Best Dogs for Families: Our Top 20 Picks

Adding a new member to the family is something that can be quite exciting, nervous, stressful, and amazing. This is especially true if the new member of the family is a brand new puppy. Of course, there are dog breeds that are great for single people and there are dog breeds that are fantastic for families.

What you have to watch out for is the size of the dog, the energy level, how trainable they are, and their temperament. Another important aspect of picking out a dog is how the dog will match with everyone in the family. Let’s take a look at the best dogs for the family: our top 20 picks.

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most family-friendly dogs out there, not to mention one of the most popular, too. They are outgoing and high spirited. They are fine with other pets. Most importantly, they also love being around children and are really good with them, as well.

• Temperament: outgoing, gentle, trusting, and kind
• Trainability: easy to train and extremely adaptable

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs to have, as well. In fact, Golden Retrievers are quite the hit with families because of how gentle they are with children. They are also excellent with other animals, which is a big plus.

• Temperament: intelligent, kind, friendly, and trustworthy
• Trainability: easy to train and known for being patient

3. Beagle

Beagles are great pets for all types of families — from single people to families with children. Because they are smaller, they require less, which is perfect for those who live in smaller homes. They love playing with children because of their cheerful disposition.

• Temperament: curious, intelligent, and friendly
• Trainability: easy to train and obedient, although it has a hit of stubbornness

4. Bulldog

Bulldogs are loyal pets and because they are low energy, they are great pets to have if you have an apartment or smaller home. They are also great dogs to have around children, as they can be protective and gentle with them.

• Temperament: friendly, docile, and also gregarious
• Trainability: although stubborn, they are easier to train with positive reinforcement

5. Poodle

If you have a family member that is allergic to dogs, Poodles are great because they are hypoallergenic. They are also great dogs to have if you have other pets and children.

• Temperament: alert, active, intelligent, and faithful
• Trainability: one of the most trainable breeds and are very obedient

6. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are some of the most outgoing pets around. They are dogs that require a lot of exercise, so be prepared for that. If you are in a family that loves to exercise, this is the dog for you. They are also excellent with children and other pets.

• Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, companionable, independent, and playful
• Trainability: Easy to train and extremely intelligent

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These graceful dogs are quite small. This means that if you live in a small apartment or in a smaller house, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is perfect for you. They are also quite adaptable pets which means that they get along quite well with children and other pets.

• Temperament: playful, patient, gentle, adaptable, and affectionate
• Trainability: obedient and eager to please, and also responds well to positive reinforcement

8. Boxer

Fun-loving dogs are quite loyal creatures. This is a good thing when you want to have a dog that is considered the typical “man’s best friend.” Boxers are also great with kids since they are protective dogs.

• Temperament: Loyal, energetic, playful, friendly, and intelligent
• Trainability: although stubborn, they are intelligent and respond best with positive reinforcement

9. Bichon Frise

These dogs are quite playful, which means that they act very nicely around children and even other pets. The Bichon Frise is a dog that has a hypoallergenic coat so if you have family members who suffer from allergies, this is a great dog to get.

• Temperament: playful, cheerful, sensitive, gently, but feisty
• Trainability: extremely trainable because they are eager to please, but sometimes can be stubborn

10. Collie

The Collie is the typical intelligent dog that you see in a lot of movies. That is why it has a reputation of being graceful and devoted. It is certainly true when it comes to the Collie. They are also gentle and protective of children, which is certainly a big plus.

• Temperament: loyal protective, intelligent, and friendly

Trainability: extremely intelligent and very easy to train

11. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are quite adaptable creatures. They are also low energy which means that if you have an apartment or a smaller house, this probably is the dog to get. They are also affectionate with children and play well with other pets.

• Temperament: playful, lively, easygoing, affectionate, and sociable
• Trainability: eager to please and respond well with positive reinforcement, but have stubbornness qualities

12. Cocker Spaniel

These dogs are gentle creatures and because they are medium-sized, you can live in an apartment and they will be fine. They also have a friendly way of doing things which means that if you have children, you will have no problem with a Cocker Spaniel.

• Temperament: sociable, adaptable, friendly, and energetic
• Trainability: easy to train and quick learners

13. Vizsla

These energetic dogs are also quite gentle, which means that if you have children, this is a good dog to have. Vizslas do require consistent and regular exercise, so if you are an active family that enjoys walking, running, or hiking, then the Vizsla is the best dog for you.

• Temperament: quiet, energetic, gentle, and affectionate
• Trainability: eager to please and highly trainable

14. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are these small, tiny dogs that have become popular to have. These affectionate dogs are great around children and even other pets. Because they are small, you can live in an apartment or a smaller house and they will be fine with that.

• Temperament: clever, affectionate, intelligent, and playful
• Trainability: although eager to please, they are also stubborn which makes training difficult

15. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a gentle dog. That means that if you have children, you will be in good hands. They are known as “the gentle giants”, after all. Because they are so large, though, you will need to live in a larger house that requires more space for them. you should also ensure you get regular exercise with them.

• Temperament: sweet-tempered, highly trainable, and gentle
• Trainability: eager to please and extremely trainable

16. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog, which means that larger spaces are more ideal for this dog. Because they are good natured dogs, they also are great with children and can be quite affectionate with them.

• Temperament: faithful, intelligent, and affectionate
• Trainability: highly intelligent and quick to learn, positive reinforcement is best because they can be quite sensitive

17. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is one of those similar to the Border Collies, as they were bred to be hurters. However, they are also protective dogs that can be energetic and playful at the same time. They are good with children, but require lots of exercise.

• Temperament: intelligent, alert, affectionate, loyal, gentle, and active
• Trainability: extremely intelligent and can train easy

18. Pug

Pugs are quite mischievous, which means that you’ll have to watch out every once in a while. Besides that, they could be affectionate with children and other pets, which is a big plus if you have them. They are also small, so they are great for small houses or apartments.

• Temperament: clever, charming, attentive, calm, stubborn, and mischievous
• Trainability: very stubborn and hard to train, but adaptable after some time

19. Dachshund

Dachshunds are courageous pets. They are also quite funny looking and are small, as well. If you have an apartment or a smaller house, this is a perfect dog to have. They can be protective, so if you have children this is a good thing. Keep in mind that they are better with older children.

• Temperament: playful, stubborn, independent, clever, and courageous
• Trainability: highly trainable, but can be stubborn sometimes

20. Whippet

Whippets are gentle and affectionate dogs. They are medium sized, and so you will have to exercise with them quite a bit. and because they are also the size they are, the space that is needed needs to be bigger than a small apartment. Lastly, whippets are good with children and even other pets.

• Temperament: intelligent, friendly, affectionate, and gentle
• Trainability: slow learners and they respond well with positive reinforcement

Tips for Choosing The Right Dog

Whenever you’re considering getting a new dog, you should always remember some of these tips.

• Always consider your children’s age and energy levels.
• Look at the living space you have and yard size so you can pick the correct dog breed.
• Always research everything about the breed beforehand.
• Try to spend time with the dog before you make a decision.