Best Family Dogs

When looking for best family dogs, a breed to become a perfect family member, think about your family’s lifestyle, activity level, availability of living space and open space, children’s ages, allergy sufferers and last but not the least, budget.

The perfect family dog should be outgoing and friendly. Look for a one who is naturally (genetically) healthy, loving and affectionate with the whole family. Generally all dogs make good family dogs when raised in a proper way in the hands of a responsible owner. Some breeds have greater genetic potential of becoming the best family dog and companion. Here is a list of best family dogs for you to choose from:

Beagle

Beagles are wonderful family dogs. They appeal to many families for several reasons. Beagles are not too small yet not too large. They are just the right size for most families. They are short haired and look clean. Beagles are energetic by nature. Beagles generally love children. They are a hearty hunting breed that, for hundreds of years, have spent hours following prey. Beagles are natural pack animals and love to hang out with people, other dogs, and other beagles. Most adult beagles can be left out during the day while you are at work.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog is an easygoing, calm family companion. It is sensitive, loyal and extremely devoted to the family. It is gentle with children and often reserved with strangers. It generally gets along well with other dogs and pets making it the right choice for families with a larger living space.

Boxer

The best dog for families with kids, boxers are known for the way they get along with children. Boxers are constantly on the move and bond very closely with the entire family. They are extremely loving and caring. They will probably become the most emotionally attached member in any family.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier’s small size and lively, affectionate nature make them great family pet dogs and companions. They love children and amuse people of all ages with their antics and unique, appealing expression. Their lively, affectionate nature makes them extremely loveable pets.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff dog breed is a firm and fearless family guardian. The Bullmastiff has an ability to sense good strangers from bad strangers and will be a very good and courageous guard dog who protects the family from perceived threats. While standoffish toward strangers, the bullmastiff is a very loving family member. He has a short, easy-care coat too.

Collie

The Collie has a longstanding reputation as one of the most beautiful of dog breeds. As a family dog, the breed character of the Collie is that of an intelligent and fully participating family member with a strong desire to please. The breed is a wonderful choice for those who want their dogs to be fully engaged in their family lives.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians make great family pets.  Like all dogs if care is taken in choosing a well bred Dalmatian puppy from parents with sound temperaments then a gentle, friendly spotty dog can make an excellent companion for even the youngest children.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are the most fun to own dogs. They are one of the most entertaining amongst all breeds of dog. In general, Miniature Dachshunds are more active than the larger Standard Dachshunds. Smooth Dachshunds make good pets for a smaller family, they are most apt to attach themselves to one person and are often extremely wary of strangers making them one of the best apartment watch dogs.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very intelligent and have the potential of making great family dogs. However, they should be moulded, raised and trained well. They are a very loyal and capable of protecting the family. German Shepherds are one of the best guard dog breeds for the family. However, they should not be left alone.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds in the world. Cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners, they make perfect family pet dogs for most families.

Great Dane

Great Danes are simply great. If you want a Great Dane, probably no other dog breed can replace it. It makes a pleasant, well-mannered family companion. It will intimidate strangers due to its size. Great Danes are non-aggressive, peaceful guard dogs who will scare strangers but will not bite.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador is the most famous dog breed in the world. They make good, smart, loving family dogs with a well balanced personality. Labs are neither too friendly nor too aggressive with strangers. They love water and make excellent companions for all activities and outings. Labs are good with kids too. However, they should be exercised regularly and kept on a diet.

Lhasa Apso

Early socialization is critical to a Lhasa Apso’s success as a family member. A well socialized Lhasa is one of the best family dogs. This breed has a lot of common sense and great awareness of their surroundings. They are alert, non-shedding, perfect apartment watch dogs for the family.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large breed of dog. Sweet-natured and responsive, he makes a wonderful family companion. Newfies are great for families with children.

Poodle

Poodles are very intelligent hypoallergenic (non-shedding) dogs and can be perfect for families with allergy sufferers. They are available in three sizes – standard, miniature and toy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Ridgeback is a very strong, tough breed of dog. A ver clean dog with little odor and minimal shedding, the Ridgeback can make a good family dog. The Ridgeback is extremely tolerant and an excellent companion for children too.

Saint Bernard

This gentle giant can be a good family dog if you have the space and the snow.

Saluki

The Saluki can make a unique family pet. It is a very ancient Egyptian dog breed and was known as the noble one. The Saluki is a naturally clean dog.