10 Best Dog Breeds for Your Family

Golden Retrievers are listed as the number one family dog by PetMD. Golden Retrievers are easy to train and make lovable, extremely intelligent pets that are gentle with children and friendly toward other pets. Their sweet eager-to-please personality makes them devoted to family. However, it's important to know this breed doesn't like to be left alone for long periods. If they are, chances are they'll get into mischief or even become destructive.

According to Animal Planet, the Beagle is one of the best dogs for families. These adorable dogs are exceptionally friendly and gentle, making them a good choice for a family environment. However, like the Golden Retriever, Beagles don't like to be left alone, although they are usually happy if they have a fellow animal to keep them company. Another factor to consider is the Beagle's musical bark/howl, which can bother neighbors when you're not home.

Good House Keeping ranks Labrador Retrievers as the number one dog for children and families. Their kind, outgoing temperament makes them one of the best family dogs as they are obedient, eager to please, and non-aggressive towards people or animals. High energy levels of labs require high exercise needs for these dogs, which makes them a perfect pairing for young kids.

Top Dog Breeds for Families at PetPlace.com lists the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in the number two spot. These small dogs are smart, obedient, and protective, and they make a devoted family dog. They are active dogs and are good watch dogs as they don't trust strangers and are inclined to bark a lot. While this can be a good trait, it's also important to know that if Corgis are not properly socialized while they are young, they can become over-protective as an adult. Corgis are recommended once children are older, around the age of seven.

At Family Circle Magazine, pugs are the recommended breed for city families. Pugs have a sense of humor and make great playmates for kids. These dogs are eager to please and offer their families a lot of love, while requiring minimal exercise and physical space.

Coming in at the number four spot at PetMD's top family dogs is the Irish Setter. Known for its fun-loving, playful, and affectionate nature, these dogs take a good deal of time to mature. This is one reason that it's important to train them while they're young. These high-energy pets also need to be exercised regularly. Irish Setters are known to love children and love to be around their humans.

A dog breed that makes most lists, including Animal Plant's, for best family dogs is the Collie. Collies are known to be herding dogs, but they are also friendly, human loving dogs that will quickly become a best friend. Collies do love to bark so are best for a neighborhood or farm.

Poodles also weigh in on the dogbreedslist.com of best family dogs. These dogs are smart, friendly, trainable, and hypoallergenic. They are unique in that you can buy a poodle in three different sizes: toy, miniature, or standard.

Purina ranks these perky dogs as an excellent family dog. Dachshunds are both loveable and energetic. They like to play with toys and interact with people. Purina states they are a trainable breed and can be standard or miniature sized.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate dogs that require attention from their human family everyday. Listed as a great family dog by PetFinder, these spaniels are typically good with other dogs and new people. Their long hair requires daily brushing and regular grooming.