Top 10 Best Family Dog Breeds

The best family dog breeds are playful, sociable, and highly trainable. In fact, basic commands such as "come," "sit," and "stay" ought to become second nature when dogs and kids share a household! With children's lovable, high-energy antics, dogs with good-natured and easygoing demeanors are a must!

Discover some of the most exceptional dogs for families.

#1: Golden Retriever

 

The lighthearted Golden Retriever is the perfect combination of playful and tolerant, making them one of the friendliest dog breeds and equally suitable for toddlers and older children. Goldens absolutely love having fun and will gladly tag along on any adventure. Their patience, trainability, and friendliness should put them at the top of any list.

Learn more about the confident Golden Retriever.

#2: Labrador Retriever

 

These energetic, even-tempered family dogs are wonderful with people of all ages. Even more impressive, Labs understand to be gentle around smaller children remarkably quickly. They love games of every sort, and because they are water dogs, they have a special fondness for splashing around in oceans, lakes, and streams.

Keep reading about the agreeable Labrador Retriever.

#3: Beagle

 

The Beagle's charm, cuteness, and supreme friendliness makes them one of the best family dog breeds you could welcome into your home. If you don't mind a little noise, the joyful Beagle is unmatched for family fun. They're the ideal size for toddlers—and quick enough to get away from them!

Find out more about the endearing Beagle.

#4: Collie

 

Collies have a well-deserved reputation for being smart, fun-loving, and kind. If the heavy coat worries you, consider the smooth Collie, which has an identical temperament but much less hair. Collies make great dogs for families and enjoy keeping kids in line by "herding" them, which even small children find hysterical! Because of their tolerant personalities, the Collie is the only herding dog on the list; the others may be a little too firm about keeping kids in line.

Read more about the kindhearted Collie.

#5: Newfoundland

 

The Newfie is what people often call an "honest dog." Totally devoted to children, these gentle giants are natural lifesavers both in the water and on dry land. They are large enough to withstand toddlers running into them, and they often act as a pillow for youngsters at the end of a long day.

Uncover more about the hardworking Newfoundland.

#6: Irish Setter

 

The Irish Setter combines gentleness with heaps of boundless energy in a way that no other dog can. This family dog breed is as friendly as the Beagle, with a bit more of an outgoing nature, and is trustworthy even around babies. Despite rumors to the contrary, this is also a very intelligent dog breed that is totally empathetic.

Learn more about the upbeat Irish Setter.

#7: Boxer

 

If we had to name the most playful dog, the Boxer might just top the list. Kid-loving and energetic, this enthusiastic furry friend makes a terrific companion. Some Boxers may be too powerful and headstrong for small children, but they are highly trainable dogs.

Read on about the athletic Boxer.

#8: Bulldog

The caring, attention-loving Bulldog is sweet to children...although they are not above drooling on them! They have a strong protective instinct and make great watchdogs. This gentle family dog breed is not the most easily trained, but they are so well behaved by nature that excessive training isn't necessary.

Discover more about the affectionate Bulldog.

#9: Vizsla

 

The faithful Vizsla is quiet and well-mannered, but when the time comes to play, the breed is unmatched. Lively and full of affection, this is a breed that totally loves kids. Vizslas seem to be unaware that they are not lapdogs and will try to secure the position until playtime, at which point they play tirelessly.

Find out more about the dynamic Vizsla.

#10: Standard Poodle

 

The Standard Poodle may seem a bit pompous and above it all, but it's a clever act. Calm and dignified around adults, the cheerful Poodle becomes a team player with children, willing to participate and excel in any game. They are also highly skilled at performing dog tricks!

Keep reading about the obedient Poodle.

More dogs for Families: Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, French Bulldog, and Pug. Don't forget shelter dogs and mixes, too!