The 30 Best Dog Breeds for Families With Kids

Are you eager to add a furry four-legged pup to your family? If so, we have rounded up the best dog breeds for kids.

By: Erin Gifford

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What Are the Best Dog Breeds for Families?

Like peanut butter and jelly, kids and dogs just go together. But which dog breeds are best for families with kids?

Yeah, all puppies are cute, of course, but personality, activity needs, grown size and even grooming requirements are important factors to consider when choosing a breed that works best for you and your kids. Think about your family's living arrangement, too. Do you have a big yard great for a large, athletic dog to stretch its legs? Do you live in an urban area where space is limited? Get to know these 30 breeds and why experts say they make great choices for families.

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Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels tend to be gentle, playful and dependable, making them good all-around furry friends. According to the American Kennel Club, they make wonderful playmates for children, especially active kiddos eager to burn off energy with this energetic doggo. No matter the weather, cocker spaniels love to run around outside, so keep the rain boots by the door. These pooches are eager to please and willing to learn. They also make good greeters, enthusiastically welcoming owners home, tails wildly wagging.

Brussels Griffon

Not only is the Brussels griffon cute and cuddly, but this small dog is a great pick for families. However, keep in mind that due to his small size, he is better suited to households with older children, per WebMD. This wiry-haired breed is affectionate, loving and comforting, but also playful and energetic. This adaptable pup is a good choice for both a house in the suburbs or a small apartment in the city. The Brussels griffon is loyal and known to forge strong bonds with his humans. They are versatile, sociable and love daily walks, as well as visits to the dog park.

Basset Hound

Thanks to their easy-going nature and gentle temperament, these floppy-eared dogs are a good pick for families. Basset hounds are adaptable and affectionate. They are also good with other pets, a plus if you already have a dog or cat in the house. They are not high-energy like some other breeds. This sturdy pup prefers a more relaxed lifestyle, though he does enjoy a good stroll around the block. Basset hounds love to spend time with their humans, including children, and will dote on you as much as you dote on them. They may bark or howl from time to time, but this is likely because they were bred to track a scent, per the American Kennel Club.

Boxer

The boxer is known to be friendly and playful, making this pup a good match for families, especially active families given their energetic nature. This high-energy breed is always up for playtime, whether outside in the backyard or at the local bark park. Boxers are loyal and protective, too, eager to form strong relationships with their humans and keep them safe at all costs. This breed tends to be patient and tolerant, a plus when part of a family with active children, per Neater Pets. These smart pups are typically healthy, too, and not prone to health problems or visits to the veterinarian.

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Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese water dogs are friendly, social, playful, versatile and good with kids. Honestly, this breed checks a lot of boxes for families on the hunt for a companion. This energetic doggo loves to swim and play, is adaptable, and thrives in various living spaces, from small apartments to houses with big backyards. This fluffy breed has a curly or wavy coat, which is both hypoallergenic and low shedding, though you’ll still want to keep up with regular grooming, according to PetMD. Portuguese water dogs go to the head of their class in obedience training, quickly learning commands and tasks, making them exceptionally well-behaved family pets.

Vizsla

The vizsla is not an especially well-known breed, but once you get to know this pup, you may find he is the perfect companion for your family. This breed is gentle and playful, as well as versatile and highly affectionate, per Rover.com. They love to love on their humans. The vizsla is also highly trainable. This dog is eager to please and is quick to learn commands and basic obedience skills. Keep in mind that vizslas have a lot of energy to burn. They love to play in the backyard with the kids or go out for a run in the neighborhood.

Collie

For anyone who’s ever watched Lassie, it’s not hard to see why a collie, such as a rough collie, would be an ideal companion for a family. She was so loyal and true. In fact, this breed is known for its devotion and protective nature, providing a family with a sense of security, per the American Kennel Club. The collie is gentle and patient, which can be a plus for families with small children. This breed is active and energetic, so get her outside for a game of catch or a run around the backyard. The collie is adaptable, too, and can be an ideal family pet whether in a home or an apartment.

