The Best Dog Breeds For Families

 

Finding the best dog breeds for families can be difficult because there are many dog breeds out there you can choose from. So how can you find the best dog breeds for families, especially the one that suits your family lifestyle?

 

Although some dog breeds are suited for farm and suburban families than households living in the city, most breeds make wonderful family dogs. Family dogs, including Beagles, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are protective and playful while Pugs, French Bulldogs and Brussels Griffons love their families.

 

Adopting a dog is like choosing a new family member, so it is not a decision you want to take lightly. That is why it is crucial to do proper research before adopting or bringing any new dog into the family. The decision is even vital when kids are involved.

 

If you are looking for the best dog breeds for families, the first thing to do is understand what makes an excellent family dog?

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What Makes The Best Dog Breeds For Families?

 

To determine the best dog breeds for families, especially the one that suits your family lifestyle, you should consider your family’s lifestyle, the size of the dog and what energy level would best fit the family.

 

Regardless of whether a dog is a mutt or purebred, here are three important factors to consider when choosing a good family dog:

 

1. Size: Although size alone is not a yardstick to determine the best dog breeds for families, you have to look at the size in relation to energy level and temperament. Some small dogs can be excitable while some large dogs tend to be docile. For example, if you have small kids in your family, a large, rambunctious dog may inadvertently knock your kids down.
2. Temperament: This has to do with the personality of a dog. You have to look for agreeable temperament. For example, a calmer dog can form a strong bond with your kids and be a great kid’s companion.
3. Energy level: As a family, you need to be realistic about the kind of lifestyle you can give to a dog that needs more exercise than average. You must be able to meet your dog’s needs. If you can’t meet his needs, his excess energy can lead to problematic behavior down the road. For instance, if you have an avid runner and looking for a canine companion, a leisurely Basset Hound may not be a good match.

 

How To Choose The Best Dog Breeds For Families?

 

To get an idea of the energy level and temperament of a dog, be sure to do meet and greet many times before making a decision on the breed to choose. When you’re adopting a new dog, you want to observe how they respond to all your family members.

 

You may also have to look at the body language of the dog:

 

• Does the dog approach you and the members of your family with a wagging tail or body? Or do they just cower in the room’s corner?
• Is the dog willing to play or share with your family? Some dogs become possessive of the things they believe is theirs and this can escalate into a problematic situation with the kids who tend to pick up everything, including the toys and food dish of the dog.

 

Top Questions To Ask When Choosing The Best Dog Breeds For Families

 

After ding meet and greet, you want to take your research further by working with a rescue or shelter worker to find out more about the dog’s likes and dislikes. The following questions are essential when it comes to choosing the perfect dog for your family:

 

1. Is the pup safe for all your family members? Some dogs socialize easily with everyone in the family, while some dogs prefer socializing with only the adults or one gender.
2. What is the energy level of the dog? If you like long family walks, you may want your dog to go with you. Except you want to carry your dog most of the time, you should consider his energy level.
3. What ongoing care will the dog need? Are you looking for a senior dog that will require more frequent veterinary visits or a long-haired dog that will need regular grooming?
4. What age range are you after? You have to consider the age you are looking for too. Would you choose a puppy that may need lots of training but socialize well with the whole family, or an adult who is already potty trained, but may be shy and need time to get used to your family?
5. Will the dog get along with other pets in your home? If you have other pets at home, you want to choose a dog that can easily socialize with them and be sure your existing pets will like your new dog.

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List Of The Best Dog Breeds For Families

 

.Here is the list of the best dog breeds for families:

 

1. Mutts
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
3. Golden Retriever
4. Beagle
5. Labrador Retriever
6. Poodle
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
8. Alaskan Malamute
9. Boxer
10. Basset Hound
11. Brussels Griffon
12. Boston Terrier
13. Golden Retriever
14. Bichon Fries
15. Irish Setter
16. Border Collie
17. Newfoundland
18. Vizsla
19. Cocker Spaniel
20. Pug
21. German Shepherd
22. Shetland Sheepdog

 

EDITOR’S PICK

 

 

 

Mutts (The Best Dog Breeds For Families)

 

Most families love purebred dogs, but you shouldn’t count out mixed breeds too. Mixed breeds often combine the best traits of two or more excellent breeds in one dog.

