When a dog comes into your life, he or she becomes a member of the family. With all the different dog breeds out there, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one for your family can be tricky. Here is a list of ten dog breeds that are a great choice for families. When creating this list, I looked specifically at what dogs are great with children. Now, this is a general list and there will always be exceptions. For example, Chihuahuas are a small breed that are known to be snappy and impatient with small children. However, I have a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix who loves playing with my niece and nephew. Also, no matter what the breed, every dog requires training and socialization. Let me know in the comment section below if there's other breeds that aren't in this list that you think would be a good choice for a family with children.
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in America and for good reason. They love to please their owners which makes them an easy train. Give your kids a tennis ball and send them out with your Lab for some fun outside.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant. They can reach up to 180 pounds and have a thick, furry coat. This a patient breed who are very tolerant of children.
3. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed which gives them their trademark appearance. All brachycephalic breeds tend to have pushed in noses and wrinkly faces.
4. Beagle
Beagles are well-known scent hounds that were originally created to hunt hares. Now, they are more often seen playing with their families in the backyard. The beagle is on the small size which makes them a good choice for families that live in apartments as long you take them for daily walks.
5. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a dog with a beautiful coat. This breed's silky coat comes in a reddish color that flows in the wind. They have a great temperament and get along well with children and other dogs.
6. Pug
The Pug, another brachycephalic breed, but are much smaller than Bulldogs. This breed sports a tan body with a dark face and ears, giving them a recognizable appearance.
7. Golden Retriever
Much like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is also one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Unlike Labs who have a short coat, Golden Retrievers have a long coat that comes in many variations, from almost white to dark auburn. They are also big fans of tennis balls.
8. French Bulldog
The last brachycephalic breed on this list is the French Bulldog. These are spunky little dogs that will often leave you laughing in stitches with their hilarious antics. They are another great choice for families that live in apartments.
9. Collie
The Collie is the breed that was featured in Lassie. This fictional dog appeared in many movies and T.V. shows, starting in 1943 with the movie Lassie Come Home, and was pretty much the dog version of America's sweetheart. Much like how they are featured on the screen, Collies are loyal and loving towards their families.
10. Poodle
The Poodle, besides being a great family pet, also has the distinction of being one of the smartest dog breeds. They are also good choice for a family with allergies since they shed minimally. This breed also comes in many different sizes from big to small and three different coat colors: white, brown, and black. With so much variety, any family can find a Poodle that is right for them.