Best dog breeds for families with kids
Looking to welcome a furry companion into your home? Choosing the best dog breeds for families can feel overwhelming, especially with so many adorable options out there. At Barking Mad Dog Care, with over 20 years’ experience in family-friendly dog care, we know that finding the right dog means looking beyond breed stereotypes. It’s about matching a dog’s temperament, size, and care needs with your family’s lifestyle.
What Makes a Dog Good for Family Life?
When it comes to good family dogs, there’s no one-size-fits-all. However, dogs that thrive in family environments typically have these qualities:
- Friendly and patient
- Socialised with children
- Low to moderate energy (depending on your family’s activity level)
- Trainable and responsive
- Comfortable with noise and unpredictability
Remember: every dog is an individual. Even breeds known for being ideal family dogs have their own personalities and needs.
Most Recommended Family Dogs
We’ve grouped the top-rated family dogs by size to help you decide which might fit your family best.
Best Small Dog Breeds for Families
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, and good with children. These lap dogs love cuddles and adapt well to indoor living. - Cockapoo
A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos are playful, intelligent, and great with kids. Read our Cockapoo Breed Guide → - Border Terrier
Loyal, trainable, and hardy. They are a good protective family dog in a compact size. - Shih Tzu
Calm and affectionate, these little dogs enjoy lounging but are also up for a play session.
Best Medium Family Dogs
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffies are extremely loyal and loving with children. Read our Staffy Breed Guide → - Cocker Spaniel
Cheerful, affectionate, and easy to train. A great nice family dog with a waggy tail. - Beagle
Curious and gentle, Beagles are fun-loving and sociable, though they may need some scent-diverting training!
Best Large Family Dogs
- Labrador Retriever
Perhaps the ultimate excellent family dog, Labs are friendly, patient, and eager to please. Read our Labrador Guide → - Golden Retriever
Similar to the Lab, but a bit fluffier. Calm, devoted, and excellent with children. - Boxer
Energetic, playful, and protective. They are a wonderful good protective family dog if well trained.
How to Prepare Your Children for a New Dog
A dog-friendly child is just as important as a child-friendly dog. Encourage empathy by teaching children to:
- Recognise dog body language
- Respect personal space (no hugging from behind or pulling tails)
- Understand when dogs need quiet time
Lifestyle Considerations Before Choosing a Dog
Ask yourself:
- What size is your home? (Small spaces suit smaller breeds)
- Are allergies a concern? (Look into hypoallergenic breeds like Poodles or Schnauzers)
- How active is your family? (Some dogs need hours of exercise)
Not all ideal family dogs need high energy homes. Matching your dog’s energy to your lifestyle is crucial for harmony.
Training and Socialisation Tips
Well-trained dogs make good family dogs even better! Early socialisation, positive reinforcement, and consistency are key.
Top training tips:
- Start early, even with rescues
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Always supervise young children with dogs
Hosting a Dog Without Committing to Ownership
Not ready for full-time dog ownership? Hosting with Barking Mad is a fantastic alternative. Our dog home boarding service allows families to enjoy the joy of a well-behaved dog—without the long-term commitment.
Benefits of Hosting:
- Flexible, school-holiday friendly
- All essentials provided (food, bedding, toys)
- 24/7 support from your local coordinator
- Great for teaching children responsibility and compassion
Learn more about becoming a dog host here.
FAQs
What is the calmest small dog?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is among the calmest and most affectionate small dogs.
What is the safest dog breed?
Labrador Retrievers are widely considered one of the safest and best dogs for kids due to their gentle and tolerant nature.
What is the calmest family dog?
Golden Retrievers are incredibly calm and known for their patience with children.
What is the #1 most cuddly dog?
Cockapoos are loyal, cuddly, and always by your side.
What’s the best low maintenance family dog?
Beagles require minimal grooming and are easy-going, making them one of the top rated family dogs for busy homes.
What is the friendliest large dog breed?
Labradors win again for friendliness, adaptability, and affectionate behaviour.
What do I need to be a Barking Mad host?
Our host families need to have secure a property and an outside space for their doggy guests. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer our hosting opportunity to families who have children under the age of five, or any pets of their own that wouldn’t be appropriate for visiting dogs.
There is no need to provide anything other than your time and affection and a loving home environment. If you are real dog lovers and have some free time, we would love to hear from you! You can call us on 015242 20202 or visit www.barkingmad.uk.com/become-a-dog-sitter to find out more.
Please note, our information about child friendly dogs is a brief summary for the benefit of our website visitors. TWe would advise carrying out lots of research, both online and in person (such as with your local vet) before making a decision to purchase or adopt a puppy or adult dog.