 

So when you choose a dog that is a mixed breed, you are saving the lives of two dogs – the one you adopt and the one you have made space for at the rescue. By adopting a dog, you can get more behavioral background on him. The rescue or shelter workers spend all days caring for the dogs, so they can give you the information you need about the habits and personality of the dog.

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When it comes to the size, a mutt that is not fully grown might get the best on their size as an adult. Here is the list of the best dog breeds for families and why they are actually the best dog breeds for families.

 

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

 

This dog breed combines the portable toy’s breed size with the verve of a sporting, adorable and lively feature. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets along with just about anybody, including children and other dogs. This dog also offers silky-soft and heart-melting expression that makes a lot of people like him.

 

2. Golden Retriever

 

Golden Retriever is arguably one of the best dog breeds for families. They are one of the famous breeds in the US. They are all-round great pet because they are smart, confident, kind, loyal, easy to train, friendly and even-tempered. But they require a lot of activities to keep them happy.

 

This breed is “pack” breed that bonds quickly with all members of the family. They are affectionate, obedient and kids always like them. In fact, this breed is one of the friendliest and the most social breeds you can’t go wrong with.

 

3. Beagle

 

Beagles are small to medium in size,  friendly and energetic. They make a perfect dog for all those reasons and more.

 

Beagles are a hound and can be a little stubborn, but they are a great and active companion for all ages, making them an excellent choice for any family.

 

They are also a pack breed and will form a strong bond with their families, from adults to children.

 

 

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4. Labrador Retriever

 

Labrador Retriever is one of the famous dog breeds and for a good reason – they are playful, reliable, protective, loving and patient. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train. However, they require lots of exercise and love swimming. If you choose this breed, you better be ready for the challenge.

 

Make sure there is plenty of room for them to play and run around. Whether they are Yellow Labs, Chocolate Labs or Black Labs, they all share the same sense of obedience, stamina and strength that makes them a famous breed.

 

Labrador Retriever gets along well with other pets and everyone they meet, plus you only need to comb them once in a week to keep them healthy and clean. But you should know that this breed does shed, so be prepared to clean up their hair regularly.

 

5. Poodle

 

The poodle is a very gentle and smart dog, but it has a distinctive haircut. This breed is elegant and proud, yet loyal and caring. It is seldom annoyed or bored.

 

You can get poodle in miniature and standard sizes, meaning you can choose the size that matches your home or living environment. They shed little, making them great for kids.

 

The Standard Poodle breed is very obedient, adventurous, playful and smart. Although they’re often shy when they see strangers, they get along well with people and kids that they know.

 

On the other hand, Miniature Poodles tend to be dedicated to one person, but they are also good with kids and other pets. They are responsive, playful, smart and obedient.

 

No matter the poodle breed you choose, their coats do require scheduled grooming.

 

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

 

If your family likes a gentle giant dog, you will do well to go for Bernese Mountain Dog. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, but underneath that is just a sweet, kind and warmhearted pet popular for its gentle nature with kids.

 

7. Alaskan Malamute

 

Alaskan Malamute likes to live for their pack, either canine or human. That trait comes in handy as a bred sled dog. They are built to work and as powerful dogs, they need a leader to set a regular exercise and training regimen.

 

When you pick this breed, you will be rewarded with a wagging plumed tail, friendly face and a loyal dog.

 

8. Boxer

 

Boxer is a dog breed that is popular for being a friend to kids and playful – a lively dog that can go toe-to-toe with kids who seem to have endless energy and love outdoors. The breed has a goofy, childlike personality that kids can appreciate.

 

However, you need to watch it closely because it can be sometimes clumsy and knock or bump over one or two kids.

 

Boxer is muscular, stocky and powerful. It also has a blocky head with a short muzzle and undershot jaw; short coat with fawn and bridle as standard colors, standard markings which include black mask with white markings, a black mask and white markings.

 

9. Basset Hound

 

Basset Hound is a popular hunting dog and known as one of the best dog breeds for families. They are a slower-pace hunting dog, making them a bit lazy around the house.

