We have already written about the most beautiful dog breeds. Today, in a short advice article based on the findings of experts and experienced dog breeders, we will look at the best family dog breeds.
There are many factors to consider before getting a dog. This is primarily the style and lifestyle of your family, and whether a new living creature will fit into it. After all, your pet will radically change your life, you will have to adapt to its needs.
An important factor is the dog’s attitude towards children, and in general towards others. Although a lot depends on how you raise your pet. That's why this list is very subjective, but most-beauty wants to share it with you nonetheless.
List of the best family dog breeds:
1
Beagle
Animals of this breed are sincere, playful and inquisitive, so they are easily included in any events taking place in the family.
The Beagle is a very kind and cheerful dog, always wanting to be the center of attention when surrounded by a lot of people. You will have to walk with them a lot, because they cannot stay in one place for a long time, and are constantly eager to explore something.
They get along without problems and love children. They will always find a common language with other animals in the house and strangers.
2
German dog
Calm, loyal and weighing 200 pounds, the adult Great Dane is a gentle giant of the canine world. But don't let their massive stature fool you - these royal dogs are calm and require only a few walks a day once they're past puppyhood. Great Danes love children, although they can knock over a child simply by bumping into them.
Breed overview:
- Group : working
- Height : from 71 to 86 cm at the shoulder
- Weight : from 45 to 90 kg
- Coat and Color : Short, smooth coat in yellow, fawn, blue, black or brindle
- Lifespan : 6 to 8 years
Boxer
One of the best family dogs according to many dog breeders. Boxers are loyal and level-headed. Although Boxer puppies require more walks and vigorous play to keep them comfortable.
They do not tolerate hot weather, and on hot days it is best to stay indoors with it. They get carried away while playing, so be careful not to knock your children over, as the breed is stocky and tall.
With proper upbringing and training, a Boxer will become a good guard for your home and a devoted friend, capable of protecting all family members.
3
Recommendations for choosing a dog for a family
Dog breeds: which one to choose for yourself according to the criteria
A dog for the home, for the family, must first of all be friendly. Breeds that are primarily bred for official work will not be suitable. Before purchasing a dog, you also need to evaluate how much time it will be possible to devote to walking, playing and training your pet, and whether it will be possible to provide it with suitable living conditions.
Important! If you have any doubts about a particular breed, it may be helpful to talk to a breeder who specializes in it.
Cheerful and friendly beagle
Bulldogs
Bulldogs will endure energetic games with children, as they have a calm and balanced disposition.
The Bulldog is perfect for keeping in a city apartment or country house. They do not like long walks, so this will not cause much trouble. Good-natured, they easily become attached to home, family, and favorite place in the house.
Because of their calm disposition, they are often called “sofa-watchdogs,” and because of their phlegmatic nature, they do not require much attention.
4
Dachshund
For several years in a row, the breed did not lose first place in the top most popular. Dachshunds are indeed very common in Russia and other countries. They won love with their original appearance, small size and perky disposition.
The standard distinguishes 3 height variations and 3 coat lengths. The owner can decide for himself which type is suitable for him. First of all, the choice depends on temporary supplies and the future conditions of keeping the pet.
- Dachshunds are proud and balanced dogs. They have self-esteem, which is what attracts people. They do not need special conditions, special nutrition or severe physical activity. But, like any hunting dog, they require frequent walks.
- They treat children well and are happy to play with them and spend their free time. They get along with animals provided they grow up together. Strangers are tolerated, but this depends on upbringing. The breed is suitable for families with an active lifestyle who want to have an original, self-sufficient and funny friend.
It is impossible to say with certainty which breed is suitable for one or another family. There are no identical dogs, just as there are no similar people. When choosing a dog as a pet, you need to rely not only on personal wishes, but also on the advice of dog breeders and dog handlers.
3.3 / 5 ( 7 votes)
Newfoundland
He treats children very well, and you cannot find a better teacher and protector for them. They have absolutely no hunting instinct and are completely non-aggressive towards people.
Newfoundland is very different from its cousins. A smart dog, and as experts note, it tends to make independent decisions, depending on the situation.
