For many people, a house is not truly a home until it echoes with the joyous barks of the best family dogs, a loyal canine companion. However, bringing a new dog into your family is a big decision. Although there are hundreds of family dog breeds, with each unique in its size, shape, personality, and character traits.
This makes choosing a breed fit for your lifestyle and family from the many family dog breeds a crucial decision.
In this blog post, we will review 12 Best Family Dogs, additionally, we will include information about each breed to help make informed decisions.
12 Best Family Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
This dog breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. Additionally, Labrador Retrievers are also very intelligent and easy to train. They are great family dogs and love to be around people, also very good with children and other pets.
Personality Traits
- Friendly and gentle
- Outgoing and eager to please
- Intelligent and loyal
Size and Weight
- Males: 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg)
- Females: 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg)
Trainability
- Highly trainable and eager to learn
- Excel in obedience training and service roles
Child-Friendliness
- Patient and tolerant
- Excellent companions for children
- Gentle and protective
Health Considerations
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems may occur
- Regular veterinary check-ups advised
Unique Traits
- Exceptional sense of smell
- Often used as guide dogs for the blind and in search and rescue operations
2. Golden Retriever
Another exceptional family dog breed. They are known for their gentle and loving nature. Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent and easy to train. They are good with children and other pets, and they love to be active.
Personality Traits
- Friendly, intelligent, and devoted
- Gentle and tolerant
- Highly sociable and eager to please
Size and Weight
- Adult males: 65 to 75 pounds (29 to 34 kg)
- Adult females: 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 kg)
Trainability
- Highly trainable and eager to learn
- Excel in obedience training and various dog sports
Child-Friendliness
- Excellent with children of all ages
- Patient and gentle; often called “gentle giants
Health Considerations
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- Can develop certain heart and eye conditions
- Regular veterinary check-ups recommended
Unique Traits
- Friendly disposition makes them superb family pets
- Often used as therapy dogs due to their gentle nature
- Retains puppy-like behavior well into adulthood, making them perpetual “puppies at heart”
3. Beagle
These small to medium-sized family dog breeds are known for their friendly and playful personalities. although they are also very curious and love to explore. Beagles are good with children and other pets, but they can be stubborn at times.
Personality Traits
- Friendly, curious, and sociable
- Playful and cheerful
- Strong sense of smell
Size and Weight
- 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg)
- 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall at the shoulder
Trainability
- Intelligent, although somewhat independent
- Requires patient and consistent training, nonetheless
Child-Friendliness
- Good with children
- Playful and affectionate nature
Health Considerations
- Prone to obesity; watch their diet
- Susceptible to hip dysplasia and ear infections
- Regular check-ups advised
Unique Traits
- Exceptional sense of smell; excellent scent hounds too
- Often used in search-and-rescue missions and as sniffer dogs in airports
4. Poodles
This family dog breed comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are all known for their intelligence and trainability. Poodles are also very good with children and other pets. They are a bit high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they are worth it due to their loving and loyal personalities.
Personality Traits
- Intelligent, alert, and active
- Highly trainable and adaptable
- Often described as elegant and proud
Size and Weight
- Standard Poodle: 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg)
- Miniature Poodle: 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg)
- Toy Poodle: 6 to 9 pounds (2.7 to 4 kg)
Trainability
- Extremely trainable and excels in obedience
- Often used in dog sports like agility and obedience trials
Child-Friendliness
- Good with children if well-socialized
- Reserved with strangers
Health Considerations
- Prone to certain genetic health issues
- Regular check-ups and a healthy diet are important
Unique Traits
- Versatile and comes in three sizes
- Often ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds
- Originally bred as water retrievers
5. German Shepherd
Very large dogs that are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are also very good with children and other pets. German Shepherds are a bit high-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but then, they are worth it for their protective and loving nature.