 

Bred as pack dogs, they are always loyal to their families and may also be “under foot.” Their medium size ranges from 50 to 60 pounds, making them adaptable to almost all living spaces.

 

Bassets Hounds are gentle and loving dogs, but their downside is that they can be stubborn and their training requires patience. If your family has some extra time, Basset Hound is perfect for you.

 

10. Brussels Griffon

 

Known for keeping stable free of rodent in Belgium where it hails from, Brussels Griffons have high energy and enthusiasm. Children might love their monkey-like face, pleasant demeanor and friendliness. If this breed gets plenty of early training and socializing, they will return that affection in kind.

 

The Brussels Griffons also makes an excellent watchdog because their enthusiasm always keeps them on their toes and ready to bark greeting those that walk past the door. Bringing in this dog as a pup and training him will be great.

 

11. Boston Terrier

 

Popularly known as The American Gentleman because of its tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terrier is originally not bred as a fighting dog. But you can’t write them off!

 

The Boston Terrier is loving and not a fighter. They are full of energy and highly intelligent, despite their small size. They are loving and affectionate. Their energy, size and sturdy build make them one of the best dog breeds for families.

 

12. Golden Retriever

 

A Golden Retriever is just like a longer-haired, furrier Labrador retriever. They have a similar temperament; non-aggressive, laid back, gentle and tolerant. If this breed doesn’t have a constructive way of releasing its bountiful energy, it can get a bit unmanageable and hyperactive.

 

Golden Retriever is smart and playful and can make a great companion for school-aged children, enjoying a game of fetch and other yard games.it is muscular, sturdy and a medium-sized dog with a lustrous gold coat. It has a broad head, intelligent and friendly eyes, as well as short ears.

13. Bichon Frise

 

Bichon Frise is a little cotton ball dog that loves playing but not too hyper. They are charming, affectionate and possess the energy to match children’s endless spirit. The dog is also small, making it perfect for homes with kids.

 

If your kid is overly rough or rambunctious, I might give the warning to let the kid know there is a limit to what it can take. The dog has a fluffy and curly white hair, resembling a powder puff or cotton ball.

 

14. Irish Setter

 

Red coat, this breed is energetic and playful, plays well with kids and loves to be around people. In fact, Irish Setter loves being with their family because they hate being alone, which means they are on their best behavior when they are around the people they love.

 

This breed is energetic and needs lots of exercises. They are smart and trainable and if you have a big yard, they will love it. They are also excellent at welcoming new people that visit your home. However, Irish Setters need regular grooming and brushing to prevent hair mats because they have a longer coat.

 

15. Border Collie

 

Many dog breeds are classified as Collies, including Bearded Collie and Border Collie. While your option for a family-friendly pup is not limited to Border Collie, we will focus on Border Collie here.

 

Collies are a predictable and gentle breed that is easily trainable and rarely misbehave. This makes them a perfect breed for families, especially those that are not familiar with dogs. Collies get along well with kids and love to protect their family and please their owners.

 

Because Collies have long hair, you need to groom them regularly to keep the coat in great shape. As an intelligent and sensitive breed, it is both stubborn and gentle, meaning you have to keep obedient training in mind.

 

16. Newfoundland

 

Known as Nature’s Babysitter, Newfoundland breed is considered as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Fortunately, this dog loves kids and is very protective of them.

 

Patient, gentle and kind, this breed can be named the Mother Teresa of dogs. Both old and younger family members will easily fall in love with this wonderful dog. If you have a large, open space, Newfoundland is best for you. Although they are known to drool and shed excessively, you shouldn’t by any means leave them outdoors in your yard.

 

You also have to groom and upkeep their long coat. They are also excellent swimmers and are known to save lives in emergency situations. They learn quickly and are task-oriented.

 

17. Vizsla

 

Although Vizsla is not a common household name, they are one of the best dog breeds for families. They are perfect for energetic and active families with older children. The Vizsla is lively but has a gentle manner. They are also affectionate, confident, smart, obedient and loyal.

 

The Vizsla forms a close bond with its family members and learns new tricks faster than most other breeds. They have a short coat, so you don’t need to spend so much on grooming routine.

