What are the best dog breeds for families?
It’s a tough decision to choose the perfect puppy or dog to bring into the family, especially if you have children or plan to have children. Children can benefit from growing up with a dog. It can help them learn compassion, responsibility, patience, and a love for animals, along with all the fun that a dog brings.
There isn’t a perfect breed that fits every family since different temperaments are better suited for different family environments. However, no matter which dog breed you choose, it’s important that they are given socialization opportunities so that they are well-behaved around children. Dogs living with children should be tolerant, patient, and capable of handling the loud noises and physical contact that kids often enjoy. We’ve put together a list of dog breeds we recommend considering when choosing a new family member.
Small breeds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Cavaliers tend to be affectionate and gentle, making them a great choice for families.
Havanese: Playful and intelligent, Havanese are an ideal choose for families living in cities.
Medium breeds
Golden Retrievers and Labradors: These dogs tend to be very friendly and laid back. They’re a great choice for families with children, as they thrive in a family setting.
Boxers: Boxers are a playful breed who are often silly and athletic. With proper socialization, they tend to be fantastic family companions.
Large Breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog: Despite their large size, with an adult weight ranging from 70 to 115 lbs, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being affectionate and gentle. For those with a spacious backyard, these gentle giants will make a great addition to your family.
You shouldn’t rule out adopting a dog because you don’t know their specific dog breed and history. Adopted dogs can be gentle and patient and thrive in a family situation. Finding a reputable organization or rescue group that conducts meet-and-greets is important, allowing you to interact with the dog and determine if they’re the right fit. Many fosters, rescues, and shelters will let you take the dog home for a few days to learn if they fit your family environment well.
Things to consider when buying or adopting a dog:
Important things to consider include:
- Are you able to dedicate enough time to meet your dog’s needs? Some puppies will need more training and socialization than others. For instance, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds will need regular exercise and grooming.
- Dogs have hidden costs including vet visits, food and grooming visits. It’s also important to consider training costs, we recommend training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. You can view our blog written by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage that discusses when it’s best to start puppy training.
- What is your home environment like? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a big backyard? Are you near walking trails and dog parks? Some dogs require more exercise than others, so it’s important to consider the amount of exercise you can provide before choosing a dog breed.
- You should choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. Are you looking for a dog that can take on hikes? Do you travel often? Dog breeds such as Cavaliers and Pugs are typically more laid back and make good lap dogs. Border Collies, Blue Heelers and German Shepherds will thrive in a family who loves to be outdoors.
What are the seven major dog breed groups?
The American Kennel Club has divided each dog breed into seven groups that represent the functions and characteristics of which the breeds were originally bred for. These groups are:
Working group
This group is made up of dogs that were originally bred for particular jobs. They’ll need more training than other dogs due to their strength and size. Working dogs include Siberian Huskies, bred to pull sleds; Great Pyrenees, known for their role as livestock guardians; and Newfoundlands, renowned for their water rescue abilities.
Terrier Group
These breeds were originally bred to hunt vermin and are known for their energetic personalities. Notable breeds in this group include Scottish Terriers, Wheaten Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Airedale Terriers.
Sporting Group
This group includes the fun loving Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and the German Shorthaired Pointer. These breeds will require regular exercise along with both mental and physical stimulation.
Non Sporting Group
This is a diverse group, comprising dogs of various sizes and temperaments. Breeds in this group include the American Eskimo Dog, Chow Chow, Poodle, and Dalmatian.
Toy Group
These dogs often make great lap dogs for those living in apartments. The personalities in this diverse group vary, with breeds such as Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Italian Greyhounds, and Havanese.
Hound Group
These dogs were bred for hunting and include Bloodhounds, Beagles, and Daschunds. They tend to have an excellent sense of smell and high endurance.
Herding Group
These breeds were originally developed to control the movement of livestock. Known for their intelligence, these dogs thrive when provided with regular mental and physical exercise. Herding breeds include the Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherd, Corgi, and German Shepherd.