They love to feel useful in the family and are excellent swimmers, so the Newfoundland is simply irreplaceable as a lifeguard. They enjoy learning all sorts of tricks.
5
Collie
A gentle and affectionate dog that gets along well with children. This breed is often called "Lassie", due to the popular film in which the breed's famous dog actor starred.
Collies are an ideal option for families who are deciding to have a pet for the first time. They are very energetic and resilient, excellent companions, but can also act as watchmen and security guards.
It should be noted that collies occupy a leading position in intellectual development among their brothers, and since they were formed as a herding breed, they easily cover long distances both in the city and over rough terrain.
6
Alaskan Malamute
Although they were originally bred to hunt powerful prey such as bears and seals, today's Alaskan Malamutes are fully domesticated, gentle giants that make great additions to an active family. This breed has a naturally friendly nature, which causes them to greet the most unfamiliar people as friends rather than enemies; for this reason, they do not make excellent guard dogs.
Breed overview:
- Group : working
- Height : from 55 to 68 cm at the shoulder
- Weight : from 34 to 45 kg or more
- Coat and color : thick double coat in many color variations
- Lifespan : 10 to 12 years
American Water Spaniel
It’s hard to find another water lover in the whole world, that’s why they’re called that. They will be happy to go with you on a long walk and play with the children.
Water spaniels get along well with other pets, are not aggressive towards strangers, and easily adapt to living conditions.
But it must be remembered that keeping it in an apartment will require long walks, which will promote the proper development and health of the American Water Spaniel.
Irish Setter
Bright red setters get along easily with families and love large groups of people. A cheerful, energetic, truly family dog who enjoys playing with children.
Does not become attached to a specific person, and treats everyone living in the house equally. They enjoy walking and spend most of their time in the yard, so families who have a country house should get them.
Irish Setters are friendly and temperamental, easy to train, very intelligent and loyal. For hunting lovers it is difficult to find a better assistant and friend.
8
Pros and cons of buying a four-legged pet
Dogs can be household helpers, hunting companions, guards or bloodhounds. In ordinary urban families, the dog most often becomes a companion pet. What does this mean? The dog is taken into the house as a friend. It can enliven everyday life, brighten up leisure time and give a lot of positive emotions. Children love to play with pets and at the same time learn responsibility and respect for the creatures dependent on them.
American Water Spaniel
The negative aspects of purchasing a dog include the time and effort that must be spent on caring for the pet. Buying a purebred puppy and caring for it can also be expensive. However, if a family can afford a dog, the emotional payoff will certainly be worth the investment.
Important! Every dog needs minimal training and education.
Poodle
A living, gentle and affectionate toy in your home. At the same time, poodles are a proud and elegant breed, full of self-esteem.
They care equally about all family members, become attached to children, and are excellent educators. Due to the nature of their fur, they require careful care.
Poodles are very playful and energetic and can be taught all kinds of tricks, making them the most popular circus performers. In any activity they are patient and responsible, and work with eagerness and enviable passion.
9
German Shepherd
German Shepherds have long served as hunting and herding dogs in Germany. They are often trained as service dogs and work with police, search and rescue, and the military due to their intelligence and hard work ethic. When it comes to choosing a family dog breed, this breed is incredibly loyal and loving, making it an ideal choice for an active family.
(Read about the most loyal dog breeds here.)
Breed overview:
- Group : collective
- Height : from 56 to 66 cm at the shoulder
- Weight : from 27 to 45 kg
- Coat and Color : A medium-length, coarse double coat in a variety of colors including brown, black, fawn and dusky
- Lifespan : 7 to 10 years
Labrador Retriever
An excellent companion and friend, the Labrador Retweeter is very popular among dog breeders around the world. An intelligent and active dog, it adapts to the home environment without any problems and is affectionate towards children.
Hyperactive, they love long walks and active games. An indispensable assistant in hunting, unpretentious in maintenance and care.
According to reviews from amateurs and experts, the Labrador is ideal for home keeping and becomes a faithful friend and indispensable assistant in the family’s everyday life.
