Good Family Dogs – The Right Breed For You

Welcome to our complete guide to Good Family Dogs. Helping you to pick the right breed of puppy for you.

Giving you tips for making your choice, and some great ideas of small, medium and large good family dogs.

For many of us, nothing says family like a dog snoozing on the floor at our feet.

Adding a dog to your family, however, is a big step and an even bigger responsibility.

You need a dog that fits into your lifestyle, doesn’t come with hefty medical bills, and is good around other living things, like cats and children.

In short, you need to find the perfect family dog, but where to even begin your search?

Choosing the best family dogs for your family

Finding the perfect family dog breed is tricky.

There is no right or wrong answer, and the best breed for your neighbor might be very different than the right breed for you.

Luckily, there are a few criteria that can help you weed out some of the contenders.

What size dog is right for my family?

First, think about size. Do you want a small dog? A large dog? Or something in-between?

Size matters for several reasons.

Some people just like big dogs.

Others want a dog that can fit on their lap for cuddles.

If you live in an apartment, you might want to consider a small or medium dog breed, as even laid back large breeds can feel like they are taking up a lot of space.

On the other hand, if you plan on taking your new dog on lots of long hikes, you need a dog that can keep up with you, which may rule out certain toy breeds.

Once you determine the size, it is time to think about health.

Good family dogs are healthy dogs

Dogs that are prone to serious medical conditions require money and time, which most of us don’t have.

Some dog breeds have amazing personalities, but come with veterinary bills that can rival your car payment. There is also the big question of whether it’s morally right to buy a dog who is born to suffer from medical issues related to their structure.

Unless you are prepared to take this on, look for breeds without major health problems and be sure to ask your veterinarian about any breed related risks.

Almost all pedigree breeds of dog come with some potentially genetic diseases, but many of these can be health screened for. Before you buy a dog look into the diseases that can affect them and make sure you pick a breeder who health screens both parents.

The third deciding factor is personality.

Good family dog temperaments

When we think of family dogs, most of us picture friendly, outgoing dogs that get along with people and other animals.

This is especially important for social families or families with small children.

Not all dog breeds have a reputation for outgoing personalities.

These breeds are very good at what they do, whether it is police work, guarding livestock or family, or engaging in high energy dog sports.
But they might not be a suitable choice for your first family dog.

What is your family like?

The search for the perfect family dog is a bit like looking for a new car.

Do you want an expensive, fast, flashy model that doesn’t do well on rough terrain but will impress your business clients, or are you looking for an all-around family vehicle that can fit all the kids and still take you to work without breaking your budget?

One of the biggest mistakes many families make when searching for the best family dog is choosing a dog that fits their idea of what their family is, instead of the reality.

A good family dog will share your activity levels

If you don’t currently go for a three-mile-long run every day, chances are getting a dog won’t change that. Be realistic in your expectations.

If you enjoy spending a lot of time relaxing on the couch, find a dog breed that also enjoys cuddles and down time between exercising.

If you really do go for three mile or longer runs every day, then a higher energy, more active dog breed will be a better fit for your family.

Good family dogs and kids

Do you have kids? Or are you thinking of starting a family in the next few years?

Children can be challenging for many dogs to handle.

If you have kids, especially small kids, then you want to make sure that you choose a dog breed that is typically good around children.

However, keep in mind that obedience training and socialization are just as important as choosing the right breed when it comes to ensuring your dog gets along well with kids.

Do you have other pets?

Most dogs can be trained to do well with other pets, especially if you get them as puppies, but breeds with high prey drives might not necessarily be a good choice if you plan on having lots of little animals around.

A good family dog to fit your location

Do you have a large yard or a small apartment? Do you rent or own?

Does your town, insurance policy, or landlord have breed restrictions?

The answers to these questions can help you eliminate certain breeds from your list.

How much free time do you have?

Dogs require time, energy, and attention.

If you are always on the go and don’t have a lot of time to devote to dog related activities, then an intelligent, active breed is a bad idea.

These dogs require exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they will find other ways to entertain themselves, usually at the expense of your yard or furniture.

All dogs require regular exercise and attention, but some breeds require more than others, so make an accurate estimate of how much time you plan on spending with your new dog.

Small family dog breeds

Small dogs are easy to take with you on the go, and won’t require an extra-large vehicle or crate.

There are many small dog breeds out there that are suitable for families, but these breeds are a good place to start your search.

The Whippet is a great choice of small dog for many families. They are sweet, loving and loyal. Need intense short periods of exercise, but will relax in between. They aren’t pushy personalities, and will enjoy being around calm children.

You can find out more about Whippets here. 

The Papillon is a small but active breed, perfect for active families with small living spaces. Papillon’s are famous for their intelligence, and excel in dog sports like obedience or agility.

