Best Dog Breeds for Families
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What is the best dog breeds for families? This is the proverbial 64 thousand dollar question as there is no hard and fast rule. 

Most dogs have the potential to get along with children depending on not just the breed but also various other factors, such as training, age and background. 

We can speculate about which breeds might be best for kids, but you just never know how each individual dog will turn out.Every dog breed has the ability to get along well with kids, but because of the important pack structure, it is vital that children are well trained to handle the dog or puppy.. big or small.

You would need to first check if you are ready for a dog. Go to Choosing a dog.

Size

You would not want a 6 month old, boisterous giant dog breed, knocking over your one year old just learning to walk.  Neither would you want your three year old to stranglehold a Chihuahua puppy.  Not all small dog breeds are the best dog breeds for families or are suitable for children just because they are fluffy and cute, neither should you eliminate the option of some large dog breeds, which maybe highly appropriate for family life.   

Training and Personality

Each of the many types of dog breeds, has it's own unique personality and training would be essential to ensure the good behaviour of the dog in the dog pack structure, equally the children need to be (under the guidance of an adult) trained, how to hold a puppy and when not to approach any dog when eating.

Young or old

Puppies need extra attention in  their first year, so if you don't have spare time for training, consider an adult dog or rescue dog.  Another possible benefit of a mature dog, is their personality has been fully developed allowing you to assess the reaction to you and your children, before making the long term commitment required.

The most popular and best dog breeds for families with children are:

See our list of small dogs, many of which are very happy to be part of the family with children.

When you have decided on which dog.. large or small, young or old... go ahead with confidence in the knowledge that you have made a wonderful decision.  Dogs are undoubtedly man's best friend and you will reap years and years of fun, entertainment and sheer joy when you and your dog bond as no other creature ever has with humans.

The start of a beautiful love story.

• Rare Dog Breeds - Out of the Ordinary
• HypoAllergenic Dog Breeds - Kick the Sneeze. Kiss the Dog
• Dogs for People with Allergies - Kisses not Sneezes
• Brachycephalic Dog Breeds - Real Hot Dogs
• Teacup Dog Breeds - Petite and Fragile
• Toy Dog Breeds - More than just Playthings
• Quiet Dog Breeds - Silence is Golden
• Low Shedding Dog Breeds -  One Just for You
• Non Shedding Dog Breeds - Not Always less Work

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