You’re probably wondering what dog breed is the best for your family. There are so many to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 most popular dog breeds for families.
- Labrador Retriever: The Lab is a favorite breed of many families because they are friendly and loving, intelligent and easy to train, and adaptable with children, other pets, and strangers. They have a moderate energy level and don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds. Labs are often used as service dogs or therapy dogs because they are so good with people; they’re also great hunting dogs because they love water!
- Golden Retriever: Another favorite family dog is the Golden Retriever who has a lot in common with the Labrador Retriever except for their coat color (golden). They’re very similar in temperament and personality to Labs but tend to be more independent than their yellow cousins. They have a high intelligence level and love playing games such as fetch or Frisbee throwing that they can learn how to do quickly.
- German Shepherd: German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts towards their owners
When you’re ready to adopt a new family friend, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. You want a dog who will fit into your lifestyle and your home, and one who will be a good match for your family dynamic.
The best way to find out which dog breed is right for you is by doing some research. Here are the most popular dog breeds for families:
Most Popular Dog Breeds For Families
Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever makes a great companion for any family. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty and affection. Labradors are also extremely easy to train, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They love playing fetch or swimming in the pool with their human family members, so make sure that you have plenty of toys around the house to keep them busy during the day.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are another great choice for families with kids because they love being around people and especially enjoy spending time with children. They’re gentle, loving animals who make excellent therapy dogs because they have such positive energy around people of all ages — including children with special needs like autism or Down syndrome. Golden Retrievers are eager learners who
When you’re looking for a new family pet, you have to consider a lot of things. First, there’s the initial cost of the dog itself — not to mention the cost of food and supplies. Then, there’s the training process and all the time you’ll spend teaching your dog how to behave in a human home.
But there are also other factors that should be taken into account when choosing a breed of dog for your family — especially if you have kids. Some breeds are better suited for children than others, and some can be more aggressive or territorial than others.
Here are 10 of the most popular dog breeds in America according to the American Kennel Club:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Beagle
Poodle/Poodle Mixes
All dogs are great, but some breeds are especially suited to life with kids. Here are our top picks for family dogs.
Labrador Retriever
The Lab is the classic family dog breed. This breed was bred as a hunting companion and has a lovely temperament that makes it an ideal pet for children. Labs are friendly, energetic and playful, but also very tolerant of being around children. They’re good with other pets, too. Some Labradors even become certified therapy dogs and visit hospitals to cheer up patients!
Golden Retriever
Like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers were bred to be companions and retrievers of waterfowl in the field. This breed’s gentle temperament makes it a good choice for families with children or other pets around. Golden Retrievers have a slightly longer lifespan than Labrador Retrievers — 12 years vs. 10 years — so they’re a good choice if you want a long-term companion that won’t outlive you!
Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes: miniature (8 pounds or less), standard (15 pounds or less) and giant (over 30 pounds) — making them an excellent choice for families with kids who want smaller pets that aren’t too
It’s no surprise that people tend to love the dogs that most resemble their own personalities. For example, those who are more laid-back and relaxed are often attracted to breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors. On the other hand, people who are more energetic and active often look for energetic dogs like Border Collies or German Shepherds.
But while there are many reasons why you should pick a breed of dog that matches your personality, there are also some important factors to keep in mind when choosing a breed that’s right for your family. For example:
- Trainability
- Energy level
- Size