Dogs are a great addition to any family. But which dog breeds get along best with children? Which breeds are better with young children vs. those that prefer to bond with older kids? Our list of best family dogs can help you choose the best breed for your fam.
Family dogs are just that—dogs who get along with all members of the family, both children and adults. And they’re not just friendly dogs in general. Whether you’re looking for a new family member who’s a gentle giant or one who’s high-energy enough to match the enthusiasm of an active family, we’ve rounded up the 25 best family dogs for those looking to adopt.
1Beagle
![Photo of a Beagle sitting in grass](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24152434/best-family-dogs-beagle.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Temperament: High-energy, intelligent, loyal
2Golden Retriever
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24152750/best-family-dogs-golden-retriever.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: Social butterfly, quick learner, adventurous
3Labrador Retriever
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24153757/best-family-dogs-labrador-retriever.jpg)
Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: Adventurous, animated, ready for anything
4Poodle
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24154051/best-family-dogs-poodle.jpg)
Size: Medium (varies based on type of Poodle)
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Temperament: Sporty, smarty pants, loves the spotlight
5Irish Setter
![Photo of an Irish Setter standing in a field](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24154412/best-family-dogs-irish-setter.jpg)
Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Loving, goofy, curious
6Collie
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24154645/best-family-dogs-collie.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: Family first, super-trainable, friend to all
7Newfoundland
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24155215/best-family-dogs-newfoundland.jpg)
Size: Extra Large
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Temperament: Sweetheart, devoted companion, patient
8Bichon Frise
![Photo of a Bichon Frise dog standing in grass](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24155739/best-family-dogs-bichon-frise.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Temperament: Fun-loving, smart, Velcro dog
9Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24160147/best-family-dogs-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Gentle, sweet, jolly
10English Bulldog
![Photo of an English Bulldog lying in grass](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24160652/best-family-dogs-english-bulldog.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Temperament: Cuddly, loyal, stubborn
11English Pointer
![Photo of an English Pointer dog pointing at prey](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24161132/best-family-dogs-english-pointer.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-17 years
Temperament: Intelligent, fun-loving, full of energy
12Saint Bernard
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24161509/best-family-dogs-saint-bernard.jpg)
Size: Extra Large
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Temperament: Laid-back, social teddy bear, attentive friend
13American Pit Bull Terrier
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24161807/best-family-dogs-american-pit-bull-terrier.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: Active, loyal, eager to please
14Leonberger
![Photo of a little girl hugging an adlut Leonberger dog. A Leonberger puppy lays in the grass nearby](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24162322/best-family-dogs-leonberger.jpg)
Size: Extra Large
Life Expectancy: 7 years
Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, playful
15Havanese
![Photo of a Havanese dog sitting outside](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24162632/best-family-dogs-havanese.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Temperament: Bright, outgoing, amusing
16Border Terrier
![Photo of a Border Terrier fetching a ball](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24162947/best-family-dogs-border-terrier.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Independent, brave, affectionate
17Old English Sheepdog
![Photo of an Old English Sheepdog lying in grass](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24163218/best-family-dogs-old-english-sheepdog.jpg)
Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, active
18Keeshond
![Photo of a Keeshond dog standing in a field](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24163516/best-family-dogs-keeshond.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Devoted, sociable, intelligent
19Brittany
![Photo of a Brittany dog standing on stairs](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24163814/best-family-dogs-brittany.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: Social butterfly, energetic, smart
20English Setter
![Photo of an English Setter dog standing in grass](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24164108/best-family-dogs-english-setter.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Temperament: Affectionate, high-energy, social butterfly
21Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever
![Photo of a Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24164506/best-family-dogs-nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, intelligent
22Chinook
![Photo of a Chinook dog](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/03152659/Chinook-FeaturedImage.jpg)
Size: Medium
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Patient, devoted, smart
23Flat-Coated Retriever
![Photo of a Flat-Coated Retriever standing on a hillside](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24164959/best-family-dogs-flat-coated-retriever.jpg)
Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Temperament: Good-humored, cheerful, optimistic
24Tibetan Terrier
![Photo of a Tibetan Terrier sitting beside a flower bush](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24165326/best-family-dogs-tibetan-terrier.jpg)
Size: Small
Life Expectancy: 15-16 years
Temperament: Sensitive, affectionate, loyal
25Bluetick Coonhound
![Image](https://media-be.chewy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/24165652/best-family-dogs-bluetick-coonhound.jpg)
Size: Large
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Temperament: Tenacious, devoted, smart
Think you’ve met your match? Here’s the good news: Many of these family-friendly breeds are often found at your local shelter. Just be sure to consider all of your family’s needs before committing to a new pet and thoroughly research each breed you're considering as a furry friend. Being well-informed will make all the difference to a happy home. Dogs make great companions, family pets, and playmates—just ensure you match their personality and energy level.
No matter which breed you choose, you’re in good hands with us. Check out our new dog guide for the ins and outs of adopting a new family member.
More Top Dog Breeds
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