Finding the perfect furry friend involves more than just picking the cutest puppy at the shelter.
Each breed brings its unique blend of temperament, energy levels, and care requirements that can either complement or complicate your family life.
From gentle giants like Newfoundlands to apartment-friendly Pugs, the perfect match for your family awaits in this comprehensive guide.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Families
Picking a suitable dog breed can make or break the family pet experience.
With nearly 4.5 million dog bites occurring annually in the USA and 65-70% of victims being young children, proper breed selection is vital for safety (source).
The right dog breeds for kids can become a loyal protector, gentle playmate, and teaching tool for responsibility.
Yet the wrong match may lead to behavioral issues, stress, and potential safety risks – especially in homes with small children.
A good family dog breeds should be patient with kids’ energy, adaptable to family routines, and have a temperament that fits the household’s activity level.
20 Dog Breeds Every Family with Kids Should Consider
1. The Poodle: A Smart and Adaptable Family Pet
The Poodle comes in three sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy – making it a flexible choice for different living situations.
These dogs good with kids stand out for their high intelligence and willingness to learn, making training sessions productive for both children and adults.
While Poodles need regular grooming every 4-6 weeks, their non-shedding coat makes them ideal for families with allergies.
They bring a mix of playfulness and smarts to the household, though they require consistent exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Size: Medium (Standard), Small (Miniature/Toy)
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Intelligent, playful, affectionate, easy to train
- Grooming and shedding: Low-shedding, high grooming needs
- Energy level: Moderate to high
- Barking: Moderate (alert and vocal)
2. Labrador Retriever: America’s Favorite Family Dog
The Labrador Retriever tops the list of best family pets, known for their gentle nature and patient demeanor with children.
These large dogs, weighing 55-80 pounds, bring an ideal mix of playfulness and reliability to family life.
Labs need plenty of daily exercise to manage their high energy levels, making them best dog breeds for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Labs usually interact well with other animals but may become destructive if left alone too often due to separation anxiety.
Their 12-14 year lifespan offers children the chance to grow up alongside a loyal, outgoing friend who loves participating in family activities.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Personality: Friendly, outgoing, highly trainable, great with kids
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (mostly when excited or alerting)
3. The Bulldog: A Gentle Family Companion
The English Bulldog brings a sweet and protective personality to family life despite their tough appearance.
At 40-50 pounds, these medium-sized dogs fit well in both houses and apartments thanks to their low exercise needs.
While Bulldogs require minimal grooming, families should clean their facial folds regularly to prevent skin issues.
Their calm nature makes them patient with children, though their 8-10 year lifespan is shorter than many best dog breeds.
These low-barking pups prefer short walks and cuddle sessions to intense physical activity.
Bulldogs typically tolerate other pets, but their flat faces make them sensitive to hot weather and vigorous exercise.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
- Personality: Gentle, calm, affectionate, protective
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, minimal grooming
- Energy level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Low (rarely barks)
4. Newfoundland: The Sweet-Natured Family Guardian
The Newfoundland stands out as a best family dog, weighing between 100-150 pounds. These large dogs bring a gentle, patient nature that makes them excellent companions for children.
Despite their size, Newfoundlands show remarkable calmness and protection instincts around kids.
They need daily brushing and shed more during spring and fall.
While their 9-10 year lifespan runs shorter than other breeds, their sweet temperament and dedication to family make them outstanding pets.
These gentle giants excel at swimming, making them excellent companions near water.
- Size: Extra large
- Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
- Personality: Patient, sweet-tempered, protective, gentle with kids
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, regular grooming required
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate (usually quiet)
5. Beagle: The Happy-Go-Lucky Family Friend
The Beagle fits well in family settings, weighing between 15-30 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall.
These dogs good with kids bring endless energy and a loving nature to households with children.
While their strong sense of smell can lead them to follow scents, proper training helps manage this instinct.
Beagles generally enjoy the company of other dogs but can experience separation anxiety if left alone frequently.
With a lifespan of 10-15 years, these cheerful companions offer families a decade-plus of loyal friendship and playful moments.
- Size: Small to Medium
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Personality: Cheerful, curious, friendly, sociable
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, minimal grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: High (tendency to bark/howl)
6. Pug: The Perfect Apartment Family Dog
The Pug makes an ideal family companion dog with their social nature and low barking tendencies.
Their friendly nature often extends to other animals, allowing them to coexist peacefully in homes with other pets.
These small dogs fit well in apartments and homes alike, needing minimal exercise beyond short daily walks.
