Dog adoption is a great way to provide a loving home for an animal in need. But how do you know which dog breeds are best suited for your family? To make this decision easier, we showcase the five best dog breeds for families.
Before you choose your dog, think about the big picture. It is tempting to go for the cutest, cuddliest, most adorable dog you can find. But it’s much more important that you choose the best dog breed for your family.
Consider your lifestyle, your home, your family and try to find a dog breed that fits best with your life. After all, your new dog will be part of your family for many years to come. Making sure that you are both happy is an important thing to consider.
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Best Dog Breeds for Families
What are the best dog breeds for families? When you’re thinking about adopting a dog, look for mixes of these types of dogs.
Some breeds are better suited for different lifestyles than others. If you have family and are looking to add a dog to the family it is very important to choose a breed that has a temperament which is good with children that also fits into your family’s lifestyle. The following dogs appear on all “best family dog” lists according to Animal Planet.
Poodle: Intelligent and Hypoallergenic
This is a great dog if your kids have allergies. Poodles have a thick, curly coat with a low amount of dander. While allergy friendly their coat requires frequent grooming which can be pricey and time consuming.
Size is not an issue for this breed as there are three variations: toy (less than 10″ at the shoulders), miniature (10-15″), and standard (over 15″). They are very intelligent, therefore easy to train.
The poodle is no couch potato. It is a very active breed, so if your lifestyle is mainly sedentary, then this may not be the best breed for you.
Golden Retriever: Patient and Loyal
This breed’s standard temperament is to be extremely sociable, loyal, and friendly. This personality is perfect for curious kids who may not know how to act around dogs.
While not incredibly high maintenance, a golden retriever needs space for exercise and brushing. They have an undercoat which sheds seasonally and therefore needs to be brushed.
The average size of golden retrievers is on the large side, ranging from 55-75 pounds.
Labrador Retriever: Eager to Please
Labs love being part of a family and make terrific companions. They are extremely eager to please and gentle so they will adapt to your activity level.
Like the golden retriever, the lab has a thick double coat, shorter than that of the retriever which sheds seasonally. To minimize day to day shedding, it is best to regularly groom your lab. Also like the golden retriever, labs typically range from 55-75 pounds.
English Bulldog: Gentle and Low Maintenance
This dog breed is smaller than the first three, at about 40-50 pounds. They are very low maintenance as they have a very short coat which requires minimal grooming. They also require very little exercise.
Bulldogs tend to form very close bonds with children and are have a very gentle temperament and are very protective of their family. This makes a great dog for families living in smaller spaces such as an apartment.
If you decide to choose this breed, it is important to protect them from overheating. Boxers are prone to that because of their short nose.
Boxer: Playful and Loving
These dogs thrive and require a lot of love and attention. If you are looking for a playmate for your children, then this breed may be for you.
They are very active and playful but also very patient and protective with children in the family. The energy level of this Boxers requires plenty of space and time for exercise and play.
Like the bulldog, boxers have a very short coat which requires little grooming. These are big dogs, measuring up to 25″ in height at the shoulder.
Consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. No matter what breed of dog you choose, it is important that you are prepared to care for a dog so that both you and your dog get the most out of your new, long, friendship.
More About Choosing a Dog Breed
- Best Dogs for Apartments and Small Spaces
- Choosing the Best Dog for Runners
- The Best Dog Breeds for Seniors: Companion for Life
- 10 Small Dogs That Don’t Shed
