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By Nicolas Cesare
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Dogs make great family pets. The right one can be a playful partner for kids, a companion for adults or even a guard dog that protects your loved ones from danger.
But not all dogs are good fits for families. Some breeds have characteristics that can help them integrate better into your household. Good family dogs are intelligent, loyal to their family members and full of energy for playtime.
How We Chose the Best Family Dogs
Newsweek evaluated breeds from a 2023 study in the journal iScience. Researchers looked at how breeding influenced canine behavior. To identify the best dogs for families, we chose dogs from the study that scored well in training focus, energy and human sociability.
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We're also including factors like size and life expectancy. Large and small breeds can make great family dogs, but you should make sure that you get a dog that will fit with your lifestyle. Many apartments have restrictions on larger breeds, and some small dogs may have trouble keeping up with especially active families.
There are three dog size categories on this list:
- Small (weigh less than 20 pounds as adults)
- Medium (weigh between 20 and 50 pounds as adults)
- Large (weigh more than 50 pounds as adults)
1. Golden Retriever
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Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Golden retrievers are known for their shiny coats and friendly, patient temperament. These dogs have exceptional training focus, and they get along very well with humans. They're the least aggressive dog breed, according to the iScience study, so you can trust them with children of all ages.
Golden retrievers also get along well with other canines. They make a great second dog for families.
2. Labrador Retriever
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Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labrador retrievers, like their golden counterparts, are intelligent, outgoing dogs. They respond exceptionally well to training and fit well into multi-dog households. These dogs are known for their loyalty. They form strong bonds with family members that last their whole lives.
Labs need lots of exercise, so they're a great choice if you want to motivate your family to become more active.
3. Border Collie
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Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Border collies were originally bred as herding dogs because of their intelligence, agility and unwavering work ethic. Today, they're energetic and playful dogs who are loyal to their families.
Border collies have excellent training focus. They're much easier to train than more stubborn breeds, and children can learn a lot teaching these dogs new tricks.
4. Australian Shepherd
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Size: Medium to large
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Australian shepherds, often called "Aussies," are vibrant and intelligent dogs known for their striking appearance and herding abilities. Despite their name, they likely originated in the United States rather than Australia.
No matter their origins, Aussies are excellent playmates. They have tons of energy and are very friendly. Your kids can spend hours playing fetch or teaching them agility tricks.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
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Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Jack Russell terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their spunky personalities and boundless enthusiasm. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation, so getting one of these dogs is a great way to get your kids outside.
Their vivacious personalities and lively natures make them wonderful companions for families who appreciate an energetic, playful and sometimes mischievous canine companion.
6. Spanish Water Dog
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Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Spanish water dogs are versatile, curly-coated canines known for their intelligence, athleticism and loyalty to their owners. As their name suggests, they're very capable in the water—a great choice if you live near a lake or river. But they're just as comfortable playing on land.
Spanish water dogs are also very focused and eager to please their family. With the right training, they make excellent guard dogs.
7. Poodle
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Size: Small (toy and miniature breeds), medium to large (standard breed)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodles are intelligent dogs immediately recognizable by their curly coats. They're also one of the few dog breeds to come in multiple sizes: toy, miniature and standard.
Their responsiveness to training, obedience and friendly nature make them perfect first dogs for families. Plus, you can get a poodle in the size that makes the most sense for your household.
Poodles are also hypoallergenic. They're a great choice for families with allergies.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
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Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 15 to 17 years
The Lagotto Romagnolo (or "lake dog from Romagna") is a charming dog breed known for its curly, water-resistant coat. These pups were bred as truffle hunters, so they have excellent trainability and dedication.
Looking like teddy bears and full of energy, they make great family pets. Healthy Lagotto Romagnolo dogs live for a long time and can stay in your family for well over a decade.
9. Miniature Pinscher
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Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Miniature pinschers, sometimes called min pins, are diminutive cousins to the Doberman pinscher. They pack an amazing amount of energy in their tiny frames, requiring lots of attention and playtime.
Like their larger cousins, these pups are loyal to their families but reserved around strangers. That makes them excellent guard dogs that will sound the alarm whenever trouble comes around.
10. Shetland Sheepdogs
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Size: Small to medium
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Shetland sheepdogs—Shelties to their admirers—are intelligent, graceful dogs famed for their loyalty and agility. They resemble small rough collies and have soft, luxurious coats.
Shelties got their start herding sheep. Those humble origins developed their protective natures, making some Shelties great guard dogs. Others are too friendly with strangers to reliably protect their families.
11. Welsh Corgi
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Size: Small to medium
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Welsh corgis are sturdy herding dogs with distinctive, low-to-the-ground bodies and charming personalities. These cute dogs are all business when it's time for training, so they make very obedient family pets.
They were good enough for the royal family—the late Queen Elizabeth II kept them throughout her life. Many of the queen's corgis are still thriving.
