Best family dogs

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs that are bred for herding.⁵ They are highly intelligent, active dogs that thrive in homes with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re great for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have older kids who can engage with a high-energy dog.

Boxers are known for their boundless energy and loyalty.⁶ They are excellent with kids and can be protective, making them great family watchdogs. With the proper training and exercise, Boxers make loyal and loving companions.

The Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent, trainable and versatile dog, originally bred as a water retriever.⁷ Known for their friendly and loyal nature, Standard Poodles make great family pets and are especially suited for active households. They are hypoallergenic and require frequent grooming due to their dense, curly coat. These dogs need regular physical and mental exercise, thriving with walks, swimming and training games.

Australian Shepherds are playful, intelligent and great for active families.⁸ They need plenty of mental and physical exercise but are incredibly loyal and affectionate once they become part of the family.

Pugs are a small size breed known for their laid-back nature and adaptability.⁹ They’re excellent for owners who love to cuddle with their pets and families living in apartments and are great with kids, making them low-maintenance but affectionate family pets.

Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their friendly nature, intelligence and high energy, making them one of the best dogs for families with children.¹⁰ They are playful, even-tempered and gentle with kids. Their loyalty and trainability make them great companion dogs and easy to manage in a family setting.

Golden Retrievers are famous for their affectionate and gentle personalities.¹¹ These pooches are known as gentle giants, being incredibly patient, love to play and often tolerate kids. Goldens are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them family-friendly and great for first-time dog owners.

This small dog breed is known for its affectionate nature and adaptability to different living spaces.¹² Cavaliers are gentle and easy-going and get along well with children and other pets. Their size and demeanour make them perfect for families living in apartments or houses with smaller yards.

Beagles are social, fun-loving and full of energy. They’re good with kids and enjoy being around people, making them excellent family pets.¹³ Beagles are curious and playful and love exploring, making them great playmates for the children.

With their smooth coat and long, floppy ears, children will enjoy cuddling with a Cocker Spaniel, and this affectionate breed will gladly snuggle them back!¹⁴ Cocker Spaniels are very attached to their families and will seek their attention, which is ideal for children who have a lot of love to give.

Cocker Spaniels make excellent pets because they’re intelligent and eager to please. When it comes to exercise, they don’t need a big yard and will be content with a daily stroll. Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds among families because they’re kind and lovely and enjoy playing and participating in family activities.

Dogs require daily exercise, mental stimulation and attention. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labradors need lots of activity and playtime, while others like French Bulldogs may be more relaxed.

If you have a busy lifestyle, consider whether you’ll have enough time for training, socialisation and daily care. Lack of time and interaction can lead to separation anxiety and behavioural issues in your dog, especially in social or high-energy breeds.

Some breeds need a lot of space to thrive. Larger dogs or active breeds like Australian Shepherds may need a yard, while smaller or low-energy breeds like Cavoodles can adapt well to apartment living.

Consider if your home environment is safe for a dog, with enough space to play and sleep and without hazards that could pose risks to their health.

Many breeds require regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Active breeds like Labradors or Border Collies need lots of exercise, outdoor time and activities that challenge them mentally, while breeds like Bulldogs are lower-energy and require less exercise.

Some breeds may become anxious or destructive without adequate physical and mental activity.

Dog ownership comes with ongoing costs, including food, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming and pet insurance. Medical expenses, especially for breeds prone to health issues (e.g. Bulldogs), can also be significant.

Ensure your budget accommodates these costs, as they are essential for your pet’s well-being and longevity.

Some breeds are more allergy-friendly than others. Hypoallergenic breeds like Standard Poodles or Poodle mixes (e.g. Cavoodles) may be better for families with allergies.

Grooming needs vary widely among breeds; long-haired or double-coated dogs often need regular grooming, while short-haired breeds may require less maintenance.

Different breeds have varying levels of trainability. Intelligent breeds like Golden Retrievers are generally easier to train, while independent breeds like Dachshunds may require more patience.

Also, consider the breed’s temperament. Some breeds are very affectionate and social, while others may be more reserved. Researching the temperament that best fits your family can lead to a smoother experience.

If you have kids or other pets, look for family-friendly, patient breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labradors. Some breeds or rescue dogs may have a high prey drive or be less tolerant of small children.

Socialising the dog with family members and other pets early on is also essential to prevent territorial behaviour.

Depending on the breed, dogs live an average of 10-15 years, so adopting a dog means committing to caring for it for its entire life.

Consider how your life may change in the coming years and whether you can continue providing for a dog’s needs throughout their lifespan.