Top 10 Dog Breeds for Families
98So, you’re ready to get a new dog and you’re trying to figure out which dog breed is the best for you and your home. There are many different factors that you will want to take into consideration when choosing a dog breed. You’ll want to think about the size of the dog, whether it’s long-haired or short-haired and what it’s typical life span and health are likely to be.
However, I think that the most important thing to take into consideration when choosing a dog is the temperament that is associated with the breed that you are choosing. Although there are some people who will want a dog that tends to be more aggressive, usually because they are using the dog as protection for their property, the average dog owner is probably going to want to get a dog with a mild temperament.
For that reason, it is best for all people to look first at those dog breeds that have been identified as being best for families with small children. Even if you don’t have children (or even anyone else living with you in your home) these dogs tend to be great companion animals. They are loving and kind, they get along with guests that come to the home and they are typically easy to train.
Here is a closer look at ten of the top dog breeds that are typically recommended for families that are choosing a new dog to live with them in their homes:
1. Golden Retrievers.
This is the first dog breed that comes to mind when I try to think of good family dogs. Perhaps that is because several families that grew up around me all had golden retrievers that were practically members of the family themselves. Golden retrievers are considered to be one of the most loyal dogs that there are. Families like this because the dog is friendly with the family but will also be there to protect the children if they are ever in danger from strangers.
2. Labrador Retrievers.
The golden retriever isn’t the only retriever that tends to be a great dog breed. The Labrador retriever is another retriever that does well in almost any home. This is a really laidback kind of dog that tends to get along with other dogs and pets fairly easily. The one negative thing that people say about this dog is that it can be a picky eater but that may be a small thing to deal with in comparison to some of the other dog problems that are out there!
3. Irish Setter.
The Irish Setter is a dog that, like the Golden Retriever actually, was originally a hunting dog. Over time it has changed to be a dog that is often associated with being a family dog. The main reason that this dog is loved by families is that it’s a really accommodating dog. It truly wants to please people so it’s fairly easy to train and definitely easy to love. It’s also a really beautiful dog!
4. Beagle.
The first thing that I have to say about this dog is that I think it’s one of the cutest dog breeds out there! It’s not always considered to be a family dog because it’s a really active breed. The beagle is a dog that wants to be out and about. But if you have the kind of home that is active and you’re willing to get outside and play with your dog a lot then a beagle can be a really terrific companion to have around. You certainly won’t be bored with a dog like this. The one drawback is that they tend to chew things up so you will have to invest time in training if you get this dog.
5. Shiba Inu.
This isn’t a very common dog breed but it’s one that I fell in love with after spending time with a pet of this breed that belonged to someone with whom I was working. (And it’s one that has grown in popularity since the puppy cam found its way to the web!) Like the beagle, this is an active animal and only good for homes that are willing to be active with their dogs. The great news with this animal is that it really loves to keep itself neat and clean so you don’t have to go out of your way to do extra grooming of it and it’s a breed that’s fairly easy to housetrain. It may not be the best dog for a family with very young kids but it’s a good choice to at least consider when looking at adding a dog to the home.
6. Australian Shepherd.
This is the kind of dog that I had when I was growing up so I can attest to the fact that it’s a great dog. The breed is really smart which is a positive thing to see in an animal that is your pet. It’s also a loving and loyal breed which is very affectionate. This tends to be an active dog although perhaps not as much so as the beagle or the shiba inu depending of course on the individual temperament of the dog that you get. The main thing with this breed is that it does best under guidance so you need to be willing to train the animal and give it lots of love and attention.
7. Pug.
People who are looking to add a small dog to their home may be turned off by many of the dog breeds on this list. The solution could be to get a pug. These are hardy dogs that can hold their own with kids but they are small in size. They are really social dogs that love to play, play, play. They can be a bit rambunctious in their younger years but they are fairly easily trained.
8. Newfoundland.
At the other end of the spectrum from the pug in terms of size, you’ll find the Newfoundland. This is a really large creature but it’s often called a “gentle giant” because it’s so calm and nice. In fact, this dog is SOOOO laidback that the biggest complaint about it tends to be that it’s lazy. If you’re looking for a dog that isn’t going to require excessive activity but is going to make for a good companion in the home then you may consider this pet.