12. Chihuahua
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Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Despite being one of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas are famous for having big personalities. These dogs have moderate energy levels and require regular exercise, although their size means their exercise needs can be met indoors. They are ideal for families that don't have large yards for dogs to run around in.
Short-haired Chihuahuas require very little grooming. That makes them great low-maintenance family dogs.
13. Yorkshire Terrier
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Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Yorkshire terriers, often called Yorkies, are small, feisty dogs known for their elegant appearance and confident demeanor. They're intelligent and alert, so they respond well to training.
Yorkshire terriers have long, silky coats that are hypoallergenic. They're a good small dog if one of your family members is allergic.
Despite their small, cute appearance, Yorkshire terriers make great watchdogs. Their barking will let you know whenever something suspicious is afoot.
14. American Cocker Spaniel
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Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
American cocker spaniels are charming, affectionate dogs known for their long, beautiful coats and gentle personalities. These dogs are very sociable and form strong bonds with their families.
Cocker spaniels are also popular in the competition scene, where well-groomed coats win prizes. If you want to take your pet ownership to the next level, you and your family can explore competing.
15. Barbet
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Size: Medium to large
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Barbets are friendly dogs with distinctive curly coats. They're intelligent, laid-back canines and get along well with kids, strangers and other pets.
Their coats are water-resistant and require regular grooming to prevent matting. Adopting a barbet is a good way to teach your kids about the responsibility associated with raising a pet.
16. Irish Water Spaniel
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Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Irish water spaniels are one of the oldest and rarest spaniel breeds, originating in Ireland, where they were primarily bred as water retrievers for hunting waterfowl. They are highly intelligent, eager to please and affectionate toward their families.
Like other family dogs with water-resistant coats, Irish water spaniels need regular grooming. Make sure you're prepared before you adopt one of these dogs.
17. Portuguese Water Dog
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Size: Medium to large
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Portuguese water dogs are charismatic dogs known for their wavy coats. They also have webbed feet, making them great swimmers. They're the perfect family pet if you want a dog that can play with you and your kids in the water.
Because of their history as working dogs, Portuguese water dogs have high energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Their coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their characteristic appearance.
Portuguese water dogs are also hypoallergenic, in case you have an allergic family member.
Family Dog FAQs
There's lots more to learn about getting a dog as a family pet. Here are some answers to common questions.
Are Mutts Good Family Dogs?
Mixed breed dogs (mutts or mongrels) make good family pets. You can also adopt a mutt with ancestors from great family dog breeds, like golden retrievers or poodles. The mutt can inherit positive traits from its lineage.
Mixed breed dogs also live longer than purebreds, according to a study in PeerJ. Mutts' diverse gene pools help them avoid harmful genetic conditions present in their purebred ancestors. Plus, you can get a mixed breed in any size, so you can find the perfect pet for your family.
Should You Get a Puppy as a Family Dog?
Getting your family dog as a puppy is a great choice. Dogs are easier to train when they're young, before they get set in their ways. You can train them to fit into your family's lifestyle.
Adopting your family dog as a puppy is good for the dog since it can socialize with you and your kids from an early age. It's also beneficial for your children because they can learn responsibility in caring for your dog as it grows.
Should You Get a Dog Before or After Having a Baby?
It's best to adopt a dog once your child is old enough to understand the responsibility of caring for a puppy.
Getting a puppy before your baby is born can cause problems, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It says that dogs that are used to getting all your attention can struggle when you start spending more time with your newborn child.
Are Big Dogs Safe Around Kids?
Size isn't a major factor in determining how well dogs get along with kids. There are small dogs that can get very aggressive and large dogs that are laid-back around children. If you're looking for a family dog, you should consider temperament before size.
Some good large family dogs include:
- Golden retrievers
- Labrador retrievers
- Australian shepherds
- Irish water spaniels
What Are the Best Family Dogs for People With Allergies?
Having a family member with allergies can make it difficult to adopt a dog. Allergic reactions to proteins in dogs' dander and saliva can cause coughing, congestion and rashes on the skin.
The American Kennel Club and dog owners say that some dog breeds are hypoallergenic, although there isn't much scientific evidence supporting the idea that some dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Hypoallergenic breeds that make good family dogs include:
- Irish water spaniels
- Portuguese water dogs
- Poodles
- Yorkshire terriers
What Are the Best Family Guard Dogs?
In addition to being playful companions, family dogs can be powerful protectors. Small family dogs can sound the alarm when there's danger, and large family dogs can stand between your children and threatening strangers.
Some family dogs have behavioral traits that make them well suited to guard work, like loyalty, intelligence and trainability. However, some dogs, like golden retrievers, are too friendly to reliably guard your family against strangers.
Some good family dog breeds that make good guard dogs include:
- Miniature pinschers
- Spanish water dogs
- Yorkshire terriers
Does your family have a dog? Tell us about your pets in the comments.
Learn more about the best dog for your family and check out our list of the friendliest dogs.
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