In addition to the dog breeds that are stereotypically family-friendly, such as golden and Labrador retrievers (yes, the stereotypes are true!), here are some of the breeds known for being good with kids to consider if you’re looking for an addition to your family. They’re all different, however, so make sure to do your research to find the dog that will best suit your family and lifestyle!

Best Dog Breeds for Families and Children

Poodle

Poodles are sweet, loving, and extremely smart. They’re very loyal to their families and love to spend time with them, whether that means playing, going for a walk, or lying around the house as you watch TV. Poodles are hypoallergenic and shed very little but should be groomed regularly.

Collie

Collies are known for being very gentle and calm, rarely doing anything unexpected, such as biting their owners. They are easy to train, love their families, and are very protective. They’re also highly intelligent.

Beagle

Beagles have lots of energy, so they’re great for playing with and keeping kids entertained! They’re friendly, smart, and love to run. If your family is not very active, this may not be the best dog for you. Beagles can get very hyper and antsy if not given an ample amount of exercise every day.

Vizla

These dogs also require regular exercise, so they suit active families well. They are loving, loyal, smart, and obedient. They are also very driven, determined, and make great guard dogs.

Bulldog

Bulldogs may look tough at first glance, but are big softies at heart. These dogs are loyal and friendly.

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are sweet, even-tempered dogs that don’t require a whole lot of exercise. They do, however, like to remain alert, making them good watchdogs. They like to play and are well behaved and intelligent.

Newfoundland

These huge dogs love kids and are very gentle and patient with them. They’re also extremely protective of children and family members. In fact, Newfoundlands have been dubbed “nature’s babysitter.” They make great indoor dogs because of their love for their families and sweet, kind personalities. Newfs are also great swimmers!

Pug

Pugs love people and typically are very even tempered. They have a mischievous, playful side to them (making them good entertainers) but are very trainable and require minimal exercise and grooming.

Boxer

At first glance, you may think of a boxer as being a fighter or hunter. This is what boxers were originally bred for, but they actually are extremely loving and protective and make excellent family dogs. If a boxer feels like he or his family is threatened, however, he won’t hesitate to do what needs to be done to provide protection.

Irish Setter

Irish setters are energetic, outgoing, and love to play. These dogs require a lot of exercise, so they fit into lifestyles of more active families and those with large yards where they can run free.

The Dog’s Way – Dog Training in Seattle

Whether or not your dog is among the most family-friendly dog breeds, all dogs need to be trained. If you have a puppy and would like help training, or if your older dog needs to learn some manners or deal with some behavioral issues, The Dog’s Way can help!

We have several great resources to assist you with training your dog. If you would like to learn from a professional dog trainer in the Seattle area, Sean McDaniel would love to work with you. If you would rather train your dog from the comfort of your own home, or if you live outside of Washington, we have several hands-on resources for you to take advantage of at any time:

• The Dog’s Way DVD Training Course
• The Dog’s Way Podcast
• EBook: “How to Get Your Dog to Stop Pulling on the Leash” (Click the button below to download for free!)
• The Dog’s Way Blog