While they require basic grooming, families should clean their facial folds regularly to prevent skin problems.
Pugs bond closely with children and love following them around, making them excellent playmates.
Their adaptable personality and 12-15 year lifespan provide families with years of affectionate companionship, though they may snore due to their flat faces.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Affectionate, playful, friendly, adaptable
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Low (quiet and apartment-friendly)
7. Collie: The Family-Oriented Protector
Collies bring intelligence and loyalty to family life, standing 22-26 inches tall and weighing 50-75 pounds.
These best family pets shine with their ability to read situations and respond to children’s needs.
Their double coat requires regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding periods. While Collies may bark to alert family members, proper training helps manage this trait.
Their moderate to high energy level matches well with active households, making daily walks and play sessions essential for their well-being.
Collies are sensitive dogs that respond best to gentle training methods, as harsh techniques can lead to anxiety.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Personality: Intelligent, gentle, loyal, protective of family
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate to high shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: Moderate to high
- Barking: Moderate (alert barking)
8. Irish Setter: The Athletic Family Companion
Irish Setters bring joy to best dog breeds with their loving nature and playful spirit.
These large dogs, standing 25-27 inches tall and weighing 60-70 pounds, match well with energetic children who enjoy outdoor activities.
Their stunning red coat needs regular brushing to stay tangle-free, but their minimal barking makes them pleasant house pets.
These social dogs thrive on daily exercise and family playtime, making them excellent partners for hiking, running, or backyard games.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Energetic, affectionate, playful, sociable
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (typically alerts and playful barking)
9. Golden Retriever: The Ultimate Family Pet
Golden Retrievers rank among the most popular best family pets, weighing between 55-75 pounds.
Their patient and friendly nature makes them perfect companions for children of all ages.
These large dogs need daily exercise to manage their moderate to high energy levels, making them ideal for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
While their thick coat requires regular brushing to control shedding, their gentle demeanor and 10-12 year lifespan provide families with years of loyal companionship.
Golden Retrievers excel at training and love participating in family games, swimming, and fetch sessions.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Personality: Friendly, trustworthy, devoted, highly sociable
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, moderate grooming needs
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (alert, playful barking)
10. Vizsla: The High-Energy Family Partner
The Vizsla fits active families who love outdoor activities, bringing intelligence and loyalty to the household.
These medium-sized dogs good with kids need plenty of physical and mental activity to stay content.
While their short coat needs minimal grooming, Vizslas require consistent training to learn proper play behavior with children.
These athletic dogs form strong bonds with family members and show patience when properly exercised.
Vizslas can experience separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for families who can spend ample time with them.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Energetic, affectionate, intelligent, highly trainable
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: Very High
- Barking: Moderate (may bark when bored or excited)
11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Happy Family Companion
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier brings a spirited and friendly nature to family life.
At a medium size, these dogs fit comfortably in both houses and apartments, needing regular exercise to stay content.
Their silky coat requires consistent brushing to prevent matting, though they shed minimally.
These dogs good with kids show patience with children and adapt well to household routines, making them reliable family friendly pets who balance playfulness with good manners.
While friendly, Wheatens might exhibit stubbornness during training, requiring patience and consistency.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Personality: Cheerful, energetic, affectionate, playful
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, regular grooming needed
- Energy level: Moderate to high
- Barking: Moderate (alert barking)
12. Boxer: The Playful Family Guardian
The Boxer brings a perfect mix of protection and playfulness to family life, weighing between 50-80 pounds.
These muscular dogs show exceptional patience with children while maintaining a watchful eye over their household.
Boxers need minimal grooming but require daily exercise to manage their high energy levels.
While naturally protective, early training helps Boxers learn appropriate play behaviors with kids.
These active dogs excel in family activities and sports, making them excellent partners for households that value both security and fun.
Boxers have a higher risk of certain heart conditions, which should be monitored regularly by veterinarians.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Personality: Playful, energetic, protective, patient with children
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (alert barking, playful sounds)
13. Bichon Frise: The Happy Family Friend
The Bichon Frise fits perfectly into family life with their cheerful attitude and manageable size.
These small dogs, weighing between 12-18 pounds, bring constant joy while staying gentle around children.
Their non-shedding coat makes them ideal for families with allergies, though they need grooming every 4-6 weeks to maintain their fluffy appearance.
These dogs good with kids thrive in both apartments and houses, needing moderate daily exercise to stay healthy.
