The 10 Best Dogs for Families with Children
Best Dogs for Families. When choosing a dog for your family, particularly when you have young children, the decision should be made carefully. Dogs are not just pets; they become an integral part of the family. It’s essential to select a breed that is not only friendly but also patient, protective, and compatible with your household environment. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the best dogs for families with children, focusing on factors such as temperament, size, activity level, and maintenance.
Border Collie for families with kids
A Border collie can be a great family dog for households with kids, but it’s important to consider its energy levels and intelligence. Known for their loyalty and eagerness to please, Border Collies thrive in active environments where they can get plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They’re gentle and protective with children, often forming strong bonds. However, due to their herding instincts, they may try to “herd” kids by nipping at heels, which requires consistent training. A Border Collie is best suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or playing in the yard, as these dogs need regular exercise. With proper training and attention, a Border Collie can be a loving, playful companion for an active family.
Temperament: Energetic, and hardworking dogs and loyal.
Size: Medium to large (14-20 kilos).
Activity Level: Moderate to High – They love to play, requiring regular exercise.
Maintenance: Moderate – Labradors shed year-round and need regular grooming.
A Border Collie is best suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or playing in the yard
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are excellent companions for families with kids due to their affectionate, playful, and gentle nature. They are small in size but have a sturdy build, making them great playmates for children. French Bulldogs are known for their easygoing temperament and tend to form strong bonds with their family members, including young ones. They don’t require as much exercise as more energetic breeds, making them well-suited for families with a more relaxed lifestyle. However, they do enjoy interactive play and short walks. French Bulldogs are typically patient and tolerant, which makes them a good fit for homes with children. They thrive on attention and enjoy being involved in family activities, making them loving, low-maintenance companions.
Temperament: affectionate, playful, and easygoing.
Size: small but sturdy breed (7 to 13 kg).
Activity Level: moderate to low activity. They enjoy short bursts of playtime and daily walks
Maintenance: low-maintenance dogs, they require moderate exercise.
French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do have specific needs to keep them healthy and happy.
Newfoundland Dog
Newfoundland dogs are excellent family pets, especially for households with kids. Known for their gentle, patient, and sweet nature, they are often referred to as “gentle giants.” Newfoundlands are incredibly affectionate and protective, making them great companions for children. They are calm and tolerant, with a natural instinct to care for and watch over their family. Despite their large size, they are not overly energetic and are content with moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime. They love water and are strong swimmers, often excelling in water rescue. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to manage shedding. With proper care and space, a Newfoundland can be a loving, gentle, and loyal addition to a family with kids.
Temperament: They are incredibly affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Size: Medium to large (61 to 66 cm).
Activity Level: While they are large and strong, they are not overly energetic and do not require excessive exercise, love to swim.
Maintenance: Moderate – regular grooming, Regular dental care and minimum exercise.
Overall, while they need regular exercise, Newfoundlands are well-suited for families who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.
The Poodle
Poodles are excellent family dogs, making them a great choice for households with children. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature. Available in three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—Poodles can adapt to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. Their playful and energetic demeanour means they enjoy interactive games and outdoor activities, which can help build strong bonds with kids. Poodles are generally gentle and patient, making them safe companions for young ones. Additionally, their hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding and allergens, making them suitable for families with allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy. With proper training and socialization, Poodles can be loving, loyal, and adaptable family pets.
Temperament: intelligent, and playful.
Size: Poodles come in three distinct sizes, each with its own height and weight range.
Activity Level: high energy and activity Intelligent and playful.
Maintenance: High–regular grooming, bathing and exercise.
With proper care and attention, Poodles can lead healthy, active lives and be loving companions for their families.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are fantastic family dogs, particularly for households with children. Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, they are affectionate and eager to please, making them great companions for kids. Their playful, energetic demeanour means they love to engage in activities, whether it’s running in the yard or playing fetch. Irish Setters are also known for their gentle disposition and patience, making them a safe choice for families. They require plenty of exercise—ideally, at least an hour a day—so they’re best suited for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Their beautiful, silky coat does require regular grooming to keep it tangle-free. With proper care and attention, an Irish setter can be a loving and loyal addition to any family.
Temperament: friendly, energetic, and affectionate.
Size: Medium to large (27 to 32 kg).
Activity Level: High, Daily Exercise, like fetch or agility and enjoy being outdoors.
Maintenance: Moderate, grooming, exercise, Bathing as needed.
With consistent care and attention, Irish Setters can lead happy and healthy lives, making them wonderful companions for active families.
