Anyone who grew up with a dog will surely tell you it is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. A dog can teach us so much. Even though they can’t understand all of our words, they listen to us as we complain to them.
We don’t even mind that they are not able to respond and we can enjoy the silence together. In addition, our dog is our best friend for walking and going to the park. They are the one who guards our house and property and faithfully waits for us to return home.
If you were lucky enough to grow up with a dog, you will want the same for your family and children. Even if you haven’t had a dog before, it’s never too late to get one!
So, what are the best family dog breeds? Each dog breed is special in its own way, and your choice will, of course, depend on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in your future dog.
Below we bring you 12 types of family dogs, among which we believe everyone will find their favorite!
1. Basset Hound
Our first dog is the Basset Hound. Known for its short legs and long, floppy ears, this dog was originally bred as a hunting dog and used to hunt animals such as foxes and rabbits.
There are two types of this dog: European and American Basset Hound. Some would say that they are the same, but they have some minor differences. The European Basset Hound is a bit larger than the American, and the European Basset Hound has more wrinkles on their body compared to the American Basset Hound.
Thanks to their amazing scent of smell, Basset Hounds are extraordinary hunters. At the same time, these dogs are amazing family dogs. They are easy-going and love to spend time with their human families.
They might not show affection to their owners all the time, but they love to be part of any activity just as long as they get to spend time with humans, especially children. If your family spends a lot of time together and loves to spend as much time as they can with your dog, a Basset Hound would be a great option for you.
This charming pooch will be suitable even for first-time dog owners. However, you should be aware that a Basset Hound needs a lot of attention and does not like to be left alone for too long.
If you do so, you might be surprised by the huge mess your Basset Hound made while all the family members were out of the house!
One thing related to health that all future owners should know is that the Basset Hound loves to eat and is prone to obesity. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the best dog food for Basset Hound and be careful of portion sizes for this dog breed.
2. Beagle
A Beagle is a happy and loving dog who makes a great family pet for any dog lover! This dog enjoys having a lot of playtime with their human companions.
The Beagle is a medium-sized dog that can grow up to 15 inches. It is characterized by extremely short legs that should not mislead you: their legs are extremely strong and, thanks to them, the Beagle is agile, fast and durable.
Beagles can be very stubborn and self-confident. Since it was originally bred to be a hunting dog, the Beagle still has a strong sense of smell and drive to hunt. Don’t be surprised if your Beagle suddenly disappears while you are spending time outside! They probably sensed small prey and went hunting for it.
Beagles are very sociable and get along well with other animals. The only problem that could arise is if your Beagle acts as if they are the leader of the entire household. Therefore, they need training and socialization from an early age so they do not grow into a disobedient and self-willed dog.
The Beagle is an intelligent dog that, in addition to playing outside, also loves to receive mental stimulation through play. They also enjoy walking and going to the park with their owner. This dog breed is a great choice for active families where there is always some action going on.
The average lifespan of a Beagle is estimated to be 12 to 15 years. Some of the diseases that this dog might struggle with are obesity and canine epilepsy.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
One large dog with a sweet personality is our next dog breed on today’s list. Its name is the Bernese Mountain Dog and it originated in Switzerland where they served as herding dogs. This dog can reach up to 27 inches and is therefore a better option for people who have a lot of space.
The Bernese Mountain Dog loves to be outside. They are highly trainable but need plenty of exercise. This large dog is not aggressive in their nature, but might show destructive behavior if they lack physical activity.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes Bernese Mountain Dog as a strong, but at the same time calm and good-natured dog. So, despite their large size, this dog is a great option for families and can be described as a gentle giant. They are affectionate with their owners and make a wonderful watchdog for their family.
This dog is one of the best dog breeds for families with young children, since Bernese Mountain Dogs love to play with children for many hours! What these dogs take very seriously is their task to keep their human family safe.
They might show distrust with strangers, but when properly socialized, these dogs accept even people they have never met before.
Similar to other large dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a shorter lifespan, estimated between 8 to 9 years.
If you like everything about this dog breed, but you are uncertain about his large size and whether your place will be a good option for a dog of this size, we have a great option for you – the Mini Bernese Mountain Dog!
