The 7 Best Dog Breeds for Your Family and Kids (in 2022)

Tanmoy Das
7 min readJan 26, 2022
Photo by Samson Katt from Pexels

When it comes to dogs, there are no bad choices.

But there can be families (and their lifestyles) that are not the best fit for a certain canine breed.

Every pup grows up with a unique character.

This is why choosing a canine friend is more about what it needs- and whether you can provide it.

In less than 7 minutes, you’re going to learn about:

  1. A 3-Factor-Guide to help you (easily) choose your pet-mate.
  2. The 7 best dog breeds for your family- and what works for them.

What Makes a Dog Breed the Right Fit for Your Family?

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Let’s face it- Making a choice is no easy thing.

Especially if it’s about bringing in a new canine friend.

Every family has its own sets of haves and have-nots.

Likewise, every dog has its needs and wants.

A dog that is too big for your apartment might be too small for someone else’s yard.

This is why making the best pick is different for everyone.

Here’s a 3-Factor-Guide that will help you easily choose the best dog for your family and kids:

Low Maintenance vs High Maintenance

Bringing in a dog is a lot like having a baby. They need proper care and nourishment.

What do I mean by this?

Some dogs are easy to keep up with. Less picky eating behaviour, minimal shedding- you know the list.

As for others, you may need to go that extra mile.

Friendly vs Aggressive

The last thing you’d want is a dog that bites. (Unless someone tries to break into your house!)

Here’s a truth you can’t deny:

Dogs, just like any other species, are instinctive animals.

If they feel threatened, they will attack.

You’ll want a dog that’s intelligent enough to understand who means them well.

Plus, good training goes a long way!

Quiet vs Playful

Do you want your pet-mate to be graceful and quiet?

Or do you want them all playful and energetic?

The answer to this question is never the same for two people.

The manners of your pet dog should match the nature of your family.

Not sure how to go about this?

Try answering these questions:

How large is your house?

Is your house is spacious and has a play yard?

If yes, then go for that big sporty woofer you want!

Or perhaps you live somewhere with limited space.

In that case, a small, apartment-friendly dog will be more your type.

Is your family mostly busy?

Are you, and your family, all working individuals?

Yes? Then you probably won’t have time to take your dog out for a long walk.

In this case, consider going with a dog that doesn’t need much exercise.

Or, are you part of an energetic family that loves to play and run?

It’s time to get a dog that matches your vibe!

With this in mind, let’s see which 7 dog breeds are the best fit for your family. (and kids!)

7th: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Photo by Courtney Mihaka on Unsplash

These Little Royals stay true to their name- they are the epitome of regal elegance.

If you:

  1. Live in a typical urban area with lesser space
  2. Have energetic kids
  3. Love constant company
  4. Would love to have a dog that plays (but not too rogue)

Then, the loyal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is everything you want.

These little paws will follow you everywhere you go, around the house. Cavaliers enjoy being around people. And yes, they love children!

6th: Irish Setter

Photo by Colin Davis on Unsplash

If you have a large backyard, the Irish Setter is your doggo.

Irish Setters are big (and often mischievous) with a shine for run-and-play.

Standing anywhere between 25 to 27 inches in height, these gorgeous woofers need regular exercise. (A lot of sun-time!)

What’s more?

They don’t bark at other animals, and definitely won’t let your kids get bored!

5th: Pug

Photo by Ashleigh Robertson on Unsplash

Do you know what’s a lot of a dog in a little space? A Pug!

And rightly so, they love the company of kids as well as adults.

A Pug is among the dog breeds that are less likely to bite.

Plus, their short-snouted appearance makes biting a difficult task.

However, take note that they shed like crazy, and are a little weak in health. You may need to visit the vet more than you’d like to.

If you live in a not-so-big space with little or no chance for outdoor play, sign yourself up for a Pug.

Why?

With Pugs, there is little or no need for outdoor exercise.

These canines cherish a good indoor play session with their humans.

4th: Beagle

Photo by Marliese Streefland on Unsplash

Are you someone who lives an active lifestyle?

Then the Beagle is your perfect companion!

Why?

Beagles are dogs with a love for outdoor adventure.

An intense playtime on the grass is all they crave.

But beware- these dogs are free thinkers. You need to train them early.

What’s another reason why you should keep a Beagle?

They are your personal pest-control ranger!

Beagles are often called ‘ a nose on four legs ’. This is because of their agility with tracing smells- and chasing rats and roaches.

All in all, a Beagle is the dog-version of an extrovert friend.

And they might even take a shine to your cat!

3rd: Collie

Photo by Ramon Fabra on Unsplash

Collies are nothing short of a vibrant display of agility and stamina.

Best known for their fierce loyalty, collies were originally kept as herding dogs. This makes them protective of the family they live with.

Unlike their kin — the Border Collie, standard Collies are free of the aggression problem.

But don’t let your Collie’s enthusiasm for work-and-play go to waste.

This easily trainable breed makes an excellent watchdog and even better playmate!

2nd: Bulldog

Photo by Aysun Kahraman Öktem from Pexels

Don’t let the ‘Bull’ in ‘Bulldog’ scare you.

Bulldogs are some of the most gentle dogs on earth.

Even-tempered and easy-going, these dogs are an exceptional fit for small kids.

The best thing about bulldogs is that they remain active puppies for a long time. (You’re getting more time for puppy-pampering!)

Once a bulldog reaches mental maturity, it becomes a tender giant.

The adult Bulldog is a laid-back grandpa with a slow pace. Their habits make them a great fit for small apartments.

If you want a dog that’s not much of an athlete, loyal to you and protective of your children, look no further:

Bring home a bulldog today!

1st: The Labrador Retriever

Photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most quick-witted dogs in the world.

They are best known for their undying loyalty to their owner.

What’s more? They are great play-buddies to children.

Labs need a lot of play. And this fits perfectly with kids who don’t enjoy sitting idle.

The noisier, the better!

Originally bred as working dogs, Labs respond faster to proper training.

But you should begin their training from their puppy weeks.

Why?

Labrador Retrievers are a powerhouse of enthusiasm. If they are consistently bored, they may become mischievous as they grow up.

And you certainly don’t want all your house curtains torn to pieces!

Bred from the extinct St. John’s water dog, these dogs are natural swimmers.

If you have an adventurous love for the waters, this is the dog you want.

These quick learners are widely used in action today- assistance dogs, hunting dogs, therapy dogs- and so much more!

If you’re ready to put in the effort and love for your Lab, then you’re in for a wonderful experience!

Remember this

Photo by Santiago Esquivel on Unsplash

Keeping a dog is an adventure of a lifetime.

However, it is important to realize this: no two dogs, even from the same breed, act the exact same way.

Reading about a dog breed will surely help you have a general idea about your pet dog. But, it is also essential to understand their individual nature.

Try to get to know your pet buddy better.

Because understanding your dog does not end with just reading about its breed. It begins only after they start living with you.

A little effort and a heartfelt sincerity, on your part, can work like magic.

After all, what animal doesn’t understand the language of sincere love and affection?

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