This breed is generally good with children, but their small size means that careless roughhousing can be dangerous without adult supervision.

The Bichon Frise was bred to be a companion.

This small dog requires professional grooming, but the flip side is that they rarely shed and can be a good choice for families with allergies.

Bichons are usually good with children and other animals if properly socialized, and are known to be affectionate, playful, and charming.

Maltese Terriers are another great choice for a small family dog. Although they are very tiny and delicate. Therefore require lots of supervision around younger children.

Find out more about the gorgeous Maltese Terrier here. 

Miniature Poodles are sturdy little dogs that love to goof around with their families. These dogs are larger than their Toy Poodle relatives, and are playful, affectionate, and capable of outsmarting you and your entire family if you don’t pay close enough attention.

Medium sized family dogs

Medium sized family dogs offer the best of both worlds. Not too small to be a potential risk around small children, but still small enough to fit in most apartments, medium sized dogs are a good compromise between the two extremes.

Beagles are one of the most popular medium sized good family dog breeds in America. They have a reputation for being good with kids, and these playful hounds require minimal grooming.

Just be prepared for many long walks with lots of sniffing to keep your Beagle fit and to work on the click for quiet technique from an early age, as they can be a vocal breed.

Find out more about the gorgeous Beagle here. 

Border Collies are outgoing, people pleasing, and intelligent. They bond closely to the members of their family.

Collies are a good choice for families who will have lots of time to spend outside with their dogs playing fetch, but be prepared to come up with new games to keep your Collie entertained.

Find out more about Border Collies here. 

Did you know that Cocker Spaniels used to be quintessential family dog before Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers took the spotlight?

These affectionate bird dogs require professional grooming, but their sweet, playful natures makes them well suited for family life.

Find out more about Cocker Spaniels here. 

Large family dogs

Some people are small dog people, and others are big dog people. If you love big dogs, here are a few family friendly dog breeds to consider.

Labrador Retrievers have topped the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular good family dogs for the past five years, and with good reason.

These easy going, affectionate retrievers love spending time with their families and friends. Labradors require regular exercise and activities. They are best suited for active families who love the outdoors, especially during their notoriously exuberant teenage years.

Find out more about the Labrador Retriever here. 

The Golden Retriever also makes the AKC’s list, coming in at third place.

Goldens are good family dogs. People pleasing, affectionate, and gentle with adults, children, and other animals. Like Labradors, they require regular exercise and love a good game of fetch with anyone who will throw the ball.

Find out more about the Golden Retriever here. 

Many people dismiss Poodles as showy, fussy dogs, but Standard Poodles are incredibly intelligent, affectionate, and infamously goofy with their families.

The breed can be a little aloof with strangers, but if you want an active, intelligent, large breed dog that doesn’t shed, then the standard poodle could be perfect for your family.

You can find out more about Standard Poodles here. 

Your top family dogs and how to choose

Once you have narrowed down your list of family friendly dog breeds, it is time to make a decision.

There are several ways to go about this.

The first is to start researching your top breeds as much as you can. Look online at breed enthusiast websites, and see if your local library has any books.

Find out what health issues affect purebred lines and what screening tests responsible breeders use to avoid them, and also learn as much as you can about their personalities and breed history.

Once you have done all your homework, arrange to meet some dogs from your list. See if any of your friends have one of these family dog breeds and ask if you and your family can meet them.

While you are spending time with these dogs, be sure to ask their owners for their opinions about the dog breed and about any tips they may have.

Then, look around to see if there are any breeders or rescue organizations in your area that have your top choices. Make a list and choose the organization that best fits into your budget and needs, and start researching your new dog’s veterinarian.

Before you bring your puppy home…

Most breeds of dog can make good family dogs with proper training, socialization, and preventative veterinary care.

However, some breeds, especially working breeds, are better suited for experienced dog owners or for families without children.

If you do decide to select a dog breed that is considered “advanced” or “difficult,” make sure to consult with a professional trainer to ensure your family and your dog stay happy, safe, and healthy.

Training is just as important for family dog breeds.

The breeds featured in this article are often recommended for families by experts like trainers and veterinarians, but that does not mean that they will grow into good family dogs without help.

Training and socialization are crucial for raising great family dogs, so be prepared to put in the work.

If you do, then you and your family’s new dog will have years of great memories ahead.

Choosing The Perfect Puppy

Picking your new best friend can be tricky. But you’re in luck!

Choosing The Perfect Puppy is a great new book. Packed full of tips for deciding which breed to welcome into your home.

Including detailed reviews of the most popular breeds.

Order your copy from Amazon today. 

Further Reading and Resources

• Seymour, K. “Veterinary Professionals Vote on the Best Dogs for New Owners.” VetStreet.com. June 2013.
• American Kennel Club.