Their friendly nature and low barking tendencies make them reliable family friendly pets who bond well with kids of all ages.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
- Personality: Playful, affectionate, cheerful, gentle
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, high grooming required
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Moderate to high (can be vocal if bored)
14. Cocker Spaniel: The Sweet-Natured Family Friend
Cocker Spaniels fit well in family settings, standing 13-16 inches tall and weighing 20-30 pounds.
These best family pets bring a gentle, sweet-tempered nature that works beautifully with children.
While their silky coat needs regular brushing and occasional professional grooming, their moderate exercise needs make them manageable for most families.
Their social personality and eagerness to learn make them excellent training partners for kids, while their moderate energy level suits both active play and quiet family time.
They’re generally sociable with other dogs, but early socialization helps prevent shyness.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
- Personality: Cheerful, affectionate, gentle, friendly
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, regular grooming needed
- Energy level: Moderate to high
- Barking: Moderate (alert barking, vocal if left alone)
15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: The Smart Family Companion
Pembroke Welsh Corgis pack a big personality into their small 10-12 inch frame. These compact herders, weighing 22-31 pounds, bring intelligence and playfulness to family life.
While their short legs might seem limiting, dogs good with kids keep up with children through moderate daily exercise and backyard play.
Their double coat sheds regularly but needs minimal grooming beyond weekly brushing.
Corgis excel at training sessions with children, though their herding instincts need proper direction.
These sturdy pets fit well in both houses and apartments, as long as they receive enough mental and physical activity.
- Size: Small to Medium
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Smart, playful, affectionate, loyal
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, moderate grooming
- Energy level: Moderate to high
- Barking: High (alert barking common)
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Gentle Family Friend
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits perfectly in family settings, measuring 12-13 inches tall and weighing 13-18 pounds.
These best family pets bring affection and patience to homes with children of all ages.
Their silky coat needs regular brushing to stay tangle-free, but their low barking makes them pleasant indoor pets.
These adaptable dogs enjoy both short walks and quiet cuddle time, matching well with various family lifestyles.
Their easy-going nature and willingness to learn make them excellent first-time family pets.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Gentle, affectionate, sociable, friendly
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, regular grooming required
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate (usually quiet)
17. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Calm Family Companion
Bernese Mountain Dogs bring gentle affection to family life, standing tall at 23-27 inches and weighing between 70-115 pounds.
These dogs good with kids show exceptional patience with children while maintaining a peaceful presence in the household.
Their thick tri-colored coat needs regular brushing, with increased attention during seasonal shedding periods.
Though their 7-10 year lifespan runs shorter than other breeds, their calm nature and loving personality make them outstanding best family pets.
Bernese Mountain Dogs fit best in homes with adequate space, where they can enjoy moderate daily exercise and cool temperatures.
Their reliable temperament and kind disposition help them bond deeply with family members of all ages.
Their large size and rapid growth mean they can develop joint issues if not carefully monitored during their puppy years.
- Size: Large to Extra Large
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
- Personality: Gentle, calm, loyal, patient
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate (generally quiet)
18. Brittany: The Athletic Family Partner
The Brittany brings an ideal mix of playfulness and adaptability to best dog breeds for kids, standing 17-20 inches tall and weighing 30-40 pounds.
These medium-sized sporting dogs match well with energetic children who love outdoor activities.
Their manageable coat needs weekly brushing to stay tidy, while their friendly personality makes them reliable companions.
Their high energy levels call for daily runs, fetch sessions, or hiking trips, making them perfect pets for athletic households that value outdoor time together.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Personality: Energetic, intelligent, enthusiastic, affectionate
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (alert barking)
19. Maltese: The Gentle Lap Dog for Families
The Maltese brings charm to family life with their small size and gentle nature.
These 7-9 pound dogs fit perfectly in apartments and homes, needing moderate daily exercise through indoor play or short walks.
Due to their tiny size, Maltese dogs can be fragile and are better suited for families with older, gentle children.
While their silky white coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting, they shed minimally.
Best dogs with kids show patience with gentle children and adapt well to family routines, though supervision helps protect their small frame during playtime.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Gentle, affectionate, playful, friendly
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, high grooming required
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Moderate to high (vocal if bored or alone)
20. Portuguese Water Dog: The Active Family Swimming Partner
Portuguese Water Dogs stand 17-23 inches tall and weigh 35-60 pounds, making them perfect for active families.
These medium-sized companions bond closely with children while remaining watchful and patient.
Their curly, water-resistant coat needs regular brushing and trimming every two months, though they shed minimally – a plus for families with allergies.
With a lifespan of 12-15 years, these dogs good with kids bring energy and affection to households that enjoy swimming and water sports.