This dog looks like a Bernese Mountain Dog but with a significantly smaller body; their height goes up to 22 inches. Same as the larger version of this dog, the Mini Bernese Mountain Dog is also a gentle and affectionate pooch and wonderful option for a family dog.
4. Bichon Frise
If you are a fan of small, fluffy dogs, we have the best choice for you: the Bichon Frise! This charming dog is very playful and in love with its owners. They love to snuggle up with you and follow you from room to room.
Although most people think that Bichons are always white, they actually can have other coat color patterns, such as white and apricot and white and cream.
Bichon Frise love to join you in any activity, whether it’s lying on the couch, going for a walk, or hiking. The Bichon Frise is a very adaptable dog and can live in different environments. They get along well with both children and other pets, so are a good choice even for families that have not had a dog before.
The Bichon Frise will most likely be your children’s favorite playmate, but care must be taken so that your Bichon does not get injured when playing with children. Since they are so small and delicate, it is very possible to injure them without even noticing.
The Bichon Frise does not require much exercise, so can be an ideal pet even if you have a busy schedule and spend a lot of time away from home.
If any of your family members suffer from allergies, a Bichon Frise is still a great option for your next family dog, since they do not shed much.
These small dogs can live up to 16 years if they are in good health. Some common diseases for Bichon Frise dogs are hip dysplasia and Cushing’s disease.
5. Border Collie
Our next dog is considered to be the smartest dog breed in the world, and its name is the Border Collie. These extremely capable and fast dogs can learn numerous commands in a very short time, and they are excellent working dogs as well as being great for families.
The Border Collie has high energy levels and is the perfect option for active families that love to spend time outdoors. This dog is easy to train, but it needs an experienced and persistent trainer.
Early socialization is very necessary as the Border Collie barks a lot, and can easily make a noise that will wake up the whole neighborhood.
What a Border Collie needs to be a healthy and happy dog is spending a lot of time outside and lots of activity.
This dog is a faithful companion and the best guard dog, if trained and socialized. Not only does it need a lot of exercise, but also mental stimulation. If their needs are not met, the Border Collie can be very unhappy, which it will show by chewing things around the house or digging holes in the yard.
The Border Collie loves company and will get along with other animals, but will probably want to assert themselves as leader of the pack. If you and your family enjoy activities such as jogging and hiking, you will find the best company in a Border Collie.
What can we conclude about the Border Collie as a family dog? Well, they are an excellent watchdog and a great companion for various activities, but also need a family that will provide them with living conditions in which they will be able to fulfill their full capacity.
If you are a family that is not too active and would prefer a calmer dog breed, another less demanding dog would probably be a better option for you.
6. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is also known as The American Gentleman. This dog loves human company and is suited for both living in a house or in an apartment. In the past, the Boston Terrier was used as a fighting dog, but today they are known as a loving family companion.
As the Boston Terrier growth chart explains, the average height of these dogs goes from 15 to 17 inches, and they usually weigh up to 25 pounds. Although they are small dogs, their bodies are strong and muscular.
This dog has a very loving and gentle nature and is a perfect family dog for all fun lovers! With a Boston Terrier, you will never be short of a good laugh and they are a great option for people of all ages. However, they might show their stubborn Terrier side, so adequate dog training is necessary.
The Boston Terrier is not too demanding in terms of exercise but will still be your shadow and join you in whatever you are doing. These dogs are not excessive barkers and do not usually show hostile behavior, even towards strangers.
7. Boxer
Our next choice of the best family dog breeds is the fun-loving and intelligent Boxer. This dog was the 14th of the most popular dog breeds in the States in 2021.
An ex-herding dog, the Boxer is nowadays a gentle human companion. This dog is also equally successful as a guard and as a working dog. Being so affectionate and friendly, Boxer makes an excellent choice for a family dog.
Boxers are a medium to large-sized dog, with an average height of 22 to 25 inches. Although this dog is very gentle and loving, it still needs space and a lot of exercise. A Boxer will enjoy huge yards where they can jump and run as much as they like.
These dogs are often used as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs; they are very trainable and should not be allowed to get bored.
