There are many dog breeds that make wonderful family pets and mix well with children of all ages. In general, the retrievers do well because they were bred to be soft mouthed to prevent them from damaging game. Herding dogs also make good family pets because their instinct is to mingle with and protect their flock. However, some herders, such as the Belgian Tervuren, may nip at children’s heels in an attempt to herd them.

Ultimately each dog is an individual and his temperament depends on not only his breed but his training and life experiences. Every puppy is going to have a learning curb during which he learns proper manners and behavior. For this reason it is often recommended that very young dogs not be mixed with very young children. At the same time an adult shelter dog may have had traumatic life experiences that lead him to be an unsuitable match for young children as well.

That being said here are a few breeds that have a reputation for being superb family dogs:

The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever has been one of America’s most beloved dog breeds for decades. They have a loving and playful nature, retaining puppy-like enthusiasm long into their adult years. Like children, this high energy breed that needs lots of exercise, making them superb playmates. They are highly intelligent, easily trained and live to please their person. Rarely aggressive they are more likely to greet a stranger with a wagging tail than bared teeth; however, a parent can sleep soundly knowing that these dogs make a noticeable fuss whenever visitors (welcome or unwelcome) come by the house.

The Flat Coated Retriever

Often mistaken for a black Golden Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever is very similar in both look and temperament. They, too, are high-energy, fun-loving, even-tempered house pets that can keep up with rambunctious children for hours. Aggression of any kind is highly unexpected of this breed and considered a severe fault by the American Kennel Club. Like their blond cousins, Flat-Coats are more likely to doggy-kiss than bite visitors to their home.

The English Setter

The English Setter is the mellowest of the Setter breeds. Unlike the Irish Setter, whose large size and rambunctiousness make him a less suitable companion for toddlers (as he might topple the poor child over, causing injury), the English Setter can be safely paired with children of all ages. He so mild, in fact, that the English Setter Association of America warns “parents need to be concerned for the dog's welfare rather than the child's when putting toddlers and English Setters together, because many English Setters are so tolerant, they will allow children to inflict pain on them.”

So there you have it, three breeds that would make wonderful companions to fill out any family. Of course this list is far from all inclusive. Border Collies, Labradors and a host of the smaller breeds can make terrific family pets. Not to mention the innumerable mixed breeds living in shelters just waiting for a good home. Ultimately each family needs to find the individual dog that has the personality traits suitable for the family’s lifestyle. Breed clubs, rescue groups, individual breeders and shelters all have resources to help find the right dog for you.