15 Of The Best Dog Breeds For Families With Young Children

Oh, gosh. If you've seen Homeward Bound, you already know that golden retrievers are the best family dog because Shadow is the best family dog. If not, I recommend it.

But seriously: These dogs love humans of all sizes and especially love little kids. Kids seem to feel the same way, and in general, your child and your golden retriever will delight in one another for years. They're also smart, which makes them easier to train.

First things first: these dogs are big. But if you have space for one, they make delightful additions to any family's home. They're basically giant teddy bears … teddy bears who need to be able to run around and play. They are known for being gentle and are actually not supposed to be that hard to groom.

There's a reason why these guys usually top the list of best family dogs: they're just kind of incredible. They are super energetic, which means a lab will thrive with a family that's always on the go. Since young kids can rarely be contained, the Labrador retriever has a pretty ideal personality.

Beagles are known for being super sweet with kids, but not so much with small animals, which is definitely something to keep in mind if you have other pets. They're also house-friendly because they aren't messy and also don't leave clumps of hair everywhere. They do thrive on routine, and it's important to train your dog well and stick to a schedule so she knows what to expect.

People tend to think bulldogs are tough, but they are giant softies who just need a lap to sit in and a human to love. The puppies are super energetic, which means your kids will definitely have a pal that can keep up with them. They're also great guard dogs and become very attached to their people.

A friend of mine has a red Boston terrier (that's her in the photo), and when I asked him if he thinks the breed is good with young children he only had positive things to say. Among those things: they can play all day, they are super lovable, and they crave being close to you and love contact. Basically, if your kids want a sweet, energetic cuddle bug, this is the dog.

My child has never met a pug he didn't immediately love, and if we didn't already have three dogs then we would add one immediately. Pugs like to be close to their owners, and will probably follow your kids everywhere. They also aren't huge, which means they (usually) don't make huge messes.

These guys definitely fall on the other end of the spectrum, but they're just as lovable. Granted, they probably require a little more work. You'll need to be diligent about grooming your Newfoundland, and you will definitely want to try training classes for the simple fact that the dog is so huge. Make sure you have plenty of space, and this gentle giant will get along with your kiddos just fine.

Collies are known for being smart and being extremely loyal to their owners. They're also friendly, and this makes them well-suited to homes where children live. They do shed (as you can see, that's a lot of hair!), but they're so easy to take care of otherwise that it makes up for it … I assume.

Boxers are sometimes stereotyped as being aggressive, but they are alert, super protective animals that love bonding with humans. They are definitely energetic, and you'll want to get your dog out often to make sure he is happy. They are also extremely social, and love a good trip to the dog park to meet new friends!

Poodles are pleasing for kids because they are basically just adorable, and parents will love them because they're super easy to take care of. Sure, you can go all-in for the fancy haircut, but you don't have to. Either way, they don't shed a ton, so cleaning up after them is a cinch.

Cocker spaniels are just so sweet: look at that face! They are also surprisingly energetic, and will happily bound after your kids for hours. Since they are small, you want to make sure you teach your kids not to get in their faces or to be threatening.

Irish setters are so beautiful and so calm. Everything about them just says … chiiiiilllll. Which is funny, because they also have a ton of energy! Much like children, Irish setters can be walking contradictions. But don't worry: Your new pet will fit in just fine with a kid or three.

By now just about everyone has heard of this popular cross-breed, and for good reason. They're adorable, and they're also an excellent family dog. They are also low-maintenance, which is nice for the adults in the home who may end up doing more than their fair share of work toward taking care of the dog. They're super smart and super affectionate, and make great playmates.

When in doubt, you can steer clear of breeds totally if you're open to adopting a pet from your local shelter. You can ask the staff and volunteers any questions you want about an animal you might find there, and they'll also likely already know which of their dogs would be good in a home with young children and which ones wouldn't. As a mutt owner, I can definitely vouch for this route.