There are so many dog breeds out there, you're guaranteed to find at least one to be your ideal companion. Of course, selecting the perfect pooch to bring home becomes a little more difficult when there are more people involved. And when you have children who don't always know how to behave around animals, it's even more important to make sure you're choosing the right pup for your home.
Even though good owners make good dogs, there are definitely some pets that are more high-maintenance than others. For example, some breeds are notorious for being harder to train than others, so they'd probably be a better fit for a more experienced dog owner who has time to dedicate towards making sure their pup is an upstanding canine citizen. Other dogs, such as these completely massive breeds, would probably be a bit uncomfortable (and unwelcome, depending on your landlord's rules) in a small apartment. Likewise, some dogs are better suited for family life than others.
Even if you have energetic, unruly kids in the house, these gentle and friendly dog breeds are the most likely to be perfect for your family. If you're hoping to welcome a new furry friend into your lives, then call local shelters or breed-specific rescues to see if you can find a new companion that will be perfect for both the adults and children in your life!
Make sure you SHARE these lovable breeds with all your friends so they can decide exactly what kind of dog they want to bring home to love!
15. English Bulldog
These friendly dogs are calm, dignified animals who are generally great with both adults and children.
14. Beagle
There's a reason all the kids from Peanuts loved hanging around Snoopy so much. Beagles are affectionate, loyal dogs who love to play, but have an easygoing temperament.
13. French Bulldog
Between their goofy-looking faces and playful personalities, these sweet pups will delight humans of all ages.
12. Samoyed
This fluffy white breed is loyal, energetic, and very gentle. They're the perfect companion for anyone looking for an all-around great dog to add to the family.
11. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a playful and affectionate breed, but what really sets them apart from other dogs is their intelligence, which makes them highly trainable for virtually anything you need them to do.
10. Newfoundland
These dogs are gentle giants who are extremely loyal, but also extremely gentle. They're well known for being great with kids.
9. Pug
Who could resist that face? Pugs aren't excessively hyper, but they love to play, and their loving personalities will win the heart of everyone in your family.
8. Vizsla
These dogs aren't as popular in the United States as they are in other parts of the world, but they definitely should be. The Vizsla is a loyal breed that requires a lot of exercise (which shouldn't be a problem if you have playful kids), but is also perfectly content to hang out inside and keep watch over the family.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are another goofy breed. They enjoy a good session of playing, but they're also extremely patient and even-tempered.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another big dog with a big heart, these pooches are loyal and patient. They've been known to be great furry guardians for younger children.
5. Standard Poodle
The curly coat that's found on poodles doesn't shed very much at all, so it's great for anyone with allergies. The standard poodle is also a patient and loyal dog that rarely gets bored if they receive regular exercise. The smaller miniature poodle is more high-strung and isn't as great of a choice for families, but the standard poodle is almost guaranteed to be a great addition to your family.
4. Papillon
These little dogs are great for families who don't have a ton of space for a larger breed. However, they are quite playful and need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're also intelligent and friendly, making them perfect for virtually any family.
3. Labrador Retriever
The lab is a famously family-friendly dog. These pups have plenty of energy to keep even the most playful kids busy, but they're also extremely loyal, intelligent, and even-tempered.
2. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is an energetic dog that loves to run and swim. They're also extremely patient and affectionate, so kids of all ages will find plenty to love about these adorable animals.
1. Collie
There's a reason the famously heroic Lassie was a collie. These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and extremely gentle. They're fast learners and can be trained to do nearly anything. Collies are a great first dog for kids thanks to their patience and affectionate nature, but really, anyone who welcomes one of these pups into their home will find that it's one of the best decisions they've ever made.
Make sure you SHARE these family-friendly dogs with everyone you know!