10
5. Husky
Huskies are wonderful family dogs that have won the love of dog breeders around the world thanks to their charming character and delightful appearance. The beautiful coat color is combined with light blue eyes, which stand out brightly on the black and white muzzle. Tightly built dogs have strong muscles that go with a light gait. They get along well with all family members, but for the closest relationships they choose one owner. Sometimes huskies demonstrate a stubborn character, but this can be corrected in a timely manner with proper upbringing. Huskies are fairly quiet dogs and rarely bark, but can make characteristic sounds when they are happy. Huskies are friendly dogs not only to their family, but also to others, as well as other dogs. On the one hand, this eliminates possible problems in establishing contact between the dog and his pet neighbors, but on the other hand, friendliness can also affect enemies who invade the house.
Golden retriever
One of the most gentle and affectionate dogs. These sweet, caring animals are trusting and not shy.
They love to play and walk with children, often acting as a guard and protector. When playing with babies, they behave very carefully and carefully so as not to knock down or injure the child.
The long coat of the Retweeter requires a lot of care, but even so, they are considered the best pets among the entire diversity of the canine world. The editors of most-beauty highly recommend these dogs to you, but only if you have enough free time and a considerable amount of space.
11
TOP 10 small dog breeds for children
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers give the impression of being a smaller version of a German Boxer. These dogs have a cheerful and playful disposition, but at the same time they are patient enough not to show aggression towards the child.
Due to their small size, good health and unpretentiousness, Bostons are excellent for both apartments and private homes. It’s no wonder that Boston Terriers are currently considered the most popular breed in the United States.
Read the full description of the Boston Terrier breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful family pet. This is a gentle, kind and calm dog that is happy in a big friendly family. It is considered one of the best dog breeds for children. However, you should know that Cavaliers are not very active dogs and are unlikely to support constant play with a child.
King Charles Spaniels are a good choice for calm and sensitive children and are great for living in city apartments.
Read the full description of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed
Cairn Terrier
These funny terriers, similar to wolf cubs, are very fond of children and are ready to spend a long time in active games. The Cairn Terrier is a wonderful family companion. This is a cheerful and active dog with the tenacious patience to endure even the most annoying kids without showing aggression.
This, of course, does not mean that a child can afford absolutely everything in relation to a dog, but the level of tolerance in Kerns is higher than in other terriers, so they can be recommended for families with small children.
Read the full description of the Cairn Terrier breed
French Bulldog
An excellent option for a family living in a small city apartment. Frenchies are incredibly sweet, cheerful, active and at the same time do not require particularly difficult care or a lot of space. The dog is easy to train and, with proper training, obeys perfectly. Perfect for playing with children.
Read the full description of the French Bulldog breed
Bichon Frize
The Bichon Frize is a dog that resembles a white fluffy toy, or cotton candy. Bichons immediately want to hug and cuddle! The breed has been popular throughout its history, dating back to the royal times of the 16th century, and nowadays these dogs can often be found in circus performances.
Unlike many toy dog breeds, which have laid-back personalities, Bichon Frizes are full of energy to play with children for days on end. They will become loyal and affectionate friends for all family members if you make an effort to regularly care for your pet's coat and consistent initial training.
Read the full description of the Bichon Frize breed
Pug
Most pugs love the attention of their owners, tender affection and games with children. At the same time, pugs are not very active, they will happily spend time with their owner watching their favorite TV show and are unlikely to take you for a walk at the crack of dawn.
The breed is quite easy to care for, but has some health problems - kids have a hard time withstanding heat and heavy physical exertion. In addition, if you choose a pug, then be prepared for the fact that your pet will snore at night.
Read the full description of the Pug breed
Jack Russell Terrier
If you have a lot of time and patience, then the Jack Russell Terrier can be an excellent family dog for you, because these pets have a huge number of qualities that make them ideal companions for games and an active lifestyle.
The dog can become an excellent friend for children over 7 years old, but it is not suitable for families with children due to its proud and stubborn nature. The Jack Russell is a true terrier and needs a firm hand in training and respect for his terrier personality.
