The 10 Best & Worst Dog Breeds for Families With Kids, According to Experts

Bringing a dog into your family is one of life’s most joyful decisions—but it’s also one of the most important.

Not all dog breeds are created equal when it comes to playing the role of a loving, patient, and adaptable family member.

While some breeds are naturally gentle, protective, and great with kids, others might struggle with the chaos of a busy household, require constant supervision, or simply prefer a quieter, more structured environment.

The truth is, choosing the wrong dog for your family’s lifestyle can quickly turn into a stressful situation—for you and the dog.

High-maintenance breeds might need more exercise, attention, or training than a family can realistically offer. Others might not do well around young children, other pets, or frequent visitors.

That’s why experts agree: it’s crucial to consider a breed’s temperament, energy levels, and social needs before making that leap.

In this guide, we’re laying out the facts. First, we’ll spotlight 10 dog breeds that experts say make excellent family companions. These pups are known for being friendly, tolerant, easygoing, and full of love.

Then, we’ll dive into 10 other breeds that, while wonderful in their own right, may not be the best fit for a family setting—especially one with young kids, tight schedules, or limited space.

Of course, every dog is an individual, and training and socialization matter just as much as genetics.

But starting with a breed that’s naturally wired for family life can make all the difference in creating a home full of tail wags, slobbery kisses, and unforgettable memories.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are the gold standard when it comes to family dogs. Known for their gentle temperament, loyalty, and sociability, they thrive in busy households and adore being around children.

They’re also famously easy to train, which makes them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

Their high energy means they’ll be up for every family adventure—whether it’s a walk in the park or a game of fetch in the yard. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are affectionate, tolerant, and always ready to please. They’re incredibly gentle with kids and rarely show signs of aggression, which makes them one of the safest choices for families. Their intelligence also makes training a breeze.

They love being included in every aspect of home life and form deep bonds with their humans. Just be prepared for a lot of shedding—and even more cuddling.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This little sweetheart brings a big heart into a small package. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and absolutely adore being with their people—especially children.

They’re low-maintenance in terms of temperament and perfectly content to snuggle on the couch or join the family for a casual walk. Their size makes them a great fit for apartment dwellers or families without a yard.

4. Poodle (Standard or Miniature)

Poodles are highly intelligent and surprisingly versatile. Whether you choose a Standard or Miniature, you’re getting a dog that’s hypoallergenic, eager to learn, and affectionate with the whole family.

They love mental stimulation and pick up new tricks quickly. Just keep in mind that regular grooming is a must—but the reward is a clean, elegant companion who’ll become a true member of the household.

5. Beagle

With their big ears and even bigger personalities, Beagles are joyful, curious, and great with kids. They’re small enough to be manageable yet energetic enough to keep up with active families.

Beagles tend to be social with both people and other pets. However, they do love to follow their noses—so make sure your yard is secure, or they’ll happily wander off on an adventure.

6. Boxer

Boxers are bundles of playful energy with an unmistakably goofy charm. They love kids and often act like oversized puppies well into adulthood. Their loyalty and protective instincts also make them great watchdogs.

While they can be a bit rambunctious, Boxers are eager to please and respond well to training. With the right balance of play and structure, they make incredibly loving family members.

7. Collie

Made famous by Lassie, the Collie is more than just a pretty face. These dogs are smart, loyal, and remarkably gentle with children. They naturally watch over their family and often take on a protective, almost nurturing role.

Collies also love structure and are easy to train. Their beautiful coats do require regular grooming, but their calm and steady temperament makes the extra brushing totally worth it.

8. Newfoundland

Nicknamed the “nanny dog,” the Newfoundland is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. Despite their massive size, they’re calm, patient, and incredibly sweet with kids.

They’re great swimmers and love outdoor play but are equally content to relax beside their humans. Their thick coats need maintenance, and they drool a bit—but you’ll be too charmed to mind.

9. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a little fluffball with a lot of love to give. They’re cheerful, easygoing, and typically do well in households with children or other pets.

Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy-prone families. These pups crave companionship and prefer not to be left alone for long periods—but when they’re with you, they light up the room.

10. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are known for their beautiful red coats and fun-loving personalities. They’re friendly, outgoing, and love being the life of the party—which fits perfectly in lively family homes.

They’re best for active households, as they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Give them space to run and a family to adore, and they’ll be your loyal best friend for years.

While these breeds are beloved for their gentle nature and family-friendly traits, not every dog is cut out for the chaos of household life—here are 10 breeds that experts say might be better suited to quieter, more experienced homes.

11. Chow Chow

Chow Chows might look like teddy bears, but they’re fiercely independent and often aloof—even with their own families. They tend to bond closely with one person and can be standoffish with kids.

Their dominant personality and strong guarding instincts mean they’re not ideal for busy households or first-time dog owners. Without experienced training, they can become territorial and unpredictable.

12. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are stunning, but they come with baggage. Originally bred to run alongside carriages, they have high energy and a strong prey drive. That makes them a challenge for families with young kids or smaller pets.

They’re also known to be sensitive and can become aggressive if improperly socialized. If you’re looking for a laid-back companion, a Dalmatian probably isn’t it.

13. Shar Pei

With their wrinkly faces and noble demeanor, Shar Peis are undeniably unique—but they’re also notoriously stubborn and aloof. They don’t typically enjoy roughhousing, loud noises, or frequent guests.

Shar Peis are loyal but tend to be more reserved and territorial. Without firm, consistent training, they can become defensive—especially around children who don’t understand boundaries.

14. Akita

Akitas are powerful, proud, and loyal—but not particularly kid-friendly. They can be very protective, which might lead to issues if your household has frequent visitors or young children who don’t know how to interact properly.

They’re also not fans of other dogs. Unless you have the experience, time, and space to train and socialize an Akita properly, they’re better suited to quieter, adult-only homes.

15. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are breathtakingly beautiful, but they’re not ideal for most families. These dogs have a lot of energy and require tons of exercise, mental stimulation, and firm leadership.

Without it, they can become destructive or escape artists. They’re also independent thinkers, which can make training more difficult—especially for first-time dog owners or households with young kids.

16. Basenji

Basenjis are often called the “barkless dog,” but don’t be fooled—they have plenty of quirks. They’re intelligent and independent to the point of being aloof, and many aren’t particularly affectionate.

They also require a lot of mental stimulation. If they get bored, they’ll find creative (read: destructive) ways to entertain themselves. Not exactly ideal for a family juggling children’s needs.

17. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are sleek, athletic, and extremely high-energy. While they form strong bonds with their families, they also demand constant attention and stimulation.

They’re not the best match for homes with limited space or time. Left alone too often, they can develop separation anxiety and destructive habits—adding stress rather than joy to your family routine.

18. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a working dog through and through. These dogs thrive on structure, challenge, and purpose—but they don’t handle boredom well.

Without a job to do, they can become anxious and reactive. For the average family that wants a laid-back pet, the Malinois is often too intense and too much to handle without extensive training.

19. Tosa Inu

Tosa Inus are powerful, serious dogs with a calm but dominant presence. Originally bred for dog fighting in Japan, they require experienced handling and thorough socialization.

They’re not naturally playful or tolerant, which makes them a risky choice for families with kids or guests. This breed thrives in quiet, structured homes—not in the chaos of family life.

20. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are elegant and aloof, with a personality to match their regal appearance. While they’re independent and quiet, they’re also not particularly affectionate or eager to please.

They can be sensitive and may not tolerate rough play or noise well. Combined with their grooming needs and lack of interest in training, they’re better suited to calm, adult households.