20 of the Most Family-Friendly Dogs

Basset Hounds are famous for their long ears as well as short legs, and also for being one of the most loyal dogs out there. Even though this is a hunting dog — its trailing ability is second only to the Bloodhound — the Basset has a gentle temperament and is very friendly with kids as well as other pets in the house. The breed needs daily exercise, which can be an excuse to keep the kids active as well. Otherwise, Bassets may be prone to obesity.

Collies consistently make the top of lists of best family dogs. One reason why is their personality — gentle and affectionate. They learn quickly and are easy to train. They also love to please everyone around them, as well as care for people in the family with whom they form a great bond. Collies tend to get bored with the same routine, which can make them a great partner for kids who love to play a lot and different games.

You can’t go wrong with a dog whose nickname is “nature’s babysitter.” Another popular nickname for Newfoundlands is “nanny dog” because they are sweet, patient, and good companions. Newfs may be some of the world’s biggest dogs, but they are also among the most affectionate towards kids and are very protective of them. These large dogs are best suited for families who have a home with a big yard or other large open space.

Beagles are among the most popular breeds in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. These hunting dogs are known for their happy temperament and loyalty. They thrive when they live indoors with the rest of the family. They are very curious and need a lot of playtime outdoors, which they love. That makes them a perfect companion for energetic kids. Beagles get along with other pets in the house as well.

Beaucerons are described as gentle giants. Sometimes weighing over 100 pounds, these powerful dogs are also faithful and obedient. These dogs are known to be sensitive and protective of their owners. However, veterinarians warn that Beaucerons are not the best choice for people who have never had dogs before because they are very stubborn. But they are also excellent watchdogs who won’t have a problem defending their home and family.

One of the Golden Retriever’s best qualities is its patience, which is why the breed is a perfect match for children. This dog, however, will not protect your home from thieves. Golden Retrievers are gentle and really love everyone around them. They are also loyal, calm, and smart, which is why, perhaps not surprisingly, they are often used as service dogs.

Labrador Retrievers often rank as America’s most popular dog breed. They are happy, fairly easy to train, and always ready to play, especially swim. Vets say these dogs can thrive in a range of environments — from smaller apartments to houses with big yards, as long as they get a lot of exercise. “If you give him an outlet for his energy, a Lab will be the best dog you could ever have,” according to VetStreet.

Another very popular dog in the United States, Boxers make good family companions because they are active, loyal, and affectionate. They love to participate in all kinds of dog activities, such as flyball and agility courses. Despite popular belief, boxers are not aggressive and don’t like to fight. They do make great watchdogs, but they are playful and patients with kids.

Vizslas are not the best fit for inactive families. But if your children love to play, these dogs may be perfect for your household. Just like children, they need regular exercise and like being active. They are also described as loyal, affectionate, and gentle. With children, they are known to be patient, playful, and very protective.

Often described as “tireless,” Irish Setters are very energetic and need a lot of exercise, making them an ideal match for active children, especially older ones. They love to be among people and play with kids and keep their puppy persona until they are about three years old. These dogs are also very athletic and competitive in sporting activities.

They are known as cowboys’ favorite dogs, but they love everyone. They love to run after everything and everyone that moves, especially kids. Since they love to play, and will gladly do it as much as possible, these Aussies are not an ideal match for a family that prefers to stay home inactive. These tireless dogs are also very smart and can adapt to any environment as long as their exercise needs are met.

Bulldogs are often demonized in movies and sometimes the media as being fighting dogs, but these muscular canines are actually very devoted and sweet, especially towards children. Bulldogs can handle rough play like champs. What parents should be aware of, however, is that these dogs are not very energetic; they won’t play with the kids for hours. But they get along with other pets and are suitable for big houses as well as small apartments.

Fauves are affectionate dogs that are a good match for children, but they need training and socializing. They love to play, and will do so with almost anything, but they also love to snuggle. Originally hunting dogs, Fauves can easily adapt to any environment. They are not active inside, but they love to run outside.

Weimaraners are known as Germany’s “Gray Ghosts” because they like to follow their owners everywhere. Mostly favored by hunters, pet owners love them too because they are friendly and obedient. These are active dogs that need to be around their human families. In fact, they would love nothing more than to spend the whole day being active — whether it’s playing canine games, hunting, or just running around.

The Bull Terrier is another dog breed that has been branded as aggressive in popular culture, but that could not be farther from the truth. They were bred to be companion dogs and are very friendly and love people — adults and children alike. They can also tolerate pain and are well suited to high-spirited kids who might play a bit rough.

Two of the best qualities that make Spanish Mastiffs wonderful for children are being very protective and affectionate. These powerful and muscular dogs, which can weigh around 200 pounds, are guard dogs. They are, however, not recommended for small places, such as apartments, because of their size. They tend to be inactive indoors.

Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest breeds, dating back to as many as 2,500 years. Known in English as the Italian Ponting Dogs or Italian Pointers, these hunting dogs are very sweet family companions. They have endless energy, especially when in the field, making them a perfect match for active kids. The Bracco loves people in general and behaves best and thrives most when interacting with its family.

Another dog breed that has been misrepresented in movies, Poodles are actually very intelligent animals. One of the most popular dog pets in the country, the Poodle is very athletic, ready to play all the time, and an ideal companion for every kind of family. Its hypoallergenic coat makes it perfect for people with allergies.

Australian Terriers are energetic dogs that will want to play with you and for you to play only with them. These Aussies were bred to hunt, as well as to be watchdogs and companions. The small terriers follow their owners’ lead, even when it comes to mood. They are calm if their owners are sad, and playful if they are happy.

Doberman Pinschers are among the best protective dogs in the world. They are often described as noble dogs, and even as royalty in the canine world. There were originally bred as guard dogs, and are ideal family companions that are very energetic and smart. Their powerful look and reputation will make most intruders think twice before entering a house.