Can a family even be called a family if it doesn’t have a dog? Some dog breeds are unsuitable for families or kids, but dogs bred to be pack dogs or animal herders just love family life, like these obedient dog breeds perfect for families.
Golden Retriever
These beautiful dogs just love everybody and make ideal family pets. They never grow out of their puppyish nature and are playful, gentle, loving, and, above all, trustworthy. Pet MD states that Golden Retrievers make “wonderful family dogs because they are great with young children and other pets when socialized from puppyhood.”
Rottweiler
Widely used as ‘bad dogs’ in the media because of how they look, Rottweilers are actually very good dogs. These wonderful family companions can be boisterous and playful when the mood calls for it, but they are also gentle, affectionate, smart, and easy to train. They form strong bonds with their human families and can be extremely protective.
Bichon Frisé
This playful little dog was bred specifically to be a companion to humans. They are soft and fluffy and have very cute little faces so it’s hard not to love them instantly. The Bichon Frisé has a confident and friendly personality and is a fun little friend for small kids, but it also loves a cuddle, so it’s a great lapdog for older family members.
Old English Sheepdog
Friendly, affectionate, and so cuddly, the Old English Sheepdog is like a real-life giant teddy bear. The Old English Sheepdog has a playful nature and loves lots of company and attention, so playing with the kids will keep them all occupied. Easy-going and smart too, this dog is the perfect family pet.
Irish Setter
The perfect dog for a family with an active lifestyle, the Irish Setter has an energetic nature and loves a good game of fetch or a long walk/run. They have a sociable and affectionate personality and get along with everyone, but this means they don’t like to be left alone for too long.
Springer Spaniel
Well-behaved and happy characters, these dogs love to hang out with people and make great pets for families. They get along very well with children but are best suited for a family that tends to be active, as they love to go on adventures. Springer Spaniels are intelligent dogs and able to learn commands quickly.
Doberman
Loyal, sweet, and affectionate, the Doberman is another poor pup who has been given a bad reputation that it doesn’t deserve. They are people-oriented dogs and can form strong bonds with their families, so if you’re looking for a loving dog that will guard your home, the Doberman is a great option.
Miniature Schnauzer
A small dog with a big personality, the Miniature Schnauzer has a huge amount of energy and will play with the kids for hours. They are loyal, smart, and eager to please, which makes them easily trained. They can also be quite protective, and they have that cute little face that everyone just loves.
Bernese Mountain Dog
These gentle giants have a calm disposition and are extremely affectionate and good-natured. They get along well with children and love the companionship of family life. They are also devoted, loyal, and protective of their families, and they just can’t get enough of their human’s attention, always looking for some love.
Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas love human company, so hanging out with a big family is perfect for them. They form strong bonds with their humans and are extremely loyal, but they are best suited for an active family, as they love to exercise. They are eager to please and very clever, so training them is a breeze.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Contrary to some beliefs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (when properly trained and socialized) is a lover, not a fighter. The American Kennel Club describes them as “a mild, playful companion with a special feel for kids.” They are sweet and patient dogs with gentle personalities that truly make wonderful family pets.
Australian Shepherd
Lively but placid, and tough but gentle, the Australian Shepherd is a dog with high energy levels, so it requires a lot of exercise but makes a perfect pet for an active family. They are agile and playful, and they love going on hikes and catching frisbees in the park. This breed is a loyal and affectionate companion.
Papillon
The vibrant and energetic personality of this small breed makes it the perfect pet to run around the garden with kids, but it also loves to curl up on a warm lap and get lots of attention. They are alert and intelligent, making them easy to train, and they love company.
Boxer
The goofy nature of this breed makes it a favorite with children, and Boxers absolutely love kids too. According to The Spruce Pets, Boxers have a “sweet, playful temperament that complements their muscular frames.” They are happiest when being showered with affection and attention from their families, and they give lots of love in return.
Beagle
The Beagle is a lovable and happy dog who enjoys lots of activity and companionship. They are intelligent and curious characters who love to learn, and so they are easily trained with a bit of work. They don’t like to be left alone and are happiest when going for long walks with their family.
Shetland Sheepdog
These dogs are wonderful family companions with an affectionate disposition and steadfast loyalty to their humans. They are so active, intelligent, and eager to please that they are an utter joy to train, following commands in no time at all. Although they can be shy with strangers, they love to be close to their owners.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are one of the most family-friendly dog breeds out there. They love spending time with humans and are loyal, friendly, and intelligent. Their happy nature makes them fun to be with, too. They were bred to be gun dogs and retrieve prey, making them highly obedient and quick to learn commands.
German Shepherd
Loyal and protective dogs, but also gentle and affectionate, German Shepherds make great family pets and home guard dogs. They are loving companions, and according to Country Living Magazine, they also make great exercise or exploration buddies. Their intelligence and eagerness to please mean they can be easy to train.
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