Selecting the perfect dog breed for your family is a fun decision, especially in homes where children are involved. The perfect family dog has to be gentle, patient and playful (for kids), yet easy to train (so that they’re not terrorizing the home) and adaptable to a noisy, stressful household. From a big, affectionate friend to a small and playful pooch—there is the ideal dog breed for every family. 15 Best Dog Breeds for Families and Kids

1. Labrador Retriever

Short Coated Dog

Personality: Affectionate, sociable, loyal

Small To Medium Size (55-80 lbs.)

Why They’re Tops: Labradors are a family-friendly dog for a few reasons. They are wonderful with children, love to play and be active, and are extremely loyal to the family. Labs are also extremely biddable dogs, which makes them a great choice for families with young kids.

2. Golden Retriever

Short-coated Tan Dog

Our RatingAffectionate 🐱🐺Intelligent ❤Competence ☑️

This breed’s size ranges from medium to large (55-75 pounds).

Golden Retrievers: Why They Are Awesome: Golden’s are notoriously patient, gentle and lover of children. Desirable qualities are that they are easy to train and do well when active at home so you can nicely keep them around your house. Goldens are active, twangy dogs who take to the lake in summer and pull a sled in winter, making them perfect for families who like to get outside.

3. Beagle

Woman Petting her Dog

Temperament: Curious, Merry, Friendly

Height: Small to Medium (20 – 30 pounds)

Why They’re Awesome: The high-spirited and hyperactive nature of Beagles makes them ideal friends for children. Miniature Dachshunds are small but tough little dogs that can stand up to rough play and will have a fun adventure. Beagles are very gentle and social dogs.

4. Boxer

Bride and Her Brown and White Dog

Character: Fun, Hyperactive, Loyal

Size: Medium to Large (60-70 lbs.)

Why They Are Good — Boxers are energetic, affectionate dogs who make great pets for the entire family. They are great as a nanny dog, fantastic with children and have an instinct to protect their human family which makes them one of the best watchdog breeds. Golden Boxers are playful and energetic dogs that will do well in any active household.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Woman in Tank Top Playing with her Dog

Personality: Loving, tender, docile

Size: Small (13-18 pounds)

Why They’re Perfect for You: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a reputation for being soft and gentle, which is why they make great family pets for young children. Bulldogs are sociable, easy going pals who get along with just about everyone and enjoy play as well as a cozy snuggle on the couch.

6. Poodle

Woman in Coat and Dog

Personality: Smart, Playful, Versatile

Weight: Toy (5 to 9 pounds), Miniature (15 to 17 pounds), Standard (40 to 70 pounds)

Why They Are Great: Family-friendly, Poodles are very smart and easy to train. And with three sizing options, you can pick the perfect size for your home. Considering Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs, these breeds are perfect for home owners who might have allergies.

7. Bichon Frise

White Long Coat Small Dog Sitting on Chair

Character: Happy, playful, and loving

Size: Small (12-18 pounds)

Pros: Bichon Frises are sociable, playful, and easy to train They are small, gentle and a good choice for families with small children. Bichons, are not only some of the happiest dogs you will ever meet, but they are also hypoallergenic making them great for those who have allergies.

8. Collie

Dog Lying on the Footpath

Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent.

Medium to Large (50-75 pounds)

Pros: Most famously known from the TV show Lassie, Collies are one of the most loyal breeds and excellent with children. This breed is gentle, quite, patient and intelligent— which makes them easy to train. Collie Collies look very regal and are extremely protective of their families, which makes them good watchdogs.

9. Irish Setter

A Woman Plying with Her Pet Dog at a Park

Personality: Bold, friendly,SIGNALS Energy

Size: Large (60-70 pounds)

Why They Are Great: Irish Setters are high-energy dogs that play well with children. They love to be with their human families and are usually good with children. The Breed has high energy and is perfect for active families that like outdoor fun.

10. French Bulldog

Women in Pajamas Holding Polaroid Pictures

Personality:A: Adjust A(greeable)P(ratical)L(ight-hearted Truthfulness)

Stature: Small-medium (16-28 pounds)

Why They’re Great: An affectionate breed, French Bulldogs have an adaptability about them that makes them a good choice for apartment living. They are perfect for families as they have playful yet calm behavior. Frenchies are very social, lovable little dogs who also want to be around people and they do some really fun and clownish things.

11. Shih Tzu

Selective Focus Photography of White and Tan Shih Tzu Puppy Carrying by Smiling Woman

Temperament: Affectionate, Friendly, Outgoing

Size: Small (9-16 pounds)

Why You Will Love Them: These adorable pooches enjoy being with people and are very sweet around their family members, which is why they make great family pets. They learn quickly and are fine with kids. They are lovable and playful dogs, notorious for enjoying the odd cuddle!

12. Newfoundland

Newfoundland Dog on Grass

Personality: Kind, even tempered, watchful

Size: Large (100-150 pounds)

Why They’re Awesome: Commonly referred to as “gentle giants,” Newfoundlands are patient, loyal and excellent with kids. They are loyal and loving, so they make a great pet for a family. Nannys, generally seen as the Canadian Dog Breed, Newfies are a very calm breed and is good for a familly that enjoy spend time in outdoors and mostly involving water.

13. Bulldog

Woman in Brown Sweater Holding White Ceramic Mug Sitting on Couch

Personality: Happy, gentle and friendly; a little more outgoing than other retrievers

Size: Medium (40-50 pounds)

Why You Should Get One: Bulldogs have a lazy, super outgoing demeanor. Owning to their calm demeanor, they are very good-natured and also love children thus making them a perfect choice for a family preferring a dog that likes idling around. They are loyal and amicable and perfect with children of all ages, making them great family pets.

14. Cocker Spaniel

Close Up Photo of a Woman Holding a Dog Near Her Face

Disposition : Gentle, Friendly, Playful

Small to medium (25-35 pounds)

Why They’re Great: Cocker Spaniels can be trained easily and are very loving, ultimately making them a perfect breed for children. Eager to Play: They are the kind of cats that love games and cuddle parties. Cocker SpanielsCocker Spaniels are sweet, gentle and acclimate well to most family situations.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

Two Bernese Mountain Dogs Lying on Floor

Personality: Affectionate, gentle, and calm

Size: Large (70-115 pounds)

Why They’re Great: Calmness is a hallmark of the Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed is affectionate and patient with kids, which tends to make them perfect family pets. Like Aussies, Bernese Mountain Dogs are ideal for active families who love outdoor recreation, whether its hiking in the mountains or playing games in the yard.

How to Pick the Perfect Dog for Your Family

If you have kids, think about their ages and the dimensions of your home before deciding on a dog. You also need to consider the breed’s temperament, size and time you have available for training and exercise. However, because every family is different, it is important to find a dog type that meshes with your families lifestyle.

Integrating a Dog into Your Family

Get Your Home Ready: Allocate a location inside the home for your new canine to have a bed, and feeding/water bowls, and toys.

Teach Your Kids: Teach your children about how they should interact with the dog gently and with respect.

Basic training with a new dog is best started right away since it helps foster good behavior and strengthens the bond between you both.

Let your pups settle down and Adjust: After introducing them to the Family members of their new home, give them sometime let them adapt.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog can bring endless joy, companionship and love to you and your family. Below are 15 dog breeds which are held for their patience, friendliness, and adaptability — ideal for households with kids. Often this varied, but with the right care and training you can eventually turn any of these overprotective dog breeds into a good family dog.

Checkout for more dog care tips and advice at Petsfunzone.com!