Popular Family Dog Breeds

When deciding if you want to add a furry friend to your family, it can be difficult to pick which type of dog will be the best fit. Many breeds make great family dogs, but some are better for suburban families, while others are better suited for families living in the city. Below are the 10 best dog breeds for families and kids according to the American Kennel Club.

Labrador Retriever

The lab is the most popular breed of dog in the US, which makes them a great family dog. They are friendly, patient, and easy to train.

• Personality: Friendly and outgoing
• Energy Level: Very active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with Other Dogs: With supervision
• Shedding: Yes
• Height: 21.5-24.5 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Barking Level: Medium

Bulldog

This breed of dog is perfect if you have children. They are loyal and love to spend time with people. Bulldogs can adapt to either a city or a country atmosphere making them a great option for any family.

• Personality: Calm, courageous, and friendly
• Energy Level: Not Very Active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 14-15 inches
• Weight: 40-50 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
• Barking Level: Quiet

Golden Retriever

One of the most recognizable dog breeds, the Golden Retriever, is a great choice for a family dog. Their intelligence and agreeable personality make them an easy dog to train.

• Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted
• Energy Level: Very Active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 21.5-24 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

Beagle

If you are looking for a smaller dog breed for your family, the Beagle would be a good option for you. Their small size makes it easy for them to adapt to all types of environments, and their low maintenance coat is ideal for busy families.

• Personality: Merry, friendly, and curious
• Energy Level: Very Active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 15 inches & under
• Weight: under 30
• Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
• Barking Level: Likes To Be Vocal

Pug

If you let a child pick out the breed of dog, they’re likely to pick a pug. Their cute wrinkled faces are hard to say no to. Pugs are great family dogs because their main goal is to be around the people they love. They can adapt to many environments from a small apartment to a country home.

• Personality: Even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving
• Energy Level: Somewhat active
• Good with Children: Better with supervision
• Good with Other Dogs: With supervision
• Shedding: Regularly
• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
• Barking Level: Barks when necessary

Irish Setter

This breed of dog is great for active families. Irish Setters have high energy and love being outside. Since they are a trainable breed, you can bring them with you on outdoor family outings and hikes.

• Personality: Outgoing, sweet-natured, active, and trainable
• Energy Level: Very Active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 25- 27 inches
• Weight: 60-70 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
• Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

Brussels Griffon

For families who live in apartment, a Brussels Griffon would be a good choice. They love to interact with others and to play games that stimulate their mind. When you need to get out of the apartment, they’ll enjoy going on long, daily walks with you.

• Personality: Loyal, alert, curious
• Energy Level: Somewhat Active
• Good with Children: Better with Supervision
• Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 7-10 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
• Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are excellent family dogs because of many traits. They are extremely loyal and want to please their owner. They are also smart enough to act on their own and do whatever is needed of them. If you have children or other pets, a Newfoundland can be the perfect new addition.

• Personality: Sweet, patient, devoted
• Energy Level: Somewhat active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with Other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 26-28 inches
• Weight: 100-150 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
• Barking Level: Barks when necessary

French Bulldog

For new families, a French Bulldog could be the the dog to go with. They are a great breed for city dwellers and they respond well to training. Since they do not require a lot of grooming, they are great for busy families.

• Personality: Playful, smart, adaptable, and completely irresistible
• Energy Level: Not Very Active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with other Dogs: Yes
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: under 28 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Barking Level: Quiet

Collie

Another breed that is great for an active family is the Collie. They are strong, loyal, and affectionate. They need daily exercise, but once they get that, they’re satisfied with just lounging around with you the rest of the day.

• Personality: Graceful, devoted, and proud
• Energy Level: Very active
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with Other Dogs: With supervision
• Shedding: Seasonal
• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 50-75 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Barking Level: Likes to be vocal