Bull Terrier

Bull terriers are known to be wonderful family dogs, but that’s not to say that they’re a fit for every family. This muscular breed does best with active families who like to play outdoor games, go on hikes and take this breed to the dog park for a run-around with other doggos in the neighborhood. Physical activity and mental stimulation are key, per WebMD, to help prevent boredom-related behavioral issues in this breed. Bull terriers are fun-loving dogs that do best when well-socialized and trained early to respond to commands. This breed loves its humans and is content to do what they want to do.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale terriers are friendly, loyal and smart, which can make this breed a great choice for families. They love to play out in the backyard, in the house or at the dog park. This breed is also protective without being prone to aggression, which can provide a family with a sense of security, per Pawesome. Airedale terriers are typically adaptable, tolerant and patient, all important qualities when in the presence of curious and high-energy children. This breed is also known to be a healthy breed, but do keep up with the regular check-ups at the vet to ensure this doggo's health and longevity.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever makes a fantastic family dog thanks to his happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging nature. This sturdy, enthusiastic doggo paws-itively loves to exercise, making him a good fit for active kids and families eager to run, jump, swim and play fetch with this lively pup. This fun-loving, protective breed can grow to 80 pounds, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition, so make sure he has plenty of space to roam and play. Labs like to be engaged, so teach this playful pup a new trick or two.

Bulldog

While often used to symbolize ferociousness and courage, the bulldog is more often an affectionate and good-natured sweetheart in real life and can make a fantastic addition to a family. Bulldogs are noted for their loving and loyal nature, willing to take care and protect their family from harm, according to PawsGeek. This breed is adaptable, good with children and, thankfully, not known to bark much. The bulldog is not a high-energy breed. He’ll enjoy a good walk around the block, but he’s also very open to an afternoon nap in the sunshine. A short coat means that he also has minimal grooming needs.

Alaskan Malamute

There’s no question, Alaskan Malamutes can seem rather intimidating, given the average Mal can weigh in at 75 to 85 pounds. But don’t let their size fool you, this breed is a lover, not a fighter. In fact, Alaskan Malamutes are known for their gentle, friendly and loyal nature, according to DogTime. Their robust and sturdy build makes this breed a good pick for active families with playful and energetic children. The Mal is protective, too, able to sniff out danger and act as a natural protector for the family. This large breed dog has a dense double coat, so keep up with regular grooming to manage shedding and prevent matting.

Poodle

Poodles are even-tempered and well-behaved, making them popular among families. Standard poodles, in particular, are well-suited to active families given their playful and energetic nature. These pups don't bark much and like to socialize, both with humans and fellow pups they encounter while out on a walk in the neighborhood. Per Canine Journal, poodles are smart and easy to train, too. They learn quickly and are sensibly protective, eager to keep watch over children in the backyard or at the playground.

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Pug

Pugs are enthusiastic and exuberant, clever and comical, according to Dogtime. Their sparkling eyes and wrinkly faces delight adults and kids alike. Their expressions are so human-like, evoking curiosity, wonder and joy. These pint-sized pups may top out at 20 pounds, but they are eager to run, jump and play. They're low-maintenance and rarely bark, making them a good choice among families with small children. They're good cuddlers, too. These small dogs are more than happy with a snuggle and a snooze.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The friendly and affectionate Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an ideal pick as a family dog thanks to its gentle nature and eagerness to please. These happy little dogs — the breed tops out at 18 pounds — are especially good with children, according to the American Kennel Club. They are quick learners and interact well with caregivers, making them delightful household companions. These easygoing dogs love a snuggle, too. Many describe this pint-sized pup as the perfect cuddle buddy.

Beagle

Beagles are fantastic family dogs thanks to their playful and loving nature. They are energetic, friendly and sturdy, per Rover.com. They are also largely child-proof despite their relatively small size (beagles max out at just 35 pounds). Kids will peter out before these peppy pups do. Beagles are inquisitive and good-natured, but they do crave attention. A houseful of kids (i.e., tireless playmates) is ideal for this fun-loving dog. Beagles make good family guard dogs, too, eager to alert the family to suspicious sounds with a boisterous howl.

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is such a popular breed — especially among families — that he even has his own day. Yes, Feb. 3 is National Golden Retriever Day, a day to celebrate all there is to love about this exceedingly friendly and fun-loving dog breed. Some even trumpet this breed for having a golden personality, which makes the golden retriever a first-rate pick for kids and families. They are patient, tolerant, playful and enthusiastic. It's no surprise that this breed consistently ranks among the American Kennel Club's top-five most popular breeds.

Border Collie

Border collies are people pups, according to Vetstreet. They are at their best when with their humans, and they aim to please. This mild-mannered breed is gentle and reliable, rarely acting up or misbehaving. They are also quick to learn and easy to train — all good qualities in a family dog. Border collies love children of all ages. They do especially well with active families eager to spend loads of time outside. They even happily live side by side with other pups (and cats).

