There's nothing quite like the fun and companionship of having a dog join your family.
As any pet parent knows, our furry friends bring laughter, loyalty, love, endless cuddles, and dog hair.
But choosing the right breed is key to finding a faithful companion your whole household will treasure for years.
This article will examine traits that make certain >family dogs stand out for homes.
We also cover dog breeds well-suited for families, patience with children, gentle disposition, and trainability, making them ideal household pets.
What makes a dog breed ideal for families?
Selecting the ideal family dog involves much more than simply the cutest appearance. Carefully consider your household's unique activity levels, space, and commitment readiness. You know your family's lifestyle best.
You may want to assess if a dog fits your family's lifestyle. Don't take on more responsibility than you can handle.
You should look for breeds known for tolerant, easygoing personalities that can handle lively children. But, you'll need to provide good care that meets their needs.
As a prospective pet parent, you should pay attention to the following key factors when selecting a good breed for the family:
Temperament
Temperament comes first, no question. An easygoing, patient personality that can handle typical children's antics is usually a great choice for families.
Some of the best dog breeds for families, like Retrievers and Poodles, tend to be calm and gentle family pets.
Size
You have to pay attention to the size when you're getting a family dog. Small to medium sizes usually make the best family dogs, especially if you have young kids.
Energy Level
When getting a dog for your family, energy needs matter too, or your new friend can be unhappy and frustrated.
You've got to think: can you or the children provide adequate exercise for an energetic breed? If not, mellow companions like a Bichon Frise suit a laidback lifestyle better.
Hypoallergenic
If someone in the family has allergies, consider looking for hypoallergenic breeds. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds shed less often than others.
Some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for homes include poodles, Bichon Frises, Kerry blue terriers, and Maltese.
If possible, have your prospective pet spend time with the allergic person before taking it home to ensure that a reaction will not be triggered.
What is the best dog for a family?
When choosing the best dog for your family, you should prioritise breeds with a patient temperament and energy level that suit your family's lifestyle.
You can go for child-friendly companions like Labrador Retrievers or Poodles. Their mellow nature helps create joyful households.
- Labrador Retriever
Lovable Labs take to bustling family life like a duck to water. Their trademark "please throw this ball" grin says it all.
Characteristics:
Personality: Outgoing, patient, relaxed
Energy: High octane
Good with Children: Absolutely! Their patience is legendary. But dogs should be supervised at all times around children.
Good with Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Year-round moderate
Grooming: Weekly brushing, more when shedding
- Bernese Mountain Dog
This is a gentle and affectionate dog with a loyal spirit and intelligence. Despite their size, they are wonderful family dogs requiring moderate activity.
Characteristics:
Personality: Affectionate, gentle, playful
Energy Level: Needs a high level of activity
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, but with supervision
Shedding: Regular shedding
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Poodle
Smart, energetic, and eager to please, Poodles have a kids-at-heart silliness that fits well in family-filled environments. Poodles are one of the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers.
Characteristics:
Personality: Trainable, proud, very smart
Energy Level: High
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Dogs: With Supervision
Shedding: Minimal
Grooming: Daily brushing, regular clipping
- Beagle
Few can resist a Beagle's charm. As solid family companions, Beagles gently play or cuddle as the moment calls for it.
Characteristics:
Personality: Sweet, gentle, upbeat
Energy Level: Moderate
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Dogs: With early socialisation
Shedding: Year-round moderate
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Golden Retriever
Finding a breed that’s more fun-loving than a Golden Retriever is very difficult. Goldens are always cheerful, revelling in whatever antics the children dream up. This is a great choice for active homes seeking a tireless playmate.
Characteristics:
Personality: Affectionate, trusting, devoted
Energy: They're very active
Good with Kids: Excellent!
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, excellent with other dogs when supervised
Shedding: Constant moderate-heavy
Grooming: Daily brushing, plus frequent vacuuming
- Bichon Frise
This cotton ball with legs fills your home with cheer and delight. Bichon's irresistible plush coat and charm rocket them to stardom among UK family dogs. Trick-loving and playful, they adore kids' laughter.
Characteristics:
Personality: Playful, cheerful, perky
Energy: Moderate
Good with Kids: Excellent
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, they are great with other dogs when supervised
Shedding: Minimal, hypoallergenic
Grooming: Daily brushing & regular haircuts
- CollieHailing from herding lineage, Collies bond intensely to "their" flock, you guessed it, your family. They become gentle yet vigilant guardians, active outdoors yet composed when indoors. Collies need almost constant stimulation. This is to meet their physical and mental needs.
Characteristics:
Personality: Loyal, responsive, protective
Energy: Very high
Good with Kids: Yes, but with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, but early socialisation is required
Shedding: Twice yearly heavy
Grooming: Daily brushing during shedding months
- Newfoundland
Massive yet mild-mannered, Newfoundland's tremendous size belies their sweet temperament. They move with graceful control indoors and patiently indulge in silly antics from children.
Characteristics:
Personality: Calm, generous, obedient
Energy Level: Moderate
Good with Children: Excellent
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, with supervision
Shedding: Year-round, heavy
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Border Collie
This is one of the cleverest dog breeds you can get for your home. They need intense daily mental and physical stimulation.
Characteristics:
Personality: Energetic, smart, intense
Energy Level: Very high
Good with Children: Excellent with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, with socialisation
Shedding: Seasonal moderate
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Boxer
For families seeking a protective yet silly and fun-loving pooch, Boxers are a great choice. Their patience, gentleness, and playful swagger make Boxers ideal for active households.
Characteristics:
Personality: Fun-loving, bright, active
Energy Level: Very high
Good with Children: Excellent
Good with Other Dogs: Requires socialisation
Shedding: Moderate year-round
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Shih TzuThe Shih Tzu is easygoing. It is affectionate and trusting. These traits make it a wonderful companion. It's a cuddly yet adaptable breed suited to varied activity levels. They rarely require intense exercise.
Characteristics:
Personality: Friendly and bright
Energy Level: Moderate
Good with Children: Excellent
Good with Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: High
Grooming: Regular brushing
- Welsh CorgiOriginally bred to herd cattle, this breed retains its spunky boldness, conducting amusing play sessions with respectful kids. They thrive when included in family activities.
Characteristics:
Personality: Bold, smart, vocal
Energy Level: Moderate
Good with Children: Good with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Requires socialisation
Shedding: Heavy year-round
Grooming: Regular brushing
- Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active and fun-loving companion. Always alert and enthusiastic at heart.
Characteristics:
Personality: Rambunctious, clownish, demonstrative
Energy Level: High
Good with Children: Good with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Significant year-round
Grooming: Thrice weekly brushing
- VizslaVizsla's striking appearance sets them apart from other dog breeds. Their lack of an undercoat eliminates concerns about shedding, making them ideal family pets for active children.
Characteristics:
Personality: Gentle and energetic
Energy Level: High
Good with Children: Yes, with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Yes, but under supervision
Shedding: Low
Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Samoyed
Samoyeds possess a distinctive smile that showcases their amiable temperament. Adapting effortlessly to family routines, these loyal companions are remarkable.
Characteristics:
Personality: Friendly and gentle
Energy Level: High
Good with Children: Yes, but may need supervision
Good with Other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: High
Grooming: Brushing twice a week
Which is the friendli
