The Best Dog Breeds For Families
Posted by Jennifer Reece on
Looking to Get a Family Pet? Here Are the Best Dog Breeds for You!
The Sweetest Dog Breeds That Are Kid-Friendly and Great for Families
Jennifer Reece
Product Manager, FOTO Vision
Your kids have been begging for a puppy for years, and you’ve finally run out of excuses (plus, you’ve secretly wanted one this whole time, too)—your family is getting a dog! Now, it’s time to find the right dog breed. Wondering where to start? Check out this list of the best dog breeds for families!
Here at FOTO Vision, we’re huge animal lovers. That’s why we have a whole collection dedicated to pet-themed products. Once you pick out your pup, take a look at our customizable pet blankets! You can create your own design with photos, text, and more for the perfect gift for your kids (or a welcome-home present for the newest addition to your family).
Sweet, Manageable Dog Breeds to Take Home to Your Family
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Golden retrievers are one of the most common types of dogs for families to have. Not only are they an absolutely beautiful breed, but they’re also incredibly affectionate, patient, and playful. Goldens are great dogs for kids because obedient, which makes them easy to train, and they love to have fun, which is the perfect match for your energic little (or big) ones.
Your kids will love your golden retriever, and your golden retriever will love them right back! Golden retrievers are known for being loyal and loving, making them a best friend for the whole family. Image courtesy of Sledging Point.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Golden Retrievers?
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Lifespan: Between 10 and 13 years
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Basic Care: Plenty of exercise and brushing twice a week
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Size: 60 to 70 pounds
Beagle
Beagles are friendly, fun, and ideal for families looking for a medium-sized dog that’s not too big but not too small. Beagles love the outdoors but will still happily snuggle up with you on the couch. Smart, enthusiastic, and extremely social, beagles make the perfect sidekick for children—just ask Charlie Brown!
The beagle’s origins as a pack hunter make it an adventurous dog and a great addition to any family. Just be sure that your beagle has lots of time outside! Image courtesy of Animal Friends.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Beagles?
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Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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Basic Care: Regular exercise, bathing, and brushing
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Size: 20 to 25 pounds
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are another very popular family dog. Why? Because they’re intelligent, gentle, and protective. The three major types of labs are black, chocolate, and yellow. An easygoing yet highly trainable breed of dogs, labs are commonly used as therapy dogs and are sure to make great companions for your children. That being said, they are very active dogs and need space to roam.
Labs are a sporting dog, which makes them natural athletes. Your kids will love playing fetch, frisbee, and more with them in the backyard. Image courtesy of Dog’s Best Life.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Labs?
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Lifespan: Between 10 and 12 years
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Basic Care: Lots of exercise and weekly combing
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Size: 50 to 80 pounds
Newfoundland
Known as “nature’s babysitters,” Newfoundlands are not only one of the smartest dog breeds out there, but they’re also famous for loving children. Newfoundlands are big, fluffy lovebugs who are kind-natured and exceedingly trainable. They’re also extremely protective, responsible, and have even been known to save lives in emergency situations.
Newfoundlands are BIG dogs, and while they need time outside, they also should spend an equal amount of time indoors. Image courtesy of Daily Mail.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Newfoundlands?
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Lifespan: Between 8 and 10 years
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Basic care: Regular brushing, coat-trimming in the summer, and regular walking and playing (they love swimming!)
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Size: 120 to 150 pounds
Collie
Obedient with high energy and an eagerness to learn, collies are smart dogs that thrive in a family environment. Collies respond well to praise and love being challenged with new tricks, which makes them ideal playmates and loyal companions. Because they’re so active and trainable, collies are great dogs for kids to grow up with.
Without the right amount of stimulation, collies can become bored and frustrated. But if you have kids, a collie is sure to fit right in! Image courtesy of WishForPets.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Collies?
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Lifespan: Between 10 and 14 years
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Basic Care: Daily walking, lots of playtime, and once-a-week brushing
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Size: 35 to 70 pounds
Vizsla
Vizslas are quick, affectionate hunting dogs who will form a deep attachment to your family. This is a breed that craves companionship and bonds well with children. They’ll love playing in the yard alongside the kids and will gladly crawl under the covers with them at bedtime. Vizslas are usually a golden-rust color with a sleek, muscular build.
Vizslas are a very active breed that needs a lot of exercise. They’re sure to keep up with the kids—and maybe even outlast them. Image courtesy of White River Kennels.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Vizslas?
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Lifespan: Between 10 and 14 years
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Basic Care: Constant exercise and occasional combing
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Size: 40 to 60 pounds
Bulldog
With ancestors who hearded—and at one point, fought—bulls, bulldogs will be able to keep up with even the rowdiest of kids. Bulldogs are great for families looking for smaller dogs who are also docile, amiable, and good with kids. Though they still need regular walking, bulldogs might be more willing than your toddler to curl up for naptime, just watch out for their snoring!
Bulldogs aren’t well-suited to high heat and run the risk of overheating. Make sure to keep them hydrated during the summer, and don’t expect them to cover long distances during their walks. Image courtesy of PupMazing.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Bulldogs?
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Lifespan: Between 8 and 12 years
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Basic Care: Regular walking and teeth-brushing
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Size: 40 to 50 pounds
In Need of a Dog-Themed Gift? Our Pet Collection is Best-in-Show!
As anyone who has a dog will warn you, prepare to be obsessed—your kids aren’t the only ones who are susceptible to puppy-love! Doing a little research is the key to finding the right breed for your family, but once you do, your dog will be part of the pack, which means they’ll be in all of your family photos. Celebrate your new furry friend by getting a personalized blanket or towel with them on it (luckily, every dog breed is super photogenic!).