The 5 Best Dog Breeds For Families

In today’s world, many families are incomplete until they add a dog. Children and adults alike find that dogs make their lives better. Dogs provide unconditional love and they offer companionship for people of all ages.

When you are ready to add a dog to your life, you should not rush and buy the first dog you see. Not every breed is meant to live with families. Some dog breeds do not do well with children and some need to have quiet spaces.

These five dog breeds are the best for families:

1. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a friendly dog with an easy-going demeanor. Families quickly fall in love with this breed because of their loving eyes.

They have thick, soft fur designed for petting. They have a gentle but powerful posture that invites people. They love to play outside, no matter the weather, and they are easy to train, too.

Families often turn to other breeds, simply because they are better known. But once you invite a Bearded Collie into your life, you’ll wonder why you didn’t earlier.

The Bearded Collie is a busy dog with plenty of spirits, so it is a good choice for an active family. The dogs tend to be about 22 inches tall and weigh about 50 pounds.

They do have long fur that needs to be groomed. They are often confused with Old English Sheepdogs, but the Bearded Collie is a busier and smaller dog.

2. Belgian Malinois

 

Along with the Bearded Collie, a trained Belgian Malinois protection dog is a great family dog that is often overlooked. This dog is smart, strong, and well-behaved.

This breed enjoys being around people and can quickly feel neglected if left alone. If your family is active, this is a great dog for you.

The Belgian Malinois family dog usually stands around 24 inches tall and weighs about 60 pounds. It has a short, waterproof coat that is easy to groom with a brush. They do shed, but only twice per year.

Belgian Malinois dog needs more exercise than daily walks around the park; it needs time to run and interact with its owner.

3. Beagle

If your family wants a smaller dog, then a Beagle is a good choice. This dog is loyal, funny, and cute. It was bred to hunt, so if that is a common activity in your family, then the Beagle dog breed is perfect for you.

These little dogs love to play with people and they are the perfect size for young children. Beagles usually stand about 13 inches tall and weigh around 20 pounds.

They are a shedding breed that needs weekly brushing. They are easy to train especially with positive reinforcement. Like the Belgian Malinois, they like to be active with their owners and not just left in the backyard.

They are social dogs and interact well with other dogs. If you take your Beagle for a walk, don’t forget the leash as they are prone to run off to chase down an enticing scent.

4. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog for a reason: they are friendly and extremely affectionate. Families love their labs and so do neighborhood dogs. They are easy to care for and they learn skills quickly.

The typical lab stands about 23 inches tall and weighs around 70 pounds. They do need to be brushed occasionally and expect their waterproof coat to shed.

Labrador Retrievers are popular dogs because of their friendly demeanors, but they can become destructive when left alone. They need companionship in a way that lets them be active.

If you live near water, your retriever will be the happiest dog on the block. They love to swim and play fetch. They also benefit from obedience training, and many do well as service or working dogs.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you want a smaller and less active dog, your family might like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These are graceful dogs that do well with children and other dogs. They enjoy being active, but they don’t mind lounging around on lazy days, too.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is considered a part of the toy group, but it is one of the larger toys. They are usually around 12 inches tall and weigh about 15 pounds.

They have a silky coat that shows off their royal heritage. You will need to brush the coat to keep it silky and shiny. Fortunately, this breed enjoys being brushed, as it feels like a massage to them.

Their long ears can often hide infections so it needs to be checked regularly, too. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy walking with their owners and they enjoy playing outside. Like the Beagle, they need to be leashed as they, too, are prone to run off to chase a squirrel.