There are hundreds of different dog breeds, all with their own unique characteristics and appearances. In fact, due to their variety of sizes, temperaments and skins, dogs are often specially bred or used for different purposes, such as hunting, guarding or helping humans as guide dogs or therapy dogs.
With so many different breeds of dogs, you probably want to know which breed is the most suitable to have in your family. In an analysis of dog breeds based on temperament, grooming and trainability, a top 15 dog breeds most suitable for families were determined, although of course there are dogs that are not on the list but still make excellent companions for a family environment.
All the dog breeds on this list are known for their outgoing and friendly character, as well as their trainability and low maintenance. Many of the dogs on this list are very active and thrive in a variety of environments (urban, suburban or rural). Most importantly, all of these breeds interact well with children.
Papillon:
The Papillon dog breed is a small, observant and friendly dog that generally weighs less than 5 kilograms. They are particularly versatile, adapting well to different temperatures and environments. As a companion dog, the Papillon wants to spend a lot of time with its family and is eager to please them, which makes the training process manageable.
– Size: Small.
– Lifespan: 13-15 years.
– Ideal for: Companionship, agility, playing indoors.
English Cocker Spaniel:
Compact and upbeat, English Cocker Spaniels are at home both indoors and outdoors, making them the perfect companions for families. These dogs are easy to train and respond best to positive reinforcement.
– Size: Medium.
– Lifespan: 12-15 years.
– Ideal for: Hiking, long walks, hunting.
Collie:
Large but elegant, Collies are famous for their luxurious coats. However, their loyal nature also makes them excellent family pets. Collies love to play with children and enjoy human companionship. They are best trained in obedience school and at an early age. Collies should be brushed a couple of times a week to keep their coats shiny and healthy.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 13-16 years.
– Ideal for: Agility, herding, rescue.
Newfoundlands:
Dedicated, patient and furry, Newfoundlands are gentle giants that are often considered ‘nannies’ because of how well they interact with children. Newfoundlands react better to guidance than correction during puppy training, and require daily interaction with their humans. Despite their seemingly heavy coats, Newfoundlands only need to be brushed once a week.
– Size: Extra large.
– Lifespan: 8-10 years.
– Ideal for: Swimming, companionship, hiking.
Weimaraner:
Brave, gentle and obedient; Wimaran dogs integrate into families easily. They are very intelligent and pick up new behaviours quickly; this makes early training a necessity to develop good habits and obedience. These dogs should have plenty of mental and physical enrichment through exercise and play with the family. While brushing should be done only once a week, nail trimming should be done more frequently to keep nails short.
– Size: Long.
– Life span: 10-12 years.
– Ideal for: Playing outside, running wild, hunting.
Vizsla:
Long limbed and energetic, they are very athletic, and rely on their instincts as hunting dogs. Families who enjoy activities such as running and walking are a great match for this breed. Obedience training should begin early for Vizslas so that they understand family dynamics and learn correct behaviours while still puppies. With its short coat, Vizla requires very little grooming.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 12-15 years.
– Ideal for: Retrieving, swimming, grooming, hunting.
English Springer Spaniel:
They are playful and obedient, they get along well with children. These dogs attach easily to their families and are eager to be trained. In fact, English Springer Spaniels are less happy when they are not given enough attention. They love to be included in all family activities. It is a medium sized dog and has a lifespan of approximately 14 years.
– Size: Medium-Large.
– Lifespan: 12-14 years.
– Ideal for: People friendly, long walks, fetch.
Brittany:
Friendly and enthusiastic, Brittany enjoys spending time with her humans, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. These dogs are known for their dog sports training ability, but can also be trained for domestic family life and socialisation. Their short coat needs to be groomed several times a week.
– Size: Medium.
– Lifespan: 14-15 years.
– Ideal for: Companionship, exercise, hunting and dog sports.
Havanese:
Havanese dogs are less than 30 centimetres in height, which makes them ideal for urban families and proximity to large outdoor spaces. These dogs tend to be loyal companions who are just as happy on the couch as they are out for walks. Cheerful and intelligent, the Havanese responds well to positive reinforcement when being trained. The Havanese should receive maintenance on its coat every few days to prevent its long hair from matting.
– Size: Small.
– Lifespan: 13-15 years.
– Ideal for: Socialising, relaxing indoors, giving affection.
Boston Terrier:
These are small, lively dogs that thrive in urban, suburban or rural environments. They are friendly and fun, and their size can make small children feel comfortable having a pet. These Terriers are eager to please, which makes training them fairly easy to manage. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are sufficient for grooming.
– Size: Small-medium.
– Lifespan: 13-15 years.
– Ideal for: Agility, companionship, quiet relaxation at home.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Named after British royalty, this breed honours its royal heritage. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is equally gentle and athletic, and as such is versatile with family members that are active or more relaxed. These dogs are affectionate and easily trained due to their desire to please their owners. This breed requires little grooming.
– Size: Small.
– Lifespan: 9-14 years.
– Ideal for: Lap sitting, playing with children, napping on the couch.
Boxer:
In addition to their initial purpose as loyal watchdogs, Boxers are fun-loving and affectionate. Their outgoing nature is perfectly suited for family pets, assistance dogs and canine athletes. They can be well trained, although their intelligence means they can easily become bored by doing something repeatedly. Boxers have short coats that need little attention.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 10-12 years.
– Ideal for: Guarding, playing with children, running,
German Shorthaired Pointer:
This medium-sized dog is friendly, intelligent and loves to spend time with his human friends. These highly energetic animals need frequent exercise and thrive with families who enjoy outdoor activities. Although this breed is not as well behaved in their younger years, they adapt well to gradual socialisation and obedience training. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat should be brushed every few days, but does not require extensive maintenance.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 12-14 years.
– Ideal for: Hunting, running outdoors, socialising with people.
Golden Retriever:
Known for their obedience and gentle temperament, Golden Retrievers are particularly good companions for children. They love to play in the water and run around outside, and their need for exercise makes them suitable for suburban or rural homes. It is important to note that Golden Retrievers are prone to weight gain when not exercised or fed properly.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 10-12 years.
– Ideal for: Swimming, retrieving, disability assistance.
Labrador Retriever:
One of the most popular breeds, the Labrador Retriever is characteristically active and outgoing, excellent for families with children. The Labrador’s thick coat sheds often, but only requires occasional washing. These dogs also respond well to puppy training classes, especially at an early age, and respond well to different people and places.
– Size: Long.
– Lifespan: 10-14 years.
– Ideal for: Sports, hunting, therapy and retrieving.
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