9. Poodle.
Most people think of poodles as frou frou show dogs but the truth is that this breed makes an excellent pet for many different types of homes. They like to play with people of all ages and can generally adapt their behavior suitably to playing with children even though they are intelligent dogs enjoyed by adults. They can be mischievous when they don’t get enough attention so they do need more care than some of the other breeds discussed here but they’re basically an easy breed to have around the home.
10. Collie.
This is the quintessential family dog if for no other reason than it’s a breed that will always be associated with the famous dog Lassie. It’s a dog breed that does well as a herding dog as well as being a good show dog. This tends to mean that it’s a breed that’s easy to train and that gets along well with others. They’re really calm dogs that are patient with children and they’re also considered to be really smart dogs so adults will like them as well.
That said, however, you may just want to look around and find the dog that really seems right for you. Sometimes the best dogs are the mutts that we don’t even know what they are!
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Loved your list....although I still prefer my great dane! LOL Giant, loveable, and little shedding. After raising Akitas, it was pleasant change of events.
Kathryn - Great link and, of course, loved the dogs you picked. Our Chocolate Lab ranked #2 on your list and she is a sweetheart. Enjoyed this Hub. Dan
I LOVE dogs so much but one of my all time favorites is the Aussie. I have owned several of them and the intelligence level is unbelievable plus the fact that they are very sporty. I have two mutts from the street and shelter. I love both and really wanted an Australian Shepherd but felt that getting the ones who needed a home was a better way to go. I would not trade them for anything.
I Love DOgs
Newfie's are #1 on my list. But I have to say, they are not considered "lazy" when out and about. They actually need quite a bit of exercise. Once they are indoors, they can become couch potatoes, which is lovely. They rate high on personality though, and our current Newfie likes to chase the kids around with long drools of slobber. He's actually quite a comedian. They do tend to get so attached to their owners that they can actually become depressed when separated. They love companionship, and do wonderful with even small babies who like to crawl, and poke and pull hair. They don't come any better than the Newfie, if you ask me. An Australian Cattle Dog (Heelers) comes in a very close second, though.
Great hub!
I loved this hub, especially the pictures! (especially the shiba inu!) This post really made me want one of each!
A great family dog would be the weimerarner- originally a german hunting dog. Although this breed needs a lot of exercise, they are very loving and loyal dogs. I have family who own these dogs and they wouldn't have it any other way!!
make sure a collie has a lot of room to run! have you ever looked at great danes? i love big dogs (and I was soooo happy you put the newfie down on this list) but great danes make great family dogs because they're lovable but don't actually need too much exercise despite their size- just a giant pooper-scooper.
I'm a dog lover myself. I would say Collie as one of my favorites in your list. Dogs are not just great companions, but they could also be your best friends. Great article!!
I love my 5-year-old Aussie, but I wouldn't recommend them for families with small children without some serious thought. They are very loyal and affectionate, but when kids run and jump around the dogs can have problems supressing their instincts to herd.
I agree that they definitely need the proper training. If you invest the time with them, they can be a great dog. Mine is a frisbee expert!
I had to put my beloved Aussie to sleep in Jan after severe bone cancer had set it. She was the best friend I ever had and the most gentle dog ever with any little kid whether they petted or pulled. I would highly recommend the breed!
That's a very difficult thing to do, isn't it, Science? Very emotional.
How'd the Aussie do in the Westminster this week, do you know?
Well I didn't see any mixed breed, but that is understandable. Sometimes you never know what you may end up with! But I love all dogs, so I loved your Hub anyway! (Nice breeds to feature by the way! Especially the Shiba Inu, and the wonderful Newfie's!)
Thanks for the info!
I loved the article. I was really surprised to see that labs are picky eaters. Labs, as a breed, are known for eating anything and everything. They tend to be trash hounds. Please be aware that labs need lots and lots of exercise--daily. They tend to be in the puppy stage 2-4 years. Yes, I raise labs.