The Pug Dog
Pugs are fantastic family pets, especially for households with children. Known for their affectionate and playful nature, these small dogs are full of personality and charm. Pugs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities, making them great playmates for kids. Their gentle disposition makes them patient and tolerant, which is ideal for families with younger children. Despite their playful energy, Pugs do not require excessive exercise; short walks and indoor playtime are usually sufficient. They are also known for their distinctive wrinkled faces and expressive eyes, which add to their endearing qualities. With regular grooming and attention, a Pug can be a loving and loyal addition to any family, bringing joy and laughter into the home.
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, Gentle and Patient, sociable.
Size: Small, compact dogs (6 to 8 kg).
Activity Level: Moderate – Daily Exercise Playful and short walks.
Maintenance: Moderate – requires attention to grooming and bathing as needed.
Overall, Pugs are adaptable and enjoy a mix of exercise and relaxation, making them ideal companions for families.
The Beagle Dog
Beagles make excellent family pets, especially for households with children. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, these medium-sized dogs are playful, affectionate, and curious. Beagles thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities, making them great playmates for kids. Their energetic demeanour means they require regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime in the yard, which helps keep them healthy and happy. Beagles are also known for their gentle temperament, which makes them tolerant of young children. Their strong sense of smell and love for exploration can lead to adventurous outings. Regular grooming is minimal due to their short coat. With proper training and socialization, Beagles can be loving, loyal, and fun-loving additions to any family.
Temperament: Friendly, curious, sociable, playful and affectionate.
Size: medium-sized (9 to 14 kg).
Activity Level: High Daily Exercise, Playful Energy, Social Activities.
Maintenance: Moderate – regular grooming, Bathing, Exercise.
Overall, Beagles are active and playful dogs that require regular exercise and engagement to keep them happy and healthy.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are ideal family pets, especially for households with children. Renowned for their friendly and gentle nature, these dogs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on companionship. Their playful spirit makes them excellent playmates for kids, as they love to engage in games like fetch and tug-of-war. Golden Retrievers are also known for their patience and tolerance, making them suitable for families with younger children. They are highly trainable, which is a significant advantage in a busy family environment. With their moderate exercise needs, they enjoy daily walks and outdoor activities, ensuring they stay healthy and happy. Their loving disposition and loyalty make Golden Retrievers a cherished addition to any family.
Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and devoted.
Size: Medium to large (55-75 lbs).
Activity Level: High – Like Labradors, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Maintenance: High – Their thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
Golden Retrievers are known for their love of people, making them wonderful emotional companions. Their gentle and empathetic nature also makes them excellent therapy dogs.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their calm demeanour and friendly disposition allow them to coexist peacefully with kids, often forming strong bonds. Bulldogs are patient and tolerant, making them suitable for households with younger children who may be a bit rambunctious. Though they require moderate exercise, such as short walks and playtime, they are not overly demanding. Their low energy levels mean they enjoy lounging around with the family, which can be a perfect fit for a busy household. Regular grooming and care for their skin folds are essential, but overall, English Bulldogs can be loving, loyal, and low-maintenance family pets.
Temperament: Gentle and Affectionate, Playful, Sociable, and Loyal.
Size: Medium to large (18 to 23 kg).
Activity Level: low to moderate – Daily Exercise, Short Walks and Playful.
Maintenance: Moderate – regular grooming, Bathing, daily Exercise
Their broad shoulders, muscular build, and characteristic loose skin give them a unique look that sets them apart from other breeds. Despite their sturdy appearance, English Bulldogs are known for their gentle temperament and affectionate nature.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best family dogs, especially for households with children. They are known for their friendly, loving, and playful nature, making them wonderful companions for kids of all ages. Labs are patient, gentle, and highly tolerant, making them well-suited to energetic children. Their energetic disposition means they enjoy outdoor activities like running, playing fetch, and swimming, providing endless fun for active families. Labs are also highly intelligent and easy to train, which helps them adapt well to family routines. With their loyal and protective instincts, they become both loving companions and guardians. Overall, Labrador Retrievers bring joy, affection, and fun to any family, making them a beloved addition.
Temperament: Gentle, playful, and loyal.
Size: Medium to large (55-80 lbs).
Activity Level: High – They love to play, run, and swim, requiring regular exercise.
Maintenance: Moderate – Labradors shed year-round and need regular grooming.
Labradors are ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities. They thrive when they can be a part of family life, whether it’s hiking, playing fetch, or swimming at the beach.
