The 7 Best Dog Breeds for Families
By: Eva Ternovska
Edited by: Heba Imtiaz
Getting a pet is a great way to teach children responsibility and bring a little joy and laughter into your home. But which dog should you get? There are many different breeds, all with varying personalities and personal care needs. This list provides seven great dogs that you should consider bringing into your household.
- Boxer
Boxers are truly some of the best family dogs, because of their loyalty and kindness!
Pros: A boxer’s patient nature will make them a good friend for even the youngest members of your family. They’re very energetic dogs that’ll be happy to play with your kids all day long. They’re also very intelligent, making them easy to train. If you’re looking for a watchdog, these protective dogs will guard your family.
What to watch out for: The one thing that you might need to watch out for is their size. Boxers can grow to be quite big and powerful, so if you have small children you might want to hold off on getting this breed. Remember to never let your boxer loose – they’ll go chasing after anything they can.
Care: Boxers are easy to train, but it’s important to train them when they’re young. If you live in a hot area, take extra care to never exercise your boxer when it’s hot. These dogs’ flat faces make them susceptible to heatstroke. Boxers are easy to groom and keep clean because of their short coats. Brush your boxer’s fur once a week to keep it neat.
- Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America!
Pros: These friendly dogs are down to play most of the time. Their love of playing outdoors will make them great playing companions. If your family loves going canoeing or going to the beach, then a Labrador Retriever is the perfect addition to your family. These dogs were bred to swim.
What to watch out for: Labradors have A LOT of energy. If your family does get a Labrador, make sure they get plenty of exercise throughout the day. Your family members may take turns walking or playing with a Labrador retriever. If they don’t, these dogs will release their pent-up energy in possibly destructive ways, such as by chewing or tearing up items.
Care: Labrador retrievers need grooming once a week. Their coats often shed. They’re easy to train and do well with consistent and patient training. However, they require a lot of space. Labrador Retrievers are large dogs, which means you’ll need a yard for them to run around.
- Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a golden breed.
Pros: These dogs are friendly with everyone and are very energetic. If your family often goes on camping trips, a golden retriever will be the perfect companion to bring along. These dogs can play for hours, and love to play games such as fetch and tug-of-war. This dog will also be very loyal to your family.
What to Watch out for:
Just like Labrador Retrievers, these dogs need a lot of exercise. If this dog doesn’t get enough exercise, it can lead to undesired behavior. This is also a large dog, so make sure to supervise your dog if it’s around small children.
Care:
Golden retrievers shed seasonally, so during these times, you’ll need to groom them daily. They can also develop build-ups of wax in their ears. This can create an environment that bacteria thrive in, therefore you’ll need to clean out your dog’s ears. Golden Retrievers are easy to train, but socialization and obedience classes should begin early on.
- Beagle
This curious canine is perfect for families looking for a medium-sized dog.
Pros: Beagles are naturally curious and playful. If you were looking for a loyal watchdog, this breed will suit you. Beagles need lots of attention and exercise, which means that they’d be a great fit for a large family looking to adopt.
What to watch out for: These dogs require at least an hour of exercise a day. When walking them, be sure to use a leash, because they will want to run off if they catch a tantalizing scent. They might also try and escape your yard. The American Kennel Club recommends a fence that’s at least 5 feet below ground in order to minimize chances of escaping. Beagles also don’t do well alone for long periods of time and can suffer from canine separation anxiety. Beagles bark often and will alert you if anyone approaches your house. If you aren’t keen on this, consider another breed.
Care:
Beagles’ coats require moderate care. Springtime is when they shed, and at all other times of the year make sure to brush their coats 2-3 times a week. Beagles respond well to consistent training —Treats can be a great motivator for these dogs.
- Irish setter
Originally bred to hunt gamebirds, this dog is now the perfect pooch to play fetch with.
Pros: Irish setters are another perfect breed for families that love spending time outdoors and going on camping trips. They need daily walks and playtime. If your family is looking for a dog to go on adventures with, choose an Irish Setter.
What to Watch Out for: If you have small children, you may want to hold off on getting an Irish setter until your children grow older. These dogs may get overexcited and inadvertently hurt your child.
Care: This dog’s luscious coat needs a moderate amount of care to keep it looking good. You should brush it on average twice a week. Irish setters are easy to house train, but remember to not use harsh methods while training them. They react best to patience.
- Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known as nanny dogs, and their fluffy fur will warm your heart.
Pros: Easy to train and easy to love, these dogs are great companions. They’re laid back and love lounging around. These dogs enjoy the water, and one of their many talents is being water rescuers. These dogs are very protective of their owners.
What to Watch Out for: Newfoundland dogs are massive, and adult dogs can weigh more than 100 pounds. If you have small children, this may not be the dog for you.
Care: A Newfoundland’s coat is beautiful, but it needs a lot of maintenance. During shedding season, you’ll need to brush it thoroughly once a day. The shedding season occurs twice a year. At all other times of the year, brush it once a week. Newfoundlands are relatively easy to train, as long as you don’t use harsh commands. Despite their tendency to laze around, these dogs need regular exercise. Walking and playing will help keep both you and your furry friend fit.
- Bichon frise
A Bichon Frise is a small dog with a big heart
Pros: These dogs are known as personality dogs. They’re charming and easygoing, a perfect combination for a family pet. These dogs need regular exercise, but they’re not as energetic as the other breeds on this list. They also do well in apartments and smaller houses, so if you live in a city this might be the dog for you.
What to watch out for: If you have a yard, you’ll need to make sure that it has a fence before getting a Bichon Frize. Bichon Frises are curious and fast, and they might try to escape.
Care: Bichon Frises have adorable fluffy coats that shed infrequently. Brushing out your dog’s fur once a day is the best way to maintain it. You’ll need to take your dog to a professional pet groomer once a month to get its fur cut. You’ll need to adapt your dog to being alone at home for periods of time, as they might get very attached and not want to be left without their owners.
While these breeds can be a great starting place to look for a pet, feel free to explore other options. The most important thing is compatibility. When you’re beginning your search for a dog, make sure to check out your local animal shelter first. Shelters have many animals that are in need of a kind and loving family.
Getting a dog can come with a bit of a learning curve. Remember to also never leave dogs and young children alone. If your children are playing with your dog, remember to supervise them. If you’re a first-time dog owner, the American Kennel Club recommends puppy training classes to help you train your pooch. If you do decide to get a dog, check out our blog for more tips on caring for animals and on the adoption process.
References:
AKC Staff. “10 Best Family Dogs.” American Kennel Club, 26 Mar. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/best-family-dogs/.