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15 Best Dog Breeds for Families (2026)

The best family dogs: kid-friendly, gentle, and loyal. Ranked by temperament, size, and ease of care.

1

Golden Retriever

Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted

Large · 55–75 lbs · 10–12 yrs

2

Bloodhound

Friendly · Independent · Inquisitive

Large · 80–110 lbs · 10–12 yrs

3

Keeshond

Friendly · Lively · Outgoing

Medium · 35–45 lbs · 12–15 yrs

4

Irish Wolfhound

Courageous · Dignified · Calm

Large · 105–120 lbs · 6–8 yrs

5

Great Pyrenees

Patient · Calm · Strong-willed

Large · 85–115 lbs · 10–12 yrs

6

Leonberger

Friendly · Gentle · Playful

Large · 90–170 lbs · 9–12 yrs

7

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Brave · Affectionate · Loyal

Medium · 24–38 lbs · 12–14 yrs

8

Rough Collie

Devoted · Graceful · Proud

Large · 50–75 lbs · 12–14 yrs

9

Flat-Coated Retriever

Cheerful · Optimistic · Active

Large · 60–70 lbs · 8–10 yrs

10

Old English Sheepdog

Adaptable · Gentle · Smart

Large · 60–100 lbs · 10–12 yrs

11

Clumber Spaniel

Gentle · Loyal · Amusing

Medium · 55–85 lbs · 10–12 yrs

12

Cockapoo

Friendly · Outgoing · Happy

Small · 12–25 lbs · 12–16 yrs

13

Coton de Tulear

Charming · Happy · Playful

Small · 8–15 lbs · 15–19 yrs

14

Finnish Lapphund

Friendly · Alert · Agile

Medium · 33–53 lbs · 12–15 yrs

15

Labradoodle

Friendly · Intelligent · Sociable

Medium · 30–65 lbs · 12–14 yrs

16

Puggle

Sweet · Playful · Social

Small · 15–30 lbs · 10–15 yrs

17

Redbone Coonhound

Easygoing · Mellow · Affectionate

Large · 45–70 lbs · 12–15 yrs

18

English Setter

Gentle · Merry · Willful

Large · 45–80 lbs · 12 yrs

19

Border Terrier

Affectionate · Happy · Plucky

Small · 11–16 lbs · 12–15 yrs

20

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Faithful · Dependable · Family-oriented

Large · 85–140 lbs · 8–11 yrs

21

Cavapoo

Gentle · Affectionate · Playful

Small · 9–25 lbs · 12–15 yrs

22

Japanese Spitz

Playful · Loyal · Smart

Small · 10–25 lbs · 12–14 yrs

23

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Lively · Friendly · Attentive

Small · 15–25 lbs · 11–13 yrs

24

Portuguese Water Dog

Affectionate · Athletic · Adventurous

Medium · 35–60 lbs · 11–13 yrs

25

Miniature American Shepherd

Smart · Versatile · Loyal

Small · 20–40 lbs · 12–13 yrs

26

Finnish Spitz

Friendly · Lively · Independent

Medium · 20–33 lbs · 13–15 yrs

27

Harrier

Friendly · Outgoing · Active

Medium · 45–60 lbs · 12–15 yrs

28

Lowchen

Affectionate · Outgoing · Positive

Small · 15 lbs · 13–15 yrs

29

Norwegian Buhund

Agile · Alert · Cheerful

Medium · 26–40 lbs · 12–15 yrs

30

Swedish Vallhund

Friendly · Energetic · Watchful

Small · 20–35 lbs · 12–15 yrs

31

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Friendly · Devoted · Trainable

Medium · 50–70 lbs · 12–15 yrs

32

Spinone Italiano

Sociable · Docile · Patient

Large · 56–77 lbs · 10–12 yrs

33

Labrador Retriever

Outgoing · Active · Gentle

Large · 55–80 lbs · 10–14 yrs

34

Beagle

Merry · Friendly · Curious

Small · 20–30 lbs · 10–15 yrs

35

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle · Affectionate · Graceful