They excel in obedience training and agility, thriving in active, engaged family environments.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Active, affectionate, intelligent, family-oriented
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, regular grooming needed
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate (usually alert barking)
The 10 Worst Dog Breeds for Families with Children
When selecting a dog breed for your family, it’s essential to consider compatibility with young children.
While every dog is unique, some breeds generally aren’t the best fit for households with kids due to temperament, energy levels, or safety concerns.
Here are 10 breeds families might want to reconsider:
1. Chihuahua
These tiny dogs can be temperamental, forming attachments primarily with one person.
They’re easily overwhelmed by children and prone to nipping if they feel bothered or threatened, posing a bite risk.
Chihuahuas can also become jealous of attention given to children, leading to further behavioral issues.
- Size: Very Small
- Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
- Personality: Alert, territorial, can be moody
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, minimal grooming
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: High
2. Akita
Akitas have strong protective instincts but are serious and intolerant of playful teasing.
Their aloof nature and wariness of strangers can create risky situations if they misinterpret children’s behavior.
Early socialization and training are crucial but may still not guarantee compatibility with young children.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Personality: Loyal, independent, protective
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, moderate grooming
- Energy level: Moderate to High
- Barking: Moderate
3. Chow Chow
Chows are loyal but standoffish dogs who dislike unpredictable behavior.
Their independent nature and potential aggression make them unreliable companions for small children.
Chow Chows are often difficult to train due to their stubbornness.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Personality: Aloof, independent, reserved
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, frequent grooming required
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to Moderate
4. Greyhound
Despite being gentle, Greyhounds are easily startled by noise and chaos.
Their timid nature makes them prone to nervous reactions, potentially leading to biting if overwhelmed by young, energetic kids.
Greyhounds also have a high prey drive, making them unsuitable around smaller pets.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Personality: Gentle, reserved, timid
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, minimal grooming
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low
5. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs prefer calm, quiet environments and can exhibit bossy behaviors.
Their intolerance for rough play and tendency to nip when annoyed makes them unsuitable for young kids.
They can be prone to respiratory issues due to their flat faces.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Personality: Independent, bossy, sensitive
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: Low to Moderate
- Barking: Moderate
6. Malinois
Highly intelligent and energetic, Malinois require extensive attention and consistent training.
Their intense nature and strong bite force pose significant risks if interactions with children aren’t carefully managed.
Without sufficient stimulation, they may become destructive.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Personality: Intelligent, protective, energetic
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, minimal grooming
- Energy level: Very High
- Barking: Moderate to High
7. Shar Pei
Shar Peis are notoriously moody, territorial, and often intolerant of children’s playful antics.
They prefer quiet environments and can become aggressive if their boundaries are repeatedly crossed.
Their unique skin folds can lead to chronic skin infections requiring extra veterinary care.
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Personality: Independent, reserved, territorial
- Grooming and shedding: Moderate shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Low
8. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are protective but may accidentally injure small children due to their strength and clumsiness as puppies.
Poor socialization can also lead to fear-based aggression. Proper training can mitigate some issues, but their high energy and size remain concerns around small kids.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Personality: Alert, protective, intelligent
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, easy grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds, though loyal, can become overly protective and territorial.
Without proper socialization, their guarding instincts may cause them to react aggressively to perceived threats from playful children.
Hip dysplasia and other joint problems are common in this breed.
- Size: Large
- Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
- Personality: Intelligent, protective, loyal
- Grooming and shedding: High shedding, regular grooming
- Energy level: High
- Barking: Moderate
10. Shih Tzu
These small dogs enjoy being close and often get underfoot, causing accidental injuries.
Many breeders avoid placing Shih Tzus with young children due to their delicate size and high risk of accidental injury.
Their fragile frame also makes them vulnerable to serious harm from rough handling.
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 10-16 years
- Personality: Friendly, affectionate, playful
- Grooming and shedding: Low shedding, high grooming
- Energy level: Moderate
- Barking: Moderate
Making the Perfect Match: Your Family’s New Best Friend
Choosing a family dog is a decision that shapes your household dynamics for years to come.
While breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles consistently rank among the top choices for families, the best dog for your home depends on your unique circumstances – from living space and activity levels to grooming commitment and allergies.
Remember that any breed can make a wonderful family companion with proper training, socialization, and care.
The key lies in honestly assessing your family’s lifestyle and choosing a breed whose natural traits align with your household’s needs.
Whether you opt for an energetic Vizsla or a gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, your careful consideration will pave the way for years of joyful companionship.