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland breed may be large (males can weigh up to 150 pounds), but they are among the gentlest of all dog breeds. This breed has been referred to as both "nature's nanny" and "the nanny dog" due to their mild-mannered personalities and exceptional temperament with children. They may drool and shed, but that makes them all the more lovable. These massive fur-babies want little more than to love on and watch over their humans, per PetMD.

Havanese

The Havanese may not be as well-known as some dog breeds, but this cuddly pup is quickly becoming a favorite among families, according to PetGuide.com. The Havanese wants to please and is eager to be a loyal companion. This pocket-size pup — the breed weighs 10 to 15 pounds — loves children. They are relatively easy to train and want to spend as much time with humans as possible. That noted, they don't do well when left alone for extended periods of time.

Papillon

This teacup pup is sweet, loving and as lively as they come. The papillon may be small, but he is mighty. More than a lapdog, this sprightly breed likes to play, even excelling at agility and obstacle courses. Given his size — topping out at 10 pounds — this breed makes a good pick for city-dwelling families. They are just as happy running around the apartment as they are frolicking in the park. This pup likes to socialize and is especially good with kids and families, according to Dogtime.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog is not only a fantastic family dog, but also a very good family guard dog, per the American Kennel Club. This gentle breed is a loving companion for children, eager to watch over them. While this large breed dog does enjoy a good snooze in the sun, he also likes to romp around outside, especially across a snow-covered backyard. (They are a cold-loving Alpine breed, after all.) This breed can be shy, so it's good to socialize him with other pups and humans.

Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a smart and friendly pup that's a good listener and easy-to-train. Given their small size, this breed is a good pick for city-dwelling families. These furry pups don't need loads of exercise, per Vetstreet.com, but they do appreciate a good stroll around the block to meet and greet the neighbors. For first-time dog owners, the bichon frise is a great pick given their calm, good-natured personality, which also makes them a top choice for families.

Shih Tzu

The loyal and pleasant-natured shih tzu is a dream doggo for families. This precious pooch may have been bred as a lapdog, but they enjoy a playful prance around the park, too. This cuddly canine is eager to be a loving companion for life, according to Dogtime. As a bonus, the shih tzu tends to be less yappy than other toy breeds — a plus for those with very small children (i.e., those that take naps and need not be disturbed). It’s hard to go wrong with this friendly, lovable pooch.

German Shepherd

Better known as guard dogs, German shepherds are especially well-suited as family dogs, too. They can be exceptionally gentle and loving companions. This breed is calm and caring, but also protective and respectful. These doggos have a lot of energy and are a good match for active families that like to run, hike and play catch. Widely considered among the best family guard dogs, German shepherds know how to keep their family safe. This dog breed loves children and makes an ideal lifelong friend, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition.

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are warm and good-natured. They love to play and spend quality time with their humans, making them fantastic companion dogs, per the American Kennel Club. They also value their beauty sleep — they can sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. These petite pups don’t need a lot of exercise — a walk around the block will do. They also don't have a lot to bark about and have much love to give the family. It's no surprise that Frenchies are the most-hashtagged dog breed on Instagram.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners want little more than to be good family dogs. They are devoted people-pleasers that love their humans. Once a hunting dog used by German royalty, this large breed is now widely celebrated as a family dog, according to Vetstreet.com. One look into their blue-gray eyes and it's hard not to fall in love with the Weimaraner. These gorgeous gray dogs love spending time outdoors with kids and family. They can make an ideal companion pup for kids.

Corgi

We all love the royals. So naturally, we all love corgis. Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis since she became Queen in 1952. These adorable pups have little legs that don’t require long walks, making them properly suited for families with small children (who also have little legs). Corgis are gentle, loving and smart, per The Dogs Journal. They love to please and follow around their humans, especially children. This sociable breed has a naturally loving personality. It won't take long before a corgi grows a strong bond with the family.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The fun-loving and adorably inquisitive soft-coated wheaten terrier is a fantastic pick for active families, per the American Kennel Club. This mid-size breed is gregarious, energetic and oh-so-cuddly. Children will love a good snuggle with this friendly furball. Wheatens are protective — they make excellent watch dogs. However, they're not the best family guard dogs. They love everyone. Wheatens don't need a big backyard, but they enjoy long walks and the occasional trip to the agility park.

Irish Setter

The glamourous, silky coated Irish setter surprises with his boundless energy. They love to run and require a lot of exercise, making them better suited for very active families, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition. Take them on hikes, visit the dog park and play catch in the backyard. Their joy and zest for life make this elegant breed a popular choice among families eager for a dynamic dog with energy to spare.

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