Read the full description of the Jack Russell Terrier breed
Papillon
Papillons are tiny, very observant and friendly dogs. They are perfect for living in city apartments and adapt well to different temperatures. As companion dogs, Papillons enjoy spending a lot of time with their family and strive to please their owners. Representatives of this breed are completely non-aggressive and safe for children, but the children themselves should be taught to handle pets carefully, as these are very small and fragile dogs.
Read the full description of the Papillon breed
Maltese
The Maltese or Maltese is a sweet and gentle dog, but at the same time smart and courageous. Some may think that her appearance is full of snobbery and arrogance, but this is a mistake, because Maltese is a wonderful companion dog!
Representatives of this breed suffer greatly in the absence of their owners, so they should not be owned by people who are away from home for a long time. You should not bring a Maltese into a family with very young children, since representatives of this breed are very fragile creatures, but for a family with allergies, the dog is perfect, because it is believed that the Maltese is a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Read the full description of the Maltese breed
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog that just loves to play. Don't underestimate these guys, because Yorkies are fairly trainable dog breeds. However, we would not recommend Yorkshire terriers to a family with very young children, because like any terrier, a Yorkie can have a difficult character. Despite their small size, they are proud and stubborn, but their activity and passion for games often wins!
Read the full description of the Yorkshire Terrier breed
Pay attention to our selection: TOP 30 best dog breeds for an apartment
Basset Hound
Wonderful pets, playful and cheerful. They like to live at home, so there are almost no problems with them.
They easily realize their penchant for curiosity and research in the yard or in parks during walks. Gentle and caring dogs take first place in the world in terms of ear size.
Every new thing will not go unnoticed by them, and during walks it is better to let them off the leash, as they like to be constantly on the move.
12
Bernese Mountain Dog
A strong and agile, self-confident breed easily gets along in the house and will bring a lot of joy and positive emotions to its owners.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is not aggressive towards strangers, but happily performs security and watchdog functions. It becomes attached to its owner and becomes a loyal friend for life. If you get a mountain dog, you will have to work hard caring for its long hair.
Despite its large size, it is a very good-natured and affectionate dog, happy to take part in all family events, play and get along with children of different ages.
13
Breton epañol
Sports families, where walking, cycling and running are an integral part of life, these cute dogs are ideal.
They will be happy to play ball and other outdoor games with children. They do not like to be alone, but at the same time they sometimes prefer quiet time.
Very sensitive and gentle animals. It was they who provided invaluable assistance to rescuers during the search for people under the rubble during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States.
14
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It is better to keep this dog in a country house, where it will have space to play and walk. Very sociable, they love noisy companies and the company of children of all ages.
They become strongly attached to their owners, so it is not recommended to leave them alone for a long period. They are active, temperamental and fearless, despite their small size.
They require special and long-term attention, so if you have a busy work schedule, you should consider another pet.
15
Curly Retriever
A tireless and good-swimming curly-haired retriever will undoubtedly bring variety to your life and make you change your plans a little. They enjoy playing with children and easily switch from active, energetic play to calmer behavior.
This is an ideal walking partner. They have an extraordinary and memorable appearance and are ideal hunters. In addition, they are often used as water rescuers. And at home they will become indispensable protectors and watchmen.
16
Irish Wolfhound
Don’t be scared by the name, because despite their size, these are cute and gentle creatures. They are soft, sensitive and very patient. There will be no problems with other animals living in the house. They enjoy playing with children and care for them tenderly.
Irish Wolfhounds are very active, so they require constant walks and exercise. They are reserved with strangers, but are ready to help at any moment and protect their owners. With proper upbringing and training, they can grow up to be excellent guards and watchmen for your home.
?
Things to consider
First of all, you need to decide on your needs and capabilities. Then choose a suitable breed, and only then look for a good breeder.
We wrote about which dog is better to have in an apartment for a child (without a cat) here >>>
What else is important to consider besides the breed and future material costs? Evaluate your own time: you will need it not only for care and walking, but also for training and communicating with your pet. Otherwise, problems will arise with his behavior.
We take into account the age and character of the children, and our lifestyle. This also includes special life situations and family life.
A dog requires more communication time than a cat. But a dog is a more predictable animal, and it’s easier to build relationships with him.