Small · 12–18 lbs · 12–15 yrs

36

Boxer

Fun-loving · Active · Loyal

Large · 50–80 lbs · 10–12 yrs

37

Bernese Mountain Dog

Good-natured · Calm · Strong

Large · 70–115 lbs · 7–10 yrs

38

Havanese

Outgoing · Funny · Intelligent

Small · 7–13 lbs · 14–16 yrs

39

Boston Terrier

Friendly · Bright · Amusing

Small · 12–25 lbs · 11–13 yrs

40

Cocker Spaniel

Gentle · Smart · Happy

Medium · 20–30 lbs · 10–14 yrs

41

Vizsla

Affectionate · Energetic · Gentle

Medium · 44–60 lbs · 12–14 yrs

42

Shetland Sheepdog

Playful · Energetic · Bright

Small · 15–25 lbs · 12–14 yrs

43

German Shorthaired Pointer

Friendly · Smart · Willing

Large · 45–70 lbs · 10–12 yrs

44

Brittany

Bright · Fun-loving · Upbeat

Medium · 30–40 lbs · 12–14 yrs

45

English Springer Spaniel

Friendly · Playful · Obedient

Medium · 40–50 lbs · 12–14 yrs

46

Newfoundland

Sweet · Patient · Devoted

Large · 100–150 lbs · 9–10 yrs

47

Bichon Frise

Playful · Curious · Peppy

Small · 12–18 lbs · 14–15 yrs

48

Irish Setter

Outgoing · Sweet · Active

Large · 60–70 lbs · 12–15 yrs

49

Samoyed

Adaptable · Friendly · Gentle

Medium · 35–65 lbs · 12–14 yrs

50

Saint Bernard

Playful · Charming · Inquisitive

Large · 120–180 lbs · 8–10 yrs

51

Pug

Charming · Mischievous · Loving

Small · 14–18 lbs · 13–15 yrs

52

Basset Hound

Patient · Low-key · Charming

Medium · 40–65 lbs · 12–13 yrs

53

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Dignified · Affectionate · Even-tempered

Large · 70–85 lbs · 10–12 yrs

54

Sealyham Terrier

Outgoing · Calm · Adaptable

Small · 23–24 lbs · 12–14 yrs

55

Norwich Terrier

Affectionate · Alert · Curious

Small · 12 lbs · 12–15 yrs

56

Lakeland Terrier

Bold · Friendly · Confident

Small · 17 lbs · 12–15 yrs

57

Kerry Blue Terrier

Smart · Alert · People-oriented

Medium · 33–40 lbs · 12–15 yrs

58

Bedlington Terrier

Gentle · Loyal · Energetic

Small · 17–23 lbs · 11–16 yrs

59

American Staffordshire Terrier

Confident · Smart · Good-natured

Medium · 40–70 lbs · 12–16 yrs

60

American Eskimo Dog

Playful · Alert · Smart

Small · 6–35 lbs · 13–15 yrs

61

Miniature Schnauzer

Friendly · Smart · Obedient

Small · 11–20 lbs · 12–15 yrs

62

Great Dane

Friendly · Patient · Dependable

Large · 110–175 lbs · 7–10 yrs

63

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Loyal · Affectionate · Smart

Small · 25–38 lbs · 12–15 yrs

64

Irish Water Spaniel

Playful · Brave · Hardworking

Large · 45–68 lbs · 12–13 yrs

65

Sussex Spaniel

Friendly · Calm · Cheerful

Medium · 35–45 lbs · 13–15 yrs

66

Spanish Water Dog

Playful · Loyal · Hardworking

Medium · 31–49 lbs · 12–14 yrs

67

Belgian Tervuren

Courageous · Alert · Devoted

Large · 45–75 lbs · 12–14 yrs

68

Welsh Terrier

Friendly · Spirited · Game

Small · 20 lbs · 12–15 yrs

69

German Shepherd

Loyal · Confident · Courageous

Large · 50–90 lbs · 9–13 yrs

70

Pharaoh Hound

Friendly · Smart · Noble

Medium · 45–55 lbs · 12–14 yrs

71

French Bulldog

Playful · Adaptable · Alert

Small · 16–28 lbs · 10–12 yrs

72

Poodle (Standard)