 

18. Cocker Spaniel

 

Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the sporting group. They probably have the sweetest expression and softest ears around. Active and compact, this breed does excellently well when it comes to playtime and regular walks. Whether they are romping with other dogs or kids, they are always composed.

 

19. Pug

 

Pug is a stocky breed with a distinct look and a personality to match. They are a bit more playful and active than bulldogs and their size makes them perfect for those that live in small homes or apartments.

 

Pug is also a decent watchdog but may get a bit yappy if not appropriately trained. Because they are intelligent, they are capable of learning quickly, though they tend to be willful and stubborn. They need consistent training.

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Pugs crave companionship and are glad to follow humans. If you want to stay active and play, a pug can be the best companion.

 

20. German Shepherd

 

German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal but must be trained very well. This breed also has a playful side, especially when they are young. They can be gentle and sweet with their family but are wary of strangers. However, they can be taught to do almost anything.

 

21. Shetland Sheepdog

 

Shetland Sheepdogs are just like collies, especially Lassie. They are calm, tolerant and gentle that often does well with kids of all ages. They enjoy human company as they are gentle, playful and well-behaved with all ages.

 

However, they need proper training to break their natural inclination to herd or nip. Overly active kids might overwhelm the dog, so you need to keep watch on them to ensure they interact well and get along well with your children.

 

Dog Breeds To Avoid

 

A few dog breeds don’t adapt well to households with children. Most time, kids may not be respectful of boundaries; some children may stare, like to scream, move quickly or squeal with a high-pitched voice.

 

When you are choosing one of the best dog breeds for families, you may want to avoid the following breeds, especially if you have kids at home:

• Akitas
• Malamutes
• Huskies
• Chows
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Chihuahuas

 

Why Families Should Have A Dog (50 Reasons To Get A Dog)

 

If you are still asking why families should have a dog, here are 50 reasons to get a dog:

 

1. Dogs make you happy and increase your mood dramatically
2. Kids who have dogs in their household miss less school
3. Humans with dogs recover faster from illnesses
4. You may be able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease if you have a dog
5. Dogs protect children from allergies and skin conditions
6. A dog makes a good service and alert animal
7. Having a dog encourages a healthy fitness routine and  improves physical wellbeing
8. Dogs are human’s best friend
9. Dogs go great lengths – 2,800 miles to find their families
10. A dog may save your family member’s life
11. Having a dog can improve your kid’s self-esteem
12. They are a great watchdogs
13. They improve your social interactions
14. No boring or dull moment with a dog
15. Studies showed that people who take their dogs with them to work have lower stress levels during the workday.
16. Dogs give you unconditional love every time
17. The will never dessert you foe anything else
18. Dogs show you affection by giving you kisses all the time
19. They are really intelligent
20. Stroking them may help reduce stress levels and heart rate
21. They can be trained to become a hearing dog that helps you do a lot of tasks
22. Dogs know when you are in pain and try to comfort you
23. They can keep you warm when you hug them
24. Dogs don’t guilt-trip their owners
25. They are always ready to play with you and your family member
26. Dogs don’t judge you but listen to you
27. They’re always happy to see you
28. They allow you to dress them up
29. They don’t consume much food
30. They are obedient
31. They are cute when you dress them up
32. They lick your tears when you are crying because they don’t want to see you cry
33. They bark to let you know that danger is around
34. You can use a dog as a mouse mat
35. They are comfortable anywhere
36. They become a good member of the family
37. They don’t fall sick often
38. They like to sleep
39. They eat your let over
40. They always want to give you love
41. They don’t care if you are wealthy or not
42. They scare away annoying cats
43. Dogs don’t care about your religion
44. They pose when you take pictures
45. They are funny and make you laugh always
46. They are not shellfish because they know you may have other things on your mind
47. Dogs are conversation starters, even in awkward situations
48. If your food drops on the floor, your dog eats it up, so you don’t have to spend much time cleaning
49. They don’t make much noise unless they spot something strange
50. They make you look like a rich individual
51. Dogs warm your feet
52. Dogs are generally great

 

If you are looking for the best dog breeds for families, there you have it. While your dog may have characteristics that make him a great family pet, you still need to work on his socialization and daily training to help him become a great canine citizen