Boxers love children and get along well with them. This dog will be very protective towards its humans and love to have endless playing sessions with family members. They also love to receive a lot of attention and praise from their owners.
So, the Boxer’s playful and friendly nature makes this dog a good family dog, especially for families with smaller children, with whom the Boxer will be glad to play with and take care of.
8. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a Terrier dog breed famous in the past as a fighting dog. Today, Bull Terriers are found to be affectionate and loving family dogs who love to guard their humans.
You might be surprised by the temperament of this strong and muscular dog; although its looks might make you think it’s a vicious dog, the Bull Terrier is actually very good with people, especially children.
This dog is often stubborn and might act independently so it is a better choice for people with experience of similar dogs. However, rarely is a dog as devoted to its family as a Bull Terrier dog is. So, what does a Bull Terrier need to be a fine family dog?
Mainly, early socialization with people and other animals. Also, this dog will require proper dog training and a lot of time spent with its owners. If you make this possible for your Bull Terrier, they will be the best family companion you can imagine.
9. Brussels Griffon
Our next perfect dog for families is the Brussels Griffon and it might be described as a weird dog breed. This dog was bred for rut hunting, but today many people enjoy the company of this funny and intelligent small dog breed.
This dog is suited for apartment living but still needs plenty of exercise and play sessions. They might also bark a lot and are aloof from strangers, therefore requiring proper training and early socialization. So, the Brussels Griffon is a dog of small size but has a high activity level.
What Brussels Griffons need most is the attention of their owners. This dog does not like to be left alone, so we can say that it is the right dog for people who have a lot of free time to spend with their pet.
The Brussels has its needs but makes a wonderful companion dog. The family member with whom this dog first connects will probably remain its favorite person for the rest of its life. So, with a lot of dedication and a lot of time together, a Brussel Griffon will be a loyal family dog!
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
When talking about sweet and graceful little dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the best possible family dog with these characteristics!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lovely companion but is also an alert sporting dog, depending on your lifestyle and activities you will be engaging your new pet with. Known for being the favorite company of royalties throughout many years, they can be your favorite lapdog but also have remarkable retrieving skills.
This dog comes in different colors but its most recognizable colors are Blenheim, Black and Tan and Tricolor. Its adorable facial expression will make you want to cuddle your Cavalier King all day long!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adore human company and is actually more suited for living indoors than in a yard. This dog breed does not require a lot of exercise but does require a lot of company from their humans!
The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is estimated to be 9 to 14 years. Some of the health problems these small dogs might suffer from are retinal dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
11. Cocker Spaniel
We have one more Spaniel dog on our list of best family dog breeds and its name is the Cocker Spaniel. This dog is lively and intelligent and loves to be in the company of its owners.
Cocker Spaniels are generally friendly and loving dogs who get on well with other dogs and humans. However, this does not mean that they are completely calm and tolerant: it is necessary to subject them to early obedience training to prevent your Cocker Spaniel becoming aggressive.
The Cocker Spaniel loves their human and wants to protect them. Together with this, the Cocker Spaniel used to be a hunting dog, and the combination makes it very likely that your Cocker Spaniel will bark at strangers or anything new or unfamiliar.
All in all, a Cocker Spaniel makes a great companion for families with smaller children, but needs daily physical and mental stimulation. Therefore, it is suited for people who can provide them with at least an hour of exercise of any kind on a daily basis.
12. Corgi
The Corgi is a pretty popular breed in the United States which is totally understandable since it has such a fun personality! These dogs are loyal and devoted to their owners, although sometimes might be quite challenging due to their high energy levels.
Corgis are small dogs who do not grow more than 12 inches. This dog is playful and loyal and is therefore wonderful for families. One thing to bear in mind is that a Corgi is a better option for families with older kids.
The main reason for this is that Corgis were bred to be herding dogs so they might start to herd the kids. They don’t have any bad intentions, but might nip at smaller children. So, it’s best to wait until your children are about 5 or 6 years old before thinking about welcoming a Corgi!
Other than that, a Corgi is a dog that every family will have a lot of fun with. Used to taking care of their herds, Corgi dogs will enjoy the company of other animals in their house. Thanks to their herding instincts, they are also great watchdogs.