Intelligent · Active · Elegant

Medium · 40–70 lbs · 10–18 yrs

73

Bulldog

Calm · Courageous · Friendly

Medium · 40–50 lbs · 8–10 yrs

74

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Gentle · Spirited · Loyal

Small · 32–40 lbs · 10–15 yrs

75

Whippet

Calm · Affectionate · Playful

Medium · 25–40 lbs · 12–15 yrs

76

Black Russian Terrier

Intelligent · Calm · Powerful

Large · 80–130 lbs · 10–12 yrs

77

American Hairless Terrier

Curious · Alert · Playful

Small · 12–16 lbs · 14–16 yrs

78

Lagotto Romagnolo

Keen · Loving · Undemanding

Medium · 24–35 lbs · 15–17 yrs

79

Bull Terrier

Playful · Charming · Mischievous

Medium · 50–70 lbs · 12–13 yrs

80

Mastiff

Courageous · Dignified · Good-natured

Large · 120–230 lbs · 6–10 yrs

81

Petit Brabancon

Alert · Curious · Affectionate

Small · 8–12 lbs · 12–15 yrs

82

Siberian Husky

Outgoing · Mischievous · Loyal

Medium · 35–60 lbs · 12–14 yrs

83

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Smart · Brave · Sensible

Large · 50–70 lbs · 12–13 yrs

84

Shih Tzu

Affectionate · Happy · Outgoing

Small · 9–16 lbs · 10–18 yrs

85

Tibetan Terrier

Affectionate · Sensitive · Clever

Medium · 20–24 lbs · 15–16 yrs

86

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Loyal · Smart · Enthusiastic

Medium · 40–65 lbs · 11–13 yrs

87

Scottish Deerhound

Gentle · Dignified · Polite

Large · 75–110 lbs · 8–11 yrs

88

Airedale Terrier

Courageous · Clever · Friendly

Medium · 50–70 lbs · 11–14 yrs

89

Coonhound

Easygoing · Alert · Loyal

Large · 45–65 lbs · 10–12 yrs

90

Papillon

Friendly · Alert · Happy

Small · 5–10 lbs · 14–16 yrs

91

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Affectionate · Bright · Sensitive

Large · 55–80 lbs · 10–13 yrs

92

Bluetick Coonhound

Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted

Large · 45–80 lbs · 11–12 yrs

93

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Lively · Reliable · Fearless

Medium · 48–70 lbs · 12–15 yrs

94

Briard

Loyal · Confident · Smart

Large · 55–100 lbs · 12–14 yrs

95

Schipperke

Curious · Confident · Faithful

Small · 10–16 lbs · 12–14 yrs

96

Bouvier des Flandres

Affectionate · Courageous · Strong-willed

Large · 70–110 lbs · 10–12 yrs

97

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Happy · Friendly · Devoted

Medium · 30–45 lbs · 12–14 yrs

98

Norwegian Elkhound

Bold · Loyal · Playful

Medium · 48–55 lbs · 12–15 yrs

99

Plott Hound

Bold · Loyal · Alert

Large · 40–60 lbs · 12–14 yrs

100

Greyhound

Gentle · Noble · Independent

Large · 60–70 lbs · 10–13 yrs

101

Weimaraner

Friendly · Fearless · Obedient

Large · 55–90 lbs · 10–13 yrs

102

Norfolk Terrier

Fearless · Alert · Fun-loving

Small · 11–12 lbs · 12–16 yrs

103

Australian Shepherd

Smart · Work-oriented · Exuberant

Medium · 40–65 lbs · 12–15 yrs

104

Irish Terrier

Bold · Spirited · Tender

Medium · 25–27 lbs · 13–15 yrs

105

Alaskan Malamute

Affectionate · Loyal · Playful

Large · 75–100 lbs · 10–14 yrs

106

Gordon Setter

Bold · Confident · Loyal

Large · 45–80 lbs · 12–13 yrs

107

Giant Schnauzer

Loyal · Alert · Trainable

Large · 55–85 lbs · 12–15 yrs

108

Curly-Coated Retriever

Confident · Proud · Wickedly Smart

Large · 60–95 lbs · 10–12 yrs

109

Cairn Terrier

Alert · Cheerful · Busy

Small · 13–14 lbs · 13–15 yrs

110

American Pit Bull Terrier

Loyal · Confident · Affectionate

Medium · 30–65 lbs · 12–16 yrs

111

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Bold · Affectionate · Smart

Small · 25–30 lbs · 12–13 yrs

112

Otterhound

Amiable · Boisterous · Even-tempered

Large · 80–115 lbs · 10–13 yrs

113

English Mastiff

Dignified · Good-natured · Courageous

Large · 120–230 lbs · 6–10 yrs

114

West Highland White Terrier

Friendly · Happy · Entertaining

Small · 15–20 lbs · 13–15 yrs

115

Ibizan Hound

Clownish · Family-oriented · Athletic

Large · 45–50 lbs · 11–14 yrs

116

Belgian Sheepdog

Versatile · Bright · Watchful

Large · 45–75 lbs · 12–14 yrs

117

Border Collie

Energetic · Smart · Tenacious

Medium · 30–55 lbs · 12–15 yrs

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