Great article, but I am really surprised Boxers aren't in your list. They are the greatest family dog I have ever owned! And I have had quite a few on your list! I would never get a different breed since I (personally) since owning them. They are fast trainers, and love to please you. Aside from that they are wonderful with kids, and are the biggest clowns in the world. They always will bring a smile to your face!
Great list you have there, but i would also mention boxers, American Pitbull terrier and staffordshire terrier. Aside from the bad media American Pitbull terrier they're great with children and LOVE their Family and our serious clowns. Staffordshire terrier are amazing loving, smart, easy to mantain. They really live up to their nickname of the nanny dog.
i love your pic's
Kathryn the V---We have a dog that is a rescue dog from the natural habitat in the D.R. She's mixed by nature--not man and nothing less than memorable and affectionate. Her name is Nina. Sometimes breeds aren't the only consideration when selecting a best friend. Bo
I had a Aussie for years and she was loved by everyone from the youngest to the oldest. We miss her so.
Hey guys what about us Min Pins?!?! We are full of energy, can keep owners on thier toes and almost guarantee to put a smile once in a while on your face!
Nice Summary about dogs adding the source of the pictures would be fine ... thanks
why diddnt you add any mastiffs they ere all family dogs, very loyal and very very good guard dogs. there simply the best dogs. oh yea and their really intelligent
Cutest photos ever!!
i agree with this list but i dont. i belive that after trained a siberian husky is in the top ten breeds for families.they are better for families with kids that are older than 7 years old because of their size. alot of people think that this breed is not good for families because they look firce but they aren't. they are very lovable dogs.
I like your list, but I do think American Pit Bull Terriers should be on the list! I have owned three goldens, two labs, border collie, english springer spaniel, maltese and my american pit bull terrier has been by far the easiest to train and the BEST family pet yet! I would recommend them over any of the others i've had and I loved them all!
Very nice. These are all great family breeds. Like so many others my list would be a bit different. But we all have our favorites, i guess.
Pugs are really cool little dogs. I grew up with one and they really do love to play. Unfortunately, mine is about to pass, but she lead a great life. I highly recommend them.
Great list for me to consider since I have a child in the home. I was surprised not to see the shephard on your list. I grew up with shephards and they are wonderful dogs.
I'm not sure the beagle is a good one to have on the list. I've had two in my life and they were by far the dumbest and least fun dogs I've every had. I would try to play with them over and over and over again throughout the many years and they were just disinterested. My dogs now (miniature schnauzer and chihuahua) were much easier to get to play. I like the list but I do not like the fact that poodles and pugs were the only small dogs on the list. Smaller dogs can be crazier and more active, but they do make great companions for kids if they grow up together.
WHAT ABOUT WESTIES!!!!!
I like your photo of the standard poodle and agree that they can be mischevious. I would place them higher on the list because of they "don't shed."
I love the pictures that you chose for this hub. Especially the one of the Newfoundland. I just want to give him a big hug!
Why can't you see more pictures of the dogs.
beagles are the cutest dog around and loves kids they hunt
I have a Poodle and a Lab. They make excellent pets for children.
Nicely presented, informative post...but where's my Labradoodle? Just Kidding.
My little sister just got a puggle & she is the sweetest & cutest puppy I have seen by far!!
I love your list :)
I have to say, that anyone who is seriously looking for advice about family dogs would not listen to what this page has to say. Firstly, I don't know where you got the info about labs being "picky" eaters. They eat anything and everything. As the owner of of three labradors I can vouch for the fact that they eat spinach, brussel sprouts, yoghurt, raspberries, apples, any and every kind of dog food. The one fault with labradors is that they are not picky- they are rubbish bins on leg that will steal all food they will see on sight.
As for poodles and all smaller dogs in general (apart from pugs, which ARE friendly). Smaller dogs were built to kill animals. As a result, they are SNAPPY and are generally appalling family pets. Having owned a poodle as a child, and my father having bred them, I can say they are poor with children.
