A dog may be a perfect choice if you are looking for a family pet. Not all dogs are created the same they have different personality foundation traits per breed.
Some breeds certainly make better pets for families with children than others.
Here are the top dogs I recommend for families with children, along with some helpful answers to common questions.
These dogs are all friendly by breed trait, playful and great with kids.
Any of these dog breeds will provide your family with years of companionship, love and happy memories.
Top five best dog breeds that are suited for families with children
- Cocker Spaniel
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Beagle
Dogs are known to be one of the best family pets around.
Finding the right dog breed can be difficult, so I have compiled this guide below on each dog breed to consider if you have kids.
With my help, you will be able to find the perfect dog for your family in no time at all!
1. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is an excellent breed for people who want an affectionate, playful companion.
The Cocker Spaniel is always happy and will keep you on your toes. They’re great with children and will not get frustrated by constant playing because they love it.
They are active, gentle, and want to have fun. Cocker Spaniels don’t require much daily exercise since they are busy throughout the day. You’ll find them playing with the children if they’re not walking around after you.
The Cocker Spaniel is a friendly, social dog that loves the outdoors. They will be friendly to both strangers and other dogs!
2. Labrador Retriever
Labradors make great family pets because they are confident and care about their family unit. They are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Labs have a lot of energy and love to play, so they need plenty of daily exercise.
The Labradors are perfect if you want an excellent family pet that will always be there for you. They are easy to train and have a high intelligence level.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the perfect family dog. They’re gentle and kind and love spending time in a family unit. They’re also great with children, so your whole family can enjoy this lovable breed.
A Golden Retriever is undoubtedly the perfect addition to any family. They’re loving, friendly, and always up for a good game of fetch or tug-of-war.
Golden Retrievers also know how to relax. They’ll be happy to curl up next to you on the couch while watching TV or playing family board games.
4. Poodle
The Poodle is an excellent choice for families with children. They are gentle, intelligent, and always eager to please. Poodles are soft and tolerant of children, making them the perfect family pet. Poodles love spending time with their families and making great companions for life.
Poodles are always happy and thrive on human interaction. They are easy to train, and their intelligence shines through when training them. You can have some fun with these breeds of dogs and even teach them tricks.
5. Beagle
The Beagle is a small-sized hound that was bred for hunting hares. It has an even temper and gentle disposition. They are loving, affectionate, and playful with their families but suspicious of strangers. When choosing a family dog, suspicion of others may not be a bad trait.
Beagles make great family pets because they get along well with children and other animals; however, they should be supervised when playing outside as they can run off after small prey like rabbits or squirrels if not on a leash. Their noses will lead them to anything interesting in the area.
You can take them on long walks or play family games in the garden together all day long. And when it comes to training, they learn quickly, so there won’t be any issues! Life will get more fun daily with these dog breeds around your house.
Q&A – Top Five Family Dog Breeds
Out of the top five family dogs above, I will answer which one is the most:
- Hyper: Cocker spaniel
- Safest: Golden Retriever
- Playful: Cocker spaniel
- Intelligent: Poodle
- Chilled: Beagle
- Highest Prey Driven: Beagle
- Cuddly: Cocker spaniel
- Gentle: Golden Retriever
- Trustworthy: Golden Retriever
- Loyal: Beagle
- Even Tempered: Golden Retriever
- Confident: Labrador Retriever
- Protective of the family: Beagle
- Attractive: Labrador Retriever
Which dog breed needs regular grooming?
All dogs need some form of grooming; however, some dont need their fur cutting, but the ones that do are:
- Cocker Spaniel = yes
- Labrador Retriever = no
- Golden Retriever = no
- Poodle = yes
- Beagle = no
Which dog breed lives the longest?
Cocker Spaniel, Poodle and Beagle all can live to the good age of 15
- Cocker Spaniel: 12-15 years
- Labrador Retriever: 10-12 years
- Golden Retriever: 10-12 years
- Poodle: 12-15 years
- Beagle: 12-15 years
Which dog breed is the healthiest?
The healthiest dog breeds out of the five is the Beagle, followed by the Poodle.
Unfortunately, larger dog breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retrievers can suffer from arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia in their old age.
Sadly, Beagles are the most common dogs for testing experiments. They are healthy, so their breed health traits don’t comprise any potential tests.
Wild Card: Family Dog Breed
If none of the above has caught your heart, there is a wild card family suitable dog breed, the Bichon Frise. They are smaller than the above five dog breeds. Bichons can be a little feisty, but with proper leadership, this often doesn’t come too much, they love to play, and they love children! They are even in the top ten best-looking dogs list.
Which dog breed has potential but is not recommended for families with small children?
Yorkshire Terriers might be a dog breed to stay away from when you have small kids. They sometimes need their space away from the hustle and bustle of family life.
Yorkshire Terriers can get into a fluster when kids are around, and it’s getting too much for them. They can nip out in frustration! However, all dog personalities are different! But generally, Yorkies can’t handle too much going on around them. It doesn’t make them aggressive. It just makes them make poor decisions in times of need.
As a Yorkshire Terrier enthusiast, I fondly recall my beloved pet Jasmin from childhood. Despite her occasional agitation, I firmly believe that with proper care and consideration from their owner, these dogs can thrive in any environment. It’s crucial to recognise when your furry friend needs some alone time and respect their boundaries accordingly.
Teaching children proper behaviour around dogs can improve the likelihood of a harmonious relationship with them. Although they can make excellent family pets, owning a dog requires extra effort and vigilance compared to other breeds.
Choosing the Right Dog: Factors to Consider for a Happy Life Together
All dogs can settle into family life and enjoy it. However, the bigger, more muscular and less gentle! This would be the breed to not get, such as a Rottweiler or a Dobermann.
It may help if you also have a dog that’s easy to train. Since you are already bringing up kids, adding a dog that needs a lot of training could be stressful.
Hard-to-train dogs like the Husky should be avoided. They are very hard to train due to being independent and very stubborn. However, I know huskies will love to be around children and would make excellent company for the children.
When selecting a dog, it’s important to consider whether you want an easygoing companion like a Beagle or are up for raising your dream breed. Balancing dog ownership with family life can be tough, so choosing wisely is crucial.
Remember that there is no right or wrong choice regarding breeds – ultimately, the owner has the most significant influence on their dog’s personality. Any breed can thrive in your care by providing affection and strong leadership.
