Best Family Dogs: Loyal, Loving Breeds For All Ages
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Most pet parents view their dogs as part of their family. But before you bring home a puppy, it's crucial to do some research ahead of time to ensure your current pack gets along great with the new, four-legged member.
The best family dogs are friendly, playful, and patient. Other traits to keep in might include size, energy level, and grooming requirements. This piece will explore some of the best family dogs you should consider.
Scroll through the list and click on a dog to discover what makes the breed so great for families, or use the links below for more tips on finding a family-friendly pet.
What makes a good family dog?
Whether you're adopting a dog or going through a breeder, there's much more to think about than which puppy is the cutest. Keep the following in mind as you research the right breeds for your family:
Temperament
A dog's temperament or personality is one of the top things to consider when choosing a dog for the family.
If small children are in the house, it's especially important to choose a breed known to be patient, gentle, and loving. Little kids tend to have high energy, which can make some dogs feel nervous or on edge and increase their likelihood of biting.
Pro Tip: No matter what breed you settle on, socializing puppies early on with every member of the house can help prevent aggression over food or toys.
Energy Level
Energy requirements are also essential when purchasing a dog for your family, or your new companion may get irritated and dissatisfied. You must consider if you or the kids can provide an active breed with enough exercise. Otherwise, gentle friends like a Bichon Frise are more suited to a relaxed way of living.
Hypoallergenic
If anyone in the household has an allergy, look for hypoallergenic breeds. Some dog breeds sweat less frequently than others, but no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. Some excellent hypoallergenic dog breeds for households are Maltese, Kerry Blue Terriers, Bichon Frises, and Poodles.
Size
Size is an important consideration when purchasing a family dog. The most incredible family canines are often small to medium-sized, particularly if you have small children.
What are the best family dogs?
Here's a look at nine of the most popular dog breeds for families.
Labrador Retriever
There's a good reason why the Labrador Retriever is among the most popular dogs in the US. These friendly and gregarious canines are eager to please and get along well with others. The breed is trainable, kind, and patient.
Look no further than the amiable breed if you're searching for a medium-to-large dog that will form bonds with your entire family.
Labs make excellent pets for active families with the time and energy to keep up with them since they are passionate athletes who need a lot of exercise. The breed is also incredibly adaptable, doing tasks including hunting, dock diving, obedience, and tracking.
Considering this is a very active breed, enroll in medium-sized dog pet insurance before anything happens.
Poodle
Poodles are some of the best family dog breeds because they are well-behaved and have an even temperament. Their lively and playful disposition makes standard poodles excellent companions for active households. These puppies like interacting with people and other puppies they meet while walking in the neighborhood.
Poodles are intelligent and straightforward to teach. They pick things up fast, are naturally protective, and are ready to watch over kids at the playground or in the backyard.
Beagle
This inquisitive and active hound dog requires weekly maintenance and lots of exercise. Beagles are excellent family dogs because of their intelligence, short, easy-to-maintain coat, and small stature. Since they are happiest around other people, Beagles should never be left alone for extended periods, either indoors or out.
Families with kids who can provide them with lots of playing will find these joyful and devoted canines to be wonderful companions.
Ensure you get pet insurance for this small buddy should anything happen to it while on its errands.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers emerged due to a desire for medium-sized dogs capable of hunting wildfowl. These days, the breed's adaptability, intelligence, and amiable disposition make it suitable for a variety of tasks.
Additionally, these lively canines require regular exercise to maintain their happiness and well-being. Families seeking a buddy to accompany them on long runs or bike trips may find this eager-to-please breed a perfect choice.
Additionally, check if insurance is worth it if you are planning on acquiring a Golden Retriever.
Collies
Fans of Lassie would recall how well-behaved the family's collie was on television, but in reality, her breed is also ideal for pets off-screen.
This breed is elegant, clever, and devoted, with a kind and protective nature toward family members. Your Collie should develop into a medium—to large-sized dog. Typically, females weigh 50–65 pounds, and males weigh 60–75 pounds.
Consider seeking pet insurance for your large dog to avoid unnecessary expenses when it requires medical attention.
Bulldog
Despite being frequently used to represent bravery and ferocity, the Bulldog is a kind, compassionate, and lovable companion who can be an excellent addition to any household.
Bulldogs are known for being devoted and affectionate, ready to care for and defend their family. Fortunately, this breed is not renowned for barking a lot, but it is versatile and excellent with kids. Bulldogs have a limited amount of energy.
He is amenable to taking a sunny afternoon snooze, but he also enjoys taking a pleasant stroll around the block. He also requires less care because of his short coat.
Newfoundlands
The most well-known characteristics of the Newfoundland breed are their intellect, loyalty, and gentleness.
Newfs are known for being faithful, patient, and excellent friends. This breed needs some space to run about, yet it is easy to teach. They are lovely companions on lengthy walks or excursions and require modest activity to be content and healthy.
These characteristics make Newfoundlands a great family dog.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an intelligent, outgoing, easy-to-train puppy who listens well. Bichons are great family dogs in city homes because they're compact and don't require much space. These pups don't need a lot of exercise, but they like taking a nice walk around the neighborhood to socialize with the neighbors.
Choosing the best family dog
Bringing a dog into your home involves careful planning. Ensure you take individual temperaments and breed characteristics into account. They have to fit your boundaries and way of life, but the effort is worth every minute with them!
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Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Kaelee Nelson is a die-hard dog mom, part-time dog trainer, and ultimate pet enthusiast. She recently rescued a puppy named Zoey who went from the streets of Mexico to the big lights in L.A. after Kaelee helped her become officially studio-trained for production work, with the goal of strengthen her dog's confidence as well as the bond they share. Kaelee remains passionate about pets in her role as Content Marketing Manager by helping owners prepare for the financial burden that often comes with giving our furry BFFs the best care possible. Enrolling Zoey in a pet insurance policy was a no-brainer for Kaelee, as it enabled her to get reimbursed for vet costs like spaying, vaccinations, routine care, and more.