Labradors, however, not golden retrievers, are the BEST.
i reckon a staffordshire bull terrier should be in the top 10
i found this very interesting. umm if there is any one who thinks a pitt bull is a dangerous breed ur wrong every single pit bull ive seen or owned or knew has been incredibly sweet. example i was walking down the street one day and saw this dog it was a pitt bull well it looked realy fierce and like an attack dog well i asked the women if i could pet it and i could and it let me pet it every where i even got to rub its belly thts a very voulnerable possion for dogs. my nieghbors pitt bull looks aggresive like it can kill u but they have four kids and they climb all over him, pull his ears, pull his tail they annoy him so much and he never bit them once. ive seen ppl take pitt bulls who fought there entire life and now there working in nursing homes or in hospitals. there amazing majestic breeds if u love them they will love u bak!!!
I am a proud owner of a shiba inu, I love my puppy she is wonderful with my kid and very easy to train. They are like cats and are not too fond of water. She is very smart and likes to chew things. She is particularly one of the easiest I have ever had to train.
we have two chihuahuas, tiny ones at that and they are wonderful pets! however, i do not recommend them in families with small children as they are so small and can be defensive. both dogs are very loving and great little watch dogs. house training was a bit of an issue and they still have accidents from time to time but i would never get any other breed...we simply love them!!!
interesting info.. in your Hub!!
Thanks..
wow! i like the pug and the beagle, hope they wont just stare on strangers hehe!
I have to say, Labs would be my pick of the list.
I'll add my vote for Poodles, Although I'm very biased, the only dogs our family has owned were poodles!
I have to agree with Woolly about the labs. They will eat anything (Including remotes, phones, etc...). If there is any bread that are not picky, this would be it.
The other point is that while they are very clever and very trainable, they are also dangerous to kids (Even when they are trained). Labradors are exuberant and bouncy, and one swing of the tail could knock a toddler over.
So while they do make great family pets, the fact that they are so bouncy often causes new owners to give them up. If you have a Lab, you cannot leave it alone with a kid until it starts settling down, and this can take 18 months and even much more.
They also shed like you will not believe.
I love Labradors and I think they are great pets, but I don't think they're the best if you have young kids. Golden retrievers have the same problems, but to a much smaller extent.
Loved your top 10 list I've owned many dogs, but two of my favorites have been our family collie when I was going up and the yellow lab that showed up on our doorstep two years ago. He's huge but he's as gentle as can be. thanks
Nice hub, but I'm disappointed you didn't include the Great Dane. They are the best!
I'll have to agree with "habee." Great Danes are awesome! Another great family dog is the Mastiff. My parents own one. They are gentle giants :)
I'm sorry the Samoyed didn't make your list!
It's impossible to narrow the list down to 10. There are many good breeds out there that make a great addition to a family.
I have had labs, an aussie and a collie mix and totally agree.....now my current devotion...the mystifying malamute...not so much although they are wonderful dogs. Just has to be the "right mindset" in the family and someone who "gets" them from the beginning! What an adventure they are. Great article though!
i love the dogs i even like the pug it's cute mybe on chrismas i mite get one..............LOVE THEM
In the UK the RSPCA reccomend the staffordshire bull terrier the number one with children. In victorian times was also known as the nanny dog because of its love for children. I have 2 young children and a staffie and its the best dog I have ever had. We had a labrador when I was a child and it attacked a child and had to be put down.
HI! ive just bought a pug he makes a good pet for my little u are right i like what u wrote.
You forgot the Boston Terrier! One of the smartest, most trainable and loyal breeds I know of
What about the Pit bulls? They used to watch the family kids while caretakers where away back in the day before htey were used for fighting, and they are extremely people friendly, plus low grooming and they have the energy that kids like and are willing to chase a ball or stick for hours.
Great hub! I love Goldens and Labs. They are by far my favorite dog breeds! Thanks for the great hub.
Great photo of the Shiba. Very similar to Akita, doesn't the AKC class them in the same fashion. I'd worry a bit about them being with families
seohowto says:
10 months ago
great list, Kathryn, why you didn't include haski? They are friendly AND extremely smart dogs. I would get one, but California is not the best place for them...