason. They are one of the best dog breeds to get for families because they are reliable, protective, loving, patient, intelligent, and playful.^[8]PetMD – Labrador Retriever They get along great with other dogs as well as pretty much any person that they meet. In addition, since that have short hair, they don’t tend to shed as much and only require weekly combings.

However, be sure to have enough room, as they can be quite active and live to run and swim. They are a great option for a growing, active family!

#2. Irish Setter

The Irish setter is an extremely good looking dog. They are famous for their beautiful red coats.^[9]PetMD – Irish Setter However, more than just their looks, they are also one of the best dog breeds for your family.

They are extremely loving, energetic, and playful. In fact, they play along great with kids! Additionally, they don’t like being alone and make sure to be on their best behavior so that they can hang out with you as much as possible.

Due to their boundless energy, they need to get a lot of exercise and are best suited to families with an active lifestyle.

#1. Golden Retriever

One of the most popular as well as best dog breeds for families is the golden retriever. They are extremely loyal, kind, and smart. In addition, they aren’t timid or aggressive. These two traits in addition to their famous patience makes them great dogs with kids.^[10]PetMD – The 10 Best Dogs for Kids and Families

The golden retriever doesn’t need that much exercise. However, as their name suggests they do love to play fetch. This is a great way to play with them and make sure they stay healthy. While they love the outdoors, they really do prefer staying inside and hanging out with the family.

Just be warned, that you need to brush their coat at least 2 times per week in order to keep them healthy.