Best Dog Breeds for Families
Adopting or purchasing a dog can be a big decision, especially if you have a family with little kids. It is worth noting a few factors, like the size of the dog relative to your home, how much time you need to groom and exercise them, and how long of a commitment you are willing to make.
List of Best Dog Breeds for Families
Alaskan Malamutes rely heavily on a pack mentality and are highly loyal once trained.
| Height: Female: 22–24 inches, Male: 24–26 inches | Weight: Female: 71–84 lbs, Male: 79–95 lbs | Lifespan: 10–14 years |
2. American Pit Bull Terrier
Despite their negative reputation, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be affectionate if adequately trained.
| Height: Female: 17-20 inches, Male: 18-21 inches | Weight: Female: 30-50 lbs, Male: 35–60 lbs | Lifespan: 8-15 years |
3. Beagle
The Beagle is popular for families as it is compact, does not require much grooming, and is easy to train.
| Height: 13–16 inches | Weight: Female: 20–23 lbs, Male: 22–25 lbs | Lifespan: 12-15 years |
This big dog is quite a gentle giant and protective of kids.
| Height: Female: 23-26 inches, Male: 25-28 inches | Weight: Female: 66–110 lbs, Male: 77–120 lbs | Lifespan: 6-8 years |
5. Bichon Frise
Small dogs have a reputation for being aggressive, but the Bichon Frise is the exception here as their friendly and playful nature, as well as infrequent shedding, make them great for kids.
| Height: Female: 9-11 inches, Male: 9-12 inches | Weight: 13-24 lbs | Lifespan: 12-15 years |
6. Borzoi
The Borzoi strikes a dignified pose and responds to training quite well but doesn’t respond well to roughhousing, so households with kids might not be an excellent choice for them.
| Height: Female: 27–31 inches, Male: 30–33 inches | Weight: Female: 55–88 lbs, Male: 75–100 lbs | Lifespan: 7-10 years |
While they can develop behavioral issues if improperly trained, these dogs are quite affectionate.
| Height: 9–15 inches | Weight: 6–25 lbs | Lifespan: 11-15 years |
8. Boxer
Boxers are great for older children but might be risky for younger children as these dogs often don’t realize their strength and may accidentally hurt them.
| Height: Female: 21–24 inches, Male: 22–25 inches | Weight: Female: 55–64 lbs, Male: 60–71 lbs | Lifespan: 10–12 years |
Brussels Griffons love to play but ensure they don’t get hurt while playing with kids.
| Height: 9-11 inches | Weight: 8-10 lbs. | Lifespan: 10-15 years |
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A beloved dog breed for families, these spaniels are known to be quite loyal and affectionate.
| Height: 12-13 inches | Weight: 13-18 lbs | Lifespan: 9-14 years |
These dogs are very affectionate and patient, even with small kids. However, they require exercise and must be groomed daily.
| Height: Female: 14–16 inches, Male: 15–17 inches | Weight: 29-32 lbs | Lifespan: 12-15 years |
12. Border Collie
These dogs are intelligent and adore children but require significant grooming to maintain their fur.
| Height: Female: 18–21 inches, Male: 19–22 inches | Weight: Female: 26-42 lbs, Male: 31-44 lbs | Lifespan: 10-17 years |
13. English Bulldog
One of the most adaptable breeds, the English Bulldog can live inside an apartment or a suburban house with a backyard. They still require regular walks and need to be trained appropriately.
| Height: Female: 12–16 inches, Male: 12–16 inches | Weight: 40–55 lb | Lifespan: 8-10 years |
14. French Bulldog
A good choice for city people, these dogs are great with kids, shed very little, and only need occasional walks.
| Height: 11-13 inches | Weight: 18-31 lbs | Lifespan: 10-12 years |
15. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is quite the delight as a pet. It responds well to training and gets along with everyone.
| Height: Female: 20–22 inches, Male: 22–24 inches | Weight: 55–75 lb | Lifespan: 10-12 years |
16. Havanese
As a toy breed, they are not suitable for roughhousing. But they are affectionate, social, and love to be around children.
| Height: 9 inches | Weight: 9.9–16 lbs | Lifespan: 14–16 years |
17. Irish Setter
While these dogs require a lot of space as they like to run, they are easy to train and very friendly.
| Height: Female: 21.5-24.5 inches, Male: 23-26.5 inches | Weight: Female: 55-65 lbs, Male: 65-75 lbs | Lifespan: 12-15 years |
They are outgoing and friendly, need to be groomed once a week, and respond well to training.
| Height: Female: 22–24 inches, Male: 22–24 inches | Weight: Female: 55–70 lbs, Male: 65–80 lbs | Lifespan: 10–12 years |
19. Newfoundland Dog
These big dogs can appear intimidating but are docile and easy to train.
| Height: Female: 25–26 inches, Male: 27–28 inches | Weight: Female: 120–140 lbs, Male: 140–180 lbs | Lifespan: 8-10 years |
20. Pug
These dogs quickly adapt to their surroundings and get along well with people, including small children. The pug is among the most adorable dog breeds out there, winning the hearts of pet owners worldwide.
| Height: 10-13 inches | Weight: 14-18 lbs | Lifespan: 13-15 years |
21. Shih Tzu
While they need a lot of grooming to prevent their fur from getting matted, the Shih Tzu’s docile personality and compatibility with children make it a decent choice.
| Height: 7.9 – 11 inches | Weight: 8.8-16 lbs | Lifespan: 10-16 years |
22. Vizsla
Vizslas are highly active and friendly but may sometimes become overly dependent on their owners.
| Height: Female: 21–24 inches, Male: 22–25 inches | Weight: Female: 40–55 lbs, Male: 45–66 lbs | Lifespan: 12-15 years |
These tiny dogs are friendly but can develop a barking habit if improperly trained.
| Height: 7-8 inches | Weight: 7 lbs | Lifespan: 11-15 years |
Mutts also make excellent pets, as compared to their purebred counterparts, they are more adjusting and even-tempered.