Personality Traits
- Intelligent, loyal, and courageous
- Protective and excellent working dogs
- Known for their confidence and versatility
Size and Weight
- Males: 65 to 90 pounds (29 to 41 kg)
- Females: 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)
Trainability
- Highly trainable and eager to work
- Often used in police, military, and search-and-rescue roles
Child-Friendliness
- Good with children if properly trained
- Natural protectors and loyal companions
Health Considerations
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- May have genetic conditions; regular vet visits are important
Unique Traits
- Exceptional working and herding abilities
- Versatile in various roles, from family protector to service dog
- Known for their iconic upright ears and noble appearance
6. Boxers
These are medium-sized family dogs that are known for their friendly and playful personalities. Their breeds are also very loyal and protective of their families.
Personality Traits
- Energetic, playful, and affectionate
- Strong, loyal, and protective of family
- Often described as “clowns” due to their playful antics
Size and Weight
- Males: 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg)
- Females: 50 to 65 pounds (23 to 29 kg)
Trainability
- Highly trainable but can be stubborn
- Early socialization and consistent training is crucial
Child-Friendliness
- Generally good with children
- Protective and often form strong bonds with kids
Health Considerations
- Prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia
- Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are important
Unique Traits
- Known for their playful and clownish behavior
- Excellent family dogs and loyal protectors
- Strong and muscular appearance with a distinctive square head
7. Bulldog
These family dog breeds are stocky dogs that are known for their friendly and gentle personalities. They are also very good with children and other pets. Bulldogs are not very active dogs, but they are still loving and affectionate companions.
Personality Traits
- Calm, docile, and affectionate
- Known for their stubborn yet gentle nature
- Excellent companions, especially for those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle
Size and Weight
- Males: 50 to 55 pounds (23 to 25 kg)
- Females: 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg)
Trainability
- Can be stubborn, require patient training
- Basic obedience training is crucial
Child-Friendliness
- Excellent with children; gentle and protective
- Good choice for families with kids
Health Considerations
- Prone to respiratory issues due to their flat faces
- Skin and joint problems may occur
- Regular vet check-ups are important
Unique Traits
- Iconic wrinkled face and loose, wrinkled skin
- Known for their distinctive, pushed-in nose
- Originally bred for bull-baiting.
8. Pug
These are small, stocky dogs with wrinkly faces, short muzzles, and curled tails. They are known for their friendly and playful personalities, and they make great family pets. Pugs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise and grooming, but they do require regular brushing to prevent mats.
Personality Traits
- Playful, charming, and affectionate
- Sociable
- Highly adaptable to various living situations.
Size and Weight:
- Typically around 14 to 18 pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kg)
Trainability
- Eager to please and quick learners
- Basic obedience training is generally easy
Child-Friendliness
- Excellent with children; patient and playful
- A great choice for families
Health Considerations
- Prone to respiratory issues due to their pushed-in noses
- Eye problems and joint issues may occur
- Regular vet check-ups are important
Unique Traits
- Distinctive wrinkled face and curled tail
- Well-known for their charming and comical expressions
- Beloved lap dogs with a cheerful and easygoing demeanor
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This family dog breed are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are also very good with children and other pets. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise and grooming.
Personality Traits
- Affectionate, gentle, and friendly
- Outgoing and sociable, they love human companionship
- Eager to please, making them excellent family pets
Size and Weight
- Small to medium-sized dogs
- Typically weigh between 13 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kg)
Trainability:
- Intelligent and eager to learn
- Easily trained in obedience and agility
Child-Friendliness:
- Excellent with children of all ages
- Patient and gentle, making them great family dogs
Health Considerations:
- Prone to heart and eye problems, including mitral valve disease
- Regular veterinary check-ups and a heart-healthy diet are important
Unique Traits:
- Elegant and regal appearance with a sweet expression
- Named after King Charles II of England, who adored them
- Known for their affectionate nature and as loyal companions
10. Saint Bernard
One of the best family dog breeds. These are giant dogs that are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are also very loyal and protective of their families. Saint Bernards are not very active dogs, but they are still loving and affectionate companions.
Personality Traits:
- Gentle, affectionate, and friendly
- Known for their patience and tolerance
- Calm demeanor despite their large size
Size and Weight:
- One of the largest dog breeds
- Males typically weigh between 140 to 180 pounds (63.5 to 81.6 kg)
- Females are slightly smaller
Trainability:
- Intelligent but stubborn
- Early and consistent socialization.
