Best Family Dog Breeds

What to compare before you choose

Compare patience around children, daily energy, and how much supervision the breed usually needs.

Look beyond friendliness alone and think about grooming, noise, and how much exercise your household can really support.

A great family dog is usually one whose size, routine, and temperament match the way your home actually works.

Featured breeds

Collie

Herding • Scotland • Large size

50–75 lbs • 12–14 years

English Springer Spaniel

sporting • England • Medium size

40–50 lbs • 12–14 years

Golden Retriever

Sporting • Scotland • Large size

55–75 lbs • 10–12 years

Labrador Retriever

Sporting • Canada • Large size

55–80 lbs • 10–12 years

Sheepadoodle

designer • United States • Large size

60–80 lbs • 12–15 years

Bearded Collie

herding • Scotland • Medium size

45–55 lbs • 12–14 years

Bernedoodle

designer • Canada • Large size

50–90 lbs • 12–15 years

Bernese Mountain Dog

Working • Switzerland • Giant size

70–115 lbs • 7–10 years

Boxador

designer • United States • Large size

50–110 lbs • 10–14 years

Boxer

Working • Germany • Large size

50–80 lbs • 9–12 years

Boykin Spaniel

sporting • United States • Medium size

25–40 lbs • 10–15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

toy • England • Small size

13–18 lbs • 9–14 years

Cavapoo

designer • Australia • Small size

12–25 lbs • 12–15 years

Cockapoo

designer • United States • Small size

12–24 lbs • 14–18 years

English Setter

Sporting • England • Large size

45–80 lbs • 10–12 years

Finnish Lapphund

herding • Finland • Medium size

33–53 lbs • 12–15 years

Flat-coated Retriever

sporting • England • Large size

60–70 lbs • 8–10 years

Goldendoodle

Designer • United States • Large size

45–100 lbs • 10–15 years

Guide overview