The best dog breeds for families

Bringing a dog into your family is a big, tail-wagging decision. You’re not just choosing a pet – you’re welcoming a new best mate, walking buddy, sofa hog and chief crumb-cleaner into your home. With so many breeds to choose from, it’s only natural to wonder what is the best dog breed for a family?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best dog breeds for families depend on your lifestyle, your space, your energy levels and, of course, your kids. That said, some breeds have a well-earned reputation for being particularly patient, affectionate and brilliant with kids. Let’s dig into the friendly favourites and help you find the paw-fect match for your family.

What makes a dog perfect for family life?

Before we tackle breeds, it’s worth sniffing out what actually makes a dog family-friendly. The best breed dogs for families tend to share a few key traits.

They’re usually gentle and tolerant, especially around younger children who are still learning how to behave around dogs. They’re sociable rather than standoffish, enjoy human company and are happy being part of the daily chaos of family life. Trainability is also a big win. A dog that’s keen to learn and eager to please will make life much easier when you’re juggling school runs, packed lunches and muddy paws, all at once.

Energy levels matter too. Some families love long countryside walks and outdoor adventures, while others want a more laid-back companion who’s happy with a stroll and a snooze. So keep this in mind when asking yourself what’s the best dog breed for families like yours.

Best large dog breeds for families

Many of the best large dog breeds for families are gentle giants who seem to know they’re around children – and act accordingly.

Labrador retriever

It’s no surprise that Labradors consistently top lists of the best dog breeds for families in the UK. Friendly, loyal and endlessly patient, Labs adore kids and thrive on being part of family life. They’re playful without being too boisterous and smart enough to train easily – although they’ll never say no to a snack, so might need some training to avoid any stealing mishaps with roaming toddlers.

Golden retriever

Golden Retrievers are basically sunshine in dog form. Calm, affectionate and famously good-natured, they’re one of the most friendly dog breeds for family homes. They love games, cuddles and being involved in whatever you’re doing – even if that’s just making a cuppa.

Boxer

Boxers are energetic, goofy and deeply devoted to their people. They’re brilliant for active families with older children and plenty of space. With the right training, Boxers are gentle, protective and endlessly entertaining – expect lots of zoomies and slobbery kisses though!

Best small dog breeds for families

Short on space? No problem. Some of the best small dog breeds for families pack a lot of love into a compact body.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs were basically bred to be family companions. Sweet, adaptable and affectionate, Cavaliers are fantastic with children and happy in both houses and flats. They’re equally content on a walk or curled up on the sofa – a real lap-dog legend.

Beagle

Beagles are friendly, curious and great fun. They tend to adore children and enjoy being part of a busy household. Their playful nature makes them a hit with kids, although their nose-led adventures mean recall training is a must. Follow the scent, not the rules is classic Beagle behaviour, so you’ll need to put in the work initially for a well-trained pup.

Pug

Pugs are little comedians with big personalities. They’re sturdy enough for gentle play, love human company and are usually very tolerant with children. If your family enjoys laughter, snuggles and a bit of snoring, a Pug could be a great fit. Just make sure to consider any health issues that come with the breed’s short snout.

Medium-sized dogs that hit the sweet spot

Not too big, not too small – medium-sized dogs often strike the perfect balance for families.

Cocker spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, energetic and eager to please. They love being involved in family activities and usually form strong bonds with children. Regular exercise and grooming are important, but in return you’ll get a loyal and loving companion.

Border collie

For active families, Border Collies can be amazing. They’re incredibly intelligent, thrive on training and love having a job to do. That said, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation – a bored Collie is a cheeky Collie. Best suited to families who love the outdoors.

Things to consider beyond breed

While breed traits are helpful, they’re not the whole story. Individual personality, upbringing and training play a huge role in how a dog behaves around children. Even within the best dog breeds for families, you’ll find quieter pups and more excitable ones.

Age matters too. Puppies are adorable, but they’re also hard work and need consistent training. Older dogs, including rescues, can be wonderful family pets and often come with calmer temperaments and some training already under their collars. However, a lot of rescue centres won’t place dogs with families that have young kids, so it’s worth checking.

You also need to remember that teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs is just as important as choosing the right breed. Happy dogs and happy kids go paw in hand.

Finding dog-friendly places to stay as a family

Once you’ve found your four-legged family member, holidays and breaks don’t have to stop. At Dog Friendly Hotels, we believe dogs are family too. From countryside escapes to city centre stays, you’ll find the UK’s best dog-friendly hotels right here.