The Best Dog Breeds for Families

The best family dogs typically possess a few of the same traits that make them suitable for a busy, fast-paced household whilst also having patience with children who are probably after cuddles and playtime in equal measure.

-        Patience: Playing with their tail, pinching toys or being loud in their presence are just a few of the things your new pup may encounter around your kids. Whilst no dog is guaranteed to not get cross with children, a patient and soft nature is definitely a pre-requisite to put up with the mischief of kids!

-        Obedience: When you’ve got children, your time and attention will often be split to your two-legged kids and your four-legged ones! That’s why it’s handy to have picked a breed that’s easily trained, can pick up commands quickly and is just generally well-behaved. A naughty, disobedient dog combined with kids could soon become chaotic!

-        Steady energy: Whether you’re gathering up the kids for the school run, or you’re all sat in front of the TV for family film night, you want your furry friend to fit right in, in both scenarios. Having a dog that can keep up or slow down with your family will make their transition into your everyday much smoother.

Welcoming an energetic puppy into your family dynamic can be nerve wracking, especially when you have young children.

Many people also make the mistake of choosing a dog based on their appearance but find the best dogs for families requires more research than their overall cuteness. When you find the perfect family dog breed, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to put the work in. Raising a pup can be hard work, so it’s important to make sure you have everything you need before their big arrival.

Size: Large

Average lifespan: Around 12 years

Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing

It’s no secret that labradors make excellent family dogs. They’re one of the most versatile dog breeds and can turn their hand, or should we say paw, to almost anything.

Whilst they were originally working gun dogs, they’re a great pairing for families with children with their sensitive and affectionate personalities. They also make great hiking buddies – ideal if you’re a group who love a Sunday walk!

For these reasons along with how trainable these bundles of energy are is why they’re so popular, they’re even one of the more prevalent breeds in doggy influencer circles. It’s no surprise then that these dexterous dogs also make great family pets.

They suit active homes who enjoy walking and often bond super closely with the children they’re raised with.

Size: Small

Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Temperament: Gentle, playful

If you love Spaniels but think that a Springer or Cocker might be a bit too chaotic for a family home, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be the perfect little companion for your family. Their gentle and loving nature makes them great family pets and the best cuddle buddies for the kids.

Cavaliers love their parents, it’s why they’re more prone to issues like separation anxiety compared to other breeds, but with the right training they can fit right in. If they had their way, they would cuddle all day in between bouts of games and walks. After an energetic day of playing fetch in the park, they’ll want nothing more than to head home for their nap.

Size: Small or medium

Average lifespan: Depends on their size, can range from 11-16 years.

Temperament: Fun, intelligent

Poodles are intelligent, active breeds, that can slot right into your family life. They also come in three different sizes so you can pick between them to suit the size of your home. Even the smaller poodles still pack a lot of personality into their smaller bodies and love to go on walks and learn new things. When socialised and taught from an early age, poodles make for great family pets.

They’re a super friendly breed of dog but tend to be more popular in homes with older children who might want to partake in training. Poodles can be a little more sensitive around smaller children, so do best with those who are already used to being around dogs.

Their grooming needs will need to be taken into consideration but they’re great if you want a breed of dog that doesn’t shed, and you can keep their coat nice and short.

Size: Small

Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament: Sociable, adventurous

If you have an active family who love to get out and about, then the inquisitive beagle might be a good option. If you already enjoy your long walks when a beagle will make a great addition. They can go all day and still have the energy to play when they get home and keep the kids occupied.

Beagles require a little more training than a breed like a labrador. They can get a little bit distracted by their nose and wanting to follow it, but they’re also affectionate, goofy dogs who love to play and cuddle all the same.

They’re a chatty, vocal breed who are great for the exuberant household who love adventures just as much as they do!

Size: Large

Average lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Temperament: Loving, loyal

Another active breed that has become very popular with families is the goldie. Golden Retrievers are smart, cuddle bears who are very loving and friendly. Originally bred as bird dogs to take out hunting waterfowl and similar, they’re a super versatile breed like the labrador who can take on almost any task they’re given.

Retrievers love their walks; they’re also known for being very gentle. They’re supposed to retrieve the game for hunters, hence the name and are bred to have what’s called soft mouths.

A loveable retriever can pick things up so gently that they don’t cause any damage which is why they’re great for families. They might rearrange your shoes or steal a few of the kid’s toys, but they rarely damage them, they just like to carry things around.

These fun, gentle dogs make for great companions for children and adults alike, making them good family dogs.

Size: Small

Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Temperament: Playful, curious

This little bundle of fluff is an adorable addition to the family – they’re allergen-friendly due to their infrequent shedding but their fur type does require professional grooming to be maintained. They’re super playful and require lots of activity, but they’re considered fairly easy to train.

Size: Extra Large

Average lifespan: 6 to 8 years

Temperament: Gentle, affectionate

These big, bounding bundles of fur might seem like an intimidating size, but they’re known for their cuddly and loyal nature. Their sociable nature with other dogs and kids lends themselves as excellent family dogs – they are rather energetic though so require lots of playtime and activity to keep them entertained.

Choosing a dog that is safe around children is mostly down to breeds that have a certain level of patience. Children can sometimes be a bit clumsy and dogs who are sensitive to how they’re handled can sometimes take a dislike to kids, especially younger children.

However, despite the importance of researching into a breed’s traits and behaviour when looking for the best dogs for kids, it’s more important to note that no dog is foolproof and every dog has a limit. Just because a labrador may allow for a child to climb on them, doesn’t mean they should. Young children will still need to be monitored around dogs and not left alone with them which is the best way to keep everyone in the house safe until the kids are old enough to be sensible around animals and understand what is inappropriate.

When you find the best breed for you, finding a reputable breeder is almost as important. You can pick a golden retriever as the right breed for your family, but if you get them from a poor breeder, you’re likely looking at vet bills that go through the roof with very little history on their genetic temperament.

A good breeder should have just as many questions for you as you have for them. They want to make sure their puppies are going to the best homes they can find and will tell you if they think the breed make good family puppies and are right for your lifestyle or not.

Once you find a well-bred puppy, giving them all the right basic training to make sure they have their manners and can be around children is almost as important.

Don’t forget to train the kids too! Teaching children how to interact with dogs, setting boundaries where necessary and even reading their body language is a valuable lesson to make sure they can be best friends safely.

For everything you need when you’re bringing home your new puppy and all other doggy essentials, discover our wide range online and in store.