MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS THAT ARE GOOD FOR FAMILIES

Stacker reviewed data from the American Kennel Club to create this list of the 37 best dog breeds for families, that looks at trainability, temperament, and more. 

It’s easy to see why people say dogs are man’s best friend, but they can also completely transform family dynamics. If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that each member of your family develops their own special relationship with the pet and in return receives unconditional love. Many of us probably consider them additional members of our families.

Dogs have a way of lightening the mood with their antics and presence. Often, they are simply great company. But also, kids learn responsibility through feeding, walking, and helping to care for them, and skilled watchdogs even create an extra layer of security to make you feel safer at home.

All dogs aren’t created equal, though; some are better suited for children than others. Stacker compiled its list using data from the American Kennel Club’s Best Family Dogs list, and considered and ranked breeds that were in the top 193 most popular breeds in America in 2019 (data released 2020). In addition, criteria such as friendliness, trainability, temperament toward other dogs, gentleness with children, and, of course, cuteness were other factors considered.

So which breed is right for your family? The age of your children plays just as much a role as your living space. City dwellers often opt for small- or medium-sized breeds like pugs or French bulldogs so they can easily navigate their apartment complexes and crowded sidewalks. But suburban families can make room for labradors and retrievers with plenty of backyard and park space.

And maybe it isn’t size that affects your family’s decision but cleanup: Do you mind if your dog is long- or short-haired? Shaggy or often shedding? Do your kids make enough of a mess—or do they have an allergy?

Maybe more importantly for working parents is how much—or little—responsibility your children will take in caring for a breed that needs more attention vs. one that is more autonomous. Luckily this list should provide some insight into these decisions.

Here are the best breeds to welcome into your home and make a part of the family.

Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
French bulldog
Bulldog
Boxer
Siberian husky
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Boston terrier
Bernese mountain dog
Brittany
Cocker spaniel
Pug
Collie
Newfoundland
Rhodesian ridgeback
Bichon fries
Bloodhound
Airedale terrier
Alaskan Malamute
Cardigan Welsh corgi
Irish setter
Border terrier
American Staffordshire terrier
Boykin spaniel
English setter
Borzoi
Gordon setter
American Eskimo dog
Icelandic sheepdog
Bearded collie
Black and tan coonhound
Bedlington terrier
Bergamasco sheepdog
Chinook
Cesky terrier