Child-Friendliness:
- Excellent with children, often called “gentle giants”
- Natural protectors and often form strong bonds with kids
Health Considerations:
- Prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia
- Susceptible to bloat due to their deep chests
- Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial
Unique Traits:
- Known for their massive size and distinctive appearance, these dogs are truly remarkable.
- Originally bred as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, these dogs were trained to save lives.
- Famous for their role in Alpine rescues, where they often carry supplies and aid lost travelers.
11. Vizslas
These family dogs are medium-sized dogs with friendly and energetic personalities. They are also very intelligent and easy to train. Vizslas are good for children and other pets, but they need a lot of exercise.
Personality Traits:
- Energetic, affectionate, and loyal
- Known for their friendly and gentle nature
- High need for human companionship.
Size and Weight:
- Medium-sized dogs with a lean and athletic build
- Typically weigh between 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 29.5 kg)
Trainability:
- Intelligent and eager to please
- Respond well to positive reinforcement training
Child-Friendliness:
- Excellent with children if properly trained and socialized
- Energetic and playful, making them good playmates
Health Considerations:
- Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12 to 14 years
- Prone to hip dysplasia and certain genetic conditions
- Regular vet check-ups are important
Unique Traits:
- Recognizable by their rust-colored coat, these dogs have a sleek, muscular appearance.
- Originally bred as hunting dogs, where they excel in pointing and retrieving games.
- Often called “Velcro Vizslas” because of their strong attachment to their owners.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
Large dogs with gentle and loving personalities. They are also very loyal and protective of their families. Bernese Mountain Dogs are not very active dogs, but they are still loving and affectionate companions.
Personality Traits:
- Gentle, affectionate, and loyal
- Known for their calm and easygoing nature
- Excellent family dogs with a strong desire to be with their people
Size and Weight:
- Large, sturdy dogs.
- Males typically weigh between 80 to 115 pounds (36 to 52 kg).
- Females are slightly smaller.
Trainability:
- Intelligent and eager to please.
- Respond well to training methods.
Child-Friendliness:
- Excellent with children.
- Patient, gentle, and protective of their family, especially kids.
Health Considerations:
- Prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia.
- May develop heart disease or certain cancers.
- Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential.
Unique Traits:
- Recognizable by their striking tri-color coat, these dogs are black, rust, and white.
- Originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, serving purposes such as herding and pulling carts.
- Known for their strong work ethic and willingness to serve their owners, these dogs are highly regarded.
Best Non-Shedding Family Dogs
If you’re looking for non-shedding family dogs, you’ll want to consider breeds that are known for their low shedding or hypoallergenic qualities. Additionally, keep in mind that while these breeds shed less, they still need regular grooming and care.
Here is a table of some of the best non-shedding family dog breeds:
| Breed | Personality Traits | Size | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poodle | Intelligent, Friendly, Trainable | Standard, Miniature, Toy | 12-15 years |
| Bichon Frise | Playful, Affectionate, Good with Kids | Small | 12-15 years |
| Shih Tzu | Outgoing, Gentle, Good for Families | Small | 10-18 years |
| Maltese | Affectionate, Lively, Good for Older Kids | Small | 12-15 years |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Loyal, Energetic, Small in Size | Small | 13-16 years |
| Havanese | Adaptable, Friendly, Good with Children | Small | 13-15 years |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Energetic, Intelligent, Loves Water | Medium to Large | 10-14 years |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Intelligent, Alert, Good for Families | Small | 12-15 years |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | Intelligent, Friendly, Good with Kids | Medium | 15-17 years |
| Coton de Tulear | Playful, Affectionate, Loves Companionship | Small to Medium | 14-17 years |
Wrap Up
Choosing the Best Family Dog for your family is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, such as your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. The 12 Best Family Dogs listed in this blog post are all great options for families, but it is also important to do your research and find the dog that is the best fit for you.
FAQ’s
What is the #1 best family dog?
Labrador Retriever is the best family dog.
Which is the most intelligent dog?
- Border collie.
- Poodle.
- German shepherd.
- Golden retriever.
- Doberman pinscher.
- Shetland sheepdog.
- Labrador retriever.
