The Best Family-Friendly Dogs

One of the Golden Retriever’s best qualities is its patience, which is why the breed is a perfect match for children. This dog, however, will not protect your home from thieves. Golden Retrievers are gentle and really love everyone around them. They are also loyal, calm, and smart, which is why, perhaps not surprisingly, they are often used as service dogs.

Labrador Retrievers often rank as America’s most popular dog breed. They are happy, fairly easy to train, and always ready to play, especially swim. Vets say these dogs can thrive in a range of environments — from smaller apartments to houses with big yards, as long as they get a lot of exercise. “If you give him an outlet for his energy, a Lab will be the best dog you could ever have,” according to VetStreet.

Another very popular dog in the United States, Boxers make good family companions because they are active, loyal, and affectionate. They love to participate in all kinds of dog activities, such as flyball and agility courses. Despite popular belief, boxers are not aggressive and don’t like to fight. They do make great watchdogs, but they are playful and patients with kids.

Vizslas are not the best fit for inactive families. But if your children love to play, these dogs may be perfect for your household. Just like children, they need regular exercise and like being active. They are also described as loyal, affectionate, and gentle. With children, they are known to be patient, playful, and very protective.

Often described as “tireless,” Irish Setters are very energetic and need a lot of exercise, making them an ideal match for active children, especially older ones. They love to be among people and play with kids and keep their puppy persona until they are about three years old. These dogs are also very athletic